Tokyo has got a lot of characters. Each neighborhood of Tokyo is different. The capital is more than just the popular, well-known neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, etc. And if it’s your first time around the capital of Japan, I am sure these neighborhoods of Tokyo are already on your bucket list. But the list of best neighborhoods in Tokyo doesn’t end there.

There are more neighborhoods to walk around and vibe within Tokyo like Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, Daikanyama, etc. So, if your goal is to find the best neighborhoods in Tokyo, take in the atmosphere of each hood, walk the streets, shop, eat and explore both touristy and non-touristy things to do in Tokyo – a mixed bag of the popular with not-so-popular neighborhoods is the way to do it. 

1. Shinjuku – The Famous Neighborhood of Tokyo

Whenever we talk about Tokyo, the first neighborhood to pop up in our mind is Shinjuku, isn’t it? After all, we have seen this neighborhood of Tokyo featured in so many movies and shows! 

Remember the starting scene of ‘Lost in Translation’? Bill Murray, taxi, and neon lights? That’s Shinjuku!  

With business, shopping, entertainment, nightlife, skyscrapers, and a major transportation hub, Shinjuku sure knows how to rule the heart of Tokyo.  If it’s your first time in Tokyo, Shinjuku is the place to feel “Tokyo”. 

In fact, Shinjuku is further divided into two: the East and the West. East Shinjuku is for entertainment, and West Shinjuku is for business. That said, Shinjuku is a great neighborhood to stay in Tokyo. 

The only two downsides of this area are the crowd and the cost. Stays in Shinjuku are more on the expensive side! And crowds – it’s hard to escape. 

Must-Do’s In Shinjuku Neighborhood:

• Visit the Tokyo Government Building for the best city views.
• Rewind at Goyen National Garden
• See the Godzilla head statue
• Experience the nightlife at Golden Gai in Kabukicho
• Treat yourself to the classic dining and drinking experience at Omoide Yokocho, a.k.a Piss Alley.

2. Shibuya Neighborhood – The Youth Capital of Tokyo 

Times Square is for New York City, and Shibuya is for Tokyo. And, the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing captures this essence just right!

Like Shinjuku, Shibuya is a major transportation and entertainment hub of Tokyo. The distinct difference between the two is in the type of crowd. 

With shopping centres like Shibuya 109, nightlife, cheap bars, art, music, karaoke, etc., Shibuya lures in the youth. But that’s not it.

Shibuya is fairly large. This neighborhood of Tokyo also houses several other neighborhoods. If you have time, walk your way to Dogenzaka, Udagawacho, Oku-Shibu, Aoyama, Daikanyama, etc., to see the other side of Shibuya.

Must Do’s in Shibuya Neighborhood:

• Get a 360° view of Tokyo from Shibuya Sky Observatory
• Soak in the aura of Shibuya Crossing
• Click a selfie with the Hachiko Statue
• Shop at Shibuya 109
• Treat yourself to sushi

3. Asakusa – The Traditional Neighborhood of Tokyo

Once you’re done with the two most popular neighborhoods of Tokyo, visit Asakusa. Contrary to Shinjuku and Shibuya, Asakusa is very traditional. It is culturally rich and takes you back to the old times. 

Situated alongside the Sumida River and close to Tokyo Sky Tree, Asakusa gives you a glimpse of what Japan is all about. Temples, shrines, festivals, kimono, theatres, and geisha – the neighborhood has the whole lot. 

Besides, Asakusa is a great neighborhood for budget stays in Tokyo. You can even stay in a traditional ryokan for “the” Japanese experience. 

Must Do’s in Asakusa Neighborhood: 

• Explore the historic Senso-ji Temple
• Go shopping down the Nakamise-Dori Street
• Rent a kimono to go around the neighborhood in the traditional way
• Look out for the giant Golden Poo Sculpture
• Head to Sumida Park

4. Akihabara – The Best Neighborhood of Tokyo for Anime and Tech Lovers

Nicknamed the ‘Electric Town’, Akihabara is one of the internationally known neighborhoods of Tokyo. 

With manga, anime, and maid cafes on one hand and electronic shops, gadgets, and arcades on the other, Akihabara is the place for you if you love anime and tech in central Tokyo. A true pop-culture paradise. 

You can easily spend half a day here. And don’t forget to taste comfort food like ramen in this neighborhood of Tokyo.

Must Do’s in Akihabara Neighborhood: 

• Visit a maid cafe
• Go for go-karting
• Explore the Radio Kaikan building
• Hit the arcade
• Get your hands on exclusive gadgets
• Check out Yodobashi Camera 
• Shop for some anime merchandise 

5. Ueno – The Best Neighborhood of Tokyo with Museums and Parks

If you are done with the fast-paced Tokyo lifestyle, it’s time to slow down. And Ueno is the best neighborhood in Tokyo to do it. Even if you are not the museum and park type, you will not be bored here.

There’s always something going on at Ueno. Especially on the weekends. So, there’s no dearth of festivals, food, and fun in this neighborhood.

Must-Do’s of Ueno Neighborhood:

• Relax at  the Ueno Park
• Visit the museums of your liking within the park like the Tokyo National Museum, Art Museum, National Science Museum, etc.
• Head to the oldest zoo of Japan – the Ueno Zoo
• Offer prayers at Ueno Toshogu
• Eat good food in Koreatown of Ueno

6. Shimokitazawa – The Bohemian Neighborhood of Tokyo

Vintage clothes, record players, indie cafes, thrift stores, live shows, and narrow lanes with mural paintings, that’s how I sum up the Shimokitazawa neighborhood always.

Creativity and community form the core of this neighborhood. It is comparatively “slower” than the rest of Tokyo.

On the downside, because of social media, this place is losing its original charm. With footfall rising, the cost of everything is on the rise too. However, you can still find your way around the neighborhood without burning a hole in your pocket. 

Must Do’s at Shimokitazawa:

• In summer, participate in the Awa Odori Festival and Bon Dance Festival
• Hunt for good deals on vintage items
• Watch Japanese theatre
• Collect vinyl records
• Experience live music

7. Kichijoji – The Trendy Neighborhood of Tokyo

Technically, Kichijoji is not one neighborhood. It is a combination of neighborhoods. And it beautifully shows the “everyday” life of Tokyo.

The balance between business and nature is the highlight of the neighborhood. Whether you have hours in hand or a full day, Kichijoji has enough to explore. 

That said, weekdays are best to experience leisure in this neighborhood. 

Must Do’s in Kichijoji Neighborhood:

• Explore Inokashira Park and Zoo
• Go to the Sunroad Shopping Arcade
• Visit the Ghibli Museum

Bonus: I highly recommend taking a short trip to Okutama, one of the best outdoor locations in western Tokyo. The river view, sake brewery, adventure, and relaxing activities will make it the best day trip from Tokyo on your solo Japan trip.

So, Where to Stay in Tokyo?

Now that we have summed up some of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo, one question remains: “Where to stay in Tokyo?” 

Well, that depends on mainly three things:

• The kind of solo traveller you are
• The no.of nights to stay in Tokyo
• Your budget

Keeping these points in mind, I have made a checklist-table to help you pick the right neighborhood for your solo stay in Tokyo, Japan, with ease:

If you have any queries, feel free to reach out via comments, I would love to help you with the itinerary of your solo trip to Japan.