Tokyo City Guide

neighborhoods of Tokyo

THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF TOKYO

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Artisan coffee & small boutiques

Cutting-edge art and design scenes

Traditional Japanese Culture

Eclectic pop culture & subculture

Cheap and good eats & old-time pub crawls

The power of hubs of cosmopolitan Tokyo

Spacious buildings & new-age shopping

Artisan coffee & small boutiques

Daikanyama (代官山)

Full of chic boutiques and laid-back vibes, discover a hidden gem where modernity and comfort combine the perfect harmony. From high-end fashion, fancy restaurants, upscale pastry cafes to stylish boutiques, Daikanyama is a quiet counterpoint to Shibuya's noise and brash consumerism. Its posh modernity led many people to give Daikanyama the nickname of "The Brooklyn of Tokyo." Stop by the beautiful T-Site complex and view the carefully-curated selection of books, music, stationery, and colorful periodicals in the Tsutaya Bookstore.

Nakameguro (中目黒)

Relax and enjoy a laid back coffee, people watch, and partake in local shopping in one of the most fashionable, urban areas in Tokyo. Despite its modernity and trendiness, Nakameguro is the go-to place for taking a breather from the fast pace of Tokyo. Its location next to the Meguro River gives the area a nice, laid-back atmosphere, which is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and more. The river is especially beautiful in spring, when the cherry blossoms color the scenery with a soft, airy pink. As you go along the canal, you can find quaint cafes and fashionable boutiques on all sides.

Jiyugaoka (自由が丘)

With a hint of European elegance, the Jiyugaoka is the perfect place for a shopping spree. The Parisian-style streets are lined with trendy boutiques, cafes, bakeries, galleries, and more. Anyone with a sweet tooth should be sure to check out Jiyuagaoka's Sweet Forest, a sugary pink world filled with all of the desserts you can imagine. Stroll through the high-end residential mansion district of Denenchofu. The area was originally designed to be Japan's first garden town, with its abundant greenery and scenic location next to the Tama River, making it a feast for the eyes.

Cutting-edge art & design scenes

Omotesando (表参道)

Linking together the fashion-forward Harajuku and the chic Aoyama district is the elegant, upper-class area of Omotesando. No matter where you look, you will be surrounded by stylish boutiques and highly acclaimed restaurants and cafes. Both inside and outside of the stores is like a journey through the world of art. The architecture of Omotesando's buildings are brilliantly designed, many of which have been designed by Pritzker Prize winners and Japanese luminaries, such as Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando, and SANAA. In the summer, the tree-lined boulevard is decorated with lights to illuminate the night scenery. In summer, the trees provide you with shade to help you persevere through the numerous luxurious shops. Many of the stores also hold seasonal and pop-up events to keep up the lively, festive spirit. It is no wonder why many say that Omotesando is Tokyo's Champs Élysées.

Comprehensive architecture tour in Tokyo: Tokyo boasts an eclectic collection of buildings and monuments with influences of new and old, western and traditional Japanese. Starting from the highly renowned designs of the Omotesando area, TOKI’s architecture tour covers the deep, 400-year history of Tokyo through the traditional and innovative contemporary works of architecture.

Roppongi (六本木)

Roppongi is known for being one of Tokyo’s star nightlife districts, but as of late, the area has evolved as a center of cutting-edge art and design, shopping, entertainment, and luxury residences. The district is home to The National Art Center Tokyo, the Mori Art Museum, the Suntory Museum of Art, and the 21_21 Design Site - some of the most striking exhibitions in Tokyo. With the Art Triangle Roppongi multi-entry pass, it is possible to go from museum to museum and spend a whole day wandering in the world of art. In addition, from fast food to fine dining, traditional to trendy, choose from a spectrum of restaurants to fit your mood and budget.

Traditional Japanese culture

Asakusa (浅草)

Stroll through the historical district of Tokyo and bathe in the Edo atmosphere. Rickshaw drivers crowd the streets, which are full of rows of small shops selling sweets and handmade goods. These narrow shopping streets lead to the famous Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic temple. Nonetheless, Asakusa is an exotic fusion of tradition and modernity -- not too far from the temple is the engineering feat that is known as Tokyo Skytree. Both sites are some of the most popular tourist spots, but the backstreets of Asakusa are not to be ignored either. Filled with hidden gems, the rustic boutiques and local restaurants and cafes make for the perfect oasis to take a breather from the crowds.

