In 2024, Tokyo has a population of 14 million people. That figure only includes central Tokyo with its 23 wards and 4 subprefectures. Not the greater metropolitan area surrounding it. If you added Saitama, Chiba and Tochigi, for example, Tokyo would total 37 million people.
Travelling across Tokyo can make you feel like you’re moving from one city to another. And basically that is what it is. The ‘wards’ are also called ‘cities’ and they resemble cities with their commercial centres and different neighbourhoods.
Tokyo is so big and at times overwhelming, that the Tokyo guide focuses on only a few of these ‘cities within the city’.
Not every place in the guide is located within those areas of course! For some of the activities you have to travel, but transportation in Japan is besides being well organised and fast, also an adventure, certainly for your kids. And, if needed, I will explain how to get there.
In this journal, I share three of my favourite area’s to stay. In the guide I share many more of course!
Note: What I mention here are actually not neighbourhoods, but train stations. Sometimes the neighbourhoods actually have different official names, but most areas are known by the name of the nearby subway station.
Three of my Favourite Places to stay in Tokyo with Kids
Gakugei-Daigaku St.
At first, I wasn’t planning on recommending Gakugei-Daigaku, but it might just be the latest hidden pearl of Tokyo. There are actually a few really nice places, like the design bookshop Book and Sons, a great Taiyaki/Kakigori shop, an amazing soba spot and a truly beautiful park. Since it’s such a typical family neighbourhood it can be of great addition to your trip. I love this neighbourhood, because it has everything you need. If your child has an off day, it’s no punishment to stay around and, otherwise, in just a short train ride you can be in Nakameguro. (Or a lovely 30 minute walk!)
Nakameguro St.
One of the coolest neighbourhoods of Tokyo. A lovely mix of old school Japanese restaurants, millennial coffee shops, traditional clothing shops – with a modern touch – and super trendy select shops. In the centre, the charming Nakameguro river runs through. Even though this area is one of those places that- is-not-what-it-used-to-be, it still has my heart and I also recommend it for families. It’s a true gem and a perfect Tokyo experience.
Sangenjaya St. (or Ikejiro Ohashi St.)
This is not a train station, but a subway station and is the only one I’m mentioning, because there is just something about Sangenjaya. It is a popular, residential area and it is full of good restaurants and coffee shops. It is also a popular drinking spot with lots of nice izakaya. It’s situated close to Setagaya Park and is just two subway stops away from Shibuya. It’s also relatively close to Shimokitazawa, a 30-minute walk.
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