20 unique Tokyo Streets You Need To See!

From neon-lit nightlife districts to historic market streets, Tokyo offers stunning sights around every corner. As one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo can feel overwhelming to navigate at first. But this guide takes you to the top spots and Best Tokyo streets to visit that you won’t want to miss.

Below are 20 incredible Tokyo streets and neighborhoods to see, including tips on the best times to visit, exact locations, and what makes each one a must-visit.

No Time to Read the Whole Article? Here are the Highlights:

• Kabukicho Ichiban-gai for a taste of Tokyo’s wild nightlife scene
• Godzilla Road in Shinjuku to see Japan’s favorite monster up-close
• Historic streets like Omoide Yokocho and Nakamise-dori that transport you back in time
• Trendy youth culture and shopping on the famous Takeshita Street in Harajuku
• Cross the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing
• See the spring cherry blossoms on Sakura-dori in full bloom
• Ginza-dori and Omotesando for high-end shopping and architecture
• Sample street food and hunt for bargains at open-air Ameyoko Market in Ueno

what are the major roads in tokyo?

Some of Tokyo’s most famous streets include:

• Shibuya Crossing – Famous busy intersection with crowds swarming below tall video screens
• Takeshita Street – Youth culture and quirky fashion hub in Harajuku district
• Akihabara’s Chuo-dori – Known for anime, manga, electronics and gaming shops
• Ginza – Upscale shopping area with luxury flagship stores and neon lights
• Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street – Traditional souvenir market leading to Sensoji Temple

Tokyo Street Names

Unlike most cities, Tokyo does not have a straightforward street grid or numbering system. Small side streets and alleys rarely have formal names. Major roads, avenues and shopping districts like the ones mentioned above generally have widely recognized names.

Keep reading for more details and tips for each incredible Tokyo street!

Some of the most well-known major roads in central Tokyo include:

• Chūō-dōri (Central Avenue)
• Meiji-dori (Meiji Avenue)
• Yasukuni-dori
• Sotobori-dori
• Aoyama-dori

20 Incredible & Unique Tokyo Streets You Need to See

01. Kabukicho Ichiban-gai tokyo streets

Kabukicho Ichiban-gai is the bright beating heart of Tokyo’s infamous red light district.

• The iconic massive red gate topped with glowing Chinese characters marks the entrance to this sensory overload neighborhood packed with
• bars, restaurants, host clubs, karaoke joints and more to keep you entertained into the early morning hours.

Tip: Look out for the massive red gate topped in glowing Chinese characters marking the entrance to this buzzing nightlife district

Tip: Pop into arcades like Taito Station and Club Sega to try UFO catcher games and music/racing simulators

Address: Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

02.  Godzilla Road Godzilla tokyo street

Godzilla Road offers a up-close look at Tokyo’s legendary radioactive movie monster icon, who looms large with glowing red eyes surveying the area from atop Hotel Gracery.. Capture the perfect Instagram shot of Godzilla appearing to climb amongst the surrounding skyscrapers behind you.

Address: 1 Chome-19 Kabukichō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

Tip: Visit at dusk to watch the area’s neon signs blink to life against the night sky

Tip: Dine at Hotel Gracery’s 8th floor restaurant for monster views of Godzilla

03. Omoide Yokocho “Memory Lane” Yakitori and street food streets of tokyo

For a glimpse of nostalgic 1950’s working-class Tokyo, explore Omoide Yokocho alleyway bursting with smoke from 40 tiny packed restaurants and bars that have remained nearly unchanged for over half a century.

officially called Piss Alley, it offers a very memorable experience choosing your own adventure among the various menus enticing passersby. Pop into one of the 40 minuscule eateries and chat with welcoming patrons packed elbow-to-elbow at the bar.

