8 Must-See Tokyo Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Shibuya is home to one of Tokyo’s most defining images: Shibuya Crossing. One of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings, hundreds of people scurry across the road all at once when the pedestrian signal turns green. Throughout the neighborhood, Shibuya brims with vibrant energy thanks to the glowing neon lights of boutiques, record stores, and bars. Get an insider’s view of the neighborhood on a walking tour or discover its best eateries on a nighttime food tour.

Rivaling Shibuya as the most representative picture of modern Tokyo, Shinjuku feels like visiting the future. The neighborhood’s wall-to-wall neon lights and crowded, tiny alleyways seem an obvious inspiration for the futuristic cityscape depicted in “Blade Runner.” This is Tokyo’s biggest nightlife district, and the small bars that line the alleys are full of atmosphere but can be tricky for foreigners to navigate; a bar-hopping tour is the key to opening those doors. While you’re there, take in the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and stroll through the surprisingly serene Shinjuku-gyoen park.

Between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Harajuku is on the cutting edge of Tokyo’s youth culture. Quirky boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and cosplay shops line Takeshita-dori, which is almost always crowded with flamboyantly dressed teens and 20-somethings. It’s also the home of kawaii (“cute”) culture (think Hello Kitty, Pikachu, mascots, and “Lolita” fashion aesthetics). Get a taste of how the culture influences cuisine on a kawaii food tour, and learn about the area’s various subcultures on a walking tour. If the crowds and cuteness overwhelm you, head for the Meiji-jingu shrine for a calmer, more traditional Harajuku experience.

Sitting along the Sumida River, Asakusa offers a taste of Tokyo’s more traditional side. The neighborhood is centered around the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and the historic shopping street of Nakamise-dori, where you can peruse stalls and stores for Japanese street snacks and souvenirs. A rickshaw tour is a fun and effortless way to see the area, and traditional activities such as a tea ceremony offer insights into Japanese culture. For a different perspective of the area, visit Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest building.

Related: Experiencing Old and New Tokyo

Travelers in search of Tokyo's premier department stores, restaurants, and kabuki theaters can find it all in Ginza. This high-end hot spot is home to the flagship stores for some of the country's top fashion houses. Even if you don’t have the cash to splash, you can stroll along Chuo-dori and check out the stores’ extravagant displays or admire the neighborhood’s architecture. For the ideal experience, visit on a Saturday or Sunday between noon and 5pm when Chuo-dori is open to pedestrians only.

The Meguro River flows through this neighborhood, lined by a promenade where you’ll find a number of charming cafés and restaurants. In spring, the cherry trees that line the river burst into bloom and are lit up at night, creating a magical cherry blossom viewing experience. Even when it’s not cherry blossom season, you can still stroll along the quiet river paths in Nakameguro, stopping into bookshops and hip concept boutiques.

Typically overlooked by tourists, Yanaka exudes an ‘old Tokyo’ atmosphere, mainly because it was spared bombings during the Second World War. The neighborhood has a nostalgic feel, featuring well-preserved buildings and residential character. It’s a great place to spend a few hours strolling the streets and sampling snacks from some of the area’s many traditional food vendors.

Odaiba is a large, artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Access it from the rest of Tokyo via the Rainbow Bridge. This is where locals and tourists gather to shop at the malls, dine at the restaurants, and explore attractions such as the Joypolis indoor theme park. It’s also home to Odaiba Seaside Park, central Tokyo’s only beach.