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Top 8 Most Popular Neighborhoods of Tokyo

Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Tokyo is an intense city that manages to build an exhilarating experience for a new traveler. You find a mix of the young wearing the latest in fashion along with men in crisp suits who mean business. This metropolis has 23 administrative wards divided into smaller neighborhoods.

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Each of the different neighborhoods has its own distinct feature. This makes it overwhelming for a first time visitor to choose where to stay or visit.
A quick look at the top 8 most popular neighborhoods of Tokyo will help you narrow down to the most feasible area to stay or visit.

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Quick Tip: When someone inquires where you live in Tokyo, they actually mean which is the nearest train station to your home. This is because neighborhoods can be identified with the help of their closest train station.

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Known as the commuting capital of Tokyo, this neighborhood is home to the busiest train station in the world. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office is located here as well as many department stores, cinemas, and theaters.

Shinjuku

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This popular neighborhood of Tokyo is also famous for cherry-blossom viewing in March and April. It is among the most entertaining neighborhoods of Tokyo with flashy restaurants, clubs, hostess bars, and love hotels.

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Located within Shibuya, this Tokyo district is ground zero for the Harajuku culture. For those who seem to wonder what it is all about, it is a constantly evolving street fashion movement. You will find everything from Victorian-era clothing, gothic punk, cosplay to garish outfits.
Harajuku

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Visit the pedestrian-only Tajeshita Street on a Sunday. You will be able to see street fashion in all its glory. The Omotesando is a nearby street lined by trees and features high-end flagship stores from around the world.

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A neighborhood located next to Shinuya, it is known for the Meguro River and cherry blossom viewing during spring. It is where all young hipsters crowd into stylish cafes, bars, and shops.
Nakameguro

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The area even has a historical site Yutenji Temple and the huge Rinshinomori Park to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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This is one of the best and the most expensive neighborhoods of Tokyo with many buildings and skyscrapers. It may be a bit of a drag during the day, it comes to life as the sun sets.
Ebisu

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The neighborhood is lined by hundreds of stylish restaurants, bars, and izakayas frequented by trendy and hip locals that encourage you to be a little adventurous.

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This neighborhood has Tokyo’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, the Gyoen National Garden that covers 140 acres. With over 20,000 trees it is a must-visit place during spring to witness the beautiful cherry blossoms or browning of leaves during autumn.
Shibuya

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After relaxing at the park, it’s time to explore the shopping district surrounding Shibuya station. It is known as the fashion center of Japan with a happening nightlife.

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If you cannot afford the high-end fashion at Harajuku, then visit the shopping Mecca of Tokyo, Ginza. You will find Tiffany & Co., Dior as well as Chanel, along with affordable departmental stores such as Wako, Matsuya, and Mitsukoshi here.
Ginza

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Apart from shopping, you can visit the Imperial Palace and enjoy its gorgeous Japanese garden. Or visit the Tsukiji Fish Market that is said to be the world’s largest wholesale seafood market.

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If nightlife is what you crave then the best Tokyo district to visit is Roppongi. It has the best bars and nightclubs in Tokyo such as SuperDeluxe and Geronimo.
Roppongi

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This district has also earned a reputation for being a posh market for retail, leisure, and office spaces due to the recent mega-developments.

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If there is a secret nerd hiding within you then head straight to Akihabara. It is 'THE" destination for electronics and gadgets. It is also the best place to find Japan’s otaku and anime culture.
Akihabara

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You will also find a few erotic stores selling fantasy toys with men only floors. From gaming and gadgets, you will find everything that helps fuel your intimate fantasies at Akihabara.

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Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, Kenji, Odaiba, and many other such neighborhoods each have a unique identity. They make Tokyo a very popular tourist destination in Japan.