Special wards of Tokyo
Encyclopedia
The are 23 municipalities
that together make up the core and the most populous part of Tokyo
, Japan
. Together, they occupy the land that was the city of Tokyo
before it was abolished in 1943. The special wards' structure was established under the Japanese Local Autonomy Law
and is unique to Tokyo.
In Japanese
, they are commonly known as the . All wards refer to themselves as cities in English, even though the Japanese designation of tokubetsuku is unchanged.
It is merely a grouping of special wards, there is no associated single government body.
Unlike municipalities
(including the municipalities of western Tokyo), special wards are not considered to be local public entities for purposes of the Constitution of Japan
. This means that they have no constitutional right to pass their own legislation, or to hold direct elections for mayors and councilors. While these authorities are currently granted by statute, they may be unilaterally revoked by the Diet of Japan
; similar measures against other municipalities would require a constitutional amendment.
were no different from the wards of Osaka
or Kyoto
. These original wards originally numbered 15 in 1889, and over the years came to expand to the current city area, reaching a number of 35 wards. On March 15, 1943, when the Tokyo city government and prefectural government merged into a single prefectural government, the wards were placed under the direct control of the prefecture. 35 wards of the former city were integrated into 22 on March 15, 1947 just before the legal definition of special wards was given by the Local Autonomy Law
, enforced on May 3 the same year. The 23rd ward, Nerima, was formed on August 1, 1947 when Itabashi was split again.
Since the 1970s, the special wards of Tokyo have exercised a considerably higher degree of autonomy than the wards in other cities, making them more like independent cities than districts. Each special ward has its own elected and . In 2000, the National Diet
designated the special wards as , giving them a legal status similar to cities.
The wards vary greatly in area (from 10 to 60 km²) and population (from less than 40,000 to 830,000), and some are expanding as artificial islands are built. Setagaya
has the most people, while neighboring Ōta
has the largest area.
The total population (census) of the twenty-three special wards was 8,483,140 as of October 1, 2005, about two-thirds of the population of Tokyo and a quarter of the population of the Greater Tokyo Area
. The twenty-three wards have a population density of 13,800 per square kilometre (35,600 per square mile). As of August 2008, the population was 8,731,434 according to the Japan Statistical Agency.
Many important neighborhoods are located in Tokyo's special wards:
Akasaka
: A district with a range of restaurants, clubs and hotels; many pedestrian alleys giving it a local neighbourhood feel. Next to Roppongi, Nagatachō, and Aoyama.
Akihabara
: A densely arranged shopping district for electronics and otaku
goods.
Aoyama
: A neighborhood of Tokyo with parks, an enormous cemetery, expensive housing, trendy cafes and international restaurants. Includes the Omotesandō
subway station.
Ginza
and Yūrakuchō
: Major shopping and entertainment district with department stores, upscale shops selling brand-name goods, and movie theaters.
Harajuku
: Known for its role in Japanese street/teen fashion
.
Ikebukuro
: The busiest interchange in north central Tokyo, featuring Sunshine City
and various shopping destinations.
Jinbōchō : Tokyo's center of used-book stores and publishing houses, and a popular antique and curio shopping area.
Marunouchi
and Ōtemachi
: 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.
Nagatachō : The political heart of Tokyo and the nation. It is the location of the Diet, government ministries, and party headquarters.
Odaiba
: A large, reclaimed, waterfront area that has become one of Tokyo's most popular shopping and entertainment districts.
Omotesandō
: Known for upscale shopping.
Roppongi
: Home to the rich Roppongi Hills area, an active night club scene, and a relatively large presence of Western tourists and expatriates.
Ryōgoku
: The heart of the sumo
world. Home to the Ryōgoku Kokugikan
and many heya
.
Shibuya
: A long-time center of shopping, fashion, nightlife and youth culture.
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.
Shinbashi
: An area revitalized by being the gateway to Odaiba
and the Shiodome
Shiosite complex of high-rise buildings.
