There are 23 special Tokyo wards, a title which represents their special positions as more than just regular city districts in Japan. The special wards function almost like independent cities within the larger Tokyo Metropolis, meaning each is very different from the next.
In this Tokyo ward guide, we’re breaking down absolutely everything you need to know about all 23 Tokyo wards so that you can know which to stay in, visit, or avoid on your next Japan trip!
Planning a trip to Tokyo?
Let us help you! We’re the experts in everything Japan, so why not hand the logistics and planning over to us so you can focus on the fun? Check out our expert travel planning services to see how we handle everything for you, from hotel hunting to itinerary curation.
Adachi
Adachi sits in northern Tokyo and has a lot more of a residential feel than the central Tokyo wards. The area is known for wide parks, riverside paths, and one of Tokyo’s biggest summer fireworks festivals along the Arakawa River. There are cycling paths, local shopping streets, and family-friendly attractions that make the ward easy to explore.
What Makes Adachi Unique
Adachi has multiple large riverside spaces and hosts one of Tokyo’s most popular summer fireworks festivals every year.
What to Do in Adachi
- Watch the Adachi Fireworks Festival along the Arakawa River in July.
- Explore Toneri Park for walking paths, ponds, and seasonal flowers.
- Visit Nishiarai Daishi Temple and enjoy the food stalls along the approach.
We Recommend For…
Adachi is great for a half-day excursion if you’ve already seen the major tourist attractions in Tokyo. Families will enjoy the parks and festivals, while visitors looking for a local, quieter side of Tokyo can spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the area.
Arakawa
Arakawa is a northern ward with a nostalgic atmosphere and small-town feel. It’s a fun visit for tram or transport enthusiasts, as the ward is home to one of the few remaining streetcar lines in Tokyo. It’s called the Tokyo Sakura Tram, and as the last of the Toden tram line, it makes for a beautiful and very nostalgic ride. Arakawa also has parks, local shrines, and small shops that reflect Tokyo life away from tourist crowds.
What Makes Arakawa Unique
Arakawa is unique because it still has a working streetcar and peaceful neighbourhoods rarely visited by tourists.
What to Do in Arakawa
- Ride the Toden Arakawa Line to see local streets at a slower pace.
- Visit Arakawa Amusement Park, a retro attraction for families and children.
- Walk along the Arakawa River for riverside paths and green space.
We Recommend For…
Arakawa is best for relaxed afternoon walks and tram rides, but as it is primarily a residential area, there’s not too much for tourists to do beyond a little exploring.
Bunkyo
Bunkyo sits in central Tokyo and is known for gardens, temples, and university campuses. The ward offers quiet streets lined with bookstores, shrines, and green spaces, creating a calm urban atmosphere. Rikugien Garden and Nezu Shrine are highlights, but you are most likely to visit for Tokyo Dome to watch baseball, ride on the rollercoaster, or visit the spa.
What Makes Bunkyo Unique
Bunkyō combines historic gardens and temples with a scholarly, residential atmosphere in the city centre.
What to Do in Bunkyo
- Visit Rikugien Garden to see traditional Japanese landscaping.
- Explore Nezu Shrine during the azalea season.
- Spend time at Tokyo Dome City for entertainment and shopping.
We Recommend For…
Getting tickets to see a baseball game at Tokyo Dome is a great way to experience a different side of Japan. Bunkyo can also make a good base if you want to be reasonably close to many of Tokyo’s main attractions, but still stay in a relatively quiet area.
Chiyoda
Chiyoda is at the heart of Tokyo and home to the Imperial Palace. Despite its central location, the ward isn’t as loud and busy as Shinjuku or Shibuya, and it also offers plenty of parks, shrines, and historic streets. You’ll find the business districts of Marunouchi and Otemachi; Jimbocho is known as Tokyo’s book town, with streets lined with lovely second-hand book stores; and the palace grounds are beautiful to explore and a popular 5km running loop.
What Makes Chiyoda Unique
You can find the Imperial Palace, historic business buildings, and quaint streets of second-hand book stores, all in one walkable ward.
What to Do in Chiyoda
- Walk or run through the Imperial Palace grounds.
- Explore Jimbocho, Tokyo’s historic book district.
- Visit Yasukuni Shrine, especially during cherry blossom season.
