The Neighbourhoods of Tokyo: A District Guide

At Japaventura, we are crazy about Tokyo! No matter how often we visit the city, we always find something new to discover.

What fascinates us so much about Tokyo is that it can feel like a completely different world from one block to the next. This megacity is made up of utterly unique neighbourhoods, so in Tokyo you can see many sides of Japan in just a single day. For instance, it is only a short train ride from the colourful, bustling Akihabara to the wonderful tranquillity of Ueno Park.

We simply cannot choose a favourite district in Tokyo, because every neighbourhood plays its part in making this city so fascinating. Even so, there are a few districts that we think you absolutely have to see, and which we either always show travellers ourselves on our trips or recommend to them in their free time.

When you think of Tokyo, you probably picture the bustling heart of Shibuya, with its famous crossing by the station, where thousands of people cross at the same time. Surrounded by people and glowing billboards, you will really feel the city's energy. This is the place for live music, cinemas, dance clubs and countless restaurants and bars.

Not far from Shibuya lies Harajuku. This is a neighbourhood that could only exist in Japan, and one that is absolutely worth a visit for its sheer uniqueness! Here, young people and Japanese subcultures have the space to express themselves, and in the eccentric shops you will find all sorts of things you won't come across anywhere else in the world. Harajuku has vintage clothing shops and unique themed cafés, as well as thoroughly outlandish fashion. Not far away are the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan, and the peaceful Yoyogi Park.

Shinjuku Station is visited by millions of people every day. The neighbourhood itself is defined by high-rise buildings and lights, restaurants, izakayas (pubs) and karaoke clubs. It is also the centre of the city's nightlife. In Shinjuku, visit Golden Gai, a small network of alleyways with hundreds of tiny bars. Very close to all the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku lies Shinjuku Gyoen park, an oasis of calm amid the frenzy of the city.

Akihabara is Tokyo's 'electric' district, shaped by anime and manga culture. There are plenty of electronics shops, arcades and comic shops here. On Kappabashi Street, by contrast, everything for eating and cooking is on offer, from ceramics to kitchen knives, and the restaurant windows display incredible plastic replicas of the dishes served. Among all the ramen shops and colourful bookshops, there is also a relic of old Japan here: the Kanda Myōjin shrine.

Amid all the neon lights and busy streets, Asakusa is a relic of old Japan in the middle of Tokyo. Here stands the city's oldest temple, Sensō-ji. As you stroll along the banks of the Sumida and through the peaceful streets full of shrines and gardens, you will feel as if you are in another world. One of the highlights of this old neighbourhood is the Edo Shitamachi Traditional Crafts Museum, with stalls that are already hundreds of years old. There you will also find the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which showcases the city's history. Alongside traditional restaurants, Asakusa also has street food. You absolutely must try the eel here! From picturesque Asakusa, river boats also set off, a popular means of transport to other parts of Tokyo.

Ginza is a chic district of Tokyo with luxury shops and elegant boutiques. In the neighbourhood's many department stores you can buy anything you can imagine. It is no wonder that Ginza is one of the best-known shopping destinations in the world. If you need a change from the shop windows and all the fashion around you, you can take a look at the façade of Tokyo's oldest theatre, the Kabukiza. Kabuki is an ancient form of theatre and a fascinating part of traditional Japanese culture. Even if you don't have time to watch a performance, you will get a good sense of the spirit of this art form here. In Ginza you can also visit the nearby Tsukiji Fish Market. The market itself has since moved, but there are still plenty of stalls and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish.

Shimokitazawa, with its cute cafés and vintage clothing shops, is regarded as the coolest neighbourhood in Tokyo. This is an alternative side of the city, with some unusual sights such as Gōtoku-ji, a cat temple! For decades the neighbourhood has had a bohemian flair, evident in its mural-lined alleyways, art and music venues and unique cafés. Here too stands the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, which is also well worth seeing.

Roppongi lies in the Minato district and is just a short walk from Tokyo Tower, which stands in the Shiba-koen area and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. From the 238-metre-high Mori Tower you can enjoy an impressive view of the tower and the neighbourhood glowing in neon light. Roppongi sits in the centre of the city and is famous for its nightlife, with numerous popular bars and excellent restaurants. There are also several museums here, including the National Art Center, the largest museum in Japan.

Ueno is defined by the park of the same name, a sprawling green oasis with almost 9,000 trees. Among them are various kinds of cherry trees, which makes the park a popular destination during hanami, the Japanese cherry blossom season. Ueno Park is one of the oldest public parks in Japan and was opened 150 years ago on the site of a former temple. Around the park lie several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. With this wealth of art institutions, many consider Ueno to be the cultural heart of Tokyo.

Jimbocho is Tokyo's legendary book district and a real insider tip for travellers. Away from the bustle of the big city, hundreds of bookshops line up next to one another here, from cosy antiquarian booksellers to specialist shops for manga and art. The scent of old paper, vintage posters and literary treasures make every walk special. Jimbocho is also a meeting place for students, creatives and connoisseurs, with quaint cafés and traditional curry restaurants. Anyone who wants to experience the authentic, intellectual Tokyo should be sure to visit this hidden gem.

Tokyo has so much to offer that you will want to visit the city again and again, just like us! Tell us what interests you and we will recommend the right neighbourhood for it. A snake café? An onsen theme park? A rooftop batting cage? Just ask us. We will tell you where to find it and how to get there.