Neighborhoods You Need to Know

Tokyo Neighborhoods

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Tokyo, each offering unique experiences, attractions, and cultural insights for every traveler.

Tokyo is not a city, its a metropolis that is home to 26 million people. This makes for endless neighborhoods with their own charm and characteristics. Most tourists to Tokyo want to explore central Tokyo, and these include famous shrines and temples like Sensoji, Tokyo Tower and Skytree. For shopping we have Harajuku and Ginza , as well as the hipster areas like Shimokitawaza, and finally we have Shinjuku and Akihibara for fans of Godzilla, the world's busiest train station and electronics and anime. We have tried to capture these below so that you can conveniently hit areas that interest you most...or maybe all of them if you are feeling adventurous.

Neighborhoods

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Tokyo, each offering unique experiences, attractions, and cultural insights for every traveler.

Shibuya and Scramble Crossing

Shibuya is the home of the scramble crossing, but it is so much more than just that. Yes, it is home to some cool shopping including the Loft, the Disney store and staples of Uniqlo, and 101, including cheap and quirky souvenirs at Don Quixote, also know as Donkey, with its striking aquarium outside. It is also the home of the conveyor belt sushi, famous Japanese love hotels, and pikkari photos booths, where you can take phots to look more anime like. You can spend a day here or an afternoon, you choose.

Subway stop: Shibuya

Ginza

The shopping district, high and low. The shop fronts dazzle with tier 1 fashion houses flagship stores lining the streets– LV, Dior, Bulgari, Gucci, and the list goes on. And on Sundays it becomes a pedestrian zone, so you can stroll past the windows while sipping your specialty coffee. Don’t miss the Nissan crossing café, where you can have your face imprinted on the coffee — latte art at the next level. The world’s largest Uniqlo store is also here, as is Zara. For upscale brands go into Ginza 6, which has major fashion houses under one roof. Don’t hesitate to go into the smaller lanes to discover crepe house, sushi and ramen restaurants and cute bars, as well as yakiniku places. Stroll further down further towards Tokyo Station and drop into Tokyu Hands which has curious gadgets that are fun to peruse and buy.

Subway stop: Ginza. Exit A7

So lets get something out to start with. Shinjuku is indeed the worlds largest subway station. A whopping 3.1 million people use it everyday. It is also the gateway to the other side of of Tokyo, before central Tokyo took over. So yes it has some really amazing architecture, beyond cool shiny buildings and it is also the home of Golden Gai, Godzilla, the free Tokyo Observatory, and of course Park Hyatt Tokyo. There is also a myriad of restaurants, especially in Omoide Yokocho which is the perfect stop for an authentic meal or snack. And yes there is shopping…

Subway stop: Shinjuku

Shinjuku

Roppongi

Roppongi is unabashedly the entertainment district of central Tokyo. It has a little something something for everyone, from fancy cocktail bars, to Michelin star restaurants, to dive bars to local traditional izakayas and ramen to clubs that will let you dance the night away. And the beautiful things is that its neatly ensconced in a 4 block radius. So nothing is too far, and you can easily walk from place to the next. Start at the Cuban bar, stop by Roppongi Hills Sheraton for sparkly cocktails, then grab Japanese food at Jimbocho, then head to one of the expat bars and then head to the clubs.

Subway stop: Roppongi

Harajuku and Meiji-Jingu Shrine

Harajuku and Meiji-Jingu shrine are magical and mystical all a the same time. Harajuku is what you came for to Tokyo– the crepes, the fashion, the crowds, the food, the crowds…and literally across the street is the Meiji-Jingu shrine, with its serene and calm vibes, its acres and acres of tree shaded pathways, and the magnificent Tori to let you know that yes this calm and serenity is magical and that you can leave all the noise outside. Write your wish and hang it up, maybe you get lucky and catch a traditional wedding, maybe you catch a monk in training running late, maybe your wish comes true… the possibilities are endless…and as soon as you step away, there is Harajuku waiting with a delicious frothy crepe, to bring you back to the buzz of Tokyo in all its glory.

Subway stop: Harajuku

Omotesando is the 2 km strip of designer shops that precedes Harajuku, Meiji-Jingu Shrine and Harajuku. Its a beautiful tree lined walk, as you pass by the store fronts of Miumiu, Prada, Dior, Burberry, Chanel…you get the picture. What makes it unique is that it interspersed with cute coffee and brunch places, a MoMA store that always has cool items to buy. And a as you walk through the small lanes on your adventure, you will pass several micro restaurants, micro breweries, and patios. Its the perfect place to spend the afternoon while people watching or just soaking in the city.

Subway stop: Omotesdando

Omotesando