We Recommend For…
Chiyoda is a great place to stay for first-time visitors or families who want to be close to Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, but away from too much hustle and bustle. Staying here provides easy access to major train lines, though nightlife options are limited.
Chuo
Chuo ward includes Ginza, Nihonbashi, and the Tsukiji area, making for a fun mix of luxury shopping, historical sites, and the famous fish market. The ward is compact and easy to walk, and a must-visit spot for any travellers in the city looking to eat well and go souvenir shopping.
What Makes Chuo Unique
With fine dining in Ginza and the expansive bites in Tsukiji Market, Chuo is one of the top foodie destinations in all of Tokyo.
What to Do in Chuo
- Stroll through Ginza for high-end shopping and cafés.
- Cross the Nihonbashi Bridge, a historical landmark.
- Eat fresh seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market.
We Recommend For…
Staying in Chuo gives you easy access to some of Tokyo’s coolest attractions, whilst also being well connected to the rest of the city. For a 1-day itinerary in the area, we recommend stopping at Tsukiji for lunch, exploring the area on foot in the afternoon, and then making a reservation at one of Ginza’s many incredible restaurants for dinner.
Edogawa
Edogawa sits on Tokyo’s very eastern edge. Being out of the city centre, there are plenty of open spaces with large parks, a calm residential atmosphere, and serene cycling paths along rivers. Edogawa is also close to Tokyo Disneyland, making it a convenient and family-friendly ward to stay in around Disney visits.
What Makes Edogawa Unique
Edogawa is quiet and pretty, with riverside parks and easy access to Tokyo Disneyland.
What to Do in Edogawa
- Spend the day at Kasai Rinkai Park and its aquarium.
- Ride the Ferris wheel for Tokyo Bay views.
- Walk or cycle along the Arakawa River path.
We Recommend For…
Edogawa is ideal for families and travellers who want outdoor activities and easy access to Disneyland without staying at the park. Accommodation here is practical for longer stays outside the city centre, though central Tokyo is a short train ride away.
Itabashi
We think Itabashi is one of Tokyo’s lesser-known gems. The ward has the perfect balance of both cosy local charm and city convenience, feeling a little more relaxed and lived-in than the city’s flashier districts. There are shopping streets like Happy Road Oyama, cool landmarks like Tokyo Daibutsu (a giant bronze Buddha), and the lovely Shakuji River with its picturesque walking path.
What Makes Itabashi Unique
Itabashi is unique for its quiet neighbourhoods and local festivals rarely seen by tourists.
What to Do in Itabashi
- Walk along Itabashi Bridge and the riverside paths.
- Explore Akatsuka Botanical Garden.
- Visit the Tokyo Daibutsu at Jorenji Temple
We Recommend For…
Itabashi is best for casual sightseeing and short visits. It is not a major area for accommodations, but it works well for travellers seeking a pretty neighbourhood and local atmosphere to spend an afternoon or evening.
Katsushika
Katsushika is in northeast Tokyo and represents part of the city’s shitamachi (downtown). These areas along the east of the Sumida River were referred to as this in the Edo period because they were physically the lower part of the city and were historically residential areas. Like the surrounding Tokyo wards of Edogawa and Adachi, it isn’t well connected with the city centre, but does offer quiet riverside areas, local shops, and a lovely sense of old Tokyo.
What Makes Katsushika Unique
Katsushika is a ward that preserves a more historic Tokyo atmosphere with beautiful outdoor spaces and easy access to Narita Airport.
What to Do in Katsushika
- Visit Shibamata Taishakuten Temple and explore the approach street.
- Stop by Yamamoto-tei, a historic house with gardens.
- Walk along the Edogawa River.
We Recommend For…
Katsushika is not filled with tourist attractions, but it can make for a really unique day trip if you’re interested in exploring a more traditional neighbourhood.
Kita
Kita, meaning north, is unsurprisingly found in northern Tokyo and borders Saitama. The ward has a residential riverside feel, although there are also plenty of popular things to do there. You can such visit Asukayama Park for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), eat at the famous Toridai, which sells ¥10 chicken balls, or see the work of architect Josiah Conder at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens. There’s also the hidden gem neighbourhood of Akabane with its countryside feel on the edge of the city.