• Tip: Carry cash for food/drinks as most old spots don’t take credit. Sit down at any available spot and you will be given a menu.
• A lot of the restaurants have a minimum spend.
• Tip: Ducking under glowing red lanterns, try skewers of chicken tsukune meatballs or bacon-wrapped mushrooms

Address: Nishishinjuku 1-chōme, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

04. Shibuya Crossing – Tokyo Famous street in Tokyo

See the world famous Shibuya Crossing intersection, recognizable by 3000 people swarming from all directions across the street below towering video screens and billboards.

Join an average of 3,000 pedestrians that traverse the famous intersection every time the light changes. For prime overhead views, head up to the small observation deck on the 2nd floor of Shibuya Scramble Square building.

Related: Visiting Shibuya Sky Guide

Tip: Get the best views from Shibuya Scramble Square’s observation deck

Tip: Visit the loyal dog Hachiko statue just outside the station

Address: Shibuya 2-chōme, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0042

05. Sakura-dori tokyo street

Each spring, the winding Sakura-dori street becomes enveloped in cotton candy hues as over 200 cherry trees that line the road burst into bloom for hanami season.

Strolling under the tunnel of pink petals truly feels magical during sakura season once the blossoms hit their peak around early to mid-April. At night, glowing paper lanterns illuminate the floral canopy overhead.

• Tip: Early April is peak bloom season but timing varies year-to-year
• Tip: Food vendors here offer prime hanami picnic spots during sakura season

Address: 1 Chome-18 Sakuragaoka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0031

06. Aoyama Dori streets of tokyo

Fashionistas flock to Aoyama-dori, one of Tokyo’s most upscale shopping streets Tokyo located in the sleek Omotesando neighborhood lined with designer flagship stores.

home to the flagship stores of prestigious designers like Prada, Saint Laurent and Gucci. Even if high-end shopping is out of reach, window gazing along this tree-lined stretch still makes for excellent architecture appreciation. Exit at Omotesando Station to discover curiosities like the zig-zag glass exterior of Tokyu Plaza housing specialized concept stores and a rooftop observation deck.

Exit Omotesando Station to find Tokyu Plaza’s cool green glass zig-zag shaped exterior with a rooftop observation deck for excellent views over Harajuku. Stroll down the street and admire the unusual buildings, including the visual trickery of Christian Dior’s mirrored tower, Cartier’s angular geometric facade and the Louis Vuitton building’s rippling metal “water droplets.”

• Tip: Visit on weekends when the street becomes pedestrian-only
• Tip: Exit Omotesando Station to find Tokyu Plaza’s cool green glass zig-zag shaped exterior

Address: 4 Chome-4 Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

07. Takeshita Street Harajuku – Famous street in Japan

Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the epicenter of Tokyo’s youth fashion and culture scene, lined with colorful shops sporting bright styles and quirky accessories.

For a crash course in Tokyo youth culture, head straight to Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Great place to people watch and spot streets of Tokyo outfits.

This slim vibrant pedestrian lane aimed at teenagers bursts with quirky shops, animal cafes and trendy eateries offering over-the-top colorful foods. Browse lace cat ear hairbands, cosplay accessories, beauty goods and funky fashions before stopping into one of the flavorful dessert spots for a swirl of cotton candy ice cream or fluffy souffle pancakes.

• Tip: Check out the balloon sculptures at the entrance, changed for holidays
• Tip: Try heavenly matcha crepes and rainbow cotton candy treats

Address: 1 Chome Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

08. Nakamise Shopping Street Tokyo Japan

Leading up to Sensoji Temple, Nakamise shopping street near Sensoji Temple brims with traditional treats and handicrafts like folding fans, chopstick sets and Daruma dolls.

Peruse stores offering Japanese handicrafts liked patterned silk fans, floral kimono-fabric bags and Daruma good-luck dolls. Be sure to sample classic crunchy snacks and sweet sweets as you pass food stalls tempting hungry tourists.

