Tokyo Travel Guide, by the district

Did you know that Tokyo is the largest city in the world, with a population of more than 38 million people! Tokyo is made up of 23 “wards” or “districts”, which you can see detailed in the map below. You could spend months in Tokyo, and still not see it all. That is why this Tokyo travel guide will be useful for you, so you can strategically plan your visit, to your own individual preference. My Tokyo travel guide will give you an overview of each ward, and show you the major attractions in each district, and also what each district is best for. So whether it’s your first time, or 50th time visiting Tokyo, this guide will come in handy for planning your trip effectively!

Shibuya

Best for: first time visitors

Shibuya is a good place to base yourself if it is your first time visiting Tokyo. Shibuya is a busy area that houses the famous Shibuya Crossing. From daytime scenes of bustling streets full of restaurants and shops, to the vibrant nightlife and convenient transport links, Shibuya has it all. Don’t miss Takeshita Street! Head over to Shibuya Sky Observation Deck for amazing views over Tokyo, you can even see Mount Fuji from here on a clear day! If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature, Shibuya’s Yoyogi Park is the place to go, here you can see Meiji Jingu.

Shinjuku

Best for: Shopping & Nightlife

Shinjuku is also a great area to stay, if it’s your first time visiting Tokyo. When visiting Shinjuku you will find a concrete jungle decorated with neon lit skyscrapers. The iconic train station in Shinjuku has convenient transport links along with being a tourist attraction. For shopaholics, when visiting Shinjuku, you will be close to several huge department stores. For great views over Shinjuku, make your way to the Twin Towers! For some respite from the busy city, head over to the Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens.

Taitō

Best for: history & culture

If history and culture is your priority then say hello to Taitō! Taitō is an area that is full of history and you can really get a taste of local culture here. For an enjoyable cultural experience, head up Nakamise-Dōri shopping street, Pay a visit to Senso-Ji Temple, marvel at Hōzōman Gate, and Kaminarimon Temple. For adrenaline junkies, Hanayashiki Amusement Park can deliver this with its rides. Although not known for its great restaurants and nightlife, there is still decent options you’ll find on Asakusa Yokocho, Hoppy Street, and Nishi Sandi Shopping Street!

Chuō

Best for: Luxury Shopping

Chuō is the district where you’ll find the vibrant neighbourhood of Ginza. In Ginza central street, you will be surrounded a variety of luxury shopping opportunities. Make sure to check out Chuo Dori street and Yurakucho street! For views, make sure to visit Nagakin Capsule Tower. For those creatively inclined, you can find inspiration by visiting the Art Aquarium Museum or watch a show at the Kabukiza Theatre. For history lovers, you can visit the Seiko Museum. Visit the Honganji temple to add a splash of culture to your day! Find peace and tranquility at Mizutanibashi Park, and Hamarikyu Garden.

Sumida

Best for: Less touristy experience of local life

On the banks of the Sumida River, you’ll find the quaint neighbourhood of Sumida. This area is less touristy, and walking around streets such as Narihira Street, will give you a sense of the everyday life of the locals. Sumida is home to Tokyo Skytree, which you can view clearly from Sumida Park. Take a relaxing stroll along the Sumida River Walk. Visit Mixumachi (GOOGLE). For an enjoyable aquatic experience, drop in to Sumida Aquarium. If history is your thing, you can visit Ekōin Temple and museums such as the Hokusai Museum, Tobacco and Salt Museum, and Japanese Sword Museum. For Pokémon fans, you’ll find the Pokémon Centre in (GOOGLE). Retreat into nature at Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens and also at Ryogoku Park.

Bunkyo

Best for: Residential atmosphere

If you venture slightly North East of Shinjuku, you’ll stumble upon the charming residential area of Bunkyo. Home to a few of Tokyo’s most prestigious universities and culturally significant sites, Bunkyo really has a mix of old and new. Here you will find Tokyo Dome City and University of Tokyo. Take a walk through the Rikugien gardens, and Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens. Learn about the important historical Yushima Seido Shrine, and Nezu Shrine. Bunkyo also rates as the safest ward in Tokyo, with a crime rate of only 0.34%.