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
, Kabukichō is known for its many bars and nightclubs. Shinjuku Station moves an estimated three million passengers a day, making it the busiest in the world.
Ueno
: Ueno Station
serves commuters to and from areas north of Tokyo. 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 popular places to view cherry blossoms.
Municipalities of Japan
Japan has three levels of government: national, prefectural, and municipal. The nation is divided into 47 prefectures. Each prefecture consists of numerous municipalities. There are four types of municipalities in Japan: cities, towns, villages and special wards...
that together make up the core and the most populous part of Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Together, they occupy the land that was the city of Tokyo
Tokyo City
was a municipality in Japan and part of Tokyo-Fu which existed from May 1, 1889 until its merger with its prefecture on July 1, 1943. The historical boundaries of Tokyo City are now occupied by independent special wards...
before it was abolished in 1943. The special wards' structure was established under the Japanese Local Autonomy Law
Local Autonomy Law
The Local Autonomy Law of Japan was passed as Law No. 67 on April 17, 1947, an Act of Devolution that established most of Japan's contemporary local government structures, including prefectures, municipalities and other entities....
and is unique to Tokyo.
In Japanese
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
, they are commonly known as the . All wards refer to themselves as cities in English, even though the Japanese designation of tokubetsuku is unchanged.
It is merely a grouping of special wards, there is no associated single government body.
Differences from municipalities
Although special wards are autonomous from the Tokyo metropolitan government, they also function as a single urban entity in respect to certain public services, including water supply, sewage disposal, and fire services. These services are handled by the Tokyo metropolitan government, whereas cities would normally provide these services themselves. To finance the joint public services it provides to the twenty-three wards, the metropolitan government levies some of the taxes that would normally be levied by city governments, and also makes transfer payments to wards that cannot finance their own local administration.Unlike municipalities
Municipalities of Japan
Japan has three levels of government: national, prefectural, and municipal. The nation is divided into 47 prefectures. Each prefecture consists of numerous municipalities. There are four types of municipalities in Japan: cities, towns, villages and special wards...
(including the municipalities of western Tokyo), special wards are not considered to be local public entities for purposes of the Constitution of Japan
Constitution of Japan
The is the fundamental law of Japan. It was enacted on 3 May, 1947 as a new constitution for postwar Japan.-Outline:The constitution provides for a parliamentary system of government and guarantees certain fundamental rights...
. This means that they have no constitutional right to pass their own legislation, or to hold direct elections for mayors and councilors. While these authorities are currently granted by statute, they may be unilaterally revoked by the Diet of Japan
Diet of Japan
The is Japan's bicameral legislature. It is composed of a lower house, called the House of Representatives, and an upper house, called the House of Councillors. Both houses of the Diet are directly elected under a parallel voting system. In addition to passing laws, the Diet is formally...
; similar measures against other municipalities would require a constitutional amendment.
History
The word "special" distinguishes them from the of other major Japanese cities. Before 1943, the wards of Tokyo CityTokyo City
was a municipality in Japan and part of Tokyo-Fu which existed from May 1, 1889 until its merger with its prefecture on July 1, 1943. The historical boundaries of Tokyo City are now occupied by independent special wards...
were no different from the wards of Osaka
Osaka
is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
or Kyoto
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
. These original wards originally numbered 15 in 1889, and over the years came to expand to the current city area, reaching a number of 35 wards. On March 15, 1943, when the Tokyo city government and prefectural government merged into a single prefectural government, the wards were placed under the direct control of the prefecture. 35 wards of the former city were integrated into 22 on March 15, 1947 just before the legal definition of special wards was given by the Local Autonomy Law
Local Autonomy Law
The Local Autonomy Law of Japan was passed as Law No. 67 on April 17, 1947, an Act of Devolution that established most of Japan's contemporary local government structures, including prefectures, municipalities and other entities....
