A guide to Tokyo’s neighbourhoods: part one

From cherry blossom picnics and areas famed for melt-in-your-mouth gyoza, to streets filled with brightly-lit billboards and neon signs, this guide takes you through Tokyo’s diverse neighbourhoods (aka wards). These are the highlights according to global travellers.

Culture in Ōta Ward

For culturally-inclined travellers, Ōta ward – aka Ōta City – has much to offer. It’s a mainly residential ward outside of central Tokyo, in which you’ll find the Ikegami Honmonji Temple complex, the Ōta Market (the biggest fish, fruit and flower market in Japan) and more sentos (bath houses) and onsens (hot springs) than any other ward in Tokyo; try the ‘black water’ ones, where the naturally coffee-coloured baths contain minerals that are enriching for the skin. Choose between traditional Japanese futon beds or bunks at the highly rated Guesthouse Sensu, a 12-minute drive from Ōta Market.

Shopping in Shibuya Ward

One of Tokyo’s most famous wards, Shibuya is the place to go for shopping. For starters, there’s the Muji department store, where you can get clothes embroidered or just ogle at the brand’s minimalist and sustainable design. Then there are the concept stores, the record shops, department stores and an enormous Uniqlo flagship. And of course, this is where you’ll find the famously hectic Shibuya crossing, the Natural Ellipse House (aka egg house), the Kawaii Monster Cafe and Gomaya Kuki, an ice cream parlour in Harajuku that sells the most sensational black sesame flavour. With mocha-coloured suede corner sofas and reclaimed wood coffee tables, TRUNK is a calming sanctuary of a hotel in the middle of Shibuya.

Atmosphere in Meguro Ward

Meguro is one of Tokyo’s most renowned sakura (cherry blossom) viewing spots. In season, flowering trees lean all the way over the Meguro River, reflecting on the water and filling the air with fluttering pale pink petals. It’s also one of the city’s most popular places for hanami, the traditional Japanese celebration welcoming spring with picnics and parties under the blossom trees. If you’re visiting outside of sakura season, Meguro is a relaxed, artistic district, rife with lovely book shops, vintage boutiques and riverside cafés. There’s also the Meguro Sanma Matsuri in September; a music, culture and food festival featuring charcoal-grilled Pacific saury fish from northern Japan. Stay at the Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, with exquisite Japanese bathtubs overlooking the gardens in every suite.

Public Transport in Shinagawa Ward

Public transport may not sound a thrilling reason to visit Shinagawa but train stations in Japan are a different story, and this ward is home to one of Tokyo’s biggest and most impressive. Shinagawa is the first stop on the Tokaido shinkansen (bullet train) and connects many of the city’s major train lines. Grab one of the legendary ‘ekiben’ (bento boxes) from the station and hop on board the bullet train for a thrilling Japanese experience. The Strings by InterContinental is right next to the station, with each suite providing sweeping city views.

Nightlife in Shinjuku Ward

Shinjuku at night is an unmissable Tokyo experience; brightly-lit billboards and neon signs cover the skyscrapers and provide an exciting assault on the senses. Explore the streets of the Golden Gai, a tumble-down district of small taverns built in narrow alleyways. Visit the robot restaurant for a surreal show featuring fantastical animal costumes, robots on segways and a lot of laser beams. But whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to partake in a karaoke session in Shinjuku – home to many of the city’s best karaoke bars. Experience the Japanese capsule hotel phenomenon at the Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Shinjuku.

Scenery in Sumida Ward

Watching a sumo wrestling match is a must on a trip to Tokyo, and Sumida is the place to do it. It’s where you’ll find the city’s main sumo arena – Ryogoku Kokugikan – where the biggest tournaments are held, and where visitors can attend matches that are guaranteed to impress. While you’re in the area, head to the observatory at the top of the Skytree (the tallest freestanding tower in the world) for a magnificent panoramic view of Tokyo. In spring, Sumida Park is a cherry blossom hotspot, while the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in summer is equally wonderful. Stay just a few hundred metres from the Skytree at the industrial-chic O3 Hostel.

Temples in Taitō Ward

Taitō is Tokyo’s downtown district, where you’ll discover historic gardens, Ameyoko market, museums and temples. Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple (and Taitō’s most famous), which you enter through the huge, red Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate). Admire giant red lanterns, carved dragons, golden shrines, the temple itself and the Five-Storey Pagoda just opposite. Check into Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse, the most highly rated accommodation in Taitō Ward.

Local food in Toshima Ward

Toshima is the ward in which you’ll find some of Tokyo’s most affordable, high-quality and authentic food. The energetic Ikebukuro neighbourhood is full to the brim with ramen restaurants, cafés and food halls. You may have to stand in line at some of the most popular eateries but it’s worth it for melt-in-your-mouth gyoza or game-changing sushi. And Toshima is also home to one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo – Nakiryu – serving rich, sesame ramen broths packed with flavourful ingredients like braised pork and soy-dipped egg. With tatami flooring and paper screens, Sheena To Ippei is an authentic Japanese guesthouse with a convenient location in the centre of Toshima.