When you first come to Tokyo, you should know few major areas to understand the orientation of the city.
Imperial Palace
When you look at the map of Tokyo, you will see big green area in the center. That is the Imperial Palace. Present day Imperial Palace was formally a castle for Shogun and it was called Edo Castle. (Edo is the old name for Tokyo) The city of Edo grew around the Edo castle.
Major areas on Yamanote lines
Yamanote line is the loop line that goes around the major areas of Tokyo. I recommend that you get on the Yamanote Line to feel the city. When I first come to live in Tokyo, I spent 1 hour and rode on Yamanote Line, the whole circle. It was really interesting to see people change. For example, in Shinagawa, Hamamtsu cho, Shimbashi and Tokyo, you mostly see business persons. Shibuya and Harajuku, you see younger and fashionable people. Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are massive. Northern areas from Ikebukuro to Ueno are more downtown.
Tokyo is central station. Around Tokyo station are business area.
Ueno has 2 faces. Around the Ueno park, you find many museums. Also famous for cherry blossom in spring. There is also market called Ameyoko and that area are really down to earth. You find everything–from fish, snack, cosmetics, bags, and clothes.
Akihabara is famous as Electric Town. There are many electric and electronic shops. These shops started as black market after WWII. Now there are many huge electronic shops as well as anime, manga and game related shops. In Electric Town exit, you still see some older shops that sells small parts.
Ikebukuro is one of the largest area in northern Tokyo. It’s famous for huge station with 2 department stores in the East and West. There is one of the first skyscraper in Tokyo, Sunshine 60. It is in the complex called Sunshine City, the first complex with office, hotel and shopping mall, museum, and theater.
Shinjuku is the busiest station in the world. 3 million use the station everyday. There is also the Tokyo Metropolitan government building in the western Shinjuku. Eastern Shinjuku are downtown areas with Department stores, Discount stores, large bookstore, CD shops, bars etc, etc.
Harajuku and Omotesando area: Harajuku has the Meiji Shinto Shrine. Omotesando is a street (literally means main approach to shrine or temple) that is considered most fashionable. There are many brand shops and interesting architecture.
Shibuya is famous for the scramble crossing in front of the station. about 2000 people cross at the same time. There is another famous land mark there: Statue of Hachi, the most famous dog in Japan is there.
Other major areas
Asakusa has the oldest temple called Sensoji and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots. It has nice old Edo ambience.
Nihonbashi has the Central Bank, Bank of Japan, Tokyo Stock exchange and there are banks and many security companies. It is like the Wall Street or The City. It is old downtown area of Tokyo and 2 of the old established department stores are there, too.
Kasumigaseki area has the Diet building (Parliament), Prime Minister’s Office and residence, Supreme Court and Ministries.
Odaiba area is relatively new. It is reclaimed island and you can reach there by Yurikamome line. It’s a new transportation system without any drivers. There are shopping malls, parks and museum. It’s a popular place for family or couples to go on weekends.
Comments