To get this photo of the aksaka shrine and Nakamise shopping street go to the building across the street it is on the 5th floor. *

• Tip: Grab snacks like taiyaki fish cakes and senbei rice crackers
• Tip: Shop for fans, folding screens, chopstick sets and jingling wind chimes

Address: 2 Chome-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Related: Best Things to do in Asakusa & Best Things To buy in Japan

09. Ameyoko (Ameya yokocho) Shopping in Tokyo Street

Ameyoko open air market underneath the train tracks buzzes with stalls selling imported snacks, discounted clothing and Japanese pop culture goods. There are also a lot of street food vendors.

Underneath the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations sits sprawling Ameyoko market, bustling since post-war days when vendors began selling discounted goods like American candy and cosmetics. The chaotic narrow corridors packed with stalls offer everything from fresh seafood to designer brands at bargain prices.

Tip: Ask vendors if they can negotiate prices if purchasing more expensive items

Be prepared to bump elbows while you browse an abundance of imported snacks, clothing, and endless pop culture keepsakes. You may even score authentic Japanese street fashion like sweatshirts and sneakers. Haggle and hunt for hidden gems, then take a street food break at a standing sushi counter or grill stall for yakitori skewers.

With roots as a postwar black market, Ameyoko still retains a free-for-all bazaar energy making for exciting budget shopping and eating in the city. Just don’t be surprised if you walk away with much more than you planned

• Tip: Grab an Ameya-guide Map by the train exit to help locate your favorite shops
• Tip: Try fresh sushi or hot snacks like yaki imo baked sweet potatoes from the food stalls

Address: 4 Chome-2 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005

10. Kappabashi “Kitchen Town” street in Tokyo Japan

Kappabashi street specializes in restaurant kitchen supply stores, attracting chefs and cooks browsing gadgets, tableware and cookware.

Attracting everyone from top chefs to amateur cooks, Kappabashi street specializes in restaurant kitchen supplies. Food crafting fans should check out the hyper-realistic plastic food for restaurant window samples modeling sushi platters and ramen bowls. Aspiring cooks browse aisles of cooking gadgets, ceramic tableware, packing tools and high-grade knives. Even just window shopping here proves fascinating.

Tip: Buying a Japanese Steel Kitchen knife is a great purchase to bring back from Japan.I purchased one and it is the sharpest and most used knife in my kitchen. 

Related: What To Buy in Japan 

Tip: Examine the fake food samples recreating dishes with unbelievable realism

Address: Nishiasakusa 1-chōme, Taitō City, Tokyo 111-0035

Related: Best Things to do in Asakusa & Best Things To buy in Japan

11. Chuo-dori “Electric Town” Tokyo Street for Electronics

Chuo-dori cuts through Akihabara, packed with shops bursting with manga, models, electronics and gaming gear for tech and pop culture lovers.

• Tip: Dive into shops bursting with the latest anime BluRays, manga issues and figurines

Originally gaining fame for post-war discounted electronics, today Akiba first boasts rare manga prints alongside newest digital releases. Wander through the towering retailers and multi-level arcades for endless hidden shopping gems. Don’t miss stepping back in time with shelves of vintage titles at Super Potato.

• Tip: Play vintage console games at Super Potato retro gaming paradis

Address: Sotokanda 1-chōme, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

12. Denbouin-dori 

Denbouin-dori street in Asakusa is lined with old-style buildings adorned with Japanese-themed art, contrasting the modern Tokyo Skytree in the distance.

• Tip: Best appreciated on approach to Sensoji Temple early mornings before vendors open

Running directly through Nakamise-dori shopping street near Sensoji Temple is Denbouin-dori, known as “Edo Town” for its rows of historic architecture adorned with ever-changing Japanese-themed artworks spanning the shop shutters. Strolling the nostalgic lane early on quieter weekends emphasizes its old-world atmosphere, made all the more unique with the contemporary metal tower of Tokyo SkyTree visible down the road.

• Tip: Contrast the street’s old wooden buildings and stone Buddhas with the modern Tokyo SkyTree

Address: Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo

Related: Best Things to do in Asakusa & Best Things To buy in Japan

13. Ginza Corridor 

Beneath the train tracks between Shimbashi and Yurakucho stations lies Ginza Corridor, lined with popular restaurants and bars drawing tired salarymen after work.