Sumida (墨田区)

The riverside Sumida area is home to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, as well as the main sumo stadium, Ryogoku Kokugikan. Also wander through Sumida Park to admire their famous cherry blossoms and visit Higashi-Shirahige Park's baseball field and shrine.

Tsukiji (築地)

Located on Tokyo Bay, Tsukiji was once home to the Tsukiji Fish Market, the world’s largest fish market. The inner section was relocated to Toyosu near the end of 2018, but the outer market remains in Tsukiji and is still overflowing with life. Tsukiji is the best place to feast on the freshest sushi in Tokyo, but for those not so keen on raw fish, there are a variety of cafes that have been serving hot toasted sandwiches and refreshing brews for ages. Escape the lively market streets in the nearby parks--Hama-rikyu Gardens is a favorite for a relaxing stroll amongst the abundant wildlife and seasonal flowers. Also visit Tsukiji Honganji, a Buddhist temple built in a Hindu style -- a rather unusual combination, but nonetheless, a stunning work of art.

Ueno (上野)

Ueno is home to various noteworthy museums, a large boating pond, shrine with a pagoda, large zoo, and much much more. The area may be known for their superstar black and white panda bears in the zoo, but Ueno is a city bursting with color. The park has always been a popular destination, even more so in spring when rows of cherry trees blossom and paint the scenery a delicate pink; however, the vibrant blues and purples of the lotus flowers in the summer are also hard to resist. Follow the train tracks of the Yamanote Line to find the bustling shopping street of Ame-ya Yokocho Market, or “Confectioners’ Alley” for dozens and dozens of stalls selling everything from clothing to fresh fish for astonishingly low prices.

Yanaka (谷中)

Having miraculously survived the disasters of World War II and maintained its rich culture, Yanaka is a traditional shopping street reminiscent of Tokyo from long ago. The array of old-fashioned snack shops and small boutiques have existed since before the war, making it feel as though you really are shopping in one of the local towns of Tokyo back in the day during the Showa period. Pick up some local goodies to make for unique souvenirs to bring back home.

Eclectic pop culture & subculture

Akihabara (秋葉原)

Dive into Japan's geek culture of anime, games, and manga here at the holy land of Japan's otaku. The streets are populated with cosplayers and filled with ads of the latest anime and idols. Though many of the shops are not necessarily the best place for those with claustrophobia, the extreme passion for that shop's particular motif and passion make up for its small size. Get your hands on rare collectables and old consoles that are no longer sold elsewhere. Behind the anime and pop culture, find an endless supply of electronics and IT, hence the nickname "Electric Town." During your visit, take full advantage of the area's duty-free shopping to make the most of your budget.

Harajuku (原宿)

Japan’s epicenter for youth fashion and pop culture. Make your way through the crowded Takeshita pedestrian street, lined with colorful shops, crepes stands, cat cafes, and more. You'll find all kinds of boutiques and brands and although the countless stores lining the streets are great to meander through, the residential/commercial backstreets offer a completely different vibe. Though the shopping and dining options include many small, youth oriented, independent boutiques and cafés, the neighborhood also attracts many larger international chain stores with high-end luxury merchandisers.

Nakano (中野区)

On the westbound end of the Chuo Line in Tokyo, Nakano is home to a wealth of chic tourist spots and unique subcultures. Visitors can shop along the main street and at the Nakano Broadway complex, which houses a number of smaller boutiques specializing in anime and idol merchandise. Theater fans can take advantage of the ripe performance scene at the various local and underground theaters specializing in both modern and traditional Japanese performing arts.

Cheap and good eats & old-time pub crawls

Ebisu (恵比寿)

Just south of Shibuya lies Ebisu, one of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo for eating and drinking, offering a huge variety of all sorts of cuisines. Whether you prefer to dine at an authentic izakaya, a Japanese-style gastropub that is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture and interact with the locals, or enjoy gourmet world-class restaurants, Ebisu has it all. Bar-hop at Ebisu Yokocho, a colorful street lined with bars as well as some of Tokyo's top clubs and music venues.

Ikebukuro (池袋)

Modish but down-to-earth. Being the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary, Ikebukuro is the busiest transportation hub in Tokyo, filled with entertainment complexes, a range of restaurants, and home to two monumental department stores: Tobu and Seibu. Sunshine City serves as Ikebukuro landmark - wander through their aquarium, observation deck, restaurants and hotels at this urban theme park. Also mixed in is an abundance of specialty stores dedicated to Japan's geek culture.

