Finding Central Tokyo
Finding central Tokyo sounds easy, right? At first glance, finding a city's center seems simple. London calls its center 'central,' New York claims Manhattan, and Sydney points to Circular Quay. Most cities designate a central hub for business, commerce, and culture—often called the downtown or CBD. In Tokyo, however, the picture gets murkier.
Locals, expats, and tourists can't agree on a single ward that defines Tokyo's center. Still, many argue over where it should be. The debate draws on location, history, and present-day relevance, with six wards in particular competing for the title of central Tokyo.
Before it became Tokyo, people knew the city as Edo. Originally a small castle village on Japan's east coast, Edo gained prominence when the Tokugawa Shogunate established its seat of power there in 1603. By the 18th century, Edo had already grown into one of the world's largest metropolises.
Samurai and nobles settled in Yamanote, but the city's heart beat in the shitamachi—or 'downtown'—where commoners lived. Narrow streets and dense populations defined the shitamachi, creating a vibrant, chaotic scene of Edo-era life. Merchants and artisans flocked to the area, navigating a grid of streets and an intricate canal system.
Today, Taito Ward encompasses much of this historic area. A visit to the iconic Senso-Ji temple or a walk through Ueno's bustling streets can instantly transport visitors back to the heart of old Edo. The Kaminarimon, the outer of two large entrance gates, leading to the Senso-Ji temple. Image credit: coward_lion / iStock .
When Japan's capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, officials established the Imperial Palace in the heart of the city—Chiyoda. Soon after, builders developed Marunouchi, just steps from the palace gardens, as Tokyo's central business district. With its grandeur and prestige, Marunouchi has played a vital role in driving Japan's economic growth and continues to serve as a cornerstone of Asia's financial sector.
One crucial factor in the debate over Tokyo's center is the location of Tokyo Station, situated on Marunouchi's eastern edge. Since its opening in 1914, Tokyo Station has served as the main entry point for domestic travelers arriving in the capital. Planners deliberately positioned it to link Ueno and Nihonbashi through the city's most esteemed geographic and commercial hub. Boats and blossoming cherry trees in Kitamaru Park in Chiyoda. Image credit: idmanjoe / iStock.
The name 'Chuo' directly translates to 'center,' and few can deny its relevance in the debate over Tokyo's core. Established in 1947 during Japan's post-WWII recovery, city planners created the ward to serve as a commercial hub and help rebuild Japan's economy. Chuo once housed the city's silver and gold coin-making mints and hosted Japan's first department store—the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.
Today, Chuo continues to thrive as a global shopping destination. The former gold mint now serves as the Bank of Japan's headquarters, and Ginza has evolved into a luxury retail district filled with department stores and designer boutiques.
Interested to know the hidden side of Ginza? Read our guide for the neighborhood here. The busy shopping streets of Ginza. Image credit: Sean Pavone Photo / iStock.
Major global companies like Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Baidu have chosen Roppongi for their Japan headquarters, solidifying Minato's role at the heart of Tokyo's international business scene. The ward also carries historic diplomatic weight. During the Edo period, regional daimyo (lords) built residences in the area, effectively creating early domain embassies. Over time, many of these residences transformed into foreign embassies, which explains why Minato now hosts a high concentration of consulates, including those of the U.S., Australia, and China.
As the 20th century came to a close, major real estate developments accelerated Minato's growth. By the mid-2000s, its modern skyline embodied wealth, luxury, and Tokyo's forward-looking spirit. Today, Minato brims with fine dining, art galleries, and a dynamic nightlife. It also boasts Tokyo's tallest building, Azabudai Hills, alongside the iconic Tokyo Tower.
Want to see the Tokyo Tower from all the best angles whilst catching up on some exercise? Head to our article about the cycling route that takes you on the Tokyo Tower Tour. The iconic Tokyo Tower lights up at night in Roppongi. Image credit: CreativeJP / iStock.
Chiyoda may host the city's central station, but Shinjuku claims the title of busiest—not just in Japan, but in the world. Shinjuku Station moves an astounding 3.4 million passengers daily, operating 12 lines across 36 platforms. The station connects directly to nearly every major hub in Tokyo, making Shinjuku a vital gateway to the entire city.