A narrow street stretching beneath the train tracks lined on both sides with open-fronted restaurants and standing bars drawing famished workers with aroma of sizzling meat and broths. Pop into a packed spot specializing in tender wagyu beef or bubbling nabe hot pots for the perfect end-of-day dinner and drinks among new friends at the counter.

• Tip: Arrive early evening on weekdays to snag seats at the most popular spots
• Tip: Try their signature shabu shabu hot pot dish perfect after work

Address: Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo

14. Golden Gai – street food in Tokyo street

Golden Gai’s narrow backstreet in Shinjuku holds hundreds of eclectic tiny bars housed in leftover post-war architecture, retaining historical Tokyo charm.

 a hidden backstreet barely two meters wide housing over 200 eclectic tiny establishments bursting with character in leftover bits of architecture from post-war days. Squeeze up staircases dodging low ceilings to explore holes-in-the-wall specializing in everything from punk rock to poetry. Soak in the atmosphere while chatting with fellow adventurous travelers and quirky regulars as you leisurely meander the magical maze of mismatched buildings.

• Tip: Have plenty of small bills to leisurely bar hop between the eccentric spots
• Tip: Look for the iconic flaming red gate marking the entrance to Golden Gai from the main road

Address: Shinjuku, Tokyo

15. Harmonica Yokocho streets of tokyo

Harmonica Alley in Kichijoji earns its musical name from the narrow lanes resembling a harmonica. By day it hosts markets and by night it fills with workers drinking and dining.

This pedestrianized market street hosts local pop-up shops and food stalls while evenings bring out thirsty workers eager to relax over beers, sake and grilled dishes at the variety of tiny standing-only bars and eateries crammed along the atmospheric alleys.

• Tip: Attend the monthly morning farmer’s markets for the area’s best offerings
• Tip: Evening hours fill with singing salarymen blowing off steam over food and drinks

Address: Kichijoji, Musashino, Tokyo

16. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo 

Avenue Each November, food stalls line up along this regal tree-lined boulevard as thousands of gingko trees glow vibrant yellow in autumn.

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue becomes illuminated in vivid yellow as thousands of towering ginkgo trees that line the regal boulevard transform for fall.

This tunnel of amber leaves makes for incredible photo backdrops and peaceful strolls during peak colors late November into early December. Positioned near quaint temples and mossy gravestones, the autumn display takes on an even more beautiful mystical atmosphere.

I was too early when I went in November but i did see the Ginko trees in Kawaguchiko with Mt fuji at Oishi park, Japan.

• Tip: Try seasonal ginkgo leaf-flavored treats from the food stalls here
• Tip: The golden canopy glows brilliantly late November into early December

Address: 5 Chome-17 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071

17. Nakano Broadway tokyo streets

Nakano Broadway is an indoor shopping complex best known for its wide range of anime and manga related merchandise.

Beyond comic stores, shop for retro toys and games, hobby supplies, military surplus items and novelty gag gifts while taking the escalators up and down through the multi-level building. Don’t miss the mouthwatering multi-colored towering soft serve ice cream challenge on the basement floor.

• Tip: Otaku heaven for anime films, video games, manga books and more pop culture
• Tip: Take the escalators through all three floors of Nakano Broadway

Address: Nakano, Tokyo

18. Omotesando shopping in tokyo streets

Omotesando houses the flagship stores of high-end international designers like Prada and Dior, making it an architecturally impressive shopping area.

Omotesando serves as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo, where prestigious international luxury brands have set up glamorous flagship storefronts within architectural marvels drawing design fans. This upscale tree-lined shopping promenade presents prime opportunities for epic architectural photos featuring Christian Dior’s mirrored tower, Cartier’s angular facade and the Louis Vuitton homage to rippling water droplets. Even just casual strolling offers glimpses of high fashion and beauty through the grandiose windows.