, enforced on May 3 the same year. The 23rd ward, Nerima, was formed on August 1, 1947 when Itabashi was split again.
Since the 1970s, the special wards of Tokyo have exercised a considerably higher degree of autonomy than the wards in other cities, making them more like independent cities than districts. Each special ward has its own elected and . In 2000, the National Diet
Diet of Japan
The is Japan's bicameral legislature. It is composed of a lower house, called the House of Representatives, and an upper house, called the House of Councillors. Both houses of the Diet are directly elected under a parallel voting system. In addition to passing laws, the Diet is formally...
designated the special wards as , giving them a legal status similar to cities.
The wards vary greatly in area (from 10 to 60 km²) and population (from less than 40,000 to 830,000), and some are expanding as artificial islands are built. Setagaya
Setagaya, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo in Japan. It is also the name of a neighborhood within the ward. The ward calls itself the City of Setagaya in English...
has the most people, while neighboring Ōta
Ota, Tokyo
is one of the 23 Special wards of Tokyo, Japan.As of May 1, 2011, the ward has an estimated population of 676,458, with 348,492 households, and a population density of 11,376.69 persons per km²...
has the largest area.
The total population (census) of the twenty-three special wards was 8,483,140 as of October 1, 2005, about two-thirds of the population of Tokyo and a quarter of the population of the Greater Tokyo Area
Greater Tokyo Area
The Greater Tokyo Area is a large metropolitan area in Kantō region, Japan, consisting of most of the prefectures of Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Tokyo . In Japanese, it is referred to by various terms, including the , , and others....
. The twenty-three wards have a population density of 13,800 per square kilometre (35,600 per square mile). As of August 2008, the population was 8,731,434 according to the Japan Statistical Agency.
List of special wards
| Name | Kanji | Major districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adachi Adachi, Tokyo is one of the Special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is located north of the heart of Tokyo. The ward consists of two separate areas: a small strip of land between the Sumida River and Arakawa River and a larger area north of the Arakawa River... |
足立区 | 629,392 | 11,830.68 | 53.20 | Ayase, Kitasenju, Takenotsuka |
 Arakawa, Tokyo is a special ward located in Tokyo, Japan. The ward takes its name from the river, the Arakawa, though the Arakawa River does not run through or touch the ward. Its neighbors are the wards of Adachi, Kita, Bunkyo, Taito and Sumida. In English, the ward calls itself Arakawa City.Arakawa has... |
荒川区 | 194,777 | 18,262.25 | 10.20 | Arakawa Arakawa -Family name:* Adele Arakawa, an American evening news anchor* Alan Arakawa, mayor of Maui, Hawaii, USA* Hiromu Arakawa, Japanese manga artist* Minoru Arakawa, former president of Nintendo of America... , Machiya, Nippori, Minamisenju |
| Bunkyō Bunkyo, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. Situated in the middle of the ward area, Bunkyō is a residential and educational center. Beginning in the Meiji period, literati like Natsume Sōseki, as well as scholars and politicians have lived there... |
文京区 | 194,933 | 16,009.28 | 11.31 | Hongō Hongo Hongō is a district of Tokyo located in Bunkyō-ku, due north of the Tokyo Imperial Palace and west of Ueno. Hongō was a ward of the former city of Tokyo until 1947, when it merged with another ward, Koishikawa, to form the modern Bunkyō.... , Yayoi Yayoi, Tokyo Yayoi is a neighborhood in Bunkyo, Tokyo. In 1884, when it was part of Tokyo City, it was the location of a shell mound where a type of pottery was discovered. The pottery became known as Yayoi, and eventually a period of Japanese history assumed the same name.Its population, not including... , Hakusan Hakusan Hakusan can refer to:*Hakusan, Ishikawa, a city located in Ishikawa, Japan*Hakusan, Mie, a former town located in Mie, Japan*Mount Haku, located in the Chūbu region of Japan, one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains"... |
