Be sure to snap some photos under the giant lantern at the Kaminari-mon gate. Its so huge it needs to be referred to in two sections, the Yaesu side and the Marunouchi side (heres a map to show its size). Neighborhoods - Tokyo Guide 4 TOKI If youre after more inspiration, I have many more travel guides and itineraries here on my Japan travel blog. But where are all these places in relation to each other? 2. A sure-fire place to experience all kinds of weird and wonderful in Akihabara is a. . Also in Harajuku is Owl Village, a real owl cafe that makes standard cat cafes seem like yesterdays news. One of the main drags here is Kabuki-cho (the red light district), the site of host clubs, love hotels, massage parlors, and dance clubs. Tokyo consists of about 14 urban hubs, each of which is like a small city. By JapanTess. Roppongi Hills is another highlight of the area, its where the Tokyo Film Festival and many other special events are held every year and is a mall, museum, and amazing piece of architecture worth exploring. Street scene in a Tokyo neighborhood. Its also the site of the Tokyo National Museum, which is Japans premier museum of Japanese art and cultural treasures. Each item has an interesting story or detail. It's a major entertainment, dining and shopping district. A must visit for gamers is the world-famous Super Potato arcade and game store full of nostalgia and retro vibes. Additionally, running alongside the train tracks of JR East Okachimachi Station is a sprawling open-air market named Ameya Yokocho, or Ameyoko. How many of these activities or places to visit in Tokyo will you add to your itinerary? Each Tokyo ward is exciting and intriguing for different reasons. Prefer a local to show you around? Daikanyama is sometimes called the Brooklyn of the Japanese capital, but this tiny Tokyo neighborhood has a character all its own. From the original Nintendo Famicom console of 1983 to a library of original PlayStation games, theres plenty of gaming antiquity on offer for you to either acquire or admire. First, let me explain the Shinjuku's map quickly, so you can get snapshot of how to get around Shinjuku, that make is a little . by Eater Staff Updated Jun 27, 2023, 12:45pm PDT. But do note, the experience of a maid caf is one to be participated in, so be prepared for the possibility of singing or even casting spells on your food to make it more delicious. You can also watch tourists speed by on their own personal Mario Karts. TIP: If youre hoping to visit during the cherry blossom season, my detailed guide to spring in Japan is packed with tips for more places to go, alternatives to popular spots, what to pack and how to avoid the huge crowds! . Yes, its touristy which is something I sometimes avoid, but to me the touritsy-ness of this place is what made it so fun! Keep your eyes peeled for my personal tips and tricks Ive sprinkled throughout this Tokyo travel guide, too! These Streets are Made for Walking. On warmer days, grab something to go and take a leisurely stroll down the tree-lined pedestrian pathway Shibuya Kuritsu Nishiharamidorido Park for some seasonal sakura viewing. This huge and curved art deco building was one of the few in the area that remained standing after WWII. You can also walk to Senso-ji Temple within five minutes. Sushi in Ginza. Disclosure: trulytokyo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. Shibuya is Tokyo's most energetic neighbourhood where you'll experience the . 185.100.235.27 Read more Shinjuku A huge hub on the west side of the city, Shinjuku has it all: interesting sights, shopping, dining, nightlife, and plenty of great hotels. Hatagaya doesnt disappoint. This is all in addition to the shops flamboyant kakigori (shaved ice) which takes this kids favorite to the next level. Ikebukuro - The Other Akihabara 4. Ginza is one of Tokyo's finest luxury districts, with high-end fashion brands, upscale department stores, and stunning restaurantsparticularly when it comes to sushi. For a nostalgic throwback to the 90s dont miss. and mural outside the station. Kitchijoji is also home to the gorgeous Inokashira Park, a wonderful escape from the overwhelming aspects of Tokyo city, and where you can find some of Japans most stunning cherry blossom trees in spring. Its so immense that walking between many of the neighbourhoods I mention below is just not practical its like a city of cities! Over 9 million people live in this sprawling collection of city wards, each with their own distinct and colorful histories. Channeling a Brooklyn aesthetic