I think my visit to Tokyo was like an alcoholic who drank beer too much. The drink felt great and fresh at the beginning, and then you become horribly drunk and sick as hell. Still the day after you would go drink and loving it again 😂
I think I agree with these rankings. Harajuku in isolate is C rank and way too many people on a weekend are there. But if I'm counting Omote. and Yoyogi, easily my S tier. I love cutting thru the park to get to Hara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. My favorite tsukeme place is in Hara. There's a great bakery in Yoyogi that makes tasty, crusty sourdough bread in a big ol' wood fire oven. It's the revisit area on my to do list.
You kind of forgotten Western Tokyo neighbourhoods like Ueno or Asakusa or Kanda - they are old and less hip, but nevertheless a great culinary & street food heaven. The traditional markets are not bad either - a lot of knick-knacks, big park, and hang out spaces. I get it that they don't have fancy cafes that is "chic" and "modern". Exploring their backalleys are also fun. You also kind of forgotten Ginza too. It is classy and old, kind of like "meh" low A or upper B, but it is always a good starting place for every first timer and non-weeb.
4 days too late! Hahahaha, just spent 5 days there and yea, Akiba is C but still went on 3 occasions (too many shops and overpriced, except that super cramped one a few shops before Animate). Got the Samurai mac there too (that ad goes way too hard). Odaiba is indeed nice! Tonkatsu Wako and Pokémon make Ikebukero worth it haha, but Ueno station area is more interesting. 15:15 Kanda is NOT S....unless you mean Sketchy at night, dead by day. Great to get to Shimbashi, Ueno or Shinjuku in 4 stops...but no. Preferred near Okachimachi station
One thing I like about the Odaiba area as a (recent) tokyo resident - it's great for some casual bike riding using bike share. Lots of bike ports, bike paths and wide footpaths, scenic routes (greens n water views, bridges). Combined with the nice malls there, can start the day at Odaiba then later ride north into central Tokyo or the Akiba/Ueno area, or vice versa.
Ikebukuro would have been lower for me in the past but following an absolutely horrendous airbnb booking we were saved by a sharehouse come hotel in Ikebukuro and it was so good it became a hub for us while travelling, so now it has a special place in my memories.
Would absolutely love to see a part 2! Also it would be super helpful to include the names of the districts in the chart or even list some of the recommended places in the description :)
My knowledge of Kichijoji began in the early 00s, when I bought a manga called "Cafe Kichijoji". It has been one of the top spots that I want to go in Tokyo since.
I’ve just come to Tokyo for the first time, so far I LOVE Shibuya, it made me so happy! I haven’t been to Shimokitazawa yet but definitely want to, and I really liked Harajuku as I found a lot of clothes in styles I like. I move into my dorm next week and I’ll be living in Shinjuku. Coming from London I’m actually fine with the amount of people, even on weekends it doesn’t feel too bad!
Please do more of these! I wonder what you guys think of Ueno; I may be biased as it was the first place I stayed in Tokyo when I first visited Japan... my plane arriving at around 4AM and me trying not to fall asleep until the PM, I walked around the entire place like a zombie, somehow surviving until I crashed hard at 6PM 🤣 But I loved walking around Ueno, with some nice and cheap restaurants, and the park was just lovely!
@@carolynobara8448 I wish my trip had not been a solo one. (lost my partner to cancer in 2017). Because sharing life is one of the very best things in life...Especially with those you love.
Ueno is my favorite! I always recommend it to people because it’s not super touristy but there’s so much to do. It’s nearby a bunch of popular areas and super convenient to get around all over the city and even Narita airport.
New York lady hahaahahaha, Emma just cracks me up! I loved Shimokitazawa on my 1st trip to Tokyo in 2012 , it had an indie vibe then, hardly any tourists- must be different now, back then in Asakusa along the old shotengai i remembered there so many homeless people sleeping in cardboard boxes, when i went back in 2016 all that was gone . Did enjoy Nakameguro, Kagurazaka & walking thru Yanaka Cemetary. Can't wait to go back to Tokyo next year!!!
I can definitely see two tier lists based on being a tourist vs a local. I'm not a local but I've visited 5 times...will be back in 3 weeks. Having said that I'm also a tourist mindset, love touristy stuff (I grew up in Orlando with all of the theme parks). Anyway, one spot not mentioned was Shinagawa which doesn't have a lot of stuff on its own BUT I always like staying in that area as it's not as busy as Tokyo station and is on the Yamanote line and has the Shinkansen stop as well. It's very convenient to stay there and explore Tokyo IMO
I love Odaiba. It's far more spread-out than the rest of Tokyo, which feels so incessantly claustrophobic. I'd happily live in Odaiba, or nearby, if I could.
Thanks for sharing! One tip as a new viewer who has never been to Japan... it may be helpful to put the name of the area on top of the pictures you're using for those of us who aren't knowledgeable enough about them to remember which area is represented by the photo.
