A memo for Tokyo
- Zoey Zong
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 13
Minato City (港区)
Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
History
Edo Period (1603–1868): Most of Minato was coastal fishing villages and samurai residences, close to Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace). Historical sites like Zōjō-ji Temple (Tokugawa Ieyasu’s family temple) and Shiba Daijingu Shrine still remain.
Meiji Restoration (Post-1868): With the influx of Western culture, Minato became a hub for foreign embassies, especially in areas like Akasaka and Azabu.
Post-Great Kanto Earthquake (1923): As central Tokyo was damaged, upscale residential areas like Minami-Aoyama began to develop.
Post-WWII (After 1945): Roppongi became an entertainment district near U.S. military bases.
After the 1970s: Foreign corporations established offices (e.g., Toranomon business district). Tokyo Tower (1958) became a landmark.
21st Century: Large-scale complexes like Roppongi Hills (2003) and Tokyo Midtown (2007) were built.
Akasaka 赤坂
Tokyo Midtown 🛍️ (Opened 2007)
Suntory Museum, 3rd Floor
Maruya-Honten – Unagi rice bowl
Fujifilm Square 📷
Sushi Masashi 😋
Akasaka Sacas 🛍️
TBS Broadcasting Center
The Edition Toranomon
Roppongi 六本木
The National Art Center, Tokyo 🎨
Roppongi Hills 🛍️ (Opened 2003)
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT – Designed by Tadao Ando, run by the Issey Miyake Foundation 🎨
Mori Art Museum 🎨
Ryugin – Fine dining 😋
Jomon Roppongi – Yakitori
Tsutaya Bookstore
Atrevio 😋
Azabu-Juban 麻布十番
Azabu Kadowaki 😋
Bar Centifolia 🍹 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM
Naniwaya Sōhonten (108-year-old Taiyaki shop) 😋
Open: 11 AM – 7 PM
Ginza 银座
HIIRAGI Ginza – Matcha shaved ice 😋
Ginza Six 🛍️
Benzaiten – Fruit Daifuku
Marlowe – Pudding
Isetei – Unagi specialty 😋
Vintage Shops: KOMEHYO, Orange Boutique 🛍️
Matsuya Ginza – Department store 🛍️
ITOYA – 12-story stationery store 🛍️
Mitsukoshi Department Store 🛍️
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura
History
Edo Period: Originally the site of the silver mint. By the 17th century, became a commercial hub.
Meiji Period (Post-1872): Japan’s first Western-style shopping street, modeled after the Champs-Élysées.
Post-Great Kanto Earthquake (1923): Rebuilt into a modern commercial district. Mitsukoshi Department Store opened in 1935.
Economic Boom (1960–1980): Luxury brands like LV and Chanel set up flagship stores, establishing Ginza as Asia’s top shopping district.
21st Century: Redevelopment of 6-chome (e.g., GINZA SIX), old businesses like Shiseido and Kimuraya Bakery coexist with modern art like TeamLab.
Nihombashi 日本桥
Hibiya 日比谷
Midtown Hibiya 🛍️
DELIMMO – Parfaits
Hibiya Park
Imperial Hotel – Old Imperial Bar
Shinjuku 新宿
Allu Vintage
Golden Gai – Retro Showa-style alley bars
Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store – Bookstore
SALON BAKE & TEA – Parfaits
Shinjuku Station – Over 3.5 million passengers daily
Kabukicho – Entertainment and nightlife area
Filming Locations: Lost in Translation, Ghost in the Shell
Isetan Department Store
History
Edo Period (1603–1868): Originated as Naitō Shinjuku, a post station for travelers heading to Kōshū (now Yamanashi Prefecture).
Meiji Era (Late 19th Century): Development accelerated with the railway and Shinjuku Station.
1923 Great Kanto Earthquake: With central Tokyo damaged, population shifted to Shinjuku, accelerating growth.
Postwar–1960s: Black markets, theaters, and bars flourished. Kabukicho formed.
1991: Tokyo Metropolitan Government moved to West Shinjuku, turning the area into a “sub-city center” with skyscrapers.
Chiyoda Ward 千代田区
Jimbocho 神保町
University district: Home to Meiji University, Nihon University, Chuo University
World’s largest used-book district, with 180+ bookstores
Shibuya 涩谷
Shibuya SKY
Shibuya 109 🛍️
Pop Culture: Nintendo Flagship Store, Pokémon Center, Anime/gaming shops
Shibuya Crossing: World’s busiest pedestrian crossing, featured in Lost in Translation
Omotesando 表参道
Nezu Museum – Designed by Kengo Kuma, with a beautiful garden café
Initial – Parfaits
Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake – Global flagship stores
Omotesando Hills 🛍️
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