Tokyo has grown into the largest of the 47 prefectures of Japan and one of the most populous metropolises in the world.

This perennial bucket-list destination has become a must-see for a broad range of clients, from millennials intent on filling their Instagram feed with images of this one-of-a-kind city, to professionals who have both the time and the resources to book an unforgettable trip.

Here are five Tokyo districts that are must-sees, especially for first-time visitors.

 

1. Ryogoku

Discover Japan’s rich history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which offers a glimpse into Japanese life, both past and present. The Edo and Tokyo Zone permanent exhibits reflect the transition from feudal life to modernity. Visitors can enjoy the Edo Noren dining street, known for its Edo-era architecture.

However, the main event is the Ryogoku Kokugi-kan Arena, where a 15-day sumo tournament is held every January, May and September. Fans of the ancient Japanese sport can visit the Sumo Museum and spot the wrestlers in this district, as they live and train here.

 

 

2. Ginza

Ginza is the original downtown centre of Tokyo. This area flourished in the 17th century and was reborn as a model of modernization after a fire in the late 19th century. Today, it is the preferred weekend spot for locals and visitors thanks to its well-known luxury boutiques and expansive pedestrian areas, with the main north-south street closed to traffic.

Make sure to explore the Ginza Six shopping complex and Mitsukoshi department store before a classic experience at Kabuzi-za, the traditional Japanese theatre.

 

 

3. Harajuku

The pop culture epicentre of the city, Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori Street is a major draw for the 13- to-15 age group, as trendy fashion labels have been here since the 1960s. Make sure to walk the Jingu Bashi pedestrian bridge to admire the inventive fashions of Tokyo’s youth.

In recent years, Omotesando Street has become a fashion hotspot for all ages, with well-known global brands such as Gap, Uniqlo, Top Shop, and H&M populating the street and the Omotesando Hills fashion building.

 

 

4. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the administrative and commercial centre of the city and will impress visitors with:

• Sky-high towers of Yodobashi
• The small restaurants
• Bars
• Izakayas of Yotsuya
• Ramshackle artsy hangouts of the Golden Gai
• Shinjuku Gyoen (58-hectare park that combines Japanese, English and French gardening aesthetics)
• Retailers such as Yodobashi Camera, Books Kinokuniya, Yamada Denki, and Takashimaya and Isetan department stores

 

 

5. Shibuya

Shibuya is home to the busiest railway stations in the world (Shibuya and Shinjuku) and the famous scramble crossing, which allows pedestrians to cross in every direction. Shibuya Centre Street is a major source of new trends that spread across the country.

Here, you can find Shibuya Mark City, a busy complex featuring a hotel and 80 retail stores and Bit Valley, the HQ of venture capitalists focused on the tech industry. Koen-dori Street features major department stores and street performers.

 

To learn more about all of the amazing places to see in Tokyo, visit Go Tokyo at gotokyo.org