Supporters of Shinjuku argue that the ward has emerged in recent decades as Tokyo's true downtown. It offers a bit of everything—from the tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen and the heritage of Hanazono Shrine to the vibrant queer culture of Nichome, one of the world's most densely concentrated LGBTQ+ districts. Head north and you'll step into Okubo, Tokyo's Koreatown, where kbbq restaurants, skincare shops, and K-pop clubs draw crowds day and night.
Shinjuku's neon-lit high streets have come to symbolize Tokyo itself, and many consider a visit here essential to experiencing the city. The neon-lit crossing of Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Image credit: Urbanscape / iStock.
Many holidaymakers choose to stay in Shibuya—and for good reason. Much of Tokyo's energy centers around this vibrant ward. While tourists flock to icons like Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and the colorful streets of Harajuku, Shibuya offers far more than its famous landmarks. It operates like a city within a city, with countless music venues, the open-air freedom of Yoyogi Park, and the culinary delights of Ebisu. Visitors could easily spend an entire week here without ever stepping outside the ward.
On the commercial front, Shibuya overflows with shopping destinations and continues to grow as a business hub. Increasing numbers of companies—especially in tech and startups—have relocated their headquarters to the area, reinforcing its status as a center of innovation and commerce. The always busy Shibuya crossing. Image credit: Nuthawut Somsuk / iStock.
Clearly, no single definition can pinpoint Tokyo's true city center. A salaryman working in Roppongi might see Minato as the core, while a tourist might argue for Shibuya. Chuo claims the center in a literal sense, but Chiyoda holds it in another.
As the idea of a city center has evolved, so has Tokyo itself. After beginning as Edo, the city became Japan's capital in 1868. It endured near-total destruction during WWII, then rapidly rebuilt and expanded throughout the 20th century. By 2024, Tokyo had grown into a city of over 14 million residents and welcomed an additional 35 million tourists.
This growth has created a sprawling, decentralized metropolis layered with history, industry, and culture. Rather than form around a single hub, Tokyo has adapted across centuries—reshaping and reinventing itself with each era. It lacks a definitive center not by accident, but by deliberate evolution.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tokyo Weekender
2 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Visiting Kyoto in an Age of Overtourism
In recent years, as Japan has seen a steady surge in overseas visitors, the issue of overtourism has come to the fore. Kyoto, in particular, is bearing the brunt of it: reports tell of disrespectful tourists crowding streets, hounding apprentice geisha, defiling legendary temples and generally treating the ancient capital like a theme park or a mere backdrop for Instagram photos. By now, the phenomenon is known throughout the world, having been documented in nearly every major media outlet. Kyoto and Tokyo both made Fodor's 'No List' this year, and a recent New York magazine article detailed at length the current state of affairs: swarms of disrespectful tourists treating the historic city like 'an amusement park' or 'a safari.' As a traveler with good intentions and a sense of respect, overtourism creates a difficult conundrum. After all, overtouristed places are heavily visited for a reason — they're beautiful, unique and rich in history. It's hard to fault visitors for wanting to experience the ancient capital's magic; truthfully, when my friends visit Japan, I still highly recommend Kyoto to them. So what's the best way to address this problem? According to locals and insiders, it's still quite possible to plan a trip to Kyoto in a way that honors local culture and doesn't cause a disturbance. You just have to be mindful, conscientious and prepared to forgo some of the most raved-about sites. List of Contents: The Overtourism Problem in Kyoto The Tourist Dilemma The Problem of 'Must-See' Places Traveling With Intention Related Posts The Area Surrounding Kiyomizu-dera The Overtourism Problem in Kyoto I've lived a large chunk of my life in Japan, but I've only gone to Kyoto a handful of times. Admittedly, I find that the packed crowds — particularly in the areas surrounding Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — detract from the serene energy these sites are known for. Ironically, though, when I went on a trip to Kyoto with my college friends who were visiting from the States, these were the very spots I took them to — because, well, 'you just have to.' The city of Kyoto has a population of about 1.4 million, and in 2024, Kyoto