CHUO
WHAT – Chuo, means “central” in Japanese, and is predominantly a commercial district.
LOCATION – Chuo lies to the east of Tokyo station. The commercial areas of Kyobashi and Nihonbashi (east of Tokyo Station) boast many high-rise offices after large scale redevelopment in recent years.
ICONS – The Bank of Japan and Tokyo Stock Exchange are located in Nihonbashi. Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district and Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the world are also located in Chuo.
RESIDENTIAL – Ginza is home to some of the most exclusive high-rise apartments. Another popular residential district is Tsukishima, an island neighbourhood that boasts one of the most impressive residential high-rise and commercial developments. Harumi is another reclaimed bayside area and is undergoing a construction boom of private apartments.
CHIYODA
WHAT – Chiyoda is the greenest and is the least densely populated in Tokyo. The land in Chiyoda is predominantly taken up by the Imperial Palace, government institutions and the commercial zone of Marunouchi.
LOCATION – Chiyoda is the central ward of Tokyo and has some of the most expensive land prices in Japan. Marunouchi is in the eastern part of the ward while the government and embassy district is located to the south of the ward.
ICONS – Other points of inte rest include Tokyo Station, Akihabara electronics district, Supreme Court, National Diet Building, and the Yasukuni Shrine.
RESIDENTIAL – The high class residential neighbourhoods of Bancho, bordered by the Hanzomon, Kojimachi, Ichigaya, and Yotsuya stations are situated in the west of this ward. West Chiyoda is also home to a prestigious private university (Sophia University).
MINATO
WHAT – Minato is a prime commercial area, housing the headquarters of a number of large corporations, such as Sony, Honda, Mitsubishi, NEC, and many others.
LOCATION – It faces Tokyo Bay in the east and is bordered by all of the other 4 main wards.
ICONS – It is home to the iconic Tokyo Tower, the “Effiel Tower” of Tokyo and the famous Rainbow Bridge, another enduring and recognisable image of Tokyo. The impressive large scale mega mixed-use complex of Roppongi Hills can also be found here. In the centre of Roppongi District also lies Tokyo Midtown which is a newer mixed-use project. It currently houses Galleria Building, Ritz Carlton Tokyo and the Suntory Museum of Art.
RESIDENTIAL – There are several upscale residential districts here. One of the most expensive neighbourhoods is Azabu, just south of Roppongi and Toranomon. This ward has numerous foreign embassies, for example, Singapore, USA, China, Switzerland and Australia.
SHIBUYA
WHAT – Shibuya is one of the 5 central wards in Tokyo, but also a popular shopping and entertainment district, particularly to the young people.
LOCATION – Shibuya lies on the west of Minato.
ICONS – Numerous department stores can be found at the streets of Shibuya. A famous point of interest is Harajuku, the center of extreme teenage cultures and fashion. East of Shibuya lies Omotesando, a tree-lined fashion avenue where top designers and modeling agencies have offices. The centre of Shibuya is dominated by Yoyogi Park and the grounds of Meiji Shrine.
RESIDENTIAL – Away from the shopping district lie the prime residential areas of Daikanyama and Ebisu, both quiet and prime residential neighbourhoods containing luxury boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and upscale shops.
SHINJUKU
WHAT – Shinjuku is a major commercial and administrative centre. It also commonly refers to the large entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku Station, the world's busiest railway station.
LOCATION – Shinjuku is a ward located west of Chiyoda.
ICONS – Many of Tokyo’s highest buildings are nestled in Skyscraper District, west of Shinjuku Station. This business district is also home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices, the administrative and bureaucratic hub of the city government. Kabukicho, Tokyo’s largest red-light district is located east of the station.
RESIDENTIAL – Some of the more prominent neighbourhoods are in the east of Shinjuku in Yotsuya and Ichigaya (both of which border Chiyoda-ku’s prime residential district). The northern part of this ward hosts several top universities such as Waseda University, and is home to many students.