I found Odaiba too touristy even as a tourist! 😅 Omotesando and Shibuya deserved their ranking though! Shinkuku is a good hub for getting to other locations around Tokyo.
I spent 20 years in Kyushu with only a couple of short trips to Tokyo. However, I am visiting this fall and looking forward to some long all day completely random walks. Might try to follow the Sumida river from Akabane to Shinagawa.
Tachikawa’s Green Springs park and shopping area is a great place to beat the city mob, especially in the Spring and Autumn. How about a video ranking Chuo Line stations west of Shinjuku?
There is an alley, actually a closed/market street? in Koenji, that i saw once in video and absolutely fell in love with, like "i would so live here, period"!
im glad you like shimokitazawa so excited we'll be staying in that neighborhood when we visit japan in feb.very unique way of presenting a very fresh topic kudos to you.
When I lived in Tokyo, my mood and/or frame of mind at a given time dictated which location I favored. The more we experience, the more we change perspective.
Rather west focused list....and honestly, I much prefer the eastern part of central Tokyo. My favorite by far is Ueno, an area I never get bored even after 10+ visits, and my go-to area to stay, since it's both practical and fun. I have visited most of the places listed, and I'd say I'd visit most for specific reasons that happen to be in those areas, not because I particularly enjoy the area itself.
I always tell folk visiting Tokyo to base themselves in Akasaka Mitsue near the station. Fantastic location as its pretty central to most parts of Tokyo and there are so, so many eating places around. Hotel rooms are on the lower end as well. Best of all there are 5 metro lines running through the station.
My ranking would be very similar! so I feel like even though I’ve only lived there for about a year I still managed to get an okay overview 🥰 I also grew to really like Taitō for strolling and cafés
My first trip is coming up in jan 2025, and we’re staying in Shanagawa because it’s at a decent rail junction, it’s slightly cheap, it’s a locals style neighbourhood, but mainly because a song I love is set there.
NGL I love these ranking videos. I would TRULY appreciate a tier list of places OUTSIDE of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto to visit? There's so much Japan out there to love, and I'd love to know what you two think is worth the visit next. I'm planning on going everywhere, but there's gotta be an order.
When I was in Tokyo..I stayed in Shibuya, Ariake, Ueno and Kanda...Ariake because I was in Japan for a concert at Tokyo Garden Theater. (from UK). I didn't really do any site seeing while there.(solo no friends)...But I also visited Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto during my 3 weeks in Japan...Most of what I did was just walk the streets. Anxiety and depression means I wasn't brave enough to go into many shops or eat out.(lived out of combini stores..Family Mart my fav). It took me the 3 weeks to pluck up the courage to visit a Maid Cafe in Akihabara..(@home- cafe).. Because the founder of the band I went to see worked there before forming the band. (BAND-MAID)...I was very nervous (55y male) and had no idea what was going on...But I felt I had to as it was part of BAND-MAID lore.
Funny I kinda had a good sense of what all the rankings would be, mostly based on a sense of how much of the appeal of the location is “touristy” versus something a local could enjoy. The two that kinda surprised me were by Harajuku (until they showed the Takeshita Street photo, omg the crowds) and Ikebukuro
Thanks for showing pictures of all those places. Looks like everything has been really built up in the last 25 years. That park in Shibuya looks nice. What did they tear down to build that? Have either of you been to Hiroo?
Miyashita Park used to be an old hangout place for skaters and BMX riders behind Tower records. Hiroo is home of many expats - commonly known as the Gaijin Ghetto. It has nice cafes and a park, but not a tourist destination.
@@tokidokiteacher659 I know it was but it didn’t look that nice when I lived there. I used to spend a lot of time at that Tower Records and at the HMV music store( I don’t think HMV is there anymore) in Shibuya. I know Hiroo is an expat area and not a tourist area. I knew a lot of people that lived there. Sacred Heart International School is there too. Since Emma and Sarah are foreigners living in Tokyo I just figured maybe they knew some other foreigners that lived in Hiroo.
Kichijoji!!!! Seriously you need to do a video there, they have a make your own ring, seriously as a couple it’s a great idea! Lots of good restaurants, Nike running store… and it’s close to us so Kichikoji for us!!!
A lot of Akihabara stuff has moved to Nakano Broadway, although there's not much to do in Nakano besides that. I'm surprised not to see Ginza or Chiyoda on the list as far as rating the big neighborhoods (maybe also add Shinagawa, Meguro, Ueno too to cover the big ones), although personally, I usually don't go to these places unless I need to. For me, I spend a lot more of my time in Nakameguro, Ebisu, Daikanyama, Hiroo, and Azabujuban, which I think are great neighborhoods that show off more of what Tokyo can offer for people living here, as well as having lots of great shops, restaurants, bars, etc suitable for expats and tourists. Just goes to show how big Tokyo is I guess. I also think different people will have vastly different lists based on budget, interests, and vibes.