Toshima

Best for: Futuristic entertainment venue’s

Toshima sits just north of Shinjuku. Boasting some great viewing decks and electrifying, futuristic entertainment venue’s, Toshima is sure to impress those looking for breathtaking views, and an exciting nightlife experience. Pay a visit to Sunshine City Shopping mall, and embrace the Otaku culture. You will find Augmented Reality screens and Anime cartoons, decorating the mall’s interior. Climbing to the top floor, you can enter the Sunshine Aquarium. For outstanding views over Toshima, pay a visit to Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory. Add a splash of culture to your day by visiting the Shinshoji Temple.

Chiyoda

Best for: Central location with good transport links

One of the most central districts, Chiyoda is the home of the Prime Minister and current government. It also houses the popular tourist attractions such as, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Central Railway Station, and the Marunouchi Building. Hit up Nakadori street, and Manseibashi Bridge and shop at mAAch ecute Kanda, located under the bridge. Marvel at the Yodobashi Camera building and eat at the Maid Café. For a quieter experience, visit the Museum of Modern Art, Kanda Myojin Shrine, and Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. Consider basing yourself in Chiyoda, if you are looking to see a variety of Tokyo’s wards. With Chiyoda being so central, it has great transport links, which allows for a variety of sightseeing trips.

Minato

Best for: A sophisticated and wealthy experience

Home to Tokyo’s most wealthy, excellent museums, and Tokyo Tower itself, Minato is Tokyo’s largest business area, possessing company headquarters such as Honda, Mitsubishi, and Sony. Pay a visit to Minato’s largest park, Shiba Park. A green and serene oasis, that not only houses Zojoji Temple, but is also a popular spot for viewing Tokyo Tower, the defining icon of Minato’s skyline. Drop over to Roppongi Hills, where you can experience a sophisticated area full of Japanese-style gardens, movie theatres, high-end shops, restaurants, and also an observation deck. At night, go and see the Rainbow Bridge, a suspension bridge that illuminates in rainbow colors.

Shinagawa

Best for: Convenient hub, close to airport but also close to central Tokyo

On the banks of the Meguro river, lies the elegant Shinagawa. Located close to Haneda Airport, and having direct connections to Narita Airport, Shinagawa is is a convenient hub for those visiting Tokyo. Visit the Shinagawa Shrine, Shinagawa Aquarium. Escape into nature at Rinshinomori Park, Gotenyama Garden and Ikedayama Park. For shopping, visit Tennozu Isle, Musashi Koyama Shopping street, and Akita Shinagawa shopping street.

Koto

Best for: A lively, ocean-inspired experience

Koto is located in Eastern Tokyo. This district gives off island vibes, thanks to the surrounding waterside views of the Sumida River on the West, The Arakawa River on the East, and Tokyo Bay to the north. Toyosu and Odaiba are where you can find the increasingly popular tourist attractions of TeamLab exhibits. TeamLab Borderless is in Odaiba, and TeamLab Planets is in Toyosu, (Yes they are completely different). Unwind in Yumenoshima Park, Koyosumi Gardens or Wakasu Park. Visit historical sites such as Tomioka-hachimangu Shrine, and Kameido-tenjinsha Shrine. Enjoy a night at Tokyo’s largest nightclub-Ageha. Consider staying in Koto if you want a mixture of lively, ocean/island-inspired experiences.

