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Neighborhoods - Tokyo Hotels .com

Neighborhoods
The bustling streets of Tokyo, packed with the city's eight million residents, can strike visitors as a little overwhelming at first glance. But the key to unlocking this exotic megacity is to explore its treasures one piece at a time. Each of Tokyo's 23 main districts could be considered a city of its own, and each of them have something unique to offer visitors.

In Shinjuku-Shibuya you'll find a blend of extremes: from the world's busiest train station -- Shinjuku Station -- to the intricately cultivated Shinjuku Gyoen park, with its stunning French and English gardens and 1,500 blooming cherry trees. Nearby sits the loud and dynamic shopping center, Takashimaya Times Square, alongside the upscale elegance of Tokyo Opera City Hall.

Shinjuka-Shibuya is where Tokyo's youth head to shop and be seen, while Akasaka-Roppongi is famous for the Togu Palace, residence of the Crown Prince and Princess of Japan. The nearby Roppongi Hills are a favored spot for ex-pats, VIPs, and visiting politicians, thanks to its stunning views of Tokyo, high-class bars and high-end shopping.

Ueno-Asakusa-Ryogoku is for the cultered. This historic area features five-story pagodas, ancient shrines such as the famous Toshogu Shrine, open air markets reminiscent of another era, and a plethora of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Neighboring Asukasa houses many traditional Japanese artisans and the Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo, while Ueno-Asakusa-Ryogoku is the belly of Japan's Sumo-wrestling culture. Sumo wrestling tournaments are held at the Kokugikan Sumo Hall. In this district visitors can sample the traditional stew eaten by sumo wrestlers, which is served at Chanko-nabe restaurants.

Ginza is the most famous shopping district in Tokyo, where designer stores and $10 dollar lattes are the norm. This is also the home to the Kabuki-za Theater, a traditional Japanese performance hall that has been practicing Kabuki and stunning audiences since 1889.

South of Tokyo proper you'll find Yokohama-Kamakura, the ancient capitol of Japan. Here, ancient shrines vie with temples, elaborate tea ceremonies and sandy beaches for tourist attention.