Akiba for anime/gaming fans is S/A But I find that people that aren't into those things tend to rate it rather low, it once was the electronics capital of the world but it fell off in the 90's leaving behind the anime and gaming "culture" shops. You will be disappointed by the price normally, even though it's on the "cheaper" side of Tokyo it's still expensive land and the prices of goods will reflect that.
I've just got back from Japan, was my first time visiting and I also loved Shibuya. I also really enjoyed Harajuku. But Shinjuku wasn't my cup of tea. Looking forward to going back there again next year. Already miss it.
I really enjoyed staying in ikbeukuro last december because it was far enough out of the centre that it wasn't too busy when returning home but not so far that it took a long time to travel in. And there was a reasonabe amount of stuff to see and do just walking around including an awesome tiny dumpling shop run by one little old lady
@@TokyoCreativePlay forgot to mention I also stayed just down the road from the Asahi building in Asakusa for a few days which was good for seeing the east side- akihabara, odaiba, skytree and asakusa itself of course
Akiba has to be a high A! Yeah it's more for geek shopping and games, but it has good food too. Anime stuff aside, there's good food, massive arcades with older games, massive niche stores (i.e. cultures zone which houses one-up and robot robot), you can find neat stuff in mandarake, radio kaikan, etc.. People say Tokyo Tower is some overrated touristy thing, but I really don't think it is. It's fun to look around and it has a great park and shrine grounds right next to it. If it was overcrowded only then maybe I'd avoid it.
Akiba is fine if you like games, electronics, and especially anime & toys, but then again the products mostly cater to hobbies, JDM exclusives, and you just can't bring many of the electronics back home (compatibility issues) without more shopping for adapters. Other than that it is bad because: - food is bad and tend to be overpriced (too much themed restaurants & cafes), your choice is limited to regular franchise restaurants - no public park, no themed alleyways (they are all closed down mostly) - the konbinis have one of the worst merchandise selections of all Japan, even those in the middle of nowhere Kochi or the one inside our office buildings are more delightful - no interesting markets or shops selling other products - these days, there are just too many cringey crowds - gaijins wearing obnoxious t-shirts It is easily 'mid B' at best for me, simply because it is not a place to hang out for everyone. I'm good with it, since I game and kinda understand otaku-dom a bit. Imagining yourself living there is quite a stress too. Agree on Tokyo tower... it is a classy nostalgic Showa-era spot.
I don't know if I can choose a favourite, but I definitely know that my visit to Ueno was my least favourite. While there were hundreds of shops, hardly any of them appeared to be run by Japanese citizens and many of them seemed like they were scamming you with knockoff items or inflated prices. You're just going to end up navigating through a sea of tourists and then be repeatedly bothered by vendors clambering for your attention.
Shin-Okubo is my fave. Maybe because Seoul is my favorite city in the world and being in Shin-Okubo, I feel like im in Seoul if I squint my eyes. But Shimokitazawa slaps too.
Being active for 20+ years in the video game collecting scene, I am not surprised to see Akihabara in the C tier...as I understand it, it was amazing 15-20 years ago, but as the area became more popular, particularly with foreign tourists, shop prices increased dramatically, to the point where many of those stores have become de facto museums. My favorite place in Tokyo? Anywhere I'd be able to take a good photo/video, either at street level or at rooftop level...so I'd say a reasonably large percentage of the whole place. I have my passport, and a rather formidable camera kit (Canon R5C + Sony 4K action cam)...these are the lengths to which I've gone, as this is something I would like to make happen. As others have mentioned, a part 2 with some other areas would be awesome :) .
The last statement is the truest - if you are a tourist, every neighborhood is an S. xD Most unique thing about it, which I always comment with family who went there with me, or people interested in going there, is that every station you get off it feels like you are in a different city. For instance, you guys didn't even mention Asakusa-Kanon, Ginza you guys mentioned, and then Tokyo Central Station... if you also put in Akiba, Shibuya and Harajuku there, they are all totally different. So it's like, even if you are in a group that has diverse tastes, or you yourself like to see very different things, you might find almost everything just taking the Yamanote line and randomly getting off a station one per day and walking around. It's only if you really want to see the inaka, stuff that you've seen in some anime, movie or dramas that are really rustic and isolated, then you need to take a train further away. And of course, historical focus and whatnot you'll wanna to go Kyoto, but still... if there isn't enough time, perhaps just a walk around Asakusa Kanon might be enough. I dunno if I'll ever be able to live in Japan, but I'd certainly one day like to have an extended trip there... it feels like I'd need a lifetime to explore everything I want in Japan, but you know.
I live in Shinjuku for work. Im counting down the days until I can move. Fun to play, nightmare to live here. Its so loud every single night. People drunk and yell with no respect at all hours of the night in my neighborhood. If I could choose an area, it would be Itabashi ward. I really like Tobu-Nerima or Kami-Itabashi.
