Partners Information: The vibrant metropolis of Tokyo boasts a seemingly endless number of districts and neighbourhoods, each with its own unique style and atmosphere. The contrast and diversity of each area entertains and inspires as old traditions meet the modern world.
Residents love nothing more than to explore these diverse neighbourhoods on a day off, spending the day wandering the streets and sampling local fare and refreshments. Here are five areas much loved by locals – which will you explore on your next trip to Japan’s eclectic capital?
1. Asakusa & Kappabashi
Tokyo’s downtown historic heart & Kitchen town
Looking for true Japanese traditions, arts and crafts with a local downtown atmosphere? Welcome to Asakusa, home to the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, Sensoji, and the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its giant red lantern. Step through the gate to explore the bustling stalls lining Nakamise Street, and after you’ve taken your fill of the snacks and souvenirs on offer, wander to Sumida Park for spectacular views of Tokyo’s tallest landmark, Tokyo Skytree®.
Neighbouring Kappabashi, Tokyo’s famous kitchenware district, is within walking distance of Asakusa. Most stores specialise in cooking and catering goods as well as traditional and modern hospitality items such as plastic food models, ceramics and knives. You can even get your name engraved on a world-class quality knife, making for a unique and practical memento of your time in Tokyo.
2. Yanaka & Nezu
Local downtown life with a retro vibe
The areas of Yanaka and Nezu escaped major damage during the second world war and natural disasters and have consequently retained a nostalgic feel. Often referred to as Tokyo’s ‘shitamachi’ (downtown), the general vibe is friendly, retro and charming.
Historic sites such as Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine are tucked away among small back alleys and traditional wooden buildings, some of which have been refurbished into café and art galleries. Hagiso is a renovated wooden apartment building transformed into a hip café and gallery, and Scai the Bathhouse is a former sento (public bathhouse) that has been turned into a contemporary art gallery.
To fill your stomach after all that exploring, head to the retro shopping street Yanaka Ginza. Home to some 70 shops, indulge in street food and Japanese snacks such as juicy pork cutlets, grilled squid and freshly grilled senbei (rice crackers).
3. Nakameguro
Cool café, bars and bookstores—a hub for hip sophisticates
Centred around the Meguro River, Nakameguro is home to countless trendy cafes and restaurants, stylish interior and accessory shops and the newly developed Nakameguro Koukashita—700 metres of bars and stores.
A wander along the banks of the Meguro River is arguably the best way to experience the charms of the area. It is especially scenic in late March and early April when the sakura trees create an ultra-photogenic tunnel of pink, but also means it's one of the busiest times.
4. Kagurazaka
Where Japanese tradition meets French chic
This trendy neighbourhood near Shinjuku was once a lively geisha district. A few houses still stand to this day and the quiet backstreets also reveal signs of the area's geisha heritage, with elegant traditional ryotei restaurants and kimono stores flanked by modern Michelin-starred establishments and minimalist galleries.
During the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912) Kagurazaka became a bustling entertainment and shopping district and to this day remains a popular area to visit for its mix of shrines, trendy cafés and fashionable new stores. It is also referred to as Tokyo's ‘little Paris’ due to its cobbled streets, French schools and French restaurants.
5. Kichijoji
A day in the park followed by the fun of cool standing bars
This hip neighbourhood is often voted by Tokyoites as one of the places they would most like to live in. Kichijoji Station is minutes away from Inokashira Park, home to the famed Ghibli Museum, and is also relatively close to Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Spend the day unwinding at the park and exploring the area’s many boutiques, cafés and restaurants, then head to the standing bars of Harmonica Yokocho Alley in the evening.
