10 neighbourhoods in Tokyo worth checking out

When you visit New York City places like the Empire State Building are on the to-do list. In Paris it’s the Eiffel Tower. Then in Sydney it’s the Opera House.

Tokyo, on the other hand, is different. Rather than one landmark, there are lots of them in the shape of neighbourhoods. There are some parts of the Japanese capital that aren’t like anywhere else on earth. You just need to know which ones to explore. That’s where we come in – here are 10 different neighbourhoods for you to try and visit.

1. Shinjuku

Image courtesy of Kevin Poh.

Tokyo can be a bit of a shock to the system sometimes, largely down to places like Shinjuku. Home to Tokyo’s busiest commuter train station (it’s pretty hectic), you’ll also find a free observation deck here in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. If you like shopping, there’s also lots of opportunity for some retail therapy.

2. Ginza

Image courtesy of philipjbigg.

Ginza isn’t only Tokyo’s most expensive shopping district – it’s Japan’s swankiest area in terms of retail space. Everything here is exclusive, from the department stores to the restaurants to the hotels. It’s particularly nice to visit on Sunday when its main thoroughfare, Chuo-Dori, is closed to traffic.

3. Roppongi

Image courtesy of Andy Yeo.

Tokyo is full of lots of things. One of them is expats. Another is bars and restaurants. Roppongi is where all three come together to make up a hedonist’s dream come true. Arrive after dark and with a heavy wallet.

4. Harajuku

image courtesy of Jacob Ehnmark.

Tokyo is known for its offspring that have a unique sense of style, particularly the younger ones. Those ones who like to be more creative with their attire descend upon Harajuku every weekend. Immortalised 10 years ago by Gwen Stefani, if you’re wearing simply a t-shirt, trainers and jeans, you’re going to be the one who sticks out.

5. Shibuya

Shibuya, and in particular its pedestrian crossing, is one part of the city you’ll recognise. While the city has about 10 Times Squares, this is the most iconic one. It’s also home to strings of bars, restaurants. Quieter than Shinjuku and not as ‘out there’ as Harajuku, it’s a part of the city you might find yourself spending a lot of time in.

6. Akihabara

Image courtesy of Stéfan.

When some people think of Tokyo they envisage a world of electronic stores where the latest technology is at your fingertips. This isn’t entirely true… but it is in Akhihabara. The epicentre of all these gizmos, appliances and accessories is Yodobashi Camera, the country’s largest appliance store.

7. Odaiba

Tokyo’s newest neighbourhood is home to a host of things – futuristic buildings, lots of museums (such as the Museum of Maritime Science) and shopping complexes galore. There’s also a Ferris wheel if you want to see the city from a different perspective.

8. Asakusa

While many parts of Tokyo are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the world, there’s a temple in the Asakusa neighbourhood called Sensoji Temple that remind you this city has been around a long time. To compliment this are shops selling traditional arts and crafts, many of which are on the pedestrianised Nakamise Dori.

9. Ueno

It’s refreshing to know that among all these built up, crowded areas there are still places to chill out. One of these comes in the form of Ueno Park. As well as its open areas there is a concert hall, a temple, a shrine and museums, the most notable being the Tokyo National Museum.

10. Aoyama

Image courtesy of Barry Silver.

If sophistication is your thing, and you’re one who likes to wander the streets with your ice-cold lattes while examining the latest fashion trends, this neighbourhood beside Harajuku is where to be. Not as exclusive as the stores in Ginza and not as rough and ready as those in Shinjuku, it’s where you’ll find the most cutting-edge outlets in Tokyo.

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Planning a trip to the Japanese capital? Check out our homestays in Tokyo.

Homestays in Tokyo

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