You need to consider transportation #1. Nakano S Shinjuku - A. Nishi-Shinjuku is S Kichijoji - B . king of animal cafe. it’s easy to get to Shnijuku Harajuku - C. Good for a phase of life maybe\ Akihabara - B . Good for price. On Yamanote line. Rappongi /Ginza- C-. Great if you are rich and have extra money to shop. Odaiba.. idk. is it cheap? It’s not close to much.. like Shinagawa + Shibuya. B+. Crowded, expensive AF, close to everything but takes too long on train. Ikebukuro A for value
I never went to tokyo but im planning and studing a lot a things and i felt atracted to Asakuya, ROgoyu the sumo district ( but i dont know if there s something else) and the book district jimbojo . The tsukusisma monja street atract me too but i you dont see many thinks about monja street! Of course I want to go to shibuya shinjuku , tokyo station.....
so...as a tourist in japan (not now but...when I go there XD) I love Odaiba. it's my favourite place to relax and enjoy the view on the beach there...just...love it. Shibuya and Harajuku are ok, but too many people for my taste X////X. I have only been to Shinjuku once and on a haste so...didn't see much unfortunately. But I really like Roppongi for some reason. IDK, it has a special vibe. Akihabara is too overwhelming for me although...I really wanna shop there ^^'. and I like Mitaka. it has a special place in my heart XD
What's your favourite spot in Tokyo? LET US KNOW!
PS - as a tourist, everywhere in Tokyo is S RANK!! 🔥
I think my visit to Tokyo was like an alcoholic who drank beer too much. The drink felt great and fresh at the beginning, and then you become horribly drunk and sick as hell. Still the day after you would go drink and loving it again 😂
I think I agree with these rankings.
Harajuku in isolate is C rank and way too many people on a weekend are there. But if I'm counting Omote. and Yoyogi, easily my S tier. I love cutting thru the park to get to Hara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. My favorite tsukeme place is in Hara. There's a great bakery in Yoyogi that makes tasty, crusty sourdough bread in a big ol' wood fire oven. It's the revisit area on my to do list.
Ikebukuro was totally Shinjuku but smaller while I wanted to see more of Kichijoji.
You kind of forgotten Western Tokyo neighbourhoods like Ueno or Asakusa or Kanda - they are old and less hip, but nevertheless a great culinary & street food heaven. The traditional markets are not bad either - a lot of knick-knacks, big park, and hang out spaces. I get it that they don't have fancy cafes that is "chic" and "modern". Exploring their backalleys are also fun.
You also kind of forgotten Ginza too. It is classy and old, kind of like "meh" low A or upper B, but it is always a good starting place for every first timer and non-weeb.
4 days too late! Hahahaha, just spent 5 days there and yea, Akiba is C but still went on 3 occasions (too many shops and overpriced, except that super cramped one a few shops before Animate). Got the Samurai mac there too (that ad goes way too hard).
Odaiba is indeed nice! Tonkatsu Wako and Pokémon make Ikebukero worth it haha, but Ueno station area is more interesting.
15:15 Kanda is NOT S....unless you mean Sketchy at night, dead by day. Great to get to Shimbashi, Ueno or Shinjuku in 4 stops...but no. Preferred near Okachimachi station
One thing I like about the Odaiba area as a (recent) tokyo resident - it's great for some casual bike riding using bike share. Lots of bike ports, bike paths and wide footpaths, scenic routes (greens n water views, bridges).
Combined with the nice malls there, can start the day at Odaiba then later ride north into central Tokyo or the Akiba/Ueno area, or vice versa.
Absolutely agree with most of these! An area we absolutely love is Daikanyama, which is close to Shibuya but a lot more fancy! 😊
We really love Asakusa! That’s where we normally choose to stay.
Ikebukuro would have been lower for me in the past but following an absolutely horrendous airbnb booking we were saved by a sharehouse come hotel in Ikebukuro and it was so good it became a hub for us while travelling, so now it has a special place in my memories.
What was the sharehouse if you'd care to share? And how long were you able to stay there? thanks:)
Would absolutely love to see a part 2!
Also it would be super helpful to include the names of the districts in the chart or even list some of the recommended places in the description :)
I would have included Ueno in this list! There’s a huge park and arts precinct, Ameyoko, kitchen goods… pretty varied place and lots to see.
I loved Ueno! the market was cool, the park was beuatiful and the museums were awesome too!
Want to see more of this, there’s so many areas 👍🏻
My knowledge of Kichijoji began in the early 00s, when I bought a manga called "Cafe Kichijoji". It has been one of the top spots that I want to go in Tokyo since.
Hope you get to visit! 🥹
Daikanyama, shimokitazawa and Nakameguro are deff my favourites.
