2. Just 45 minutes outside central Tokyo is the 17-acre Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Wander through approximately 30 buildings and learn about the architectural styles the Japanese have used throughout the past two centuries. Our guides add that this museum is not very well known to foreign travelers. 3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei City; 011-81-04-2388-3300

3. Another local favorite that foreigners don't visit nearly enough is the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, which features Japanese antiques. The museum sits in front of the Imperial Palace and is just 10 minutes from Tokyo Station. Ninth floor, Teigeki Building, 3-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku; 011-81-03- 5777-8600; www.idemitsu.co.jp/museum/english/index.html

4. Experience the elegance and simplicity of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Hotel Okura's Chosho-an Tea Room. www.okura.com/tokyo/info/teaceremony.html

5. Learn what tofu is really all about at Tofuya Ukai, near the Tokyo Tower. Call ahead to reserve a table at this wildly popular restaurant. 4-4-13 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku; 011-81-03-3436-1028

6. If you'd like to try a traditional Japanese meal served on beautiful porcelain dishes, Amase and Namekata suggest spending an evening at Banreki Ryukodo, a hide-away-type restaurant. 2-33-5, Nanboku, Oedo Lines Azabu-Juban, Higashi-Azabu; 011- 81-03-3505-5686; www.banreki.com