Tokyo: where the past and future collide to create one of the most populated metropolitan cities in the world. After three times visiting this city, I’ve spent about three weeks in total here and it still wasn’t enough. I’ve always found it easier to break the city down into neighbourhoods, as thinking of it in its entirety can be quite daunting.

While the city itself is quite large, the train system connects all these neighbourhoods and allows for easy access straight into the heart of each area. The majority are located along the JR East Yamanote Line, if not you will find that you can connect to another line via the Yamanote to get to each area.

Here’s my guide to 11 of Tokyo’s neighbourhoods that will keep you busy exploring for days:

- Shibuya -

Step out of one of the busiest train stations in the world and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Shibuya. The main attraction is also one of the ‘world’s busiest’ and that is the Shibuya Crossing, of course! The best views are found from Starbucks and other buildings looking down on the crossing.

Shibuya’s nightlife is probably my favourite; you’ll find a myriad of karaoke bars and cheap restaurants where you can treat yourself to ramen and gyoza in the back laneways! One of the best area’s for shopping is also Shibuya, where you’ll find the usual chain stores.

Getting there: Take the train to Shibuya Station.

- Harajuku -

I think Harajuku has to be one of my favourite areas in Tokyo. It’s the quirkiest little neighbourhood complete with cat, owl and rabbit cafes, fresh crepes, Harajuku girls and unique stores. Fashion is big in Harajuku. Wander around the back areas and you’ll find vintage stores amongst popular chain stores as well as themed food cafes, too!

Takeshita Dori is the main street, where you’ll find tourists flock to. Despite it’s popularity, the prices are still reasonable and I love grabbing a crepe and buying cute accessories and clothes.

Next to the train station, you’ll find the famous Meiji Jingu Shrine, another popular tourist attraction. Wander the path past saki barrels and you’ll find yourself amongst the temple and might even spot a wedding or other traditional celebrations.

Getting there: Train to Harajuku Station.

Crepe from Takeshita Dori // Parfaits from Nicolas Charles bunny cafe

Escaping the crowds in Yoyogi Park

- Yoyogi -

I always find myself coming back to Yoyogi. The park is just beautiful whatever season you choose to visit. I found the Autumn leaves in colours of vibrant yellows and reds to be my favourite; imagine piles of leaves you want to just dive into and colours you cannot believe are real! People love to walk their dogs and exercise in the park.

During Sakura season, you’ll find hundreds of locals having Hanami under the cherry blossom trees. It’s definitely a great place to sit amongst the blossoms.

Getting there: While there is a Yoyogi train stop, if you want to get to the park, you can easily walk from Harajuku Station.

Autumn in Yoyogi Park

Shinjuku Gyoen

- Shinjuku -

Another popular stop for first timers to Tokyo. Shinjuku is known as a business district, complete with towering skyscrapers, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and Shinjuku Gyoen. Amongst the bright neon lights, you’ll find the Tokyo’s red light district. If you’re looking for some nightlife, this is where you’ll find it, though I would recommend other areas.

For views over Tokyo on a clear day, head up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Not only is it great for a birds eye view, but it’s free, too!

Getting there: Train to Shinjuku station.

- Ueno -

Here most tourists will visit for the Ueno Zoo as well as Ueno Park. I visited during Cherry Blossom Season, and I just found a sea of people. Despite this, the blossoms here are just magical! Wander around the park, have lunch and then follow the paths down to the lake where you can rent row boats and eat at food trucks.

Getting there: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line bound of Asakusa to Ueno Station.

- Ginza -

Looking for luxury? Look no further than Ginza. Here you’ll find the high end stores and luxury brands. I was here on a Sunday and you’ll find that they close the streets for pedestrians to wander with freedom. In this area, you’ll also find the Kabuki-za, which is well-known for its Japanese Kabuki traditional theatre dramas.

Getting there: The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line bound for Asakusa will get you to Ginza Station.

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Tokyo Tower by night // Source

- Roppongi -

For art and nightlife, you have to come to Roppongi. This district is great for it’s nightclubs where foreigners party until the sun comes up. By day, you can find museums and shops in the area. In Roppongi Hills, you’ll find the main attraction in the neighbourhood; a shopping centre filled with shops, food and more entertainment.

Not too far away you can find the iconic, bright red Tokyo Tower, too.

Getting there: Train to Roppongi Station.

Art in Roppongi // Source

- Odaiba -

New York…oh wait, you’re still in Japan. While the Statue of Liberty may seem a bit odd, this relatively new neighbourhood is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the touristy neighbourhoods. Adobe is built on a man-made island and is located in Tokyo Bay where you’ll find it is connected to Tokyo via the Rainbow Bridge.

I would say this area is quite futuristic, being complete with a giant robot and all. For entertainment, head to Aqua City for the gaming arcades and shopping.

Getting there: From the Yamanote Line, get off at Shimbashi, connect to Yurikamome and then continue on to Odaiba City. It would take about 30 minutes from Shibuya Station.

- Akihabara -

As Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to technology, you have to check out Akihabara, otherwise known as electric town. If you’re looking for anything electronic from a charger to a camera or computer, you can find it in one or all of these 200 or so stores. Also, if you’re a fan of anime, manga and video games, you’ll find it all here.

Getting there: Take the Yamanote Line to Akihabara Station.

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- Shimokitazawa -

A quaint, hip little neighbourhood free of many tourists and full of vintage stores and cute shopfronts. You’ll also find cafes, bars and live music in the area. Despite being just minutes out of Shibuya Station, you’ll feel far far away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Getting there: Take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station or the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya Station.

- Asakusa -

A neighbourhood where you’ll find the old atmosphere of past decades in Tokyo still remains. Tourists flock here to see the Sensoji Buddhist Temple that was built in the 7th(!) century. As you make your way to the temple, you’ll find the Nakamise that is a shopping street filled with touristy souvenirs and traditional foods. I escaped the tourist crowds and wandered the backstreets to find some great laneways filled with restaurants and shops as well as other shrines and temples.

Not far from here is where you’ll find the Tokyo Skytree that offers stunning views over the city and is quite popular amongst tourists.

Getting there: Take the Yamanote Line to Yoyogi and then take the JR Chuo.Sobu Line bound for Tsudanuma to Asakusa Station.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO TOKYO? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE NEIGHBOURHOOD?

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