I’ve just come to Tokyo for the first time, so far I LOVE Shibuya, it made me so happy! I haven’t been to Shimokitazawa yet but definitely want to, and I really liked Harajuku as I found a lot of clothes in styles I like. I move into my dorm next week and I’ll be living in Shinjuku.
Coming from London I’m actually fine with the amount of people, even on weekends it doesn’t feel too bad!
I love all the makers and independent little shops in Asakusa.
Please do more of these! I wonder what you guys think of Ueno; I may be biased as it was the first place I stayed in Tokyo when I first visited Japan... my plane arriving at around 4AM and me trying not to fall asleep until the PM, I walked around the entire place like a zombie, somehow surviving until I crashed hard at 6PM 🤣 But I loved walking around Ueno, with some nice and cheap restaurants, and the park was just lovely!
I liked Ueno as well, thanks for reminding me!
Yes.. no mention of Ueno..shame.
I still think fondly of a day my family spent museum hopping in Ueno one Saturday when my son was about 10.
@@carolynobara8448 I wish my trip had not been a solo one. (lost my partner to cancer in 2017). Because sharing life is one of the very best things in life...Especially with those you love.
Ueno is my favorite! I always recommend it to people because it’s not super touristy but there’s so much to do. It’s nearby a bunch of popular areas and super convenient to get around all over the city and even Narita airport.
I stayed in Okubo my last stay in Tokyo and enjoyed it. Close to major suburbs. Great vibe and awesome Korean and Japanese eateries
I'm simple, I see Sarah and Emma, I click 😄
They are both gorgeous! Emma is hilarious and Sarah has good reactions lol
They're never boring, for sure.
Maybe my favourite duo of all time. Honestly starting to feel spoiled with all the great vids.
New York lady hahaahahaha, Emma just cracks me up! I loved Shimokitazawa on my 1st trip to Tokyo in 2012 , it had an indie vibe then, hardly any tourists- must be different now, back then in Asakusa along the old shotengai i remembered there so many homeless people sleeping in cardboard boxes, when i went back in 2016 all that was gone . Did enjoy Nakameguro, Kagurazaka & walking thru Yanaka Cemetary. Can't wait to go back to Tokyo next year!!!
The place with the New York lady of peace? Emma, you do make me laugh 😂 Excellent video ladies, I love your honesty ❤
I can definitely see two tier lists based on being a tourist vs a local. I'm not a local but I've visited 5 times...will be back in 3 weeks. Having said that I'm also a tourist mindset, love touristy stuff (I grew up in Orlando with all of the theme parks). Anyway, one spot not mentioned was Shinagawa which doesn't have a lot of stuff on its own BUT I always like staying in that area as it's not as busy as Tokyo station and is on the Yamanote line and has the Shinkansen stop as well. It's very convenient to stay there and explore Tokyo IMO
I'm sure its different living there, but as a tourist Odaiba is S-tier for sure. When we visited we stayed in Ueno and it seemed nice.
Nice to see pictures from different areas.. so much to see.. and experience..
Glad you liked it
Asakusa, Ueno, Kinshicho!❤ i love to travel to japan and cant wait to be back
Would love to see a review of the outer parts of Tokyo such as Hachioji, Fussa, Setagaya, Ota-Ku, Etc.
Great job!
I love Odaiba. It's far more spread-out than the rest of Tokyo, which feels so incessantly claustrophobic.
I'd happily live in Odaiba, or nearby, if I could.
I absolutely love it when I see there’s a new video with the two of you. ❤
Thanks for sharing! One tip as a new viewer who has never been to Japan... it may be helpful to put the name of the area on top of the pictures you're using for those of us who aren't knowledgeable enough about them to remember which area is represented by the photo.
Whoo Sarah’s a Shibuya stan! Check out Ashnikos Shibuya song 😁
I found Odaiba too touristy even as a tourist! 😅 Omotesando and Shibuya deserved their ranking though! Shinkuku is a good hub for getting to other locations around Tokyo.
I spent 20 years in Kyushu with only a couple of short trips to Tokyo. However, I am visiting this fall and looking forward to some long all day completely random walks. Might try to follow the Sumida river from Akabane to Shinagawa.
nice to hear from these 2 lovely ladies especially when it comes to advice on where to go in Tokyo!
My own S tier would also be Shibuya and Ebisu.
It would be cool to see a ranking of places to live!
池袋：サンシャイン水族館 アニメイト本店 中華街 ラーメン激戦区 サンシャインと池袋西武の屋上からの夜景
吉祥寺：井の頭公園 カフェ屋めぐり
立川：昭和記念公園 GREEN SPRINGS ソラノホテル
多摩センター：サンリオピューロランド パルテノン通りのChristmas illumination
Tachikawa’s Green Springs park and shopping area is a great place to beat the city mob, especially in the Spring and Autumn. How about a video ranking Chuo Line stations west of Shinjuku?
