GET TO KNOW THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Tokyo’s historic low-city, or shitamachi, unfolds around Asakusa and Ueno. Explore Sensō-ji and the lanes around it, then follow your curiosity towards Ueno. Give Tsukiji, Ginza and Hibiya a separate day of their own.
Explore Tokyo’s historic low-city, or shitamachi, through the temple streets of Asakusa and the neighbourhoods around Ueno. Continue towards Tsukiji, Ginza and Hibiya for markets, shops and another side of eastern Tokyo.
Asakusa grew around Sensō-ji and its visitors, while Ueno brings together temple grounds, parkland and major museums. The pleasure here comes from moving between a celebrated sight and the ordinary streets around it.
Farther south, Tsukiji’s outer market and Ginza’s commercial streets reveal another side of the city. Hibiya adds gardens and theatres to the route. These are linked by trains and a shared interest in how Tokyo gathers, trades and spends its free time.
SIGHTS & STORIES
Asakusa
Begin at Sensō-ji and the Nakamise approach, then step into the surrounding lanes.
The temple is the anchor, but small shops, performance venues and a walk towards the Sumida River give the district its texture. Visit early for a quieter temple approach and return later if browsing matters more.
Hibiya & Ginza
Balance Ginza’s department stores, galleries and architecture with a walk through Hibiya Park. A theatre performance can give the evening a focus.
Leave time for the smaller streets and food halls, where a short browsing stop can become a whole afternoon.
Tsukiji
Come to the outer market for breakfast or an early lunch, kitchenware and a closer look at Tokyo’s food culture.
This is the network of shops and restaurants that remains in Tsukiji after the wholesale market moved to Toyosu. Follow each shop’s guidance about queues and where to eat.
Ueno
Choose one museum in Ueno Park and give it enough time.
The Tokyo National Museum is a strong starting point for Japanese art and material culture; the park, Shinobazu Pond and Ameyoko offer different continuations. Plan around exhibition schedules rather than trying to visit every museum.
AT THE TABLE
A food stop to fold into a day of temples, museums and shopping streets.
01 / VEGAN / RAMEN / UENO
Vegan ramen inside JR Ueno Station’s ticket gates. A useful meal before or after exploring Ueno; station entry is required.
SHAPE YOUR DAYS
A sample stay, with room to linger.
Walk the Sensō-ji precinct and nearby lanes, then return along the shopping streets as they open.
Give yourself a short Sumida riverside walk and a proper lunch before travelling onwards.
Take the Ginza Line to Ueno and spend the afternoon with one collection or exhibition.
Choose a park walk or the shopping streets for an unhurried end to the day.
Start at the outer market, continue into Ginza, then finish with the park or a performance.
FROM THE ARCHIVE
FIND YOUR WAY
ANOTHER PART OF THE CITY
MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY
Build a journey around the places and experiences that interest you.