What Makes Kita Unique
Kita is both historic and modern, with stunning shrines, beautiful parks, and a traditional theatre.
What to Do in Kita
- See cherry blossoms at Asukayama Park.
- Visit Oji Shrine and the surrounding quiet streets.
- Explore the fusion architecture of Kyu-Furukawa Gardens.
We Recommend For…
Families and visitors interested in seasonal flowers, traditional shrines, and unique architecture may enjoy spending a few hours in Kita. However, it is not a major ward for overnight stays.
Koto
Koto is most well known for being the home to teamLab Planets, but it is also a gorgeous ward that spans the islands on the east side of the city. The mix of waterside paths, bridges, and huge open spaces makes it great for walking or cycling, all whilst being relatively close and well-connected to more central areas. You’ll also find so much to see and do there, including the Gundam Base, National Museum of Emerging Science, and Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai (an amazing fish market).
What Makes Koto Unique
Spanning the east Tokyo islands, Koto is a completely unique area with everything from the ultra-modern art in teamLab to a giant Gundam robot, as well as a fish market that rivals Tsukiji, and the expansive running paths along the water.
What to Do in Koto
- Experience the digital art at teamLab Planets.
- Eat sushi and use the free rooftop foot bath at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai.
- Visit the giant Gundam at the Gundam Base
We Recommend For…
Koto is the perfect day trip destination for any traveller, but is particularly great for families. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities in terms of science, art, and culture, and accommodation here is convenient for longer stays if you want a quieter base.
Meguro
Meguro is a popular ward for locals known for being filled with chic creativity, although it is somehow often overlooked by tourists. Nakameguro is all about riverside walks, independent cafes, and unique little boutiques; Daikanyama has galleries and upmarket shopping; and Jiyugaoka is incredibly cool to explore with bakeries and even a mini Venice canal area. The Meguro River is famous for its cherry blossom views in spring, with peaceful paths year-round.
What Makes Meguro Unique
Meguro is unique for its riverside streets and design-focused neighbourhoods that feel like a chic escape from the city centre.
What to Do in Meguro
- Walk along the Meguro River, especially during cherry blossom season.
- Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum for art and architecture.
- Explore Nakameguro for boutique shopping and casual dining.
We Recommend For…
Meguro is great for couples or solo travellers who enjoy cafés, brunch, and boutique shopping. The ward is also ideal for an afternoon wander along the river or a relaxed day exploring local galleries.
Minato
Minato is a central ward that includes Roppongi, Odaiba, and the Tokyo Tower area. It mixes business districts with nightlife, museums, and waterfront attractions. The ward also has an international flair with embassies, shopping malls, and parks interspersed among tall office buildings.
What Makes Minato Unique
By day, Minato is an international business hub, but then it transforms at night into a place filled with bars, clubs, and music venues.
What to Do in Minato
- Visit Tokyo Tower for city views.
- Explore Roppongi Hills and the Mori Art Museum.
- Stroll along Odaiba for shopping, entertainment, and views of the Rainbow Bridge.
We Recommend For…
Minato is excellent for first-time visitors who want a central base near attractions, nightlife, and museums, where English is particularly common. Couples and partygoers will enjoy Roppongi, while families can spend time in Odaiba with shopping and waterfront walks.
Nakano
Nakano is a lively ward best known for Nakano Broadway and its subculture shopping streets. The area draws visitors with its manga, anime, and collectable shops while also offering local restaurants and markets.
What Makes Nakano Unique
Nakano is one of the top destinations for subculture shopping, especially collectables, anime, and manga, with seemingly endless vintage and second-hand shops all in one compact, walkable area.
What to Do in Nakano
- Shop in Nakano Broadway for anime, manga, and collectables.
- Visit local markets along Sun Mall Street for street food and snacks.
- Walk through residential streets to discover hidden cafés and small shops.
We Recommend For…
Nakano is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys shopping and pop culture. Depending on how much shopping you want to do, you can spend half or a full day exploring the area, with plenty of delicious food stops to be found along the way.
Ota
Ota is in southern Tokyo and stretches along the Tama River to Haneda Airport. Although primarily residential, a visit to Ota has no shortage of things to do, and makes for the perfect way to experience a “slice of life anime” in reality. The area of Denenchofu is especially interesting for its European influence, as well as the stunning riverside Tamagawa Park, which blooms thousands of hydrangeas every June.