drew 10.88 million foreign visitors. According to New York , roughly 150,000 people visit the city every day. Most of these visitors crowd the same few places — the ones I mentioned above, plus a few others (Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, etc.). For Kyoto residents, the constant influx of tourists can be incredibly disruptive. Daily life is often affected by overcrowded public transport and large groups of inconsiderate visitors, particularly in popular districts like Higashiyama and Arashiyama, which can feel nearly impassable at peak times. In a survey conducted by Yomiuri Shimbun in fall 2023, around 90% of 5,500 local respondents expressed frustration with the congestion on buses and trains caused by tourism. And it's not just in public places that the disruptions occur. New York describes a phenomenon of clueless tourists 'opening the sliding doors into unmarked machiya on the presumption that anything inside was meant for their entertainment, only to end up walking into someone's living room.' Fushimi Inari Taisha Torii The Tourist Dilemma On a rainy June day, I was visiting the Tokyo National Museum with a friend from the US, catching the temporary special exhibition of modern-day ukiyo-e paintings. As I was struggling to get my umbrella out of its locked holder, my friend offhandedly mentioned that seeing other, conspicuously American tourists — inappropriately dressed, loud and pushy, acting with little regard for Japanese cultural norms — makes him feel embarrassed about his country. 'Tourism inevitably dilutes a place, especially somewhere like Japan,' he said. I hadn't really thought much about tourists in that way. I didn't think much about them at all, beyond being mildly annoyed by the masses filming videos at Shibuya Crossing when I have places to be, dammit . Like a true Tokyoite, I generally have tunnel vision as I walk and think of the people in my path not by country of origin but obstacles I must avoid. I didn't really understand what my friend was trying to say until I went to Milan for vacation the following week. Suddenly, my role was reversed. The ongoing joke is that everyone and their mothers are either going to Japan or Italy right now, but there's some truth to it. I heard more English than Italian on the streets. When I visited Lake Como, I was stunned by its beauty — but also heartbroken by how gentrified it felt. Many longtime residents have been pushed out by soaring prices, their homes replaced by tourists and millionaires. My Japanese instinct for kizukai (consideration for others) kicked in as a tourist in Italy. I was extremely aware of the fact that I was a visitor, taking up space in a city that wasn't mine. I felt bad about my limited Italian vocabulary, stammering my lunch order to a waiter who smiled generously and responded in fluent English. I instantly felt more sympathetic towards foreigners in Japan, where it's much harder to get by with just English. I couldn't help but feel strong parallels between Milan and Kyoto. Both cities draw massive crowds largely because of their deep, tangible histories — steeped into the architecture and embedded in the land itself. The shrines and temples of Kyoto evoke a similar awe to Italy's grand cathedrals. In my mind, the Duomo di Milano and Kiyomizu-dera feel like two sides of the same coin. As a tourist, I felt surprisingly guilty. Guilty for potentially, in a however minute way, changing the landscape of a country with so much history. For being one of the thousands of people visiting the Duomo, contributing to an already packed place that's supposed to be a spiritual refuge. Kinkaku-ji Temple The Problem of 'Must-See' Places Overtourism is, in many ways, fueled by the collective desire to check out a select few 'must-see' spots. It doesn't help that so much of travel has become performative nowadays, fueled by a desire for bragging rights and perfectly posed and filtered Instagram posts. On TikTok, influencers tout 'must-eat' and 'must-visit' items, which their followers bookmark in order to create content of their own. I'm not criticizing this phenomenon — I understand that this is what it is to travel in the modern world. I do the same things myself: When I'm getting ready for a trip, I bookmark travel TikToks and reels, and I commemorate my international adventures with curated photo dumps. But it's important to remember there's much more of a city than what one sees on the Explore Page, and that travel isn't meant to be effortless. It requires thought and planning. 'The thing that gets me is that Kyoto is huge, and there are so many places that are still almost empty,' Joshua Lassman-Watts, CEO of luxury travel company Untold Japan , says. 