City of Tokyo remains under chaos as riots continue to escalate following controversial election results
**Exploring Tokyo: A Guide to the City's Best Neighborhoods**
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. For a first-time tourist, Tokyo within its 23 wards presents a myriad of experiences, each neighbourhood offering a distinct flavour of the city's vibrant culture, pulsating energy, and rich history. Here are the top areas highly recommended for a well-rounded exploration of Tokyo.
**Shibuya** Known for the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, Shibuya symbolises Tokyo's pulsating energy. This hub of youth culture, fashion, and nightlife is also home to nearby Harajuku, famous for its quirky and eclectic street fashion, unique boutiques, and vibrant atmosphere. Great for shopping, dining, and experiencing modern urban Tokyo, Shibuya is a must-visit.
**Shinjuku** A major commercial and entertainment center, Shinjuku boasts towering skyscrapers and a lively nightlife. Offering easy transportation access and iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with free observation decks, Shinjuku is a bustling area with endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
**Asakusa** Famous for the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and the charming Nakamise Shopping Street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs, Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with a backpacker-friendly vibe and affordable food options. Close to Ueno Park, ideal for museums and leisurely strolls, Asakusa is a must-visit for those seeking a cultural experience.
**Akihabara** The centre of anime, manga, and electronics culture, Akihabara is a must-visit for tech enthusiasts and pop culture fans. Features unique attractions like maid cafes and vast arcades make Akihabara a quirky and exciting destination.
**Ginza** Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, Ginza is packed with luxury boutiques, department stores, and fine dining. A contrast to youthful Shibuya, Ginza offers an opportunity to experience Tokyo’s high-end retail and sophisticated atmosphere.
**Kagurazaka** Historic neighbourhood Kagurazaka, once a geisha district, now offers a blend of traditional Japanese charm and French influences. Known for narrow side streets, traditional eateries, and fusion cuisine, Kagurazaka is nicknamed “Little Paris.”
**Jimbocho** The book lover’s paradise, Jimbocho is home to over 150 second-hand bookstores selling rare and vintage books and manga. Offering a quieter, unique cultural experience distinct from the typical tourist routes, Jimbocho is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts.
For a first visit, prioritise Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ginza for a balance of Tokyo’s modern buzz, history, and culture. Adding Kagurazaka and Jimbocho offers deeper, more unique experiences if time allows.
Tokyo is connected to the rest of the world by the two international airports of Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Tours can be customised according to one's preferences, such as watching sumo morning practice or attending sumo tournaments in odd months. The city's Shinkansen lines make it easy to explore the surrounding areas. The best way to discover Tokyo is by letting a local guide show you the best places.
With over 13 million inhabitants and covering an area of approximately 2,194 km2, Tokyo offers a variety of great experiences, beautiful places, and fun things to do. From private tours and cultural tours to food tours, workshops, and sumo tours, Tokyo offers a wealth of options for visitors. To learn more about the different tours, experiences, and services offered in Tokyo, click on the button below. Clicking on the images in the article provides more information about things to do in and around Tokyo. Following the company on Instagram or Facebook offers travel inspiration and the opportunity to get featured. The company provides services for events in Tokyo, events by month, things to do by season, and tours & tickets for Tokyo.
- Tokyo's Shibuya district, famous for the Shibuya Crossing and Harajuku's quirky fashion, is perfect for shopping, dining, and immersing in modern urban experiences.
- Shinjuku, a major commercial and entertainment center, showcases towering skyscrapers, an iconic government building with free observation decks, and numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Asakusa, with its historic Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, offers a glimpse of old Tokyo, while being close to museum-rich Ueno Park, making it ideal for a cultural experience.
- Akihabara, the center of anime, manga, and electronics culture, is a must-visit for tech enthusiasts and pop culture fans, featuring unique attractions like maid cafes and vast arcades.
- Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, offers luxury boutiques, department stores, and fine dining, providing an opportunity to experience the city's high-end retail and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Kagurazaka, a historic neighborhood once a geisha district, now offers a blend of traditional Japanese charm and French influences, with narrow side streets, traditional eateries, and fusion cuisine earning it the nickname “Little Paris.”
- Jimbocho, home to over 150 second-hand bookstores, is a haven for literature enthusiasts, offering a quieter, unique cultural experience distinct from the typical tourist routes.
- Exploring Tokyo is best done by customizing tours according to preferences, such as watching sumo morning practice or attending sumo tournaments, or exploring the surrounding areas using the city's Shinkansen lines.