Edogawa

Best for: Visiting DisneySea and DisneyLand

Edogawa is the Easternmost district in Tokyo. Edogawa is full of lush green parks where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Consider visiting Kansai Rinkai Park, Gyosen Park, Kadai Marine Park, Shinozaki Park, and Ukita Park. Edogawa also houses Japan’s tallest Ferris Wheel, Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel (117 metres). Stop at Tokyo Sea Life Park for an aquatic experience, and City Nature Zoo, for some animal encounters. If you are after an educational endeavor, visit the Tokyo Metro Museum. Home to over 600 pine trees, don’t forget to drop by Zenyo-ji. Just South of Edogawa, you’ll stumble across Tokyo DisneySea, and Tokyo DisneyLand. Consider basing yourself in Edogawa, if visiting Disney parks is top of your list while in Tokyo.

Nakano

Best for: Anime and Manga shops

Just one metro stop West of Shinjuku, Nakano is a quiet area, best known for it’s Shopping Mall, Nakano Broadway. This mall is full of vintage shops, Anime shops, Manga shops, with no shortage of items for Otakus. Nakano is not well known as the ideal place for Anime and Manga lovers, but not for good reason. Aside from Otaku culture, Nakano will provide visitors with a feeling of the Old Tokyo. Nakano is also Ramen heaven. Nakano can be easily done as an afternoon trip from one of the other districts.

Nerima

Best for: escaping the city, but remaining not too far

Nerima is a suburb a 10 minute metro ride west of Ikebukuro. Nerima prides itself on being the birthplace of the anime Nerima Daikon Brothers. Nerima is home to some anime animation studios. While in Nerima, escape the city and pay a visit to Shakuji Park, Hikarigaoka Park, and Heisei Tsutsuji Park. Don’t forget to incorporate Sanpoji Temple, for some culture. For adrenaline junkies, Toshimaen Amusement Park is a must. Harry Potter fans can do the Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo. Consider staying in Nerima to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, without being too far from all the action.

Itabashi

Best for: Serene, Riverside experience

Situated on the banks of the Arakawa river, you will find the laid back residential district of Itabashi. You can find Japan’s third largest bronze Buddha statue here, at Jorenji Temple. Four minutes from Shimura-Sanchome Station, you’ll find Shiroyama Kumano Shrine. Get your nature fix at Atasuka Botanical Gardens, and Mitsugi Park. For art lovers, you should visit the Itabashi Art Museum. Soak up some local Tokyo atmosphere at the shotengai shopping street Happy Road Oyama.

Kita

Best for: Ancient Castles, Shrines & Temples

Kita is a ward in the North of Tokyo that has a retro charm to it. Away from the bustling metropolis experience, Kita also offers remnants of the traditional landscape and culture of Tokyo. Visit Kita’s interesting Oji Shrine, Shōzoku Inara-Jinga Shrine, Nanasha-jinga Shrine, and Oji Inari Shrine. Escape the bustling metropolis at Kita’s parks, Kyu-Furukawa Teien Garden, Asukayama Park, and see the Asuka Park Rail and see the preserved railways. Visit the Asukayama Museum for a splash of history.

Adachi

Best for: Fireworks, and Wholesale markets

Adachi Ward is a hidden gem bursting with life and colour. Delve into the beauty of Toneri Park, and Motofuchie Park. Take a stroll through the historic halls of Nishiarai Daishi Temple, and Yasukuni Jinga. Have a blast at the Adachi Park of Living Things and enjoy the Sekido Museum of Art. This district is a foodie paradise with its traditional eateries and vibrant markets. Getting around is a breeze with great transport options like the Tobu Skytree Line and Tsukuba Express. Don’t forget to check out Jūgō Ginza Shopping Street. Adachi has the perfect blend of modern and old-school vibes with modern vibes. Annually over 60,0000 people gather to watch one of the most popular firework festivals, at the banks of the Arakawa River.

