10 Cool Neighborhoods to Explore in Tokyo
As Japan is a country that exudes beauty and a sense of adventure no matter what season you visit, one of the main gateways to the country, the capital Tokyo, is also a city full of fun and excitement.
Here are 10 of the coolest neighborhoods to explore when in Tokyo that will not only please your stomach, your eyes, but your mind as well.
1.Akihabara
Also known as “Akiba” for short, there are many places in Akihabara to explore. Once you exit the train station, you’ll notice that there are several shops specializing in certain genres, such as electronics, manga, and of course, anime. If you want to explore something less “technical”, but still cultural, then walk 7 minutes from JR Akihabara Station to Kanda Myojin Shrine. Perhaps some visitors may recognize this shrine to anime and drama, including the popular ‘Love Live!’ series. This 1,300-year-old shrine is not only one of Japan’s most historic shrines, but is also considered one of Japan’s “power spots,” especially for those who wish to pray for prosperity, good luck, and happiness. marriage.
2.Asakusa
If you’ve seen pictures of Tokyo, you may have come across Asakusa’s iconic “Kaminarimon”, the entrance to the popular “Nakamise” area (rows of small shops leading up to the famous Senso-ji Shrine). Walk around and explore the alleyways that surround the sanctuary, as it is full of shops, souvenirs, and specialty retail stores, as well as several restaurants. Japan’s oldest amusement park, Hanayashiki, is also located right near Senso-ji Shrine. It is compact in size, but is packed with fun attractions for all ages, even the youngest children.
Check out the various shapes of these bite-sized treats, as they differ slightly by store. Try one fresh out of the pan if you’re allowed, and don’t forget to pick up some for family and friends back home.
3.Ginza
Do you want to visit some high-end boutiques? Or maybe you want to enjoy a bit of Japan’s traditional stage performance? Then Ginza is the place for you.
Nightlife and boutiques
Although Ginza is also known for its nightlife, including an abundance of restaurants and nightclubs/bars, some of the most famous boutiques in the world can be found in this area.
kabukiza theater
Also, if you are in this area, take a walk to the famous “Kabuki-za Theatre”. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese play with a mix of acting, singing, and dancing, yet it has been performed with an all-male cast since the 16th century. It is one of Japan’s precious art forms that has been passed down from generation to generation of actors. If you’ve never heard of it, but are curious, I recommend doing some research before your trip. Tickets for a performance may need to be reserved in advance and/or translation devices may not be available.
Right next to the iconic Wako building, you may end up lining up to try Japan’s favorite bread, ‘anpan’ (‘An’ for sweet red bean paste, ‘pan’ for bread).
4. harajuku
Do you want to discover the latest “pop culture” from Japan?
Then Harajuku is a must-visit Tokyo destination for you. The popular “Takeshita-dori” is right next to the Harajuku JR train station. The 400-meter alley is often bustling with visitors with various retail stores and dining options, including Harajuku’s famous crepes.
Walk through the forest to the Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s busy districts, you’ll find a bit of serenity. Walk 3 minutes from the train station to the shrine entrance and spend some time there before your Harajuku shopping and dining experience.
5. Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is another area of Tokyo for entertainment and shopping, including the Sunshine City complex. A 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, the Sunshine City complex is home to many retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities: including the Sunshine City Aquarium and the Sunshine60 Observatory, an entertainment space for unique VR experiences and other fun activities. that use technology.
Live performance stage by the fountain
The performance stage by the fountain is famous for music fans to witness a live performance by their favorite artists. Depending on the schedule, you may have a chance to meet one of the live performances of J-Pop and foreign music artists during your visit one day.
6.Odaiba
Originally part of a series of man-made islands to help protect Edo (the former name for Tokyo) from sea raids in the mid-19th century, Odaiba is another popular tourist destination for a sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping experience. Across from the iconic Fuji TV broadcast building is a building that houses Joypolis, an indoor amusement park, run by SEGA. Also, don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the popular life-size Gundam robot located right next to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
Yes there are! Representing the friendship between Japan and France, a 1/7 scale version of the iconic New York symbol can be found in Odaiba. Don’t miss the view of Tokyo Bay, including the illuminated Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge at night.
7.Oshiage
For easy access, take the subway and head towards Oshiage, home to TOKYO SKYTREE, the world’s tallest “tower” at 634 meters high. There is a fee to visit the observatory platform, but the panoramic view of the city is impressive and each of the elevators has a seasonal theme, so even your trip is a unique experience. TOKYO SKYTREE is part of a shopping and entertainment complex, Solamachi, with a Sumida Aquarium, Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku, and more than 300 shops, including shops with Ghibli animation, Hello Kitty, fake food displays, souvenirs, and more.
See the TOKYO SKYTREE at night
The colors that illuminate the TOKYO SKYTREE change alternately every day (each with a unique name: ‘Iki’ (blue), ‘Miyabi’ (purple) and ‘Nobori’ (tangerine-orange). Check which color you will choose during your meeting. your visit!
8.Shibuya
Have you ever heard of any of the following: “Shibuya crossing”, “Shibuya centre-gai” and “Hachiko”? The areas surrounding JR Shibuya Station are a hotspot for tourists, including the huge junction, the alleys on the other side of the junction, and the statue of Hachiko, who showed devotion to its late owner, waiting for him at the station. train even after his death. A Hollywood remake of the well-known story was made in 2009.
9.Shinjuku
Shinjuku is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, also known as “Tokyo Tocho.” If you want to see the panoramic view of Tokyo, plan a trip to the observation deck on the top floor. It is open to the public. On a clear day you can have a beautiful clear view of the famous Mount Fuji. If you love to walk and also enjoy nature, add a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. During the spring, many flock to view the beautiful cherry blossoms throughout the 144-acre garden.
10. Ueno
Ueno is home to some of the best museums in the city. Located within Ueno Park, you can find the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, to name a few. It is also home to the beloved **Ueno Zoological Gardens, also known as “Ueno Zoo”, a 35-acre zoo that is home to more than 500 different animals, including the famous giant pandas, tigers, elephants, gorillas, etc.
Looking for souvenirs and bargains?
Set aside some time to visit the ‘Ameyoko’ shopping district. Discover the local vibe of the sellers by highlighting their featured offers and products. If you are looking for nice but reasonably priced gift items, this is the place.
One day is not enough to explore Tokyo
The Tokyo neighborhoods featured today are just a fraction of what’s within the city’s 23 wards. If you’re in Japan for a longer trip, be sure to set aside a few days to explore the various neighborhoods of Tokyo.
The city of Tokyo may just be a port of entry for your trip, so I hope you’ll plan some extra time to discover some of the other wonderful cities and areas within Japan, including Osaka, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Sapporo.
The most important thing is that you experience the “omotenashi” (Japanese hospitality) culture first hand whenever you decide to visit Japan.
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How far is it to tokyo airport?
Tokyo actually has two main airports: Haneda International Airport and Narita International Airport. If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, most of the world’s major airports have direct flights to/from any of these airports. Although Haneda Airport is relatively closer to the city, arriving at Narita Airport will also get you to the city center in about an hour, although this depends on your choice of transportation.
How far is Haneda International Airport from the city?
Haneda International Airport (HND) is located approximately 19 miles south, but it’s the closest airport to the city center if you’re ready to explore right away. From the airport, travelers can go to the city center by train, bus or taxi.
How far is Narita International Airport from the city?
Narita International Airport (NRT) is located in Chiba Prefecture and is approximately 37 miles east of the city center. There is a convenient fast train service, the Narita Express, which takes you directly from the airport to the city, albeit a bit.