What Makes Ota Unique
On one side of Ota is the industrial landscape bordering Kawasaki, and on the other, the sought-after neighbourhoods of Denenchofu and Sanno.
What to Do in Ota
- Explore Tamagawa Park for hidden trails, hydrangeas, and riverside views
- Visit Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple for historic architecture.
- Visit a cafe in the scenic area of Denenchofu.
We Recommend For…
Ota is great for families spending longer in Tokyo who want space to run around, in an area with a strong expat community. Visitors can also spend a peaceful afternoon in Denenchofu, walking through the park, sipping coffee, or visiting one of the European bakeries.
Setagaya
Setagaya might have the largest population of the 23 Tokyo wards, but that doesn’t mean it only offers suburbia. In fact, quite the opposite is true, with some of Tokyo’s trendiest areas like Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya (or Sancha for short) being located there. A little more south is Futakotamagawa, a stylish spot with gorgeous river views, lots of cafes, and all of Tokyo’s shopping without the crowds.
What Makes Setagaya Unique
Setagaya has a little something for everyone, from vintage shopping, cafe hopping, and nightlife in Shimokitazawa, to riverwalks in Futakotamagawa, and the famous Gotokuji Temple, home to thousands of car statues.
What to Do in Setagaya
- Go second-hand shopping in Shimokitazawa.
- Visit Gotokuji Temple, famous for its lucky cat statues.
- Cycle or stroll along the Tamagawa River.
We Recommend For…
If you’re interested in seeing where Tokyo locals like to go to hang out, shop, and drink, then a visit to Setagaya is a must. Add in visits to Shimo and Sancha to your itinerary, and maybe even stay in the ward if you’re looking to be close to the action but away from too much hustle and bustle.
Shibuya
There’s no way you’re planning a trip to Tokyo without knowing about Shibuya. One of the most iconic Tokyo wards, this ultra-bustling area is internationally known for Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Beyond sightseeing, there are almost endless shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs to explore in Shibuya, not to mention the tourist bucket list destinations of Harajuku, Yoyogi, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, all found within this one ward.
What Makes Shibuya Unique
Shibuya contains almost every side of Tokyo within one ward. We’re talking counter culture in Harajuku, history at Meiji Jingu, tons of daytime activities, and some of the best nightlife in the city.
What to Do in Shibuya
- Cross Shibuya Crossing and explore the surrounding shopping streets.
- Walk through the peaceful forest grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine.
- Explore Cat Street in Harajuku for boutique shops and cafés.
We Recommend For…
Shibuya is an excellent place to stay for first-time visitors and partygoers who want nightlife and shopping at their doorstep, and the central location makes it easy to get anywhere in Tokyo.
Shinagawa
Shinagawa is maybe one of Tokyo’s most diverse areas, combining residential, industrial, and business districts. There’s the classy Jonan Gozan area, lively shopping streets along the old Tokaido Highway, and waterfront areas like Tennozu Isle. However, most people primarily think of Shinagawa as a transport hub. It’s a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen, with plenty of local trains, and direct transfers to both Haneda and Narita.
What Makes Shinagawa Unique
Shinagawa is most notably a transport hub, but also has some lovely waterfront neighbourhoods, whilst also being a big industrial area.
What to Do in Shinagawa
- Visit Shinagawa Shrine and nearby historic streets.
- Explore Tennozu Isle for art galleries and cafés.
- Walk through Sengakuji Temple, famous for the 47 Ronin story.
We Recommend For…
With so many transport connections, there are many hotels and accommodation options in Shinagawa, making Shinagawa a good option to stay in if convenience is your priority.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku has become almost synonymous with Tokyo itself, with videos of its busy high streets and famous 3D cat bulletin board popping up all over social media. It is one of the busiest of the 23 Tokyo wards, and has pretty much anything you might want within walking distance: beautiful parks, museums, nightlife, shopping, skyscraper views, the list goes on. Also in Shinjuku is Kabukicho’s Golden Gai bar street, Yotsuya Suga Shrine (famously featured in the movie “Your Name”), and Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
What Makes Shinjuku Unique
Shinjuku truly has something for everyone, giving solo travellers, couples, or families a reason to stay and visit the area.
