Competing with Mexico City to be the world's largest city, modern Tokyo has a population within its greater metropolitan area of approximately 30 million. Once the capital of shoguns (military dictators), it is now a city of urban "villages", each with its own personality and subtle difference in dialect, the many smaller parts making up the awesome whole.

Sited in an earthquake zone, this noisy, sprawling mess of neon-clad skyscrapers is not a place for tranquility. Space is at a premium, with homes often the size of a shoebox. There is little obvious order to the layout of the city, the streets based on ancient footpaths, and the whole area lacks a central core. Major roads wander aimlessly, most of the streets have no name and the buildings have no street numbers. But an order and cohesion is imposed on this chaos by the Japanese people themselves with their multitude of unwritten rules and regulations, and by the efficiency of the transport system. Most of Tokyo's residents whiz about the city by train or subway, which are punctual, fast and cheap. Alternatively, you can simply walk through the concrete canyons and discover the city's sights at leisure. It is only then that the "villages" begin to feel connected. Visit the expansive Imperial Palace and its outer gardens, the Tokyo International Forum - a great complex of concert and exhibition halls - or the many shrines and Buddhist temples dotted in and around the city.

Despite - and perhaps because of - Tokyo's sense of sprawling chaos, it undoubtedly ranks as one of the most fascinating conurbations in the world.

The Insight FlexiMap of Tokyo is a great travel addition. Here is an innovative laminated folding map that marries durability and convenience with accuracy, utility, and readability.

Produced with state-of-the-art technology, FlexiMaps feature detailed city street and road maps clearly marked with all the sites and services of particular interest to travelers.

Text and photographs offer a wealth of valuable tourist information including "10 sights you shouldn't miss," plus information on transportation, visas, currency, important telephone numbers, emergency services, and more.

Price: $7.95