The Best Areas in Tokyo For First Time Tourists

If you’re like us, you’ve been seeing photos of Tokyo pop up on your Instagram and Pinterest feeds, and you’ve been left awe-struck at the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the glow of the big city lights. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo for the first time, you’re likely wondering where the best places to stay in the capital of Japan are.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is highly-recommended by locals and tourists who have visited Tokyo. Many consider Shinjuku to be Tokyo’s “must-stay area,” especially for first-time tourists.

If you’ve seen Tokyo on the big screen with its neon lights, streets full of people, busy shopping centers, and towering skyscrapers, it was likely Shinjuku. Shinjuku is an excellent base for a trip to Tokyo because it’s close to Mount Fuji and Hakone. The train station is within walking distance in Shinjuku, so you can hop on the train and be at Mount Fuji relatively quickly. Shinjuku also provides the perfect local Japanese atmosphere, from the bustling nightlife to shopping and street markets to the vibrant cherry blossoms. If you are planning a trip to Tokyo during cherry blossom season, Shinjuku Gyoen Park is the perfect place for cherry blossom sightings and picnics. The Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku is also a wonderful place to get a free glimpse of Mount Fuji from the building’s observatory.

If you are looking for a hotel in Shinjuku, the hotel with the highest ratings and reviews online is the Shinjuku Granbell Hotel. The hotel is close to shops and restaurants and is located in the heart of the bustling Shinjuku district.

Must-see in Shinjuku:

Take in the views of the Tokyo skyline at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Enjoy some bar-hopping on the streets of the Golden Gai District
Stop by Tokyo’s most beautiful garden, Shinjuku Gyoen
If you like art, there are many galleries in Shinjuku
Shop until you drop at Shinjuku’s endless shops

Shibuya

Shibuya is another tourist-favorite part of Japan. It’s a shopping and transport hub located on the west side of the Yamanote Line. Shibuya is similar to Shinjuku in terms of convenient transportation, a variety of restaurants and shops, and lots of attractions. Sibuya is a bit less busy than Shinjuku if crowds aren’t your thing. For a hotel booking in Shibuya, we recommend the Hotel Unizo Tokyo Shibuya. The hotel is located centrally in Shibuya so you are close to everything but far enough away from all of the hustle and bustle of the big city.

We can’t mention Shibuya without mentioning Harajuku. Harajuku is a small area found within Shibuya. Harajuku, made famous for the Western world by Gwen Stefani, is known for its goth/zombie/emo subculture. Harajuku is the hot spot for Japanese teens to buy their vibrant and unique clothes and accessories. This area is a must-see for American teens and young travelers. You can take a stroll down Takeshita Street, the main hub of Harajuku. This famous street is lined with shops that sell vintage clothes, bright accessories, and even candy. The street is colorful and crammed, making it the perfect place to do some one-of-a-kind people watching.

Harajuku is also home of kawaii, the Japanese culture of cuteness.

Must-see in Shibuya and Harajuku

Shibuya Crossing. This is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. It’s known as “the scramble.”
Meiji-Jingu Shrine. Tokyo’s grandest shrine dates back to 1920. It’s dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is a must-see in Shibuya, and it’s free.
Second-hand clothes shopping on Harajuku street.

Ginza, Tokyo Station and Tsukiji

If you’re looking for a little more luxury on your trip to Tokyo, this area is home to some of Tokyo’s top luxury hotels. Some people compare Ginza to Fifth Avenue in New York City. It was the first area in Tokyo to be modernized, and you can see that on display with the area’s modern Western-style buildings and upscale shopping malls. On the weekends, traffic closes off, and the main shopping street Chuo Dori becomes a pedestrian-only zone. Nightlife in and around Giza is more upscale and mature than Shinjuku. There are plenty of cocktail lounges and upscale restaurants.

Must-see in Ginza, Tokyo Station, and Tsukiji

Imperial Palace. This is the residence of the emperor of Japan. While the palace is closed most of the year, you can take a tour of the grounds.
Shopping. As we mentioned, Ginza is considered heaven when it comes to upscale shopping.
Cafes and art galleries. Stroll around Ginza to see many cozy cafes and unique art galleries.

Tokyo is bustling, vibrant, and beautiful. It makes for the perfect vacation destination for tourists looking for a unique holiday experience. Use this post as a guide when making your hotel booking and planning your first trip to Tokyo.