What to Do in Shinjuku
- Spend an afternoon in the stunning Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- Take in city views for free from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
- Explore Golden Gai for tiny bars tucked into narrow alleys.
We Recommend For…
Shinjuku is an excellent base where everything you might need is right at your fingertips, whilst also making it easy to travel to almost every part of the city. If you want to be in the heart of the action, choose a hotel in Kabukicho, but for most visitors (especially families), we recommend staying in the much more peaceful Nishi Shinjuku area to be close to central Shinjuku without the chaos.
Suginami
Suginami is a residential western ward with a relatively laidback vibe and quiet coolness that locals enjoy. Koenji in particular is a top spot for second-hand shopping, and it has a great restaurant/bar scene, although nearby areas of Asagaya, Ogikubo, and Nishiogikubo are also known for their cafe and restaurant culture. You can also find Suginami Children’s Traffic Park in this ward, a super cute kids’ play park designed around the theme of transport.
What Makes Suginami Unique
Suginami has a cool music and vintage shopping scene within an unassuming, quiet residential area.
What to Do in Suginami
- Explore Koenji for vintage stores and live music venues.
- Walk around Ogikubo for local cafes and casual restaurants.
- Take kids to ride their bikes at the Suginami Children’s Traffic Park.
We Recommend For…
For anyone looking for thrifting gems, hitting the Koenji shotengai (shopping street) and exploring the used clothes boutiques is a must.
Sumida
Sumida is likely to already be a stop on your itinerary in order to visit Tokyo Skytree and walk along the Sumida River. Outside of the sightseeing spots, the ward is surprisingly calm and residential, where neighbourhood streets have local shops, restaurants, and small temples. Ryogoku is also within the Sumida ward, otherwise known as Tokyo’s Sumo Town, where official sumo tournaments are held three times a year.
What Makes Sumida Unique
Tokyo Skytree has turned Sumida into a top tourist destination, whilst Ryogoku cemented it as a famous spot for even locals.
What to Do in Sumida
- Visit Tokyo Skytree for observation decks and shopping.
- Walk along the Sumida River for scenic views.
- Explore Ryogoku for sumo culture and local cuisine.
We Recommend For…
Sumida is a really solid place to stay for older travellers or anyone who wants to be in both close proximity to lots of main Tokyo attractions and a quiet neighbourhood simultaneously.
Taito
Taito is simply packed with notable places, e.g., Asakusa, Akihabara, Ueno, and Yanaka, just to start. Of course, no trip to Tokyo is complete without a stop at Senso-ji, the most famous, important, and oldest temple in the city. For otaku or collectors, Akihabara is the place to go. Ueno offers night market vibes in Ameyoko shopping street, and the huge Ueno Park (within which is the Tokyo National Museum). Then, Yanaka Ginza is known for the traditional shopping streets, which transport you back to old Edo.
What Makes Taito Unique
Taito is home to so many of Tokyo’s most famous sightseeing spots and experiences that take you on a journey from modern arcades to ancient temples.
What to Do in Taito
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple and walk along Nakamise Street.
- Explore Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum.
- Wander Yanaka Ginza for shops and local treats.
We Recommend For…
Taito is unskippable for first-timers in Japan for the sheer number and variety of amazing sites all found in this one ward. It’s a great place to stay and entry point to the rest of East Tokyo, although with admittedly less nightlife than other neighbourhoods.
Toshima
Toshima is the central-northern ward where you’ll find Ikebukuro. For locals, this is a super popular hub for shopping, eating, and hanging out with friends, although it is often overlooked by tourists. There are a lot of great cafes in the area serving speciality coffee, countless local favourite izakaya, and the Sunshine City building has rooftop observatories and an aquarium.
What Makes Toshima Unique
Despite being slightly hidden in Northwest Tokyo, Toshima holds a strong place in locals’ hearts as one of the best places to hang out with friends after work and on the weekends.
What to Do in Toshima
- Explore Sunshine City for shopping, the observatory, and the aquarium.
- Visit Otome Road for anime and manga shops.
- Walk through Higashi-Ikebukuro for casual dining and cafes.
We Recommend For…
Ikebukuro is a good alternative to Shinjuku and Shibuya if you’re looking for all the shopping, dining, and fun without the hordes of other tourists.