Shinbashi (新橋)

Stroll through the izakaya-lined streets of Shimbashi for drinks, yakitori, Korean BBQ, Chinese food and more, all while having access to a spectacular view of the Bay. This is the go-to place for office workers to bond with their colleagues after a long, tiring day of work. Try out a standing bar for inexpensive beers and side dishes while mingling with the locals and be a part of Japan's working men's tradition. Truly experience everyday Japanese life with the intimacy these spaces provide and the background noise of the trains running above you and cheerful voices of other patrons at the taverns.

The power hubs of cosmopolitan Tokyo

Ginza (銀座)

Ginza may be known as Tokyo's luxurious shopping district, but there is more to this long-standing neighborhood than meets the eye. Since the Meiji Restoration, Ginza has been the site for modernization in the capital, designated by the government as the locus for Westernization. Though this particular ward has undergone several restorations after natural disasters and damage from the war, it has continued to evolve with the times and maintain an image of luxury and refinement. The local department stores and businesses have grown with the area and are now a fundamental part of the historical fabric of Ginza. Nowadays, Ginza is a hub of culture and fashion, trends and tradition, where you can find flagship stores of popular designer brands and shops with the latest trends all while strolling through the streets reminiscent of Japan from long ago. As the sun sets, bright store lights illuminate the streets while the smaller side alleys burst into life with the immense array of tiny, exclusive bars. Whether it be shopping or nightlife, Ginza has it all.

Fashion & Architecture tour: Would you like to explore the unconventional fashion-store architecture with the guidance of an architecture professional? TOKI takes you to the flagship stores and shopping complexes in the prominent retail corridors of Tokyo. Read more about this perfect experience for fashion and architecture enthusiasts here.

Tokyo Station & Marunouchi (丸の内)

As you exit the brick-red walls of the recently renovated Tokyo Station, enter a world of towering glass and steel. The soaring towers that make up the financial district of Marunouchi are home to headquarters of some of the most powerful global companies and banks, as well as many of major Japanese companies' headquarters, interspersed with shopping boulevards and luxury hotels. Enjoy opera and musicals and the Imperial Theatre or admire modern art at the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. Remove yourself from the crowds of people and forest skyscrapers and head towards the Imperial Palace to find serene gardens decorated with double-arched bridges. After witnessing the amazing wonders of Tokyo, as you go back to Tokyo Station, be sure to explore the Tokyo Okashi (Candy) Land, Tokyo Ramen Street, and Tokyo Character Street to find an entire row selling goods dedicated to its name.

Shibuya (渋谷区)

As Japan's capital of vibrant modern culture, Shibuya is the birthplace of several of the latest trends and fashion. This dynamic powerhouse is home to the iconic Shibuya-Crossing and famous Hachiko Memorial Statue. The abundance of chic boutiques, trendy cafes, delectable restaurants, and energetic bars and clubs give the area good reason to be overflowing with energy and people. If you still have energy and want to do even more shopping, within walking distance are two other large shopping districts - Omotesando and Harajuku.

Shinjuku (新宿)

Considered one of the major hubs of Tokyo, on the opposite side of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the rather tumultuous side of Shinjuku. Both inside and outside the station, you will find an overwhelming number of stores and restaurants around every corner. From high class department stores packed with designer clothing to electronics megastores with all the latest gadgets to local izakaya and gay bars, Shinjuku is a mixture of both chic and street. As the sun sets, journey through the lively neon district of Kabuki-cho to find a variety of bars and other nighttime revelries. Be warned, however, Shinjuku Station is one of the world's busiest stations with crowds of students, businessmen, tourists, and more.

Spacious buildings & new-age shopping

Odaiba (お台場) 

This man-made bay quarter is an entertainment hub perfect for a cruise, shopping, and enjoying the sea. Its modernity and array of retailers are like those of Shibuya and Shinjuku, but the surrounding ocean takes away all the stress of a face-paced city and provides you with a relaxed, holiday vibe. The Rainbow Bridge links the island to the rest of Tokyo, lighting up the Tokyo night view with an array of color to give the city an extra bit of life. If you’re visiting with kids, take them to Tokyo JOYPOLIS, an indoor theme park located in Odaiba. From the first floor to the third floor, it is operated by the game company SEGA, including attractions such as roller coasters and virtual reality.

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