| Chiyoda Chiyoda, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards in central Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Chiyoda ward. As of October 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 45,543 and a population density of 3,912 people per km², making it by far the least populated of the special wards... |
千代田区 | 43,802 | 3,763.06 | 11.64 | Nagatachō, Kasumigaseki Kasumigaseki Kasumigaseki is a district in Chiyoda Ward in Tokyo, Japan. It is the location of most of Japan's cabinet ministry offices... , Ōtemachi Otemachi is a district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is located north of Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, east of the Imperial Palace, west of Nihonbashi and south of Kanda. It is the location of the former site of the village of Shibazaki, the most ancient part of Tokyo.... , Marunouchi Marunouchi Marunouchi is a commercial district of Tokyo located in Chiyoda between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. The name, meaning "inside the circle", derives from its location within the palace's outer moat... , Akihabara Akihabara , also known as , is an area of Tokyo, Japan. It is located less than five minutes by rail from Tokyo Station. Its name is frequently shortened to in Japan... , Yūrakuchō Yurakucho is a neighborhood of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan situated in between the Ginza and Hibiya Park, near the neighborhood of Shinbashi. Unlike its tonier neighbor Ginza, Yūrakuchō provides a glimpse of Japanese life from the early postwar period, with its many izakaya and outdoor yakitori restaurants , many... , Iidabashi Iidabashi Iidabashi may refer to, a bridge to the north of JR Iidabashi Station, a train station located between Iida bridge and Ushigome bridge neighboring Kagurazaka, a district in Chiyoda, Tokyo, southeast of Iidabashi Station... |
| Chūō Chuo, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards that form the heart of Tokyo, Japan. The ward refers to itself as Chūō City in English.Its Japanese name literally means "Central Ward," and it is historically the main commercial center of Tokyo, although Shinjuku has risen to challenge it since the end of World War II... |
中央区 | 104,997 | 10,344.53 | 10.15 | Nihonbashi Nihonbashi , or Nihombashi, is a business district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan which grew up around the bridge of the same name which has linked two sides of the Nihonbashi River at this site since the 17th century. The first wooden bridge was completed in 1603, and the current bridge made of stone dates from 1911... , Kayabachō, Ginza Ginza is a district of Chūō, Tokyo, located south of Yaesu and Kyōbashi, west of Tsukiji, east of Yūrakuchō and Uchisaiwaichō, and north of Shinbashi.It is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. Ginza is recognized as one of the most... , Tsukiji Tsukiji Tsukiji is a district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan, the site of the Tsukiji fish market. Literally meaning "reclaimed land," it lies near the Sumida River on land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay in the 18th century, during the Edo period.... , Hatchōbori, Shinkawa, Tsukishima Tsukishima Tsukishima is a place located in Chūō, Tokyo, Japan. It is an island formed of reclaimed land completed in 1892, using earth from the dredging work performed to create a shipping channel in Tokyo Bay. At this time, it was designated an area for iron-working in accordance with the Fukoku Kyōhei... , Kachidoki, Tsukuda, |
| Edogawa Edogawa, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It takes its name from the river that runs from north to south along the eastern edge of the ward. In English, it uses the name Edogawa City.... |
江戸川区 | 661,386 | 13,264.86 | 49.86 | Kasai, Koiwa |
| Itabashi Itabashi, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Itabashi City. Itabashi has sister-city relations with Burlington, Ontario in Canada; Shijingshan District in Beijing, People's Republic of China; and Bologna in Italy.... |
板橋区 | 529,059 | 16,445.72 | 32.17 | Itabashi, Takashimadaira |
 Katsushika, Tokyo is one of the special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It lies in the northeast of the ward area. The ward calls itself Katsushika City in English.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 429,289 and a density of 12,600 people per km²... |
葛飾区 | 428,066 | 12,286.62 | 34.84 | Tateishi Tateishi Tateishi is a neighborhood in Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan. The name derives