Arakawa

Best for: Traditional old-fashioned downtown vibes

With its gritty suburban vibe, Arakawa is an area that harbors reminders of pre-economic Tokyo, in conjunction with modern day Tokyo’s beautiful attractions. Spiritually fulfil yourself at Susanoo Shrine, Suwa Shrine, Ishihama Shrine. Take a stroll through Arakawa Nature Park, Shiori Park, and Nishi-Nippori Park. For museum fanatics, make a stop at Nurie Museum and Arakawa Furusato Cultural Museum. For casual sightseeing, make your way to Toden Arakawa Tram line, Shimogoinden Bridge. For adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers, stop off at Arakawa Amusement Park. Consider staying in Arakawa if you are craving a blend of nostalgia and newness in the old centre of Tokyo.

Katsushika

Best for: Classical, Japanese atmosphere

In the North-Eastern region of Tokyo, composed of 30 towns, featuring historical temples, and several frequented tourist spots, Katsushika is beloved for having a classical atmosphere. Wander around the Shibamata area, viisiting Shibamata Taishakuten, visit the retro shops and the beautiful Japanese Gardens. While in Katsushika, visit the beautiful Mizumoto Park, and Horikiri Shibuya Garden. Katsushika City Museum will offer you a chance to become educated about the history of the city. Visit Yamamoto Tei for an opportunity to sip Japanese tea, in an old Japanese residence surrounded by Japanese Gardens. Katsushika is the place to stay, if you are looking to experience a classical and elegant Old-Town Japanese atmosphere.

Suginami

Best for: Residential area with lots of green spaces

Located in Western Tokyo, Suginami is best known for it’s luscious green residential areas, and unique subcultures. You will find unique shrines and temples such as Asagaya Shrine, Omiya Hachiman Shrine, and Renko-ji Temple. Visit Koenji’s vintage boutiques and hipster cafes. You can pay a visit to Suginami Animation Studio and you will also find the popular Ghibli Museum here. For an escape to a green oasis, visit one of Suginami’s many parks such as, Wadabori Park, Zenpukuji Park, or Otaguro park. Visit Ogikubo, the birthplace of Harukiya Ramen. Explore areas such as Koenjikita and Asagayakita.

Setagaya

Best for: Peaceful experience close to central Tokyo

Just next door to the famous Shibuya area, and populated with an array of trendy neighbourhoods, Setagaya is a popular district in the South West region of Tokyo. Setagaya boasts views of the fantastic Mount Fuji, while also in a prime location for easy access to central Tokyo. Setagaya is a frequently visited area for tourists and locals alike due to the fact that it has many green spaces, cute shops, and an overall more down to earth feeling. Visit the temples of Gotokuji, Kuhonbutsu Joshinji and marvel at Shoin Shrine. Visit the trendy neighbourhoods of Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya. Take a stroll around Todoroki Valley and wonder at the well known, Todoroki Fudo Temple. Finally, visit the upscale area of Futako Tamagawa, where you can have authentic experiences at local restaurants and cafes. Don’t forget the gorgeous parks of Kinuta Park, Komazawa Park, and Setagaya Park.

Meguro

Best for: Cherry Blossom Viewing

Conveniently located on the JR Yamanote Line, Mita Subway Line, and the Tokyo Meguro Line, Meguro is a lively central area. Approximately 5 minutes from the famous Shibuya, Meguro is centered around the Meguro River, where densely packed Cherry Blossom trees become a popular destination for tourists in late March/early April. In Meguro you can pay a visit to the 100 Steps Staircase, Folk Crafts Museum, Parasitological Museum, and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. Visit the Meguro Sky Garden for breathtaking view over Meguro and the neighboring wards. For a splash of history and culture, take a stop at Himonya Catholic Church, and Daien-ji. Spend part of your day escaping the crowds by visiting Naka-Meguro Park.

Ota

Best for: Being close to the airport

Ota is a ward that is rich in culture, history and nature. Home to Haneda airport, Ota is a convenient location to base yourself, if you wish to be close to the airport. With its narrow, pedestrianized streets, Ota offers you a chance to immerse yourself into a more local Tokyo. Visit Anamori Inari Shrine, Senzokuike Park, Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Bourbon Road, and Ota market.