Tokyo Neighborhoods Overview โ
Google Maps Overview of Tokyo's Best Areas to Stay
TL;DR โ
| Neighborhood | Highlights | Drawbacks | Accommodation | Nightlife |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Central hub, shopping, dining, and entertainment | Crowded, seedy areas, pricy | Moderate to high | ๐ป๐ป๐ป |
| Shibuya | Fashion, youth culture, nightlife, and cafes | Crowded, pricy | Moderate to high; limited budget | ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ |
| Ginza & Tokyo Station | Sophisticated, upscale, access to bullet trains | Lacks historical charm, very expensive | High-end | ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ |
| Ueno | Museums and traditional & quiet neighborhoods | Far from central Tokyo, quiet evenings | Budget to moderate | ๐ป๐ป |
| Asakusa | Traditional charm, temples, and shrines | Far from western Tokyo, no JR Yamanote Line | Budget to moderate | ๐ป |
| Akihabara & Iidabashi | Geek culture (tech & anime), and budget accommodations | quiet evenings | Budget to moderate | Limited |
| Roppongi | High-end entertainment, dining, nightlife, and art museums | No JR access, very expensive | High-end | ๐ธ |
| Odaiba & Tokyo Bay | Family-oriented, waterfront, and shopping malls | Far from central Tokyo, lacks unique charm | Moderate to high | Limited |
Shinjuku -- Central, Vibrant, and Great for First-Time Visitors โ
- Shinjuku map area on Google Maps
- Central Tokyo hub, ideal for first-time visitors
- Offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Plenty of indoor attractions for rainy days
Notable Areas โ
- Kabukicho: Tokyo's largest adult entertainment district with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs
- Golden Gai: Narrow streets with small, atmospheric bars and restaurants
- Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Cozy eateries serving yakitori and other traditional dishes
- Shinjuku Station: World's busiest train station; easy access to Tokyo and beyond
Things to Do โ
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Free observation deck with panoramic views
- Shinjuku Gyoen: Famous garden for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage
- Shopping Malls: Upscale malls like Lumine, Takashimaya Times Square, and Odakyu
Drawbacks โ
- Crowded, especially on weekends and evenings
- Kabukicho can be seedy; be cautious of scammers targeting tourists
- Limited budget accommodations
Shibuya -- Fashion, Coffee, Indie Culture, and Nightlife โ
- Shibuya map area on Google Maps
- Known for fashion, youth culture, and vibrant nightlife
- Bustling 24/7; perfect for night owls
- Plenty of cafes for coffee and tea enthusiasts
Notable Areas โ
- Shibuya: Mix of nightlife, cafes, and shopping; youthful and trendy
- Harajuku: Quirky fashion, vintage stores, and trendy cafes
- Omotesando: Upscale shopping with high-end boutiques
- Ebisu: Trendy spot with hip restaurants, bars, and cafes
Things to Do โ
- Yoyogi Park: Large park with walking paths and picnic areas
- Meiji-Jingu Shrine: Peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by a dense forest
- Shibuya Sky: Open-air observation deck with city views, especially stunning at sunset
- Tokyo Photographic Art Museum: Exhibitions by Japanese and international photographers
Drawbacks โ
- Crowded on weekends and public holidays
- Nightlife areas can be rowdy, especially on weekends
- Harajuku is very female-dominated (opposite of Akihabara)
- Limited budget accommodations
Ginza & Tokyo Station -- Central, Sophisticated & Upscale โ
- Ginza & Tokyo Station area on Google Maps
- Relaxed, sophisticated, and less busy at night
- High-end hotels, shopping, and a mature nightlife scene
- Close to the Imperial Palace and Tokyo's main transport hub
Notable Areas โ
- Tokyo Station: Main transport hub with easy access to other cities via Shinkansen
- Marunouchi: Business district with shopping and views of the Imperial Palace
- Tsukiji: Famous for its seafood market and vibrant street food scene
Things to Do โ
- Imperial Palace & Gardens: Historic Edo castle with beautiful gardens
- Ginza Shopping: High-end brands at Ginza SIX, Ginza Mitsukoshi, and Ginza Wako
- Hamarikyu Gardens: Traditional garden with a tea house offering scenic views
- Pedestrian Paradise: Main street closed to traffic on weekends for a pleasant stroll
Drawbacks โ
- Upscale and modern but lacks historical charm
- Everything is expensive (dining, accommodation, shopping)
- One of the most expensive areas in Tokyo
