WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN TOKYO

Even experienced travellers can feel overwhelmed when choosing where to stay in Tokyo, the world’s largest city. But don’t panic, this Know Tokyo lowdown will make your decision a breeze. Many people recommend staying close to the Yamanote Line, which is Tokyo’s most important train service that stops at 30 stations as it does a […]

Even experienced travellers can feel overwhelmed when choosing where to stay in Tokyo, the world’s largest city. But don’t panic, this Know Tokyo lowdown will make your decision a breeze.

Many people recommend staying close to the Yamanote Line, which is Tokyo’s most important train service that stops at 30 stations as it does a loop around the city. We think that’s a good general suggestion but we also like to imagine the city as a series of districts that have their own vibe.

WESTERN TOKYO: YOUTHFUL AND FASHIONABLE

The western neighbourhoods of Tokyo are described as yamanote (highlands) and were once inhabited by affluent feudal lords and samurai. Today this western part of the city incorporates four of the most vibrant, fashionable suburbs in Tokyo: Aoyama, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

AOYAMA: FOR BEAUTIFUL BOUTIQUES AND FANCY BARS

Looking for a suburb with stunning fashion boutiques, celebrated restaurants serving modern kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meals), and that’s walkable to Harajuku? Best book a hotel in Aoyama.

SHIBUYA: FOR TOKYO’S MOST EXCITING SUBURB

Shibuya, Tokyo’s most exciting neighbourhood has a mind-blowing number of cool dining, shopping and entertainment options, is walkable to Harajuku, and has great transport options for all of the city’s other must-visit suburbs.

SHINJUKU: FOR A TASTE OF EVERYTHING

Imagine all of Tokyo distilled into one suburb: that’s Shinjuku with neon-lit streets with high-tech 3D billboards, dazzling department stores with mind-blowing depachika (food halls) and a boisterous nightlife with hundreds of tiny bars lining labyrinth alleys. And it’s also walkable to Harajuku.

CENTRAL TOKYO: THE HEART OF THE CITY

These districts, located close to the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, sit at the centre of the city’s political and economic power. Expect upmarket shopping centres, Michelin star restaurants and chic hotels and bars.

AKIHABARA: FOR ANIME AND VIDEO GAME ENTHUSIASTS

Neon-lit Akihabara is teeming with manga comic book shops, megastores stocked with up-to-the-nanosecond electronics, tons of kooky theme cafes and garish gaming arcades where you can unleash your inner geek.

GINZA: FOR MICHELIN-STARRED MEALS AND LUXURIOUS SHOPS

Glamourous Ginza is your go-to destination for high-end retail shopping sprees, fancy meals at Michelin-starred restaurants and martinis at seriously swanky cocktail bars. So it’s fitting that the suburb is also home to some of Tokyo’s chicest hotels.

TOKYO STATION: FOR CULTURE VULTURES

Tokyo Station and its surrounding suburbs are a great choice for ‘culture vultures’. You’ll find private museums packed to the gills with Japanese treasures, Michelin star restaurants hiding in fancy shopping centres and specialist boutiques dedicated to traditional craftsmanship. 

EASTERN TOKYO: TRADITIONAL AND SLOWER PACED

This district of Tokyo is often referred to as shitamachi (lower city), as its neighbourhoods are at a lower elevation and near the Sumida River. Shitamachi precincts retain an old town vibe with lots of traditional houses located along alleyways, historical sites and a vibrant street life.

ASAKUSA: FOR BUCKET-LIST ATTRACTIONS

The city’s oldest temple (Sensō-ji, founded in 645 CE), the capital’s tallest tower (Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 metres) and Japan’s only site-specific sumo stadium (Ryōgoku Kokugikan) are just three reasons to stay near Asakusa. You’ll also love the area’s local craft stores, traditional street snacks and old-school bars. 

UENO: FOR AN INSTANT CULTURAL SNAPSHOT OF TOKYO

Home to the knockout Ueno Park which is dotted with Buddhist temples, Shintō shrines and museums chock-full of Japanese national treasures, Ueno also boast vibrant street markets, stacks of retro kissaten (Japanese style cafes) and charming boutiques selling traditional handicrafts.

SOUTHERN TOKYO (ODAIBA): AMUSEMENT PARKS AND FUN MUSEUMS

If you’re travelling to Tokyo with a crew of kids who are dying to visit the Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea theme parks and go to some whacky museums and fun shopping malls, we recommend a stay in Odaiba.