Tokyo's 23 Wards Explained東京23区
The core of Tokyo is made up of 23 special wards (tokubetsu-ku, 特別区), each with its own local government. Together they form what most visitors think of as "Tokyo city". The wider Tokyo Metropolis also includes the cities of the Tama area to the west and a chain of Pacific islands.
Most sightseeing happens in a handful of central wards: Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Taito. The map below shows every neighborhood we cover, coloured by ward.
Tokyo Wards & Neighborhoods Map区と街のマップ
Click a marker to open that neighborhood's guide.
All 23 Wards全23区
- Chiyoda千代田区Known for: Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, AkihabaraGuides: Akihabara, Kanda, Marunouchi, Yurakucho
- Chuo中央区Known for: Ginza, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji Outer MarketGuides: Ginza, Nihonbashi, Tsukiji
- Minato港区Known for: Roppongi, Tokyo Tower, OdaibaGuides: Akasaka, Azabu, Odaiba, Roppongi, Shinagawa, Shiodome
- Shinjuku新宿区Known for: Shinjuku Station, Kabukicho, Shinjuku GyoenGuides: Shinjuku
- Bunkyo文京区Known for: Tokyo Dome, Koishikawa Korakuen, Rikugien
- Taito台東区Known for: Asakusa, Ueno Park, YanakaGuides: Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka
- Sumida墨田区Known for: Tokyo Skytree, Ryogoku sumoGuides: Ryogoku
- Koto江東区Known for: Toyosu Market, Kiyosumi, parts of OdaibaGuides: Toyosu
- Shinagawa品川区Known for: Togoshi Ginza, Gotanda, Oimachi
- Meguro目黒区Known for: Nakameguro, Jiyugaoka
- Ota大田区Known for: Haneda Airport
- Setagaya世田谷区Known for: Shimokitazawa, Sangenjaya, Gotokuji
- Shibuya渋谷区Known for: Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Meiji ShrineGuides: Ebisu, Harajuku, Omotesando, Shibuya, Yoyogi
- Nakano中野区Known for: Nakano BroadwayGuides: Nakano
- Suginami杉並区Known for: Koenji, Ogikubo
- Toshima豊島区Known for: Ikebukuro, Sunshine CityGuides: Ikebukuro
- Kita北区Known for: Akabane, Oji
- Arakawa荒川区Known for: Nippori, Toden Arakawa tram lineGuides: Nippori
- Itabashi板橋区Known for: Residential north-west Tokyo
- Nerima練馬区Known for: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
- Adachi足立区Known for: Kita-Senju
- Katsushika葛飾区Known for: Shibamata
- Edogawa江戸川区Known for: Kasai Rinkai Park
Where to Stay in Tokyo宿泊エリア
For a first trip, stay near a JR Yamanote Line station, the loop line that links most of the central neighborhoods. These are the most popular bases:
Best Areas to Stay
Compare hotels in each area.
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FAQよくある質問
How many wards does Tokyo have?
Tokyo has 23 special wards, which make up the central city. The wider Tokyo Metropolis also includes the Tama area cities and islands.
Which ward is best for tourists?
Most sights are in Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Taito. See where to stay in Tokyo for the most popular bases.
Is Shibuya a ward?
Yes. Shibuya is both a neighborhood and one of the 23 wards; Shibuya ward also includes Harajuku, Ebisu and Yoyogi. See our Shibuya map.