In stead of Akihabara, I'd recommend Nakano broadway. Great fresh n hot Taiyaki to start off and lots of Mandarake to browse
There is an alley, actually a closed/market street? in Koenji, that i saw once in video and absolutely fell in love with, like "i would so live here, period"!
I believe, my fave spot when I lived there 2016. My fave spots was Nakano, Kichijoji and Shibuya. ✌️❤️
Plz rank train station departure melodies next
im glad you like shimokitazawa so excited we'll be staying in that neighborhood when we visit japan in feb.very unique way of presenting a very fresh topic kudos to you.
When I lived in Tokyo, my mood and/or frame of mind at a given time dictated which location I favored. The more we experience, the more we change perspective.
Shimokitazawa has become much more on the tourist list of places to go because of it being the setting for the anime "Bocchi the Rock".
Rather west focused list....and honestly, I much prefer the eastern part of central Tokyo. My favorite by far is Ueno, an area I never get bored even after 10+ visits, and my go-to area to stay, since it's both practical and fun.
I have visited most of the places listed, and I'd say I'd visit most for specific reasons that happen to be in those areas, not because I particularly enjoy the area itself.
I love that Sarah is getting a slightly Australian accent when speaking English. We shall conquer the Anglo-Germanic realm by hangin' out like bros.
I always tell folk visiting Tokyo to base themselves in Akasaka Mitsue near the station. Fantastic location as its pretty central to most parts of Tokyo and there are so, so many eating places around. Hotel rooms are on the lower end as well. Best of all there are 5 metro lines running through the station.
Going to Japan tomorrow! Love your video’s, they are always very helpful!
Have fun!
My ranking would be very similar! so I feel like even though I’ve only lived there for about a year I still managed to get an okay overview 🥰 I also grew to really like Taitō for strolling and cafés
When it comes to Tokyo, Kabukicho is my home away from home. My other usual spots are Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Nakano, Shibuya, Shinonome, and Odaiba.
Not a bad selection!
Love these videos guys ❤ thank you!
Awesome job ladies
We need a part 2 for this topic.
My first trip is coming up in jan 2025, and we’re staying in Shanagawa because it’s at a decent rail junction, it’s slightly cheap, it’s a locals style neighbourhood, but mainly because a song I love is set there.
Hello there. I am japanese living in Tokyo. I am 200% agree with your ranking!!
NGL I love these ranking videos. I would TRULY appreciate a tier list of places OUTSIDE of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto to visit? There's so much Japan out there to love, and I'd love to know what you two think is worth the visit next. I'm planning on going everywhere, but there's gotta be an order.
Tier list: 1) Hiroshima. Go to the peace park and feel utterly destroyed, go to Miyajima and feel utterly at peace.
you guys should rank some of the "lesser known" (to an extent) neighborhoods like daikanyama, koenji, nakameguro, etc.
Shibuya in S feels like a tragedy. It's overcrowded, it's full of tourists and early 20s drunkards mixed with a dash of nampa and host(ess) clubs :D
Jigugaoka was nice when i went. 🤙🏽
OMG, and Nakameguro? The Bestttttttt
For living, I rank Ebisu, Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Meguro. That cluster neighbourhoods heading out.
For me
S- Shibuya
A- Akihabara, Harajuku/Omotesando, Ueno (why was this missing?)
B- Roppongi, Odaiba
C- Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji, Shinjuku
D- Ikebukuro
I always love tough gurl Emma.
When I was in Tokyo..I stayed in Shibuya, Ariake, Ueno and Kanda...Ariake because I was in Japan for a concert at Tokyo Garden Theater. (from UK). I didn't really do any site seeing while there.(solo no friends)...But I also visited Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto during my 3 weeks in Japan...Most of what I did was just walk the streets. Anxiety and depression means I wasn't brave enough to go into many shops or eat out.(lived out of combini stores..Family Mart my fav). It took me the 3 weeks to pluck up the courage to visit a Maid Cafe in Akihabara..(@home- cafe).. Because the founder of the band I went to see worked there before forming the band. (BAND-MAID)...I was very nervous (55y male) and had no idea what was going on...But I felt I had to as it was part of BAND-MAID lore.
Funny I kinda had a good sense of what all the rankings would be, mostly based on a sense of how much of the appeal of the location is “touristy” versus something a local could enjoy. The two that kinda surprised me were by Harajuku (until they showed the Takeshita Street photo, omg the crowds) and Ikebukuro
My favorite neighborhoods were Asakusa and Shimokitazawa
your chemistry is very fun and light! :) Very enjoyable. part two for prefectures or cities??
I've been waiting to watch this video but finally watching while enjoying a two month stay in Tokyo
Enjoy your stay! 😄
Thanks for showing pictures of all those places. Looks like everything has been really built up in the last 25 years. That park in Shibuya looks nice. What did they tear down to build that? Have either of you been to Hiroo?
