Tokyo, Japan, is considered the largest city by urban area and metropolitan area in the world. This means that you will have to pick and choose which parts of the city you’ll visit if you want to have a fulfilling stay. In order to help to make the tough decision a bit easier, we identified three neighborhoods that are must-visits for every tourist visiting Tokyo.
Asakusa
If you are looking to experience a more traditional side of Tokyo, the Asakusa neighborhood is a great place to start. Once an entertainment hub during the Edo period, Asakusa is now known for its century-old buildings, traditional shops offering handcrafted souvenirs, and Buddhist temples. This is also the city’s oldest geisha district.
Akihabara
Akihabara will be a paradise for anime, tech, and pop culture enthusiasts. Here you’ll find manga stores, video game sellers, electronics shops, and much more. There are also plenty of other attractions tied to otaku culture, like cafes and arcades. It is important to note that the Akihabara neighborhood we are talking about here is in the proximity of Akihabara Station. There is also another neighborhood of the same name in the Kanda-Sakumachō district.
Shimokitazawa
Finally, don’t miss an opportunity to give Shimokitazawa neighborhood a visit. Frequently voted as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, Shimokitazawa is the entertainment center of Tokyo. From theaters and restaurants to karaoke bars and independent retailers, this is a place where you’ll find yourself wandering for hours and still not wanting to leave.