10 Most Popular Streets in Tokyo

As you leave the north exit of Kichijoji Station, you'll come to the old-fashioned shopping street known as Kichijoji Sun Road. This area is always bustling with local customers. The covered arcade means you can leave your brolly behind. There's a seemingly endless array of chemists and general stores, so whatever it is you're looking for, you'll probably find it here.

On Sun Road you'll see people queuing for menchi-katsu (fried cakes of minced meat) and croquettes outside the famous Satou butcher shop. The Daiya-gai shopping arcade at the north exit also has plenty of cafes and restaurants, as well as the famous Harmonica Yokocho store.

Jingu-dori, the street that passes right in front of the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station, is where you'll find the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. Crossing the traffic lights, you can reach Shibuya Center-gai, which is full of young people, and Dogenzaka, which leads to Bunkamura-dori.

Go to the right on Jingu-dori and you'll find Inokashira-dori and Koen-dori, before coming to Fire-dori. Alternatively, head left and you'll see the south and west exits of Shibuya Station, where the Moyai Statue is located. Jingu-dori Park, which is located between Fire-dori and Meiji-dori, is a happening place that has a public toilet designed by Tadao Ando.

Leading to Takaiwaji Temple, Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street overflows with the good old atmosphere of Japan's Showa era. The street used to run into the old Nakasendo highway and marked the first resting stop on the way out from Nihonbashi. These days it's affectionately known as "Grandma's Harajuku" thanks to the many senior tourists it attracts.

Prices here are on the cheap side, which also partly explains its popularity. Known for the red pants its sells (yes, you read that right!), Maruji is always full of bargain-hunters. You'll also find plenty of nostalgic delicatessens and sweet shops. For lunch, pop in to one of the countless relaxed set meal restaurants or cafes.

One of the best shopping arcades in the Orient is Musashi-Koyama Shopping Street Palm in Tokyo. It has about 250 stores on an 800-metre-long street that's been beautifully maintained to suit modern tastes while retaining the remnants of the Showa era, which is when it was completed. Tourists love this place because it's right in the middle of the city yet still has a down-to-earth atmosphere.

The shops here cover everything you could need in terms of daily necessities and food, with both local independents and chain stores. It's a great area to walk around, too, with enticing restaurant signs at every turn. Of course, since this is an arcade, you'll also be kept dry even in the rain.

Chuo-dori, the main street in Ginza, is lined with Japan's leading jewellery stores, world-class luxury brands, and long-established department stores. Just being in such a stylish place feels uplifting.

Sweets shops, cafes and restaurants can also be found in Ginza's high-end stores. This is a place to enjoy a rare taste of luxury. Choices include sushi, tempura, Chinese food, French food, cakes, ice cream, and seasonal fruits.

Harajuku's main fashion street is Takeshita-dori. Harajuku was the residence of US military officers after the War, but later, after Japan's recovery, the number of boutiques and fashion houses increased, and the trend for designer and character brands transformed Harajuku into a young people's town. The opening of Laforet Harajuku in 1978 was a really significant moment.

Besides fashion, Takeshita Street also created a boom in crepes, shops selling celebrity-related goods, fortune-telling, and other social phenomena. Even now, the kawaii (cute) Japanese pop culture of this area attracts tourists from around the world.

Shinjuku Golden Gai is the world-famous tourist area between Shinjuku Ward Office and Hanazono Shrine. Around 200 stores crowded together in a terraced row. The retro buildings, neon lights, and signboards make it feel as though you've stepped onto the set of an old Japanese film.

There are countless bars here, including bars that serve exquisite gourmet food. Dining options include old-fashioned izakaya menus, curry, ramen, Japanese-style Western food, French, and Italian.

Omotesando has a long history as an approach to Meiji Shrine, but these days it's all about style and sophistication. Fashion houses, cafes, and brand shops can be seen in the beautiful rows of Zelkova trees, creating an atmosphere that's distinctly un-Japanese. This is where Japan's fashion lovers come to see and be seen.

The range of shopping options has continued to increase with the opening of Omotesando Hills. Take a pleasant stroll in the warm sunlight filtering through the trees, or visit on a winter night when the trees are illuminated. As well as shops, the area also has many beauty salons, galleries, and smart restaurants.

From Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line and Chuo Line to Yotsuya Station, Sotobori-dori is a street lined with rows of beautiful cherry blossom trees. The river bank is the site of the former outer moat (Sotobori) of Edo Castle. The name of the road alongside the moat keeps that origin alive. This is an excellent setting for a stroll as you gaze up at the quilt of pink cherry blossoms in springtime. The reflections seems to dye the moat pink.

Sotobori Park is another famous spot for cherry blossoms, attracting crowds of visitors. For a true Tokyo cherry blossom experience, you could also visit the nearby Chidorigafuchi, Yasukuni Shrine, and Ichigaya.

The street alongside Meguro River, which runs near Nakameguro, commonly known as Nakame Station, is one of the most talked-about cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The view from the top of the bridge is particularly photogenic. At night the area is lit up and full of couples on cherry blossom viewing dates.

You'll also find many trendy cafes, restaurants and shops in the area. This is a great place to walk around the city while appreciating the cherry blossoms. For souvenirs, check out the special sweets, breads, side dishes and drinks on offer. There are even restaurants set up so that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while eating.