and cementing a sense of community, this pocket of Shibuya-ku is full of surprises, April 28, 2022 You can also take part in a geisha dance, origami and tea ceremony experience at the cultural centre located within the shrine! statues lined throughout the temple grounds really pulled at my heartstrings as each represents a child that died before their parent. The city is a labyrinth of hidden gems and underrated hangouts. This page lists all of the Tokyo districts of interest to travelers. Ginza Tokyo's centre of luxury can be a little intimidating - not so with our behind-the-scenes guide Tokyo From the obscure to the obvious, your time in Tokyo starts here Shibuya The best. Luckily for you Ive spent a fair amount of time exploring the nooks and crannies of many Tokyo neighbourhoods and Im about to share my findings to help you be invisible, too. Its the place to go for everything Hello Kitty, Pokemon and Lego related. Read more, Tsukiji is where you'll find the awesome Tsukiji Fish Market and lots of great sushi restaurants for a sushi brunch. Taylor Swift is bringing The Eras Tour to Tokyo in February 2024 - Time Out 1. Best neighborhoods in Tokyo - Lonely Planet Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Akihabara - Tokyo Weekender 24 Best Gothic Novels Ever (Classic & Contemporary), 30 Best Sci-Fi Books Ever (Classic & Modern). Read more, Between Tokyo Station and Shibuya, these two fashionable districts are the city's dining and nightlife centers, along with some great sights to see in the day. Read more, Another huge hub on the west side, Shibuya is a huge youth-oriented shopping district with great restaurants, bars and hotels. Youll find the most English spoken in this area with most restaurants and cafes being catered towards visitors. Shibuya - Tokyo's Youth Capital 10. Using beans imported from famed Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a top-quality brew is guaranteed at Paddlers Coffee. In October 2018 the world-famous tuna auctions held within the Tsukiji Inner Market were relocated to Toyoso, but the outer market still remains. Gin-bura, literally Ginza wandering, is the Japanese term for strolling Ginzas immaculate promenades. Updated on 07/24/19 David Gee / Getty Images Tokyo is the most populated metropolis on the planet. This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Its worth seeing whats playing at local spots Penguin House or Club Roots. Characterized by its cozy, laid-back, and quietly trendy atmosphere filled with hipster boutiques, fine dining establishments, and high-end pet shops, Nakameguro boasts a somewhat European vibe compared to the rest of the city. My guess is if youre reading this, you might be planning a trip to Japan yay! Shibuya is the cosmopolitan capital area of the city, full of local foods and international brands, as well as bars, clubs, and smokey izakaya pubs. So if youre keen to learn about the best things to do in Tokyo by area to simplify your trip planning, read on for more! Koenji - Casual Tokyo 9. These neighbourhoods are a great starting point for any visitor to explore. The beautiful building has become a Tokyo icon and is a must-see during any visit. My personal favourite is. Koenji: A Guide To Tokyo's Retro Hub - Savvy Tokyo Omotesando. To get here, exit Shibuya station via the Hachiko Exit (Exit 8), passing the Hachiko Memorial Statue as you walk toward the teeming swarms of pedestrians. Youll also see an impressive collection of Toyota cars dating back to the 1960s and watch skilled mechanics restore them to their former glory. Absolutely packed with retailers from high-end. TIP: If you visit the teahouse during the summer heat, opt for the iced matcha tea to help you cool off! Munch on charred bits of chicken and down generous mugs of beer in one of the many dingy establishments that line these dark alleyways. Freeman Shokudos custom-built steel smoker is the star of the show, creating food with an amalgamation of tastes and techniques developed by the culinary team. Reprinting, republishing or copying of any content on this site, whether whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Check out one of Tokyos newest attractions, at Shibuya Scramble Square. Visit iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing. Sunday Bake Shop also brews up excellent coffee to pair with something from an exquisite selection of baked goodies, both savory and sweet. Read more, Ueno is home to a huge park, Ueno-koen Park, where you'll find some of the city's best museums, a zoo and a shrine. Cities Attractions Events More . Takeshita-dori is Harajukus main drag, a street of sweet crepe stands, accessory shops, and fast fashion stores. If none of the above appeals to you, opt for a tamer version of fun at the main outpost of Japans famous Kinokuniya bookstore. While for the collectors, retail stores filled with games and consoles of bygone eras are waiting to deliver a serious nostalgia trip. Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Ogikubo and Nishi-Ogikubo - Tokyo Weekender Read my Tokyo Treat Review and get popular Japanese snacks delivered here, or read my Sakuraco review and get traditional Japanese sweets delivered here! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Its argued here is where youll taste the best ramen in Tokyo! Here can be found the world famous Robot Restaurant, as well as the Samurai Museum, and some of the citys best ramen and curry restaurants. Now, its a world ruled by diehard otaku: anime and manga fans. The ever-bustling neighborhood of Asakusa is where you can experience Japans traditional side. . Odaiba District. Its a paradise for shoppers with boutiques and thrift shopping a popular choice being Haight & Ashbury youll find plenty of second-hand items in this area making it fantastic for authentic souvenir shopping. Another business that embodies the stylings and sense of community in Hatagaya is the beautifully designed Bullpen. if youre looking to buy a new camera or gear. This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! Tokyo is full of fun and unique neighborhoods, and Ueno is probably near the top of the list of tourist's destination. It has been called the "Gateway to Saitama" because of its . Unsurprisingly, given there are around 130 animation companies based in Suginami Ward, the particularly wordy Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum has made Ogikubo its home too. In fact, the scene is almost surprisingly strong. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Located in a small, renovated Japanese house with minimalist stylings, it prides itself on a quirky spin on inarizushi (rice stuffed pockets of tofu) by replacing tofu with konnyaku (yam cake). 14 October 2021 View One of the best things about living in Tokyo is the fact that no matter how long you're here, you'll always find something new and exciting to explore. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Akihabara is what many people imagine when they picture the Tokyo so culturally popular and vibrant in the 90s. Aside from this, there are a number of exciting places to go in Odaiba if youre looking to fill a good chunk of the day. In and around the station are oodles of places to purchase Japanese souvenirs and places to eat scrumptious, authentic food. Its easy to spend 1 day in Akihabara exploring so-called Electric Town. Also worth visiting in Ueno is the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the National Museum of Western Art. If youre looking to get truly lost in a world of collectible wonder, you cant go past the towering Mandarake Complex. Akihabara - Tokyo's Anime & Gadget Town 2. visiting are ones with animals. With a peaceful carp pond and landscaped gardens, the shrine celebrates Japanese navy admiral Heihachiro Togo. Lap up the cheap beer and sake! The Tokyo Station Area is where most visitors arrive in the city. It's a small town in itself, marked by extensive, shady greenery and steeped in history. Tokyo is a capital city thats very much made up by its neighbourhoods. Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Fukagawa | Tokyo Weekender Get a feel of Londons Piccadilly Circus with Tokyos answer to electronic billboards topping the. Keep your eyes peeled for real cats sleeping on some of the street signs. 47 Tokyo Neighborhoods (part 2) - Japan Talk As an Amazon Associate, The Invisible Tourist earns from qualifying purchases. | tokyo neighborhood guide Flea market | tokyo cool neighborhoods Having come to Japan and go to Tokyo to play, do not forget to enjoy 100 kinds of different processed sushi in Shinjuku at Kizunasushi restaurant (Address: 1 Chome-18-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan / Hours: Open 24 hours / Phone: +81 3-5287-1081) . Try another. Read more, Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district, Ginza is still a major retain hub, with the best department stores, boutiques and great restaurants. Meanwhile, Anda Gyoza serves up slightly unusual, brown-hued boiled dumplings that look more like tortellini pasta. 