Tokyo is the most populated metropolis on the planet with over 9 million people living in the sprawling expanse of city wards, each with its own distinct and colorful history. Tokyo is huge and navigating the city’s 278 train stations and 13+ subway lines, not to mention finding a place to stay, can be exhausting. To help you better navigate the amazing city, we’ve compiled a guide to the Tokyo neighborhoods that you should know, making it easier to plan your trip.
1. Shibuya
Shibuya is the Tokyo neighborhood known for Shibuya crossing, or the “scramble crossing”. It’s likely to be the busiest intersection in the world. To get there, exit Shibuya station via the Hachiko Exit (Exit 8), passing the Hachiko Memorial Statue as you walk toward the teeming swarms of pedestrians.
Shibuya is mainly a shopping district, home to big, brand name stores and giant pharmacy chains. But there are also some great hidden gems here like the incredible Narukiyo Izakaya,. If you’ve come to Tokyo to browse vinyl and rub shoulders with cool youths, visit record stores Disk Union, Face Records, and RecoFan.
2. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the raunchy, racy, and insomniac heart of the city. One of the main streets here is Kabuki-cho (the red light district). It’s where you’ll find host clubs, love hotels, massage parlors, and dance clubs. This is also where you can find the undeniably kitschy Robot Restaurant, which is an absolute must-do for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
There’s also Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, where you can sip strong drinks in an area of tiny, dilapidated hole-in-the-wall bars, each with maybe 6 seats. Similar to Golden Gai is the mysterious Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho), fondly nicknamed “Piss Alley” by old-school Tokyoites. Munch on charred bits of chicken and pour down large mugs of beer in one of the many dingy establishments that line the dark alleyways.
Also make your way over to Ni-chome, Japan’s foremost gay neighborhood. Stop by club Arty Farty, where everyone’s welcome and the dancing goes late into the night.
If none of the above appeals to you, opt for a more tame version of fun at the main location of Japan’s famous Kinokuniya bookstore.
3. Harajuku
Times have changed and don’t come here with the high hopes of seeing groups of gothic lolitas or expecting fashion freaks in neon parachute style pants. Harajuku is still the style capital of Japan, but things have toned down a bit since “Harajuku Girls” was released in 2004.
Takeshita-dori is Harajuku’s main drag. It’s a street of sweet crepe stands, accessory shops, and fast fashion stores. Around this area is where you can rent cosplay clothes or a gothic lolita outfit of your own if that’s what you wish to do.
Vintage shops and second hand boutiques are mostly clustered around Design Festa Gallery, a please where local artists sell their creations. Also in Harajuku is Owl Village, a real “owl cafe” that makes standard cat cafes seem quaint.
4. Ginza
Out of all the Tokyo neighborhoods, Ginza is where you’ll find Tokyo’s most luxe destination for shopping. The department stores here are world-famous and some have histories dating back centuries. The best time to visit Ginza is on Sundays when the main street is closed to car traffic and pedestrians can roam freely.
The Japanese have a. Term for strolling Ginza, Gin-bura, which is literally “Ginza wandering,” is the Japanese term for exploring Ginza’s immaculate promenades.
If don’t feeling like spending your yen on designer brands, go to Japan’s largest Uniqlo where basics remain both high-quality and highly affordable.
Here’s also where you can dine at the renowned restaurant Sushi Jiro, and sip a cup at the coffee paradise of Cafe de L’ambre.
Near Ginza is the old Tsukiji Market area, which still contains some incredible sushi restaurants serving the freshest fish in Japan.
5. Ueno
Tokyo’s Ueno neighborhood is famous for Ueno Park, where you’ll find Tokyoites gather together to picnic under cherry blossoms every spring. It’s also the site of the Tokyo National Museum, which is Japan’s premier museum of Japanese art and cultural treasures. Marvel at beautiful lacquerware, amazing painting scrolls, and the intricate details of samurai armor. Exhibits are typically organized by historical period, so visitors can clearly see the evolution of Japanese art and handicrafts from 1000 B.C. up through the 21st century.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is another spot worth.a visit in Ueno, so too are the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art.
If you’re traveling with children, don’t neglect visiting the Ueno Zoo, home to some fiercely beloved giant pandas.
Check out Ameyoko Market for a quick lunch of ramen or soba. If you want to buy some cheap ceramics or quality knives, go to Kappabashi, the kitchen district. This is where expert chefs from all over the world find their wares.
6. Asakusa
Of Tokyo neighborhoods, Asakusa is where you can best experience Japan’s traditional side. It’s an essential place to visit, especially if the temples of Kyoto or Kamakura aren’t part of your itinerary.
If you’re feeling a bit lost and want to get your bearings, it can be a good idea to join a free walking tour. The local guide will take you around Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, including the charming shopping streets of Nakamise-dori. Be sure to snap some pictures under the giant lantern at the Kaminari-mon gate.
If you desire some breathtaking views of the city and Mount Fuji, be sure to allow time to go up the Tokyo Sky Tree, which is the world’s tallest tower.
7. Akihabara
Akihabara was once the electronics capital of the world. People flocked here to buy the latest cameras and VCRs.
Today, out of all of Tokyo’s neighborhoods, it’s the one for diehard otaku: anime and manga fans. There are manga cafes aplenty as well as just as many maid cafes Maid cafés are essentially places where staff with high-pitched voices dress up in French maid costumes and serve you an omelet rice decorated with a ketchup smiley face.
Yodobashi Camera is where you can buy a diverse array of electronics and cute phone cases. For a hearty meal of cheap and delicious sushi, eat at Ganso Zushi.
8. Kichijoji
One of the Tokyo neighborhoods that’s off the beaten path is Kichijoji. Here you’ll find the charming Ghibli Museum. It’s part interactive exhibit, part playroom, and part movie theater. Unsurprisingly, the museum showcases the work of Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio made famous by movies like “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “Spirited Away.” Tickets can be reserved in advance online.
Kichijoji is also home to the gorgeous Inokashira Park, a wonderful escape from the overwhelming aspects of Tokyo Inokashira Park is where you can find some of Japan’s most stunning cherry blossom trees in spring. If you’re hungry, refuel on fresh, organic fare at restaurants Public Kitchen or Shiva Cafe.
9. Daikanyama
Daikanyama is sometimes referred to as the Brooklyn of Tokyo, but this tiny Tokyo neighborhood has a character entirely its own.
Look into Japan’s past at the Kyu Asakura House, a well-preserved private residence. A Tokyo secret is Daikanyama T-Site, the giant flagship store of Tsutaya Books. It’s actually designated one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. T-Site is a lovely respite from the frenetic pace of the center of Tokyo. Relax and browse the massive collection of excellent books on Japanese design, or sample a listen of over 120,000 albums in the music section.
Enjoy a leisurely drink surrounded by vintage magazines and international titles at the Anjin Library & Lounge on the second floor. As you settle into a good book, congratulate yourself on a day well-spent in the world’s most exciting city.
10. Koenji
Just a few stops from Shinjuku on the Chuo subway line, Koenji is Tokyo’s unspoiled center of what’s cool. Hip vintage shops and a handful of healthy cafes dot the neighborhood’s main shopping arcade.
There are some excellent izakayas to be found here too, although English menus are sometimes limited. For a sashimi dinner that doesn’t break the bank, try Sakana no Shimonya. Koenji comes alive at night, when musicians take over the many music venues. It’s worth seeing what’s playing at local spots Penguin House or Club Roots.
