Have you been thinking about a trip to Tokyo? Well then, you are in for a treat! Tokyo is a very large, cosmopolitan city and there is a lot of ground to cover! You will want to be strategic and choose Tokyo tourist sites that interest you. That said, the best neighborhoods in Tokyo are some of the most colorful and unique.
It’s always a good idea to take into account all of the places you’ll be visiting, and choose accommodation in areas near those places. It’s a decision that depends on your budget, your tastes, and personal preference. Tokyo should be considered not just a big city, but a collection of different neighborhoods, each with their own unique contribution.
Pro Tip: Tokyo is notorious for not naming their streets! Make sure your phone has a good GPS system to get you where you want to go. Additionally, Tokyo address numbers go by a unique numbering system. For example, 5-9-9 Hiroo is in the Shibuya district. The 5 Hiroo signifies the area, the first 9 is for the block number, and the 2nd 9 is for the actual building.
These are the Tokyo districts not to miss.
Shinjuku Neighborhood
Shinjuku should be one of your first stops after you arrive in Tokyo. With incredible city views and wonderous nightlife, Shinjuku certainly gets a lot of attention from tourists who want to be in the center of things, Shinjuku also has the busiest train station in the world. In fact, Shinjuku station sees around 3.5 million passengers a day!
The young and fashion-forward rule here, and love to express themselves by dressing up in fantastic costumes – it really is one of the more colorful and interesting areas of Tokyo. Explore the great variety of shops, depaato (department stores), and great food. Head up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for great views of the city.
Okutama
When you want to escape the sensory overload of the city and get into wider open, greener spaces, come to the Okutama District. This is the west side of Tokyo, which caters to hikers and nature lovers. Wonderfully picturesque and green, one can hike, go whitewater rafting, and even soak in a hot spring. There are even options for camping! The elusive black bear resides here, and some hikers like to wear bear bells, to help ward off the bears. But not to worry, they are not a threat to visitors. This is a completely different side of the city, and further away from the city center, yet definitely worth checking out.
Shibuya
For tourists seeking a party atmosphere in Tokyo, Shibuya is the place to be. This is a great option for night owl tourists, and it can be said there are similarities between Shinjuku and Shibuya. Why? Because both are vibrant neighborhoods where the younger generation comes to play, and both are considered to be the “heartbeat” of Tokyo, but I suppose it just depends on which neighborhood you prefer!
Regardless, Shibuya is the place to discover great nightlife, high fashion, and perhaps a bit of Japanese madness. The famed Shibuya crossing is also here. Neon colors and funky shops abound, and you will find many shops catering to fans of Japanese pop (J-pop) and anime.
Asakusa District
Tokyo is undoubtedly a foodie destination, and the Asakusa area is where you will find the highest concentration of the best places to eat in Tokyo. Restaurants to satisfy any palate and any budget can be found here. With Tokyo’s commitment to cleanliness, high food standards and only using the freshest ingredients, you cannot really get a bad meal no matter where you go.
If you try anything, it should be the Soba and tempura – two traditional Japanese dishes that will surprise and delight your taste buds. And for those with more conscientious food requirements, one can find all manner of vegetarian, vegan, and halal restaurants in this district.
Marunouchi/Tokyo Station Neighborhood
At the heart of Tokyo’s financial district, and with the recent renovation of the Tokyo Station, Marunouchi is now more than simply something to pass through – it is a destination unto itself. It is one of the best areas to stay for tourists in Tokyo and is the perfect home base for day trips outside the city. Tokyo Station is located in Chiyoda, which is actually a city within the city of Tokyo! The station is so large, it is divided into two parts.
If you are headed for Tokyo Bay (Yokohama, Kamakura) and traveling between cities, this is likely where you will be catching the train. You can also ride the shinkansen (bullet train) from here, to destinations such as Kyoto and Osaka. The Imperial Palace and East Gardens are only a 10-15-minute walk from here. And while you’re at it, do not miss Ramen Street – famously known for its tasty ramen noodle scene, located right inside the station.
For some of the best street food in the city, be sure to visit Black Fence Alley. Authentic Japanese style merges with gourmet design.
Ginza Shopping District
Home to most of the high-end fashion and dining spots, Ginza holds many of Tokyo’s most coveted addresses. Top luxury brands all have a storefront here, as well as Japanese luxury brands you may have never heard of. If you’re tastes run more upscale, you will no doubt find your next big purchase here. Even better, on the weekends, the main street Chuo Dori is closed to vehicles and becomes a pedestrian heaven.
Along with the high-end shopping come the expensive restaurants, with some of the best sushi on the planet. And when the sun goes down, most of the shops remain open, with fantastic light shows to bring in the shoppers. After your shopping spree, get a drink and savor some nightlife in the varied bars around the area.
If you will be staying for longer than a few days, it is always a good idea to choose 2 or 3 of these districts to stay in, so that you will be able to get a good feel for the varied neighborhoods of Tokyo and savor them fully. Whichever ones you choose, you are sure to have one of the most enjoyable trips, and no doubt have some favorites to visit again when you come back to Tokyo.
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 