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The city of Tokyo, Japan is one of the largest cities in the world in both land mass and population and it has over 40 different neighborhoods within the metropolitan area alone!

Each neighborhood has its own unique and interesting characteristics that range from calm and serene to unique and flashy.

Tokyo is a city that has something for everyone from food lovers to people who want to dance from dusk until dawn.

This basic guide will help you navigate some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Tokyo.

Ginza – The Center of Luxury

Ginza (銀座) is a neighborhood in Tokyo that is known for its luxury shopping, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Ginza is home to the Alice In A Labyrinth Cafe (one of the most unique themed cafes in Tokyo), Kabukiza Theater (Japan’s largest and most famous Kabuki theater), and the largest Uniqlo store in the world!

Looking for more fun things to do in Ginza? Check out this great guide on 22 Things to Do in Ginza by Japan Talk.

Roppongi – Entertainment District

Roppongi (六本木) is a neighborhood in Tokyo that is known for its Roppongi Hills entertainment complex and its active nightlife, which is popular with the foreign crowd. In addition to the nightclubs in the area, there are numerous Japanese hostess clubs and bars that cater to a young crowd.

When you are in Roppongi, make sure you do not miss the mega discount store Don Quijote which sells a number of goods ranging from various flavored Japanese Kit Kats to carpeted toilet seat covers. Don Quijote is certainly a great place to get quirky Japanese items and gifts.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Roppongi, Time Out Tokyo put out a massive list of 101 Things to do in Roppongi.

Shibuya – Home of the Shibuya Crossing

The neighborhood of Shibuya (渋谷) is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo and is home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, which is the world’s busiest intersection. Shibuya also has numerous Japanese fashion stores and malls, such as Shibuya 109. Additionally, you can also find Hachikō, a statue of Japan’s most loyal dog, in this neighborhood.

If you are looking for an inexpensive sushi experience in Tokyo, head over to UOEBI Sushi which is known for their ‘conveyor belt sushi’.

If you are looking for a nice place to relax and escape the busy city life, head over to the serene Yoyogi Park, which transports you out of the hectic city and into peacefulness.

Shibuya can seem daunting and chaotic for many visitors. Don’t let the crowds and lights in Shibuya overwhelm you; check out this guide to 52 Things to Do in Shibuya to help you to narrow down things that you want to do in the area.

Shinjuku – Peaceful and Exciting

Shinjuku (新宿区) is another one of the busiest neighborhoods in Tokyo.

The neighborhood is home to the famous Shinjuku Station, which serves over 2 million passengers per day. It is also home to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city’s largest and most popular parks. The Robot Restaurant, a themed restaurant with dancing robots, can also be found here, along with Golden Gai, a small nightlife district packed with a couple hundred restaurants and bar. 

Since the Shinjuku neighborhood is so busy, there are a number of things to do in the area. Luckily, Tokyo Cheapo created a great guide to help narrow down your options in their list entitled ‘Top 10 Free Things to Do in Shinjuku‘.

Asakusa – Center of Spirituality

Asakusa (浅草) is a neighborhood in Tokyo that is most well-known for the famous Senso-ji  Temple, which isa famous Buddhist temple where you can have your fortune told.

Asakusa is also well known for the famous Kappabashi Street, where you can find any kind of kitchenware that you could imagine.

In addition to the more popular sights, make sure to also try the smallest sushi in the world at Sushiya No Nohachi and travel to the top of the Asakusa Tourist Information Center to get stunning (and free) views of Asakusa.

Looking for alternative things to see and do in Asakusa? Consider checking out 10 Fun Free (and Cheap) Things to Do in Asakusa by Tokyo Cheapo.

Akihabara – Otaku Central

Akihabara (秋葉原), or Akiba for short, is a neighborhood in Tokyo that is well known for its numerous electronics shops (including Yodobashi Camera), games, maid cafes, and Otaku culture.

Looking to visit Akihabara on the cheap? Check out the Top 5 Cheap (and Free) Things to do in Akihabara by Tokyo Cheapo.

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This list only dented the surface of all of the wonderful things to do and see within the city of Tokyo, Japan.

Other fun and interesting places to check out in Tokyo that may be of interest are :

• The Tsukiji Fish Market
• The neighborhood of Harajuku, where you can find the popular Harajuku girls
• The island of Tsukishima (where you can find one of the city’s popular owl cafes).

If you are looking for somewhere to stay during your trip, consider checking out the beautiful Park Hotel Tokyo, conveniently located in the Shiodome area of Tokyo.

Alternatively, there are a number of great Airbnb properties in the city and there are also a number of hotels you can book through Booking.com – check out all of your options!

Looking to experience more in Tokyo? Consider checking out some of the activities below: