Joanna James
With a population of 37 million living in Tokyo, it should come as no surprise that the Japanese capital contains a multitude of diverse districts and neighbourhoods. Here's a rundown of some of Tokyo's most vibrant areas renowned for temples, shopping venues and cuisine.
Occupying pride of place in Asakusa, Kappabashi Shopping Street can be described as a neighbourhood in and of itself due to the large number of restaurants and shops located in the area. Kappabashi Shopping Street is tipped to be the place to buy vintage kimonos and exquisite green tea, and the shopping arcade in this place has remained the same since it first opened its doors back in the 1900s.
Considered among Tokyo's most fashionable regions, Shibuya and the pedestrian crosswalk located near its namesake train station is one of Japan's most filmed and photographed areas. This neighbourhood has earned cameos in countless films and commercials, and it is said that more than 3000 people cross the street simultaneously at this juncture. Renowned as a hub for the young and the glamorous, Shibuya 109 and Center Gai, reflect the neighbourhood's post-modern feel.
Those embarking on an extended stay in Tokyo at properties such as Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown must also venture down to Ginza. This neighbourhood is revered as the Japanese capital's equivalent of 5th Avenue in NYC, and the luxury shopping complexes and illustrious art galleries make Ginza a place to see and a place to be seen. Ginza is easily identifiable by the Ginza Wako clock tower, which harks back to the area's history in watch manufacturing, and frequent earthquakes meant that Ginza has had more facelifts than any other corner of Tokyo. Home to some of Japan's most coveted real estate; some of the main highlights in this neighbourhood include the Ginza Six and the Noh Theatre.
Sushi and seafood fanatics roaming the streets of Tokyo must make it a point to head over to Tsukiji where high-quality fish and knives are on sale. Visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market is a great opportunity to observe the auction of some of the world's freshest seafood, including prized tuna fish. The market also offers a variety of sushi restaurants and street food stalls that serve up delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine.
Having once served as an army base for Japanese forces and later the US Army, Roppongi is perhaps Tokyo's wildest nightlife hotspot to date. A big hit with travellers and expats, the nightclubs, bars and shopping venues in Roppongi cater to every imaginable fancy. The National Art Center, the country's largest art space, is also found here alongside several Michelin-star restaurants and luxury shopping malls and department stores.
Tourists in search of beer gardens and some of Tokyo's best public parks and gardens should not miss Ebisu. The picturesque Yebisu Garden should be your first stop when exploring the green spaces of Ebisu where the Museum of Yebisu Beer and the Yebisu Garden Place are also located.
Omotesando is a must-visit destination for Manga enthusiasts, as well as fashion lovers with a penchant for high-end brands like Versace, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
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