Miyashita Park used to be an old hangout place for skaters and BMX riders behind Tower records. Hiroo is home of many expats - commonly known as the Gaijin Ghetto. It has nice cafes and a park, but not a tourist destination.
@@tokidokiteacher659 I know it was but it didn’t look that nice when I lived there. I used to spend a lot of time at that Tower Records and at the HMV music store( I don’t think HMV is there anymore) in Shibuya. I know Hiroo is an expat area and not a tourist area. I knew a lot of people that lived there. Sacred Heart International School is there too. Since Emma and Sarah are foreigners living in Tokyo I just figured maybe they knew some other foreigners that lived in Hiroo.
The Studio Ghibli Museum is in Kichijoji, right?! So that makes the whole area extra cool :D
Technically it's in Mitaka, but very close to Kichijoji.
Kichijoji!!!! Seriously you need to do a video there, they have a make your own ring, seriously as a couple it’s a great idea! Lots of good restaurants, Nike running store… and it’s close to us so Kichikoji for us!!!
A lot of Akihabara stuff has moved to Nakano Broadway, although there's not much to do in Nakano besides that. I'm surprised not to see Ginza or Chiyoda on the list as far as rating the big neighborhoods (maybe also add Shinagawa, Meguro, Ueno too to cover the big ones), although personally, I usually don't go to these places unless I need to. For me, I spend a lot more of my time in Nakameguro, Ebisu, Daikanyama, Hiroo, and Azabujuban, which I think are great neighborhoods that show off more of what Tokyo can offer for people living here, as well as having lots of great shops, restaurants, bars, etc suitable for expats and tourists. Just goes to show how big Tokyo is I guess. I also think different people will have vastly different lists based on budget, interests, and vibes.
Futakotamagawa and Toyosu are also good.
My favorite duo. Love these two. 😊❤
Akiba for anime/gaming fans is S/A
But I find that people that aren't into those things tend to rate it rather low, it once was the electronics capital of the world but it fell off in the 90's leaving behind the anime and gaming "culture" shops. You will be disappointed by the price normally, even though it's on the "cheaper" side of Tokyo it's still expensive land and the prices of goods will reflect that.
I've just got back from Japan, was my first time visiting and I also loved Shibuya. I also really enjoyed Harajuku. But Shinjuku wasn't my cup of tea. Looking forward to going back there again next year. Already miss it.
I really enjoyed staying in ikbeukuro last december because it was far enough out of the centre that it wasn't too busy when returning home but not so far that it took a long time to travel in. And there was a reasonabe amount of stuff to see and do just walking around including an awesome tiny dumpling shop run by one little old lady
Ikebukuro is a good shout for a first-stay. For those checking the comments, Zoshigaya is a wonderful little area very close to Ikebukuro
@@TokyoCreativePlay forgot to mention I also stayed just down the road from the Asahi building in Asakusa for a few days which was good for seeing the east side- akihabara, odaiba, skytree and asakusa itself of course
This was so helpful in planning our upcoming trip!!
Glad it was helpful!
Akiba has to be a high A! Yeah it's more for geek shopping and games, but it has good food too. Anime stuff aside, there's good food, massive arcades with older games, massive niche stores (i.e. cultures zone which houses one-up and robot robot), you can find neat stuff in mandarake, radio kaikan, etc..
People say Tokyo Tower is some overrated touristy thing, but I really don't think it is. It's fun to look around and it has a great park and shrine grounds right next to it. If it was overcrowded only then maybe I'd avoid it.
It used to be and still to a great extent is a haven for Electronics enthusiasts before it became famous as the weeb capital.
Agree, Tokyo Tower isn't too bad.
Akiba is fine if you like games, electronics, and especially anime & toys, but then again the products mostly cater to hobbies, JDM exclusives, and you just can't bring many of the electronics back home (compatibility issues) without more shopping for adapters. Other than that it is bad because:
- food is bad and tend to be overpriced (too much themed restaurants & cafes), your choice is limited to regular franchise restaurants
- no public park, no themed alleyways (they are all closed down mostly)
- the konbinis have one of the worst merchandise selections of all Japan, even those in the middle of nowhere Kochi or the one inside our office buildings are more delightful
- no interesting markets or shops selling other products
- these days, there are just too many cringey crowds - gaijins wearing obnoxious t-shirts
It is easily 'mid B' at best for me, simply because it is not a place to hang out for everyone. I'm good with it, since I game and kinda understand otaku-dom a bit. Imagining yourself living there is quite a stress too.
Agree on Tokyo tower... it is a classy nostalgic Showa-era spot.
I don't know if I can choose a favourite, but I definitely know that my visit to Ueno was my least favourite. While there were hundreds of shops, hardly any of them appeared to be run by Japanese citizens and many of them seemed like they were scamming you with knockoff items or inflated prices. You're just going to end up navigating through a sea of tourists and then be repeatedly bothered by vendors clambering for your attention.