'The problem seems to be that tourists only want to go to the same spots. What happened to curiosity and adventure?' As we've written before , it's an oversimplification to say that Japan is plagued by overtourism. The real issue is the concentration of visitors in just a handful of well-known spots. As Lassman-Watts points out, even within Kyoto, there are countless historic neighborhoods, shrines, temples and traditional cafes that remain largely untouched by overseas tourists — often just minutes away from the city's most crowded landmarks. Take, for instance, Maru Sankaku Shikaku no Toku , a cafe-gallery located in a renovated 100-year-old house in Enmachi, a quaint neighborhood within walking distance of Kinkaku-ji. The owner, Yoko Tokuji, says she genuinely wants more tourists to stop by, and even tries to advertise to English speakers online. 'Once visitors arrive in Japan, many don't know where to go, so they end up heading to the famous spots by default, leading to severe overcrowding,' she explains. 'We need more people to learn about historical areas like Enmachi, which are not as well-known.' Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Traveling With Intention When traveling to a heavily touristed location, changing the narrative about what you 'have' to see in order to truly experience a city is a good first step. 'The vast majority of people visiting Kyoto for the first time are going to visit the top spots,' Jordan McChesney, a tour guide at Untold Japan, says. 'We typically encourage our guests to explore Kyoto off the beaten path. Kyoto is a lot bigger than people might think, so there is no shortage of sights to see and stories to tell if you know where to look.' It falls on travelers to do their research properly — or enlist the help of expert local guides. It falls on you to anticipate cultural differences, and to properly prepare for them. 'Our network of local guides, comprising both Japanese and long-term international residents, actively helps our guests navigate local customs and etiquette,' says Laura Abril, a project manager at Kyoto Daily Tours. 'This includes speaking softly in public spaces, properly announcing themselves in restaurants, responsibly disposing of garbage and facilitating clear communication through translation of menus and local guidelines.' It's important to remember that, above all, you're a guest in someone else's home, and that calls for humility and flexibility. Being an outsider doesn't exempt you from local rules or etiquette, and not every business will cater to Western tastes. You may come across places without English menus, or staff who can't accommodate non-Japanese speakers. Travelers hoping for a 'truly authentic' Kyoto experience without speaking the language — or doing proper research or hiring a local guide — are likely to be disappointed. Travel can be full of surprises and serendipitous encounters, but stumbling into the perfect hole-in-the-wall with no reservation and a warm welcome isn't a given. This is Kyoto, not Narnia. That said, one of the great joys of visiting Japan is noticing the subtle thoughtfulness and quiet generosity of the people. Locals are often kind, and many are genuinely pleased that their culture is receiving so much interest from abroad. Emulating and understanding culture is a huge part of travel — and leading with respect and consideration is probably the most Japanese thing you could do. Related Posts A Kyoto Itinerary That Skips the Crowds, Not the Culture Alternative, Less Crowded Temples and Shrines in Kyoto Drunk American Tourist Damages Kyoto Temple Tied to Samurai Legend
Metropolis Japan
5 days ago
- Metropolis Japan
Wow, Hokusai! Interactive Encounter with Japan's Most Iconic Artist
This summer, step into the brilliant world of Katsushika Hokusai like never before. Through August 31, the Sumida Hokusai Museum in Tokyo invites you to experience 'Wow, Hokusai! See, Examine, and Discover Ukiyo-e.' Known worldwide for the ever-iconic The Great Wave, Hokusai was a master of surprise. This exhibition encourages you to slow down, look closer and uncover the hidden genius behind his brushstrokes. Through simple, engaging descriptions and a carefully curated lineup of works by Hokusai and his students, you'll be led on a path of discovery— one 'Wow!' moment at a time. In addition to the main gallery, visitors can enjoy the 'Education Room – Discover Hokusai' —a space designed to illuminate Hokusai's techniques and artistic tricks with accessible insights for all ages. Whether you're a long-time ukiyo-e fan (a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868) or new to the genre, this exhibit offers a chance to not just see Hokusai's art—but to truly experience it. The museum is located in Hokusai's hometown of Sumida, making it the perfect destination to connect with Tokyo's cultural roots. Don't miss this immersive and eye-opening celebration of Japan's most iconic artist.
