Tokyo is a must-visit for many. The best way to plan out the rest of your trip is to know the best neighborhoods in Tokyo to visit and stay at.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo are Shibuya, Shinjuku, Marunouchi, Ginza, and Harajuku. Roppongi, Asakusa, Akihabara, Odaiba, Koenji, and Ebisu are also popular among locals and tourists alike.
Tokyo’s popular neighborhoods are known to be a mix of modern and traditional or nightlife and quiet.
Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo: Where to Stay and Explore
Tokyo is a huge city. It would be smart for travelers to know the best neighborhoods in Tokyo, where to stay, and where to explore.
- Shibuya
Shibuya is home to the most famous and busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with as many as 3,000 people crossing at the same time.
It’s a vibrant neighborhood that attracts youths to central Tokyo, earning the title of Japan’s “youth capital”.
Shibuya’s streets are packed with trendy restaurants and shopping boutiques. It’s especially energetic at night when bar hopping and dancing are at their peak.
Also situated in front of Shibuya station is the memorial statue of Hachiko, Japan’s most loyal dog. Shibuya is home to numerous affordable but nice hotels that many travelers on a budget flock to.
- Shinjuku
Shinjuku boasts an electric neighborhood with some of the city’s tallest buildings and skyscrapers, giving it a modern touch.
The streets are packed with modern and traditional restaurants, bars, shops, street food eateries, and karaoke joints.
Make sure to make a stop at the Shinjuku Gyoen Park. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy Japan’s famous cherry blossoms trees. It was turned into a public park after World War II and tourists have no trouble visiting it.
It’s home to affordable and nice hotels to stay at during your visit and offers accessible public transportation.
- Marunouchi
If you want to stay at the center of everything Japan has to offer, you can stay at Marunouchi. It’s the surrounding Tokyo Station area and is Tokyo’s central district.
Marunouchi is home to both old and traditional structures and modern and tall skyscrapers, a merger between two worlds.
Many tourists who couldn’t seem to decide which of the many neighborhoods to stay in ended up choosing Marunouchi. It’s well-connected to the rest of Tokyo (and Japan) and is therefore favored for this convenience.
- Ginza
Ginza is a hot and trendy shopping center in Tokyo. It’s packed with department stores that are home to numerous brands you could ever think of – from high-class to mid-range to budget-friendly.
The neighborhood is also home to various restaurants, many of which hold at least one Michelin star. There are also more budget-friendly food options for those who want to avoid splurging on food.
- Harajuku
Harajuku is a central location of Japan’s fashion and youth culture. Visitors who love fashion must make sure they gear their trip towards Harajuku.
The neighborhood is home to countless shops and boutiques that invite the youth over for a fashion adventure. While most boutiques plastered on the street are mid-range and budget-friendly, one can still find higher-end boutiques.
- Roppongi
Roppongi is another famous Tokyo neighborhood that visitors flock to visit for its vibrant and energetic nightlife. Bars and nightclubs surround the area for the energetic youth of Japan and foreign tourists.
It’s also home to Japan’s Mori Art Museum and National Art Center, making it a hotspot for visitors with an eye for art. Roppongi connects Chiyoda (location of the Imperial Palace) and Shibuya.
- Asakusa
Suppose you want to experience Japanese tradition and culture, head to Asakusa. This is a hotspot for history buffs as well.
If you want to experience urban Japan at its core, this is the place to go. The streets also have traditional shops selling traditional food, snacks, and souvenirs.
Asakusa is home to one of the oldest temples in Japan: the famous Sensoji.
- Akihabara
Akihabara is Tokyo’s anime center. It’s a popular destination for fans of anime and manga. It’s also known for being a center of electronics and pop culture.
Here you can find numerous shops that sell mangas, video games, and anime memorabilia. Affordable electronics are also available here.
The streets are lined with affordable and casual restaurants and cafes, including many famous maid cafes.
- Tokyo Bay and Odaiba
Tokyo Bay spans different wards and areas that go from Minato, which is downtown Tokyo, all through the western part of Chiba – the location of Tokyo Disneyland. Odaiba, an artificial island, connects to Minato by the Rainbow Bridge.
Tokyo Bay and Odaiba are a great place to visit and stay in for family tourists. They offer a different vibe from the city, ensuring kid and family-friendliness.
There are various parks and theme parks that families and kids can enjoy throughout their stay in Tokyo.
- Koenji
Koenji is more famous among locals and only a few tourists know to visit it. This makes it a more peaceful destination for anyone who wants to experience Tokyo without the huge crowd.
The streets are lined with vintage stores, stylish shops, record stores, and small music bars. It’s a center for alternative music and hipster culture. Bookstores also line the streets for anyone who enjoys a book or two.
Restaurants, stalls, and small eateries are also abundant for the full Tokyo experience. It’s only a short ride from Shinjuku station, providing easy access.
- Ebisu
Ebisu is a quieter and more peaceful urban hub with a more laid-back vibe compared to the bustling city. It’s more of a residential area than a tourist area so it’s the perfect neighborhood to stay in if you want some of that quiet. Still, it offers easy accessibility to the rest of Tokyo and the more famous tourist areas and entertainment options.
Just a short walk from Ebisu is another laid-back neighborhood called Naka-Meguro.
What Area to Stay In Tokyo: Stay Near a Tokyo Station
Generally, the best area to stay in Tokyo is one that is convenient. And by convenience, this means being situated near a train or subway station. If you can, try to stay near a Yamanote line station, also known as the Tokyo loop line.
Not only will this make going around Tokyo much easier for you but also means you are well-connected to the rest of the city, wherever you stay – whether that’s a rural or urban neighborhood.
Being near and within easy walking distance of restaurants and eateries is also a good thing because you won’t have to worry or travel far when you find yourself hungry in the middle of the night or after a day of traveling.
Though modern hotels, luxury hotels, business hotels, and capsule hotels are now the majority of accommodation options, you can still find traditional Japanese inns called Ryokan in the city among some of its best hotels.
Conclusion
Tokyo is a popular travel destination. In planning your next Japan trip, you should know the best neighborhoods in Tokyo you can visit and stay at.
Tokyo is home to many beautiful neighborhoods that offer a range of fun activities. Some popular places for visitors include Shibuya, Shinjuku, Marunouchi, Ginza, and Harajuku. Other popular destinations also include Roppongi, Asakusa, Akihabara, Odaiba, Keonji, and Ebisu.
Tokyo’s neighborhoods are a mix of modern nightlife and quiet traditions. Which neighborhood you should stay in would depend on the rest of your Japan holiday plans.