Ueno -- The Best Area for Museums & Budget Hotels โ
- Ueno area on Google Maps
- Quieter and more relaxed compared to other Tokyo neighborhoods
- Known for museums, Ueno Park, and traditional neighborhoods populated by locals
- Generally cheaper hotels
Notable Areas โ
- Ueno Station: Major railway hub with Shinkansen access to northern Japan
- Ueno Park: Home to temples, shrines, historic buildings, and museums
- Yanaka: Charming old Tokyo neighborhood with temples and a traditional vibe
Things to Do โ
- Ueno Zoo: Popular zoo featuring pandas and historic buildings
- Tokyo National Museum: Largest collection of Japanese art and history
- Shitamachi Museum: Showcases life in Tokyo during the Meiji and Taisho periods
Drawbacks โ
- A bit far from busier areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya
- Quiet in the evenings with limited nightlife
Asakusa -- Tokyo's Traditional East Side โ
- Asakusa area on Google Maps
- Retains traditional charm with temples, shrines, and rickshaws
- Great mid-range hotel options
- Feels like a piece of Kyoto in Tokyo
Notable Areas โ
- Tokyo Sky Tree: Tallest building in Tokyo with two observation decks
- Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo's oldest temple with stunning gates and pagodas
- Ryogoku: Home to sumo wrestling stadiums and museums
Things to Do โ
- Hanayashiki Theme Park: Japan's oldest amusement park with rides and attractions
- Sumida Park: Great for cherry blossoms in spring and fireworks in summer
- Taiko Drum Museum: Features hundreds of drums visitors can try playing
Drawbacks โ
- Not on the JR Yamanote Line; accessible via Ginza and Asakusa Lines
Akihabara & Iidabashi -- Geek Culture and Budget Accommodations โ
- Center of geek culture with manga, anime, and electronics
- Affordable accommodations in quiet residential areas nearby
- Easy access to the city via Akihabara and Asakusabashi stations
Notable Areas โ
- Akihabara: Hub for manga, anime, and electronic stores
- Iidabashi: Historic neighborhood with green parks and temples
- Jimbocho: Known for secondhand bookstores and cafes
Things to Do โ
- Manga & Action Figures: Shop for comics, video games, and collectibles
- Electronics Shopping: Yodabashi store and Akihabara Radio Center
- Maid Cafes: Experience quirky cafes where waitresses dress as French maids
Drawbacks โ
- Limited nightlife
- quiet in the evenings
- Very male-dominated area (opposite of Harajuku)
Roppongi -- Tokyo's Cosmopolitan Area โ
- Famous for entertainment, dining, and nightlife
- Popular with foreign visitors; menus often available in English
- Known for art museums, galleries, and luxury shopping
Notable Areas โ
- Roppongi Hills: Large entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and cinemas
- Tokyo Tower: Iconic observation tower offering great city views
- Teamlab Borderless: Popular digital art museum with interactive exhibits
Things to Do โ
- Zojo-ji Temple: Historic temple with a giant bell and beautiful grounds
- Atago-jinja Shrine: Scenic shrine with a giant stone stairway
Drawbacks โ
- Loud nightlife
- not on the JR Yamanote loop line
- One of the most expensive areas in Tokyo
Odaiba & Tokyo Bay -- Modern Family-Oriented Resorts โ
- Odaiba & Tokyo Bay area on Google Maps
- Resort-like hotels with family rooms and swimming pools
- High-tech entertainment hub with shopping centers, museums, and attractions
- Beautiful waterfront with promenades and views of the Rainbow Bridge
Notable Areas โ
- Odaiba Beach: Tokyo's only beach with promenades and sea breezes
- Rainbow Bridge: Iconic bridge connecting Odaiba and central Tokyo
- Fuji TV Building: Futuristic building with a globe-shaped observatory
Things to Do โ
- Statue of Liberty Odaiba: Replica of New York's statue with Rainbow Bridge in the background
- TeamLab Planets: Interactive digital art exhibit with water artwork
- Toyosu Market: Modern wholesale fish market with auctions and restaurants
Drawbacks โ
- Takes about 20 minutes to get to more central Tokyo areas
- Not as unique or charming as other Tokyo neighborhoods; feels more like a resort or American suburb
- Lots of children... they tend to cry...
Great Articles to Read โ
- Where To Stay In Tokyo - Our Favourite Areas & Hotels In Tokyo - Nerd Nomads
- Tokyo City Guide - What to do in Tokyo
- Tokyo neighborhoods - Area guides - Time Out Tokyo
Helpful Videos to Watch โ
- 101 Things to DO in TOKYO - Japan Guide to Secret Hidden Places - YouTube by Paolo fromTOKYO