Explore
TOKYO
This guide divides Tokyo into three color-coded sightseeing areas, as shown on this map. Find out more about each area on the following pages. For sights outside the city center, and for areas beyond Tokyo.
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Western Tokyo
Youthful and fast-paced, Western Tokyo is the place to see tomorrow’s trends emerging. Roppongi’s cool cocktail bars and packed clubs sit alongside cutting-edge culture in the Art Triangle, while the Shinjuku district is full of incredible skyscrapers and towers that give the city a futuristic air. But even here, Japan’s stately past and traditional culture are easy to see, particularly in the magnificent Meiji Shrine, sitting in the vast Yoyogi Park by the fashion district of Harajuku.
Best for Fashion, architecture, and nightlife
Home to Meiji Shrine, West Shinjuku, Roppongi District, Harajuku
Experience Joining the crush at Shibuya Crossing – or just watching the mass of people from a café in one of the surrounding towers
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t Mirror-encased escalator at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku mall
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Central Tokyo
Home to international embassies, the Nihonbashi business district, luxury shopping in Ginza, and the Imperial Palace, Central Tokyo is sleek and elegant. It’s full of glimpses into Tokyo’s past, in the impeccably manicured grounds of the palace and the grand buildings of Nihonbashi, where some shops have been owned by the same family for generations. This area is also one of the best parts of the city for food, with the chefs of Ginza serving up Michelin-star meals from sushi to soba. Lovers of Japanese media will also want to head here to explore the anime stores of Akihabara.
Best for Shopping, dining, and history
Home to Ginza, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and the Imperial Palace
Experience Wandering through the food halls of Ginza’s palatial department stores, enjoying the free samples before heading upstairs for some window shopping (or to splash some serious cash)
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t The Imperial Palace, beyond the Nijubashi Bridge
DISCOVER Getting to Know Tokyo
Northern Tokyo
Sometimes overlooked by visitors, Northern Tokyo is a cultural powerhouse, packed with some of Japan’s best museums and galleries, as well as the historic Ueno Park, the magnificent Senso-ji temple, and fascinating shops throughout the traditional districts of Asakusa and Inaricho. This area also boasts Japan’s highest tower, the gleaming Tokyo Skytree, from where you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day or watch the lights of the metropolis twinkling on in the evening.
Best for Traditional culture, beautiful outdoor spaces
Home to Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, and Senso-ji
Experience Heading up the crowded Nakamise-dori shopping street approaching the vast red lantern of Senso-ji, under the gaze of the fearsome guardian statues of Fujin and Raijin
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t Capturing the blush-pink cherry blossom in Ueno Park
DISCOVER Getting to Know Tokyo
Beyond The Center
As the most populated metropolitan area in the world, it’s no surprise that there’s much more of Tokyo to see than just the central districts. In the bay area you’ll find the new fish market at Toyosu and the technicolor entertainment area of Odaiba. To the north is the city’s sumo stadium, in a district full of cool museums on Japanese history, as well as the vibrant Ikebukuro district full of arcades, cinemas, and the huge Animate flagship – a key stop for any anime fan. Meanwhile in the southwest, Shimokitazawa is packed with dive bars, coffee shops, and cutting-edge music.
Best for Entertainment and exploring characterful districts
Home to Toyosu Fish Market
Experience Trawling the vintage shops of Shimokitazawa for the perfect outfit, then heading to a live music venue to check out local, up-and-coming artists
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t The graphic Fuji TV building in Odaiba
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Beyond Tokyo
Escaping the bustle of the city may be appealing after a while, and you can take your pick from a salty sea breeze, clear mountain air, or the sulfurous tang of hot springs. If you want to explore Japanese history, the sumptuous shrines of Nikko and Kamakura will tempt you away from Tokyo, while hikers can tackle Mount Fuji and the lake-dotted landscape around it or walk in the mountains of Hakone before soaking in its famous hot springs. Or, if you’re just after some good family fun or a popular date spot, head to the vibrant portside attractions of Yokohama.
Best for Temples and nature
Home to Yokohama, Kamakura, Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, and Nikko
Experience Photographing the many faces of Mount Fuji as the lighting and weather change throughout the day
DISCOVER Getting to Know Tokyo
t The vermilion Shinkyo Bridge spanning the Daiya River, Nikko