Living Like A Local - A Guide To Neighbourhoods In West Tokyo

Shibuya - Tokyo’s Time Square

1. Shop, dine and drink to your heart’s content at Shibuya

1/3 Shibuya 109 by night

2/3 Yakiniku

3/3 Karaoke at Shibuya

How does Shibuya maintain such a massive constant stream of traffic? It’s all thanks to the numerous shopping malls, restaurants, bars and late night entertainment such as karaoke joints here. Shop till you drop in the day at Shibuya 109, Shibuya Hikarie and so on. Rest and replenish your energy in the cosy cafes and restaurants in between retail therapy. At night, follow the local salarymen who head to the happening Hyakkendana area in Dogenzaka for some drinks, or sing your lungs out at cool karaoke joints. The list of entertainment options in Shibuya is long and seemingly endless!

To save the hassle of rushing for the last train back to your accommodation, opt to stay within this hip neighbourhood. Take your pick from boutique hotels like Shibuya Hotel En or Granbell Hotel Shibuya, unique ladies-only capsule hotels like Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya, or cosy Airbnb apartments.

2. Seek respite in the city’s oasis - Yoyogi Park

1/2 Fountain Yoyogipark

2/2 Wedding, Yoyogi Park (2562137428)

Finding your way through the jam-packed Takeshita Dori can be quite tiring after some time. Seek respite from all the buzz by entering the nearby Yoyogi Park (代々木公園), one of Tokyo’s largest city parks, through Aoyama 1-chome. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Avenue of Gingko Trees to arrive at the sacred Meiji Shrine (明治神宮). As this is a popular spot for holding traditional Shinto wedding processions, thank your lucky stars if you manage to witness one at the shrine grounds!

Read also: Meiji Shrine, A Sacred Place In The Middle Of Busy Tokyo, Japan

Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo 151-0052

Price: free.

Opening Hours: Always open.

Access: 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station. Meiji Shrine is next to the park.

Contact: +81 3-3469-6081

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)

Harajuku - the trendsetting hot spot

1/2 Harajuku, Tokyo

2/2 Harajuku bridge 02

Shinjuku - Tokyo’s administrative and commercial centre

Venture to the eye-opening Kabukicho (歌舞伎町) entertainment district, located east of Seibu Shinjuku Station, for life after dark (and work). The thousands of hostess bars, strip joints, porno video and DVD outlets and numerous love hotels allow the tired professionals to unwind after a long stressful day at work. Visit with a local to gain more insights into this infamous entertainment district.

3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - best views of the city skyline for free!

If Kabukicho is too much for you to stomach, grab awesome panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline instead at the observation deck of Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. The 243-metre (797 feet) tall building used to be the tallest building in Tokyo until 2007 when Midtown Tower in Roppongi was completed. Nonetheless, this is still a great place to get free views of Tokyo and even as far as Mount Fuji if the weather is good!

Furthermore, just across the street from the government building is Shinjuku Central Park, which offers some respite from the dense built-up surroundings. You can practise skating on the vast space here like the locals, or check out the flea market held every Saturday.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government building observation decks

Address: 2-8-1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo 163-8001

Price: free.

Opening Hours: please refer to official website for details.

Access: 10-minute walk from west exit of Shinjuku Station, or direct access from Tocho-mae Station.

Contact: +81 3-5321-1111

Tokyo Metropolitan Government building

4. Stay in Shinjuku for easy connectivity

1/2 Business Hotel Yamamoto

2/2 Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Booking a stay in the Shinjuku district is a great choice because this major transportation hub in Tokyo has excellent connectivity to all parts of the city and country. Furthermore, there are a variety of options to suit travellers of all budgets, from affordable Airbnb apartments like Central Shinjuku Park Apartment 702, budget APA Shinjuku Gyoenmae hotel, to classy designer hotels like Shinjuku Granbell Hotel and traditional Japanese inn-style Business Hotel Yamamoto, you will surely find something to suit your needs.

Nakano - the happiest place for anime and manga fanatics

After satisfying the shopaholic in you, take a breather and feed the hungry soul at the many cafes and restaurants available in the area. Despite being a densely populated district, Nakano evokes a unique laid-back feel that you don’t get in the other districts mentioned above.

Nakano Broadway

Address: 5-52-15 Nakano Ward, Tokyo

Access info: outside Nakano Station

Opening hours: 12:00 - 20:00

Fixed holiday: depends on shop

Contact: +81 3-3388-7004

Entrance fee: free

Official URL

Kichijoji - locals’ favourite district

1/2 station

2/2 Harmonica Alley

Read also: Take a retro-style stroll in Kichijoji’s Harmonica Alley, Tokyo.

5. Dive deep into West Tokyo's nightlife (from USD 103.0)

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Venture into the heart of Kichijoji, a hidden gem in Tokyo’s lively nightlife scene. Embark on a four-hour journey through Harmonica Yokocho, a post-World War II flea market turned bustling alleyway of unique bars and eateries.

Savor distinctive concoctions such as oolong-shu, plum wine, and whisky highballs accompanied by rare delicacies such as horse meat shu-mai. The expert guide will assist you through the local drinking etiquette. In these snug bars accommodating just a handful, you’ll soon be immersed in lively chats with locals, facilitated by your trilingual guide.

The Midnight Diners: Tokyo Experience

Duration: 4hours

23 reviews

from USD

103.0

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6. Revel in an amazing Ghibli Museum tour and unwind at Inokashira Park

1/2 Inokashira Park 2009-04-05 (3446859212)

2/2 Ghibli Museum, Mitaka - panoramio

When you visit Kichijoji, do not just explore the area around the station. Make your way to the nature-rich Inokashira Park and the famous Japanese animation studio Ghibli Museum next to it. Lined with rows of tall trees, the park is a perfect spot for you to relax and unwind. Enjoy a lovely picnic with your family and friends under the shady trees, while soaking in the beautiful nature scenery. During spring, get a splendid view of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, marvel in awe at the sea of red and yellow foliage.

In addition, the Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for fans of the famed Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli. Right from the museum’s colourful entrance, feel as if you have stepped into the wonderful world of Ghibli. Everything within the museum complex is carefully constructed to recreate the works of Studio Ghibli. Even if you aren’t an ardent fan, I’m sure you will enjoy this fascinating tour too!

Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園)

Address: 3, 4, 5 Inokashira, Mitaka City, Tokyo 180-0005

Price: free.

Opening Hours: always open.

Access: 5-minute walk from Kichijoji Station, or 1-minute walk from Inokashira-koen Station.

Contact: +81 422-47-6900

Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園)

Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館)

Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City, Tokyo 181-0013

Price: 1,000 JPY (9.40 USD), reserve your ticket online up to 1 month in advance (see official website for details)

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm. Please refer to official website for closing dates.

Access: From Mitaka Station south exit, about 15-minute walk along the Tamagawa Josui “Waterworks”, or short bus ride to the museum.

Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館)

Have you found your favourite district in West Tokyo yet?

After reading about the various interesting districts in West Tokyo, which district do you prefer the most? Regardless of your preference, West Tokyo has a diverse range of attractions for a pleasant and unforgettable holiday. Plan your next holiday there now!