Tokyo is a district province of Japan composed of 23 wards (or satellite cities) that form the Greater Tokyo City, along with other cities and wards surrounding the capital of Japan. In this article, we will get to know in detail each of the 23 wards and other sectors that make up Tokyo.
The population that makes up Greater Tokyo exceeds 8 million inhabitants, but the province as a whole exceeds 13 million inhabitants. Chiba and Kanagawa are the provinces that surround the great capital of Tokyo.
Kanagawa surrounds the Tokyo province with the second largest population in the country, exceeding 9 million inhabitants. After all, going from Tokyo to Yokohama doesn’t even feel like you’re leaving the city.
Some do not know, but Tokyo ceased to be a City in 1947. Currently, Shinjuku is considered the capital of the Tokyo province, but still in everyone’s heart exists the Greater City of Tokyo, which is the junction of these 23 wards.
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The 23 Districts of Tokyo
The 23 wards of Tokyo are called Tokubetsuku [特別区] and can be compared to cities. Both have their own administration, despite belonging to Tokyo. We can compare it to the cities that surround Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
The population of these wards is equivalent to several cities, they have their own neighborhoods and sectors. In Japan, people usually indicate the place or sector they live in by the name of the station, so it is believed that there are more than 1000 sectors in Tokyo.
Below we will list the names, population, and square area of the 23 major wards of Tokyo, which are also called nijuusanku [23区]. Throughout the article, we will list several famous neighborhoods and sectors of Tokyo in great distinction.
| Portuguese | Japanese | Population | Area |
| Adachi | 足立区 | 621848 | 53.25 |
| Arakawa | 荒川区 | 186275 | 10.20 |
| Bunkyō | 文京区 | 181065 | 11.31 |
| Chiyoda | 千代田区 | 37988 | 11.64 |
| Chuō | 中央区 | 81996 | 10.15 |
| Edogawa | 江戸川区 | 637571 | 49.86 |
| Itabashi | 板橋区 | 525969 | 32.17 |
| Katsushika | 葛飾区 | 426403 | 34.84 |
| Kita | 北区 | 327086 | 20.59 |
| Kōtō | 江東区 | 398805 | 39.44 |
| Meguro | 目黒区 | 255833 | 14.70 |
| Minato | 港区 | 167098 | 20.34 |
| Nakano | 中野区 | 313325 | 15.59 |
| Nerima | 練馬区 | 674826 | 48.16 |
| Ōta | 大田区 | 661157 | 59.46 |
| Setagaya | 世田谷区 | 829624 | 58.08 |
| Shibuya | 渋谷区 | 201524 | 15.11 |
| Shinagawa | 品川区 | 332536 | 22.72 |
| Shinjuku | 新宿区 | 297135 | 18.23 |
| Suginami | 杉並区 | 530307 | 34.02 |
| Sumida | 墨田区 | 221093 | 13.75 |
| Toshima | 豊島区 | 252764 | 13.01 |
| Taitō | 台東区 | 162685 | 10.08 |
Shibuya
This is undoubtedly the most famous district in Tokyo, here you find the statue of Hachiko, the busiest intersection in the world, and various brand and price stores. The advantage is that it is close to Yoyogi Park and the Harajuku neighborhood. (The cover photo of the article is from the Shibuya crossing).
We recommend reading:
- Harajuku – The colorful city
- Hachiko – ハチ公 – The story of the loyal dog
- Walking in Tokyo – Ginza, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the largest ward in Tokyo. Shinjuku is so large that it has several neighborhoods within it. Here you find Kabukichou, the largest nightlife entertainment district in Tokyo.
Read more: Kabukicho – The largest red-light district in Japan
Ginza
Ginza is a large luxury shopping area with hundreds of iconic retail locations. Shopping or selling in Ginza means you have a lot of money. Even if you don’t have money, this neighborhood is very interesting, and around you can find affordable things and small shops.
Omotesando
Omotesando is a shopping and dining area with elegant restaurants. Its main street is a tree-lined avenue that is often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Odaiba
Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay that cost the government trillions of yen in infrastructure expenses over 200 years ago. Today it is a huge leisure and entertainment area that has an excellent view of Tokyo. Here you find various shopping malls, TV stations, and highlights! A must-see!
Also read: Odaiba – The famous artificial island of Tokyo
Akihabara
Akihabara is the nerd and Otaku district in Tokyo. Considered the largest electronics district in the world. If you are going to build a robot and need parts, this is the place. It is also a great place to find Maid Cafes.
We also recommend reading:
- Akihabara Guide – The Otaku and Technological Center of Japan
- Maid Cafe – The maid café in Japan
- Get to know 6 Otaku Neighborhoods in Japan
Asakusa
Asakusa used to be a huge district. Now it is known as the traditional part of the city, full of temples, beats, hotels, shops, etc. The main highlight is the Sensō-ji Temple.
Harajuku
Harajuku is a fashion shopping area, here you find clothes of all types and prices, in addition to people with fashion freedom with different outfits and styles like lolitas and visual kei.
Shimbashi
Shimbashi is a business area, it is also known for its charming restaurants and nightlife. A paradise for salarymen.
Ikebukuro
This is the second largest ward in Tokyo, also known for nerd shops and nightlife.
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a charming old neighborhood full of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and concert halls.
Marunouchi
Marunouchi is the largest business district in Japan, quite interesting during the week, a desert on weekends.
Gaienmae
Gaienmae is a fashion district that is full of offices and modeling agencies, fashion brands, and photographers.
Ebisu
Ebisu is known for its international atmosphere and pleasant cafes and restaurants.
Yoyogi
Yoyogi is the largest park in Japan, a true contrast between nature and the buildings of Tokyo.
Kichijoji
Kichijoji is the kind of neighborhood where housewives shop with their friends in the afternoon. It is also a neighborhood full of university students with a vibrant nightlife.
Ueno
Ueno is known for its large park, colorful markets, and numerous cultural attractions. There are more than a dozen major attractions in the area, including Ueno Zoo and a series of art and history museums.
Koenji
A neighborhood full of old buildings that attract young entrepreneurs. Composed of shops, cafes, and bars.
Yurakucho
Known for its tiny restaurants under the train tracks.
Nakameguro
Nakameguro is best known for the sakura around the Meguro River. The high stone walls of the river resemble an urban canal.
Kasumigaseki
Kasumigaseki is a large neighborhood south of the Imperial Palace. It is home to the Japanese government. The main functions of the Japanese government are executed in Kasumigaseki, including its ministries, departments, and patent office.
Nagatacho
Nagatacho is a Federal Government district next to Kasumigaseki. The two areas are almost the same neighborhood.
Shinagawa
Shinagawa is a business area that is a sea of black suits every morning. At night, the neighborhood completely changes to a nightlife.
Akasaka-Mitsuke
Akasaka-Mitsuke is a business district, with a more cultural atmosphere, with an international environment, full of attractions, bars, schools, and restaurants.
Meguro
Just like Nakameguro, it is possible to find that river full of sakuras. However, Meguro is a residential neighborhood with charming restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Shiodome
Shiodome is one of the most expensive lands in the world next to Ginza. Shiodome is a mix of residential, commercial, cultural, business, and park areas.
Jimbocho
Jimbocho is a central neighborhood, surrounded by universities. It is the best place in Japan to buy books and Snowboard.
Takebashi
Takebashi is a business neighborhood east of the Imperial Palace, which has museums and the Palace Park. It is also a good starting point to explore the ruins of Edo Castle and its huge moat.
Sugamo
Sugamo is where many elderly people are, where grandmas and grandpas do their shopping.
Hibiya
Hibiya is an old neighborhood next to the Imperial Palace. It has a large park and is where the famous Imperial Hotel is located.
Jiyugaoka
Jiyugaoka is a desirable residential neighborhood for your Sunday afternoons.
Kyobashi
Kyobashi is a luxury business area near Ginza in central Tokyo. Known for its bridge and river that disappeared in World War II.
Toranomon
It is a large business district in Tokyo. Toranomon is also famous for its tall skyscrapers, the Toranomon Hills.
Aoyama Itchome
Aoyama Itchome is a business and fashion area in central Tokyo.
Daikanyama
Daikanyama is a residential area that houses a number of embassies.
Fukagawa
Fukagawa is a pleasant old neighborhood near central Tokyo next to the Sumida River.
Denenchofu
Denenchofu was built from scratch as an upscale residential neighborhood. It was founded in 1907 by Shibusawa Eiichi – one of the richest men in history. Today, it is still a high-level area known for its greenery and famous residents.
Hiroo
Hiroo is a surprisingly peaceful residential area situated between two of the wildest neighborhoods in Tokyo: Shibuya and Roppongi.
Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka has been a wealthy neighborhood since the Edo era. Today it is known for its French culture and Geisha.
Futako Tamagawa
Futako Tamagawa is home to celebrities, professional athletes, politicians, and business leaders. And it is still a simple, beautiful, and natural place, with a lovely river.
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