
Best Areas to Stay in Kōtō-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
1. Asakusa
Steeped in history and home to Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa offers a traditional Tokyo experience with modern convenience.
- Rich History: Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and the historic Nakamise shopping street.
- Accessibility: Easy access to Asakusa Station on the Tsukiji Shijo Line and Ginza Line.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Numerous izakayas (Japanese pubs) and restaurants in the area.
2. Ryogoku
Known as Tokyo's 'Edo Town', Ryogoku is a hub for traditional culture, especially Sumo wrestling.
- Sumo Experience: Close proximity to the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium.
- Authentic Eats: A variety of excellent sushi and traditional Japanese restaurants.
- Access to Ameyoko Market: Just a short walk away, offering bargain shopping and unique finds.
3. Oshiage
Ideal for family fun with the iconic Tokyo Skytree and nearby Asakusa.
- Family-friendly Attractions: Tokyo Skytree, Tempozan Yokocho traditional street food market, and TeamLab Borderless digital art museum.
- Convenient Transportation: Oshiage Station serves as a major transportation hub with connections to the Tobu Skytree Line, Asakusa Line, and Keisei Line.
- Great Views: Observation decks at Tokyo Skytree offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo.
4. Edogawa
Quieter and more residential, Edogawa offers a peaceful retreat amidst bustling Tokyo.
- Serene Atmosphere: Residential neighborhood with parks like Edogawa Park and Komagata-dori.
- Nature and Recreation: Edogawa River and nearby hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Good Public Transportation: Well-connected by the Toei Shinjuku Line, Edogawa Station, and other local lines.
5. Korakuen
Home to Koraku-en, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, Korakuen offers a tranquil escape from the city.
- Gorgeous Gardens: Korakuen Garden, a landscape masterpiece dating back to the Edo period.
- Accessibility: Iriya Station on the JR Sobu Line and Koraku Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
- Local Attractions: Edo-Tokyo Museum, National Museum of Western Art, and Tokyo Dome City.
6. Senju
A vibrant commercial area with a mix of modern and traditional charm.
- Shopping and Dining: Akihabara, Senju Market, and Ameya-Yokocho for shopping and dining.
- Accessibility: Senju Station serves as a major transportation hub with connections to the JR Sobu Line, Keisei Main Line, and Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
- Nearby Attractions: Sekaido Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum and Senju Baba Park.
7. Arakawa
A more laidback area with a focus on art, nature, and community.
- Artistic Flair: Arakawa-Ogawa Art Museum and various street art murals.
- Nature and Recreation: Arakawa River and Koenji Sports Park.
- Community Spirit: Art festivals, local events, and a strong sense of community.
8. Toyosu
Known for the famous Toyosu Market (formerly Tsukiji) and modern entertainment options.
- Foodie's Paradise: Toyosu Fish Market, Sushi Dai, and other excellent seafood restaurants.
- Modern Entertainment: TeamLab Borderless, Rinko Gallery, and Toyosu Showcase.
- Accessibility: Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line and Toyosu Station on the Yurikamome and Rinkai Lines.
9. Kasaiteria-machi
A historic sardine processing district turned trendy food destination.
- Unique Dining Experiences: Trendy restaurants and unique seafood dishes.
- Historic Charm: Retained traditional buildings and a sense of the district's past.
- Access to Aomi Station: Easy access to Aomi Station for attractions like Odaiba and the Tokyo Aqua-City.
10. Kiyosumi Shirakawa
A trendy neighborhood with stylish boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries.
- Indie Fashion and Design: Independent fashion boutiques and unique design stores.
- Cultural Attractions: Kiyosumi Garden, Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari (an Edo-style hot spring complex), and the Mori Art Museum.
- Accessibility: Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station on the Toei Oedo Line and Shirokane-Takanawa Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line.
11. Midori-machi
A lively commercial area with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
- Shopping and Dining: Various shopping centers, department stores, and local eateries.
- Accessibility: Midori-cho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Midori-guchi Station on the Toei Mita Line.
- Nearby Attractions: Zojoji Temple, Hamarikyu Gardens, and TeamLab Borderless.
12. Shin-Kiba
A sports-focused area with the Tokyo Stadium and Ajinomoto Stadium.
- Sports Fan's Paradise: Home to baseball's Yomiuri Giants (Ajinomoto Stadium) and soccer's Tokyo Verdy (Tokyo Stadium).
- Dining Options: Variety of restaurants, including izakayas, ramen shops, and Korean BBQ.
- Accessibility: Shin-Kiba Station on the JR Keiyo Line, Tokyo Metro Yurikamome Line, and Toei Shinkansen.
13. Toyo-cho
A residential area with a mix of modern apartments and traditional townhouses.
- Residential Atmosphere: Quieter, more residential neighborhood with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
- Nearby Attractions: Close proximity to the trendy Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, and Oimachi areas.
- Good Public Transportation: Toyo-cho Station on the Keio Inokashira Line and Toyo-cho-ekimae on the Odakyu Line.
14. Midori-ku
A vibrant commercial district with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic sites.
- Shopping and Dining: Various shopping centers, department stores, and local eateries.
- Historic Attractions: Zojoji Temple, Hamarikyu Gardens, and the historic Tsukishima area.
- Accessibility: Midori-ku is home to multiple stations on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Mita Line, Yurikamome Line, and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.
15. Edogawa-ku
A mix of residential areas and commercial districts with a focus on nature and community.
- Nature and Recreation: Edogawa River, Komagata-dori Park, and local hiking trails.
- Community Spirit: Art festivals, local events, and a strong sense of community.
- Accessibility: Edogawa-ku is served by multiple stations on the JR Sobu Line, Toei Shinjuku Line, and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.