11. You can also visit our Patreon and get involved with the community. The neighborhood is home to several embassies, international schools, and upscale residences. Its a downright essential place to visit, especially if the temples of Kyoto or Kamakura arent part of your itinerary. for discounted high-tech gadgets and iPhones. It can be nice to just walk around and enjoy the sights, and see the Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. Exploring the back streets and the Ometesando stretch, youll find the most artisanal cafes in Tokyo, rooftop bars, and all of the vintage and thrift stores you could want. Ueno Park is the largest park in Tokyo and has a multitude of shrines, statues, and museums including Tokyo National Museum. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Often described as vertical pinball machines, Pachinko is a popular game amongst locals and the MARUHAN parlour is a favourite with tourists. Japan Tokyo Tokyo's most essential neighborhoods Save Rebecca Milner Apr 27, 2022 18 min read Tokyo is a huge city, so it pays to think about where to stay if you plan to visit sights such as the Imperial Palace and the Sens-ji temple golaizola / Getty Images More than any single sight, it's Tokyo itself that enchants visitors. While the standard snacks and drinks are available, its the inclusion of other less common items, like toy Rhinoceros Beetles and cans of spaghetti meat sauce, that set the selection apart. YOu can even dress up in samurai armour to visit this iconic attraction. Alternatively, head back to the main road and tuck into a fat chilly cheesesteak courtesy of Toyoda Cheesesteak. Its easy to spend 1 day in Akihabara exploring so-called. But, it could be argued their trip becomes more about the transport they can use rather than saving time and convenience by purchasing a subway pass. Read more Guide to the Must-See Neighborhoods of Tokyo - Passion Passport Stores crammed from floor to ceiling with electronics, pop culture collectibles and gaming arcades gives it an intimate vibe. While Harajuku is a modern and cool place to visit in Tokyo, in true Japanese fashion you dont need to go far to enjoy history and tradition. Situated in the Meguro District, Nakameguro is one of Tokyo's most popular residential neighborhoods. Your email address will not be published. There are manga cafes here, as well as many maid cafes, which are basically places where staff with high-pitched voices dress up in French maid costumes and serve you omelet rice with a ketchup smiley face on it. 1. After WWII, the Ameyoko area was actually established as a black market but has today evolved into a much-loved shopping destination for locals and tourists. Designated one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, T-Site is a lovely respite from the frenetic pace of the big city. Play some of the many games within the GIGO buildings. This bohemian area is full of small music venues, theatres, cafes, and vintage shops so is perfect for getting lost in and people-watching. Once again, wood is put to good use in its design, amplifying the laid-back ambience and making the pair of listening stations an alluring spot in which to spend some time. If you really want to visit an animal caf in Akihabara and beyond, please do a little research first and consider these kinder alternatives instead. We already have this email. Where to Stay in Every Tokyo Neighborhood. This Tokyo neighbourhoods guide contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. 5. Three . Read more, These four working districts south of Ginza contain some interesting gardens and parks, along with heaps of great hotels and restaurants. Koenji really comes alive at night, when eager musicians take over some of the many music venues. Its possible to literally eat your way along Nakamise Shopping Street up to Senso-ji Temple, the aromas of fresh manju (Japanese cake with sweet red bean filling) and senbei (Japanese rice crackers) wafting through the air to lead you. Vintage shops and second hand boutiques are mostly clustered around Design Festa Gallery, where local artists sell their creations. This is one thats ideal for cityscape photographers. Tokyo Neighbourhood Guide Check out our Tokyo City Guide with a Three Day Itinerary, Guide to Tokyo's Best Daytrips or our Tokyo Hotel Guide if you're looking for a place to stay. Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo's largest parks and full of ponds, a giant lawn area, and so many trees including sakura and a ginkgo tree forest that turns bright yellow in the fall..