(Relaxnews) - There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons. Relaxnews has compiled a playlist of music that is quintessential to each of these iconic destinations.

The frenetic streets of Tokyo reflect this constantly changing city where fashion trends become outdated as soon as they hit the shelves and technical innovations become obsolete before even they're released.

Being in Tokyo is like fast-forwarding time and yet having a view into the past. Beneath the shiny facades of the latest architectural achievements are unexpected cultural glimpses of a historic city. Tokyo's vitality is a result of this mixture of a constant search for newness with the traditional values of this society still governed by an imperial family.

When in Tokyo, don't forget to visit the towering skyscrapers and the Zen gardens, shrines and temples, try the traditional cuisine, take a tour along the Sumida River and explore the ornate Hamarikyu Garden. 

Playlist:  

Tokyo and Japan's mix of the modern and the ancient, its myths and realities have inspired artists from around the world and within the country to compose tributes to the city or pieces capturing the spirit of  Japan.

01.  Elvis Costello - "Tokyo Storm Warning" (1986)
Elvis Costello's "Tokyo Storm Warning" from his 1986 album 'Blood & Chocolate' portrays the travels of an overwhelmed and confused tourist in foreign lands.

02.  Japan - "Life in Tokyo" (1979)
"Life in Tokyo" was a hit single for British band Japan in 1979. The single showed the band moving in a new musical direction, away from glam rock and towards electro-dance music.

03.  5,6,7,8's - "Woo Hoo" (2003)
Probably best known for appearing in the hit Tarantino film 'Kill Bill,' the 5,6,7,8's are an all-female Japanese rock trio whose music is heavily influenced by the American surf and rockabilly genres.

04.  L'Arc-en-Ciel - "Lost Heaven" (2005)
Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel has sold over 15 million albums since being founded in 1991. The track "Lost Heaven" was used as the ending track for the 2005 Japanese animated feature 'Fullmetal Alchemist the movie: Conqueror of Shamballa.'

05.  Piana - "Beyond the Season" (2007)
Japanese female artist Piana gives a haunting performance on this ambient electro-track from her album 'Eternal Castle.'

06.  Deep Purple - "Woman From Tokyo" (1973)
English rock band Deep Purple sings about finding love in the Japanese capital on this track taken from the 1973 album 'Who Do We Think We Are.'

07.  Fantastic Plastic Machine - "You" (1998)
Japanese electro artist Tomoyuki Tanaka, otherwise known as Fantastic Plastic Machine, gives an upbeat dance performance capturing the pace of city living on this track.

08.  Air - "Alone in Kyoto" (2003)
Though this song from French duo Air is titled "Alone in Kyoto," for some it is synonymous with the Japanese capital after having been featured in the hit 2003 film ‘Lost in Translation.'

09.  Cornelius - "Point of View" 
Born in Tokyo, Cornelius has been making his musical mark since 1991, when he was in the now defunct band Flippers Duo; this sparse modern track conjures up images of modern Tokyo.

10.  Takashi Yoshimatsu - "Canticle of Quiet Rain"
Contemporary classic composer Yoshimatsu is perhaps best known for composing the 2003 remake of ‘Astro Boy.' Here he hides a distinctly oriental influence within this classical, melancholy track.

Listen to this playlist on music streaming service Grooveshark at: http://goo.gl/FXnbr
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