Tokyo is not only the biggest city in Japan but one of the most populated in the entire world. I always say that Tokyo is the New York of Japan and just like New York, there are many different areas to explore. Here is a quick overview of all the major areas to explore in Tokyo!
Shibuya is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment areas of Tokyo, specifically geared towards the youth. It’s filled with different department stores including my favorites like Shibuya 109 for young girls, Shibuya PARCO for more high-end fashion, and Miyashita Park for cool souvenirs. There are multiple iconic sites such as Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko Dog Statue but I feel that they’re a bit overrated. The food in this area is pretty good but more geared towards sensationalism instead of taste so it’s great to show off on Instagram. What makes it even better is that it is so central in Tokyo, it is within walking distance to other famous Tokyo districts such as Harajuku and Omotesando!
Harajuku is a very fun and busy area for a younger audience that are trying to scope out what the top trends are in Japan. The most iconic place in Harajuku is Takeshita-dori, the packed street lined with cute stores and cafes, crepe cafes being very common. While Takeshita-dori is fun, if you keep walking down this road you will eventually get to Ura-Hara, aka the backstreets of Harajuku. This is where a lot of cooler, more lowkey stores are, including some second-hand stores like Second Street. Popular attractions like Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu are also in the Harajuku area so be sure to check those out too!
If Harajuku isn’t really your style, Omotesando is definitely a great option for more mature shopping. Filled with designer stores, high-end restaurants, and luxurious beauty services, it is a much more pleasant setting than the rowdy Harajuku or Shibuya. Some of my favorite restaurants are in this area but most of the food scene is focused on the sensational, trendy side. Many people, including myself, love touching up on my looks with eyelash extension services or hair cuts done in the beautiful Omotesando area.
If Omotesando doesn’t satisfy your high-class palette, Ginza is sure to do the job. It is one of the most expensive areas of Japan, similar to 5th street in New York City. Not only do they have long standing, established brands residing there such as Louis Vuitton or Hermes in their cool buildings, they also have trendy pop-up shops in the area, currently featuring Onitsuka Tiger. They also have department stores like the long-standing Mitsukoshi or modern Ginza Six to look around in. Ginza’s food scene is very good, and while most of the restaurants are high-end, if you know where to go, you can find many wallet-friendly options.
For districts with more cultural richness instead of material richness, Ueno is a very nice area to explore. It is filled with calm nature scenes, usually found in Ueno Park or surrounding any one of the giant museums there such as the Tokyo National Museum. The most prestigious art school, Tokyo University of the Arts, also resides in Ueno and the students there host free entry school festivals that are definitely interesting to go and check out. A little further from the calm tranquility of Ueno nature, there is also Ameya-Yokocho. This is an American inspired, rowdy outside shopping center filled with izakaya bars, thrift stores, and other grungy goods. Go and check out this heavily underrated, cultural area of Tokyo!
To finish off part one of my quick guide to Tokyo, I’m going to explain Roppongi which is an area in Tokyo that is a good mix of every other district we’ve talked about so far. Roppongi is probably most notable because in the area, there is the very famous Tokyo Tower which you can pay to go in and explore! Although the Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa is my personal favorite, the Tokyo Tower is still a great place to go and check out. In this area, there are also many museums, including the Mori Art Museum which I enjoy visiting due to not only the interesting artwork they have but the beautiful views you get to see from the building. Finish off your day in Roppongi by enjoying the elegant nightlife there!
