Tokyo has the world's most extensive rail network, with multiple overlapping lines operated by JR East, Tokyo Metro and Toei. Every neighbourhood is within minutes of a station, at any time of day. The best way to understand Tokyo is to explore it area by area. This guide combines headline sights with local streets and practical public transport advice, helping you spend less time working out connections and more time seeing the city.
Top 5 neighbourhoods to explore
Asakusa
Why visit: Asakusa is old Tokyo temples, traditional shopping streets and river views beneath Tokyo Skytree. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Ginza and Asakusa subway lines serve Asakusa; Tobu trains connect with Nikko and Tokyo Skytree. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Tokyo route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Walk north behind Sensō-ji into quiet Yanaka-like lanes and visit small craft shops around Kappabashi. It makes a useful contrast to Shibuya Crossing; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Asakusa visit in CityNav →Shibuya and Harajuku
Why visit: Shibuya and Harajuku is youth fashion, major crossings, design stores and calm shrine woodland within minutes. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: JR, Tokyo Metro and private rail lines meet at Shibuya; Harajuku and Meiji-jingumae serve the north. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Tokyo route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Leave Takeshita Street for the lanes of Cat Street and the forest paths beyond Meiji Shrine’s main route. It makes a useful contrast to Senso-ji Temple; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Shibuya and Harajuku visit in CityNav →Yanaka and Nezu
Why visit: Yanaka and Nezu is a rare low-rise district preserving the atmosphere of pre-war Tokyo. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: JR trains stop at Nippori; Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line serves Nezu and Sendagi. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Tokyo route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Follow the temple-lined back streets, visit tiny galleries and seek out the old mud walls near Yanaka Cemetery. It makes a useful contrast to Tokyo Skytree; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Yanaka and Nezu visit in CityNav →Shinjuku
Why visit: Shinjuku is skyscrapers, department stores, nightlife alleys and the world’s busiest railway station. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: Shinjuku is served by JR, Metro, Toei and private rail; use the correct east or west exit to avoid long detours. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Tokyo route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Visit the free observatory at the Metropolitan Government Building and the lanes around Hanazono Shrine. It makes a useful contrast to Tsukiji Outer Market; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Shinjuku visit in CityNav →Kichijoji
Why visit: Kichijoji is a beloved local centre with a large park, compact food alleys and independent shopping. Allow at least half a day to see the main streets and follow a few side roads where everyday neighbourhood life is clearest.
How to get there by public transport: JR Chūō and Keio Inokashira lines connect Kichijoji with Shinjuku and Shibuya. CityNav can build a step-by-step route from your current position and keep downloaded Tokyo route details available underground.
A hidden local spot: Walk beyond Inokashira Pond into residential lanes and browse Harmonica Yokochō before evening crowds. It makes a useful contrast to Shibuya Crossing; check opening hours for indoor venues before visiting.
Plan this Kichijoji visit in CityNav →Best time to visit Tokyo
The most comfortable time to explore is usually late spring or early autumn, when the weather is generally mild, daylight is generous and peak-summer crowds are smaller. Weekday mornings are ideal for major landmarks such as Shibuya Crossing and Senso-ji Temple, while late afternoon works well for neighbourhood streets, parks and viewpoints. Weather, public holidays and special events can change opening hours and transport demand, so confirm time-sensitive details before travelling.
Build each day around nearby areas rather than crossing the whole city repeatedly. Start with the busiest attraction, eat locally, and keep one flexible stop for weather changes. CityNav helps compare walking and public transport routes between each part of the itinerary.
Build a Tokyo route in CityNav →Getting around Tokyo without wasting time
Public transport is usually the fastest way to move between the five areas in this guide, while walking is best within each neighbourhood. Keep your pass or contactless payment ready, note the direction or final destination shown on the platform, and allow extra time at large interchanges. Download the city’s core route information before leaving Wi-Fi; live departures and disruption information require a connection.
For detailed line information, ticket advice and key stations, continue to the Tokyo public transport guide.
Open Tokyo route planning →Take CityNav with you
Plan routes to every neighbourhood in this guide, follow AR walking directions after you leave the station, and keep downloaded transit maps close at hand while exploring Tokyo.
Download CityNav free →