SoraNews24
5 days ago
- SoraNews24
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
Timeless scenery and retro luxury are waiting for travelers in Atami. Usually, when you hear about a hotel in Japan with a classical style, it's a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that people are talking about. On one of our recent trips, though, we stayed in a hotel that evokes not thoughts of Japan's samurai era, but the good old days of the Showa period and bubble economy. The Hotel New Akao, in the town of Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture, opened in 1970, almost exactly in the middle of the post-war part of the Showa era (which as a whole lasted from 1926 to 1989). It was a time when Japan's economic recovery had come far enough for people to start enjoying the finer things in life, like luxurious leisure travel to seaside resorts and hot spring towns, and with Atami being both of those, it became one of the era's most popular destinations, and the Hotel New Akao was the crown jewel of Atami's accommodation options. Atami has lost some of its trendy luster in the years since, but recently it's been getting attention again for its retro appeal. The New Akao is definitely full of that vintage atmosphere, but that's just part of what makes it a great place to stay, as we found out during our stay. To start with, the views are fantastic, and yes, that's views , since there are all sorts of vantage points from which to admire the breathtaking surroundings. This is thanks to both the hotel's location and its design. The complex is built on a cliff right next to the ocean, providing unbroken views stretching out over the sea all the way to the horizon. On clear days you can see as far as the Boso Peninsula in Chiba, three prefectures east of Shizuoka. Guestrooms are divided into two buildings, the Horizon Wing and Ocean Wing, but since they're built on the upper and lower sections of the cliff, every single room has an ocean view, and many of the common-use areas do too. Outside of our room, the best photo spots we found were the Royal Lounge, on the second floor of the Horizon Wing, the open-air garden above the main dining hall of the Ocean Wing… …and, our personal favorite, the balcony terrace that's just off the lobby of the Ocean Wing. The hotel's interior design is where the aesthetics get retro, with elegant chandeliers, plush carpeting, and spacious ballrooms. It's an entirely different look from the understated minimalism you'll find in many new hotels, a throwback to the idea that luxurious travel should feel like a special extra indulgence, as opposed to just stripping away the accumulated unpleasantries of daily life. If you really want to talk a stroll back through yesteryear, the Nigiwai Yokocho section of the hotel is a recreation of a Showa-era entertainment street, with an old-school bar, dagashi candy shop, and retro arcade video game corner (though some of the games might actually hail from the Heisei-period '90s). Ah, but we said above that Atami is a hot spring town, right? It sure is, and the New Akao has no fewer than three different hot spring bathing areas to soak in, each with indoor and outdoor sections. The closest to the sea, pictured above, is the Namine, meaning 'sound of the waves,' located on the first floor of the Ocean Wing. There's also the Ayami ('colors of the sea') bath section, up on the third floor of the Horizon Wing… …and finally, on the floor that serves as both the first basement level of the Horizon Wing and the 15th floor of the Ocean Wing, is the Nishiki bath area, with an infinity pool-style design for its outdoor tubs that makes it look like the waters of the hot spring and the sea blend into each other. Though each area is single-sex, they all switch over at mid-day, allowing both men and women to enjoy all of the baths and views during their stay. We mentioned the main dining hall earlier, and one look at it will tell you that dinner at the New Akao is an opulent event. The dinner buffet is a mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, the holy triumvirate of hotel buffets in Japan. With Atami being bordered by the sea on one side and the mountains on the other, there was a fantastic selection of local seafood and produce, and we partook of sashimi, fried shrimp, oden (vegetables simmered in dashi broth), and freshly carved roast beef. We hit the buffet again for breakfast the next morning, starting our day off with fried aji (horse mackerel), soy sauce-marinated red snapper, and French toast. As you can see, you could easily spend your whole stay lounging, bathing, dining, and looking off contently at the ocean…or you could take advantage of all sorts of activities the New Akao offers. ▼ A board showing the day's activities, with those that still have room for more participants marked with 空きあり. Being right next to the ocean, there are marine activities like kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours, some which take you to nearby sea caves, and also snorkeling and fishing excursions. For indoor types there are lessons in accessory design, candle-making, and photography, and for those wanting to explore the town the hotel offers guided walking tours or bicycle rentals if you prefer to set your own course. Like at many hot spring hotels, there are also day-use plans for the baths so that non-guests can make use of them too. But for the full experience, to get a sense of why people have been coming to this town, and this hotel in particular, for so many years, there's nothing quite like spending the night at the New Akao. Hotel information Hotel New Akao / ホテルニューアカオ Address: Shizuoka-ken, Atami-shi, Atami 1993-250 静岡県熱海市熱海1993-250 Website In-bath photos provided by Hotel New Akao All other photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
