Tokyo Districts

Above, Ginza Crossing.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In Tokyo, there are several districts that visitors will want to see during their stay in Japan. Each has their own distinct character to them. These are some that a first-time visitor should see.

Shinjuku is known as the entertainment district and it also has an abundance of large stores. It also contains a large number of high-rise buildings, including the Metropolitan Government Office. There are also a number of luxury hotels. Kabuki-cho is loaded with restaurants and theaters.

Ikebukuro contains many assorted shops as well as the planetarium and theme parks. A new "electric town" has recently been added to the district consisting of several large appliance stores.

Akihabara is best known as Tokyo's big "Electric Town" where appliances and electronics of every kind can be found. It is also known as the district where the latest trends of Japanese otaku culture originates. On weekends, people dressed in their favorite anime characters crowd the district.

Above, the Wako Dept. Store in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ginza is Tokyo's fashion district is where many department stores and famous brand shops are plentiful. There are many long-established bars and restaurants here. It is also close to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market and the nearby sushi and other restaurants offering the freshest in Japanese cuisine.

Roppongi is an entertainment district that is near many foreign embassies. This provides an internation atmosphere to the restaurants and bars. This district is a popular hang-out for foreigners. Besides dining and shopping, there are several art museums to visit.

Harajuku is one of the most popular areas of Tokyo for students. It is loaded with designer stores that caters to the youth fashion culture. Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine are in this district.

Above, the Shibuya 109 department store.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shibuya is another favorite shopping district for the youth of Tokyo. Here, many shops, bars and restaurants can be found.

Odaiba is across Tokyo Bay and can be easily reached via the Rainbow Bridge. Television stations, shopping, theme parks, entertainment facilities and a swimming beach are just some of the attractions in this district. There is also a park containing barbecue equipment for picnics.

Asakusa is where visitors can enjoy a blend of traditional and modern Japan. There are plenty of shops where visitors can pick up souvenirs of their visit. Nakamise Street, which is the approachway to Senso-ji temple, has a great assortment of shops. Nearby is the Sumida River and the Asakusa water taxi station where visitors can take a ride down the river to Tokyo Bay.