• Tip: Come on weekends when the street is pedestrian-only to better admire the architecture
• Tip: Instagram the visual trickery of uniquely shaped flagship stores like Dior and Vuitton

Address: Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo

19. Shibuya Center-gai

Shibuya Center Street buzzes as a lively nightlife hub with bars, eateries and karaoke joints packed between familiar shops and restaurants.

Shibuya Center Street stretches through the heart of Shibuya Ward, crammed with eateries, drinking establishments and karaoke joints sandwiched between familiar convenience and retail stores. salarymen and youth groups alike come to blow off steam into the night hours. Grab photo stickers and accessories from the decorative sticker picture purikura booths ubiquitous with partying teenagers before heading to a standing sushi bar or cozy yakitori restaurant.

• Tip: Neon-trimmed UFO-shaped lamps line this atmospheric street perfect for an evening out
• Tip: Try purikura photo sticker booths popular with youth groups decorated in cute styles

Address: Shibuya City, Tokyo

20. Yanaka Ginza

Yanaka Ginza Shotengai shopping street offers a nostalgic, retro atmosphere harking back to 1950s Tokyo, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

Despite the name borrowing from the posh Ginza neighborhood, Yanaka Ginza offers a nostalgic peek into 1950’s era Tokyo with its shotengai shopping street filled with bakeries, old-fashioned vendors and cafes retaining decades of charm. Most stores sell crafts, souvenirs and snacks catering to sightseers admiring the well-preserved retro architecture while residents go about their daily shopping. Make time to pause on the elevated stone stairway, a beloved spot for locals to rest and chat while kids play.

• Tip: Fox stone statues mark Inari Shinto shrines – rub their paws for good luck!
• Tip: Sunset views from the stone steps are popular with locals

Address: Yanaka, Taitō City, Tokyo

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on Tokyo Streets

Where are the most famous streets in Tokyo?

Some of Tokyo’s most famous streets include Kabukicho Ichiban-gai nightlife area, Godzilla Road by Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, jam-packed Shibuya Crossing intersection, Takeshita Street youth fashion Harajuku hub and electronics mecca Chuo-dori through Akihabara.

What is the most beautiful street in Tokyo?
Top contenders for the most beautiful streets in Tokyo include the glamorous luxury boutiques along Omotesando, golden autumn leaves on Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue or the springtime cherry blossom canopy on Sakura-dori.

Where can I see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

The best places to see sakura cherry blossoms in Tokyo include Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Tokyo Midtown, Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Sumida Park, Meguro River, and Chidorigafuchi Park. Sakura season usually peaks early to mid April in the city when the blossoms hit full bloom.

What street has the best nightlife in Tokyo?

For the wildest nightlife scene in Tokyo, head to Kabukicho district’s main red-gated drag Ichiban-gai filled with flashing neon signs beckoning you into bars, clubs, karaoke joints, arcades and izakaya casual eateries that keep this sleepless neighborhood buzzing all through the night.

Where can I shop for souvenirs in Tokyo?

Top spots to shop for souvenirs in Tokyo include tourist favorites like Nakamise Shopping Street leading to Sensoji Temple packed with traditional treats and trinkets. Or peruse stalls at bargain hunter’s paradise Ameyoko Market for pop culture keepsakes.

• what are the major roads in tokyo?

Shibuya Crossing is likely the most crowded and famous intersection in Tokyo. Upwards of 3,000 people may be crossing at any one time.

• are tokyo streets clean

Yes, Tokyo’s streets are generally very clean compared to other world cities. The city has an extensive street cleaning program and many neighborhoods have regular volunteer community clean-ups as well. Littering is highly frowned upon socially.

• does tokyo have street names

While smaller backstreets may not have formal names, major avenues, districts and landmarks in Tokyo most certainly do have widely recognized names.

• how many streets are in tokyo

It’s difficult to count the exact number of named streets and lanes in Tokyo between major roads, shopping arcades, small alleyways and pedestrian walkways. But between hundreds of neighborhoods, the total number stretches well into the tens of thousands.