Though it’s officially a single metropolis, Tokyo is often described as several small cities connected by a massive public transport system. In fact, each neighborhood is identified by its corresponding train station. Since Tokyo has over 1,000 train stations, making sense of these neighborhoods isn’t always easy. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the city’s most iconic urban hubs. From Akihabara to Ueno, here are some of the most unique and must-see Tokyo neighborhoods.

While you’re at it, gamers and lovers of retro aesthetics should check out 7 awesome classic arcades to visit in Tokyo, while those looking for the most iconic views of the Japanese capital should check out our Instagram guide to Tokyo. 

Akihabara

Akihabara is often referred to as the “nerdiest” neighborhood in Tokyo — basically, if you’re building a robot, this is the place to be. Located in the Sotokanda district, this tech paradise is characterized by its arcades, maid cafés, otaku shops, and anime-themed everything. This virtual playground welcomes anime and manga enthusiasts with open arms every day of the week.

Asakusa

Known for its old-Tokyo atmosphere, Asakusa is filled with izakaya bars, street-food stalls, ryokan inns, and traditional craft shops. This gracefully worn area also offers parkside strolls, a mid-19th-century Hanayashiki amusement park, and Tokyo’s oldest temple: Sensō-ji. If you’re looking for traditional Japanese festivals and firework displays, follow the river toward Kuritsu Sumida Park.

Ebisu

Ebisu is known for its international atmosphere and immaculate café scene. Upscale, poised, and uniquely stylish, this trendy neighborhood offers a wide selection of art galleries, salons, and high-end shops. The central Edisu area also houses the Yebisu Garden Place, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, and the Museum of Yebisu Beer.

 

Ginza

Boasting some of the world’s most extravagant upscale shopping experiences, Ginza is a luxe neighborhood featuring hundreds of flagship stores, galleries, and red-carpet venues. Accessible by numerous subway lines, Ginza is also home to a variety of ritzy cocktail and sushi bars, the Ginza Place tech-haven, and the landmark Kabuki-za theater. If you’re there on a weekend, head to Chuo Dori, which transforms into a stylish pedestrian promenade.

Harajuku

Just a five-minute train ride from Shinjuku Station, Harajuku is known as the fashion capital of Japan. Set apart by its streetwear and ready-to-wear designs, this neighborhood boasts a world-renowned shopping area complete with plenty of people-watching opportunities. The best place to get an up-close-and-personal look at Tokyo’s street fashion scene is at the pedestrian-only Takeshita Street — especially on Sundays, when everyone is out and about.

 

Ikebukuro

Located in northern Tokyo, this neighborhood offers a healthy dose of urban chaos. Second only to Shinjuku in terms of size and crowds, Ikebukuro is known for its haunted hotel, Sunshine City Mall, Naka-ikebukuro Park, indie anime stores, Tokyo Metropolitan Theater, and themed cafés and ramen shops. But, no matter when you visit, Ikebukuro promises congested roads, so be ready to push your way through the crowds.

Nakameguro

Situated in the Meguro District, Nakameguro is one of Tokyo’s most popular residential neighborhoods. Characterized by its cozy, laid-back, and quietly trendy atmosphere filled with hipster boutiques, fine dining establishments, and high-end pet shops, Nakameguro boasts a somewhat European vibe compared to the rest of the city. This neighborhood is also known for its blooming sakura trees that line the Meguro River.

Roppongi

The nightlife of Roppongi has attracted travelers since it was a hub for Allied forces post-WWII. But today, the neighborhood offers the highest concentration of bars and nightclubs in Tokyo. A favorite among locals and travelers alike, Roppongi is the go-to spot to shop, sake, and dine. The area is also home to Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, both of which feature cultural institutions like the Mori Art Museum and Suntory Museum of Art.

Shibuya

With bright lights and towering buildings, Shibuya is the Tokyo most visitors are expecting. This major entertainment, shopping, and dining district is known for its namesake train station and the Shibuya Crossing — the busiest pedestrian “scramble” intersection in the world. Masses of people flood out of the station and into Shibuya’s trendy boutiques, ramen houses, and izakaya bars at every hour of the day.

Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is a charming neighborhood filled with cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, and concert halls. Just a short train ride from Shinjuku Station, this area is home to Tokyo’s trendiest and friendliest bohemian scene. Shimokitazawa boasts a highly stylized aesthetic similar to that of Harajuku, but with a more laid-back and organic atmosphere. Here, you can find small theater halls, second-hand record shops, and bars located in actual living rooms.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku, Tokyo’s largest neighborhood, is set apart by its brightly illuminated businesses, boutiques, and skyscraping entertainment centers. It’s a neighborhood known for its nightlife and fast-paced atmosphere, and because of its proximity to Tokyo’s busiest train station, Shinjuku is the perfect stopover when venturing anywhere in the city.

 

Ueno

Though known for its namesake park, colorful markets, and numerous cultural attractions, Ueno is also home to the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. The expansive grounds of Ueno Park encompass dozens of temples, concert halls, and art academies, as well as Japan’s first zoological garden. With over 1,000 cherry trees, the area is also a top destination for hanami, the Japanese custom of viewing and appreciating cherry blossoms.