I'm waiting for the prefecture tier list.
Obviously Tokyo would be S though.
Love this, would like the same thing for tourists.
Daikanyama, Naka-Meguro and Ebisu
Shin-Okubo is my fave. Maybe because Seoul is my favorite city in the world and being in Shin-Okubo, I feel like im in Seoul if I squint my eyes.
But Shimokitazawa slaps too.
If for some reason I was forced to spend 3 months in one area of Tokyo, absolutely not allowed to leave, I'd spend 3 very happy months in Ikebukuro.
Tokyo Station
Shibuya
Asakusa
Odaiba
Ryogoku
Ochanomizu
Being active for 20+ years in the video game collecting scene, I am not surprised to see Akihabara in the C tier...as I understand it, it was amazing 15-20 years ago, but as the area became more popular, particularly with foreign tourists, shop prices increased dramatically, to the point where many of those stores have become de facto museums. My favorite place in Tokyo? Anywhere I'd be able to take a good photo/video, either at street level or at rooftop level...so I'd say a reasonably large percentage of the whole place. I have my passport, and a rather formidable camera kit (Canon R5C + Sony 4K action cam)...these are the lengths to which I've gone, as this is something I would like to make happen. As others have mentioned, a part 2 with some other areas would be awesome :) .
The last statement is the truest - if you are a tourist, every neighborhood is an S. xD
Most unique thing about it, which I always comment with family who went there with me, or people interested in going there, is that every station you get off it feels like you are in a different city.
For instance, you guys didn't even mention Asakusa-Kanon, Ginza you guys mentioned, and then Tokyo Central Station... if you also put in Akiba, Shibuya and Harajuku there, they are all totally different. So it's like, even if you are in a group that has diverse tastes, or you yourself like to see very different things, you might find almost everything just taking the Yamanote line and randomly getting off a station one per day and walking around.
It's only if you really want to see the inaka, stuff that you've seen in some anime, movie or dramas that are really rustic and isolated, then you need to take a train further away.
And of course, historical focus and whatnot you'll wanna to go Kyoto, but still... if there isn't enough time, perhaps just a walk around Asakusa Kanon might be enough.
I dunno if I'll ever be able to live in Japan, but I'd certainly one day like to have an extended trip there... it feels like I'd need a lifetime to explore everything I want in Japan, but you know.
I'm surprised - no mention of Asakusa?
Have you both traveled throughout south east Asia? Would love to hear how you’d compare Japan with south East Asian counties
Asakusa
This tier list would be a lot different if a tourist made it 😂
❤Daikanyama!❤
Underground music venues!? I need to know!!
I live in Shinjuku for work. Im counting down the days until I can move. Fun to play, nightmare to live here. Its so loud every single night. People drunk and yell with no respect at all hours of the night in my neighborhood. If I could choose an area, it would be Itabashi ward. I really like Tobu-Nerima or Kami-Itabashi.
And Ginza? I Love Ginza!
You need to consider transportation #1.
Nakano S
Shinjuku - A. Nishi-Shinjuku is S
Kichijoji - B . king of animal cafe. it’s easy to get to Shnijuku
Harajuku - C. Good for a phase of life maybe\
Akihabara - B . Good for price. On Yamanote line.
Rappongi /Ginza- C-. Great if you are rich and have extra money to shop.
Odaiba.. idk. is it cheap? It’s not close to much.. like Shinagawa +
Shibuya. B+. Crowded, expensive AF, close to everything but takes too long on train.
Ikebukuro A for value
Asakusa and Ueno should've been on the list, specially considering how many hostels and airbnbs are in the area
I never went to tokyo but im planning and studing a lot a things and i felt atracted to Asakuya, ROgoyu the sumo district ( but i dont know if there s something else) and the book district jimbojo . The tsukusisma monja street atract me too but i you dont see many thinks about monja street! Of course I want to go to shibuya shinjuku , tokyo station.....
And Meguro? Its so many places !
Everyone loves Ometesando but NGL i thought it was a let down. I'm not a huge cafe person either so there's nothing for my broke ass to do there 😂
so...as a tourist in japan (not now but...when I go there XD) I love Odaiba. it's my favourite place to relax and enjoy the view on the beach there...just...love it. Shibuya and Harajuku are ok, but too many people for my taste X////X. I have only been to Shinjuku once and on a haste so...didn't see much unfortunately. But I really like Roppongi for some reason. IDK, it has a special vibe. Akihabara is too overwhelming for me although...I really wanna shop there ^^'. and I like Mitaka. it has a special place in my heart XD
Koenji by some distance
Lost in Shinjuku 😂 ❣
It's funny how west Tokyo centric this list is. You say Odaiba is so far even though it's actually part of Minato Ward.