With over 14 million people, Tokyo is the perfect example of a megalopolis. Overall, it consists of 23 districts, each one of them like a city within the city; these are particular places where different kinds of people live, work, have fun and express themselves. Today, we’re going to explore different sides of Tokyo through a visit to some of its more vibrant neighborhoods. From places that keep Japanese traditions alive and are like time capsules, to areas that show how Tokyo has embraced globalization and modernity, you’ll be able to get to know Tokyo from a completely different perspective.
There’s no other megalopolis such as Tokyo; let its neon lights, natural landscapes, temples and skyscrapers engulf you into its magical atmosphere.
Exploring Diverse Cultures and Traditions:
Something magical about the neighborhoods of Tokyo is that anywhere you look, there’s different designs, colors, clothes and places. One minute, you’re standing in the more modern and exclusive Shibuya or Akihabara, and a short subway ride after, you’re standing in a narrow alleyway with neon signs signaling a small traditional restaurant.
Sometimes, in order to find traditional architecture, or at least original structures of old architecture in Tokyo, you have to have a closer look. The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the bombings during World War II destroyed an important part of the city center. But, if you branch out a little bit, you’ll discover places such as Yanaka, the kind of neighborhood that transports you to a different kind of Tokyo… It is located northeast of Ueno Station, and it balances between a hip neighborhood with cool cafés and innovative art galleries, and a relic filled with pre-war Japanese architecture. We also need to highlight Asakusa, a place that screams tradition: it is home to the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples, and an impressive and beautiful construction.
Then, if you want to dive into the diverse cultures of Tokyo, there are certain neighborhoods that you simply have to know, because they have become counter-culture hubs and the preferred places of artists, activists and people trying to live life outside the box. Nakano is widely popular among the otaku (manga and anime fans), in part thanks to the Nakano Broadway shopping center, where fans and hobbyists can find rare collectibles, comics, costumes and toys. On the other hand, Asagaya allows you to uncover a more artistic side of Tokyo, with a movie theater with unique programs, a theater for stage plays and the Asagaya Jazz Street, the heart of the musical events of the neighborhood.
At first sight, Yanaka might seem like a regular neighborhood, but once you dive into its alleyways and learn about its history, it becomes clear that it is an exceptional place.
Neighborhood Walking Tours with Local Guides
No matter how many words we wrote, it would be impossible to convey everything that Tokyo represents, and all of the secrets and jewels that it holds. We have given you just a small glimpse of what the city has to offer, but nonetheless, the only way to truly feel Tokyo is by exploring its streets by yourself. Precisely, that’s why we think that walking tours, especially in the company of locals, are a great way to dive into the wonders of Tokyo and enjoy its magic. It is an opportunity to understand the everyday life of the city and have a more intimate look of the neighborhood and its inhabitants.
Remember Yanaka? Well, it is not the most popular neighborhood for walking tours, but not because it isn’t fascinating, but because it is more of a hidden treasure reserved for the most curious and adventurous. From its famous cemetery to its numerous temples, there’s quite a lot to discover in Yanaka, since its history goes back all the way to the Edo Period. But, your adventure in this zone has not ended yet. The neighborhood is pretty close to Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most magnificent spaces. The park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, which makes it the most perfect scenery during cherry blossom season. However, that’s not all that makes Ueno Park so special. Its landmarks include the Saigo Takamori Statue, which commemorates a legendary samurai, the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, renowned for its architecture. Additionally, the park is perfect for a walking tour because it is a culture and arts hub of Tokyo, so you’ll spend plenty of time roaming around the Ueno Royal Museum, The National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo National Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
Finally, even though we haven’t talked about Ginza, it is a great example of what a walking adventure through the neighborhood can do. The zone of Ginza is often compared with the Fifth Avenue in New York, given that it is the luxurious shopping district of the city. Thus, its two main avenues, Chuo-dori Street and Harumi-dori Street are some of the most famous and photographed of Tokyo. Now, during a walking tour, and more so if you’re with a local, you would discover that there’s way more to Ginza than meets the eye, and that aside from luxurious boutiques, the district is filled with art galleries, bars and restaurants that will allow you to have the most authentic experience in Tokyo.
With its over 1,000 cherry trees, Ueno Park is one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo.
Thank you for coming with us on this journey, we hope that you have learned something new about Tokyo and that you’re ready to embark on your next adventure. And remember two things: here at Lokafy we would be thrilled to be part of your trip, and bring comfortable shoes!
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