The special wards of Tokyo comprise the area formerly known as Tokyo City, usually simply known as “Tokyo”. On July 1, 1943, Tokyo City was merged with Tokyo Prefecture (tokyo-fu) forming the current “metropolitan prefecture“. As a result of this merger, unlike other city wards in Japan, these wards are not part of any city.
Each ward is a local municipality with its own elected mayor and assembly, differing from an ordinary city in that certain governmental functions are handled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and, for most, also differing in having no particular center and little cultural or similar distinctiveness from the immediate surroundings.
Shinjuku
Location of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The area is best known for Tokyo’s early skyscrapers, erected in the 1970s. Major department stores, electronics stores and hotels can also be found here. On the east side of Shinjuku Station, Kabuki-cho is notorious for its many bars and nightclubs. Shinjuku Station moves an estimated three million passengers a day, making it the busiest in the world.
Marunouchi and Otemachi
The main financial and business district of Tokyo has many headquarters of banks, trading companies and other major corporations. The area is seeing a major redevelopment with new buildings for shopping and entertainment constructed in front of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi side.
Ginza and Yurakucho
Major shopping and entertainment district with department stores, upscale shops selling brand-name goods, and movie theaters.
Shinbashi
An area revitalized by being the gateway to Odaiba and the new Shiodome Shiosite complex of high-rise buildings.
Shinagawa
In addition to the major hotels on the west side of Shinagawa Station, the former sleepy east side of the station has been redeveloped as a major center for business.
Shibuya
A long-time center of shopping, fashion and entertainment, especially for the younger set. Shibuya is also home to some of the largest and newest Tokyo nightclubs.
Ikebukuro
The busiest interchange in north central Tokyo, featuring Sunshine City and various shopping destinations.
Ueno
Ueno Station serves areas north of Tokyo from where many people commute. Besides department stores and shops in Ameyoko, Ueno boasts Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo and major national museums. In spring, Ueno Park and adjacent Shinobazu Pond are prime places to view cherry blossoms.
Odaiba
A large, reclaimed, waterfront area that has become one of most popular Tokyo shopping and entertainment districts.
Nagatacho
The political heart of Tokyo and the nation. It is the location of the Diet, government ministries, and party headquarters.
Akasaka
A district with a range of restaurants, clubs and hotels; many pedestrian alleys giving it a local neighborhood feel. Next to Roppongi, Nagatacho and Aoyama.
Aoyama
A neighborhood of Tokyo with parks, an enormous cemetery, expensive housing, trendy cafes and international restaurants. Includes the Omotesando subway station.
Publish Date: December 31, 1969
Itabashi is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Itabashi City. Itabashi has sister-city relations (101665) Itabashi, Tokyo City [Japan]. Travel.
News: Subaru maker to relocate headquarters - Star-Motoring
Publish Date: December 31, 1969
Ebisu is a neighbourhoood in Shibuya, one of 23 special wards in the Tokyo metropolis. The current headquarters in Tokyo’s Shinjuku, which it has occupied for 44 years, and the land has been sold to Osakyu Electric Railway for 34 …
Shinjuku | Japan Travel Tokyo
Publish Date: December 31, 1969
Brief information; Shinjuku is one of the the 23 special wards that make up Tokyo. It has one of the most packed train stations in Japan, if not the most packed. Shinjuku is also home to many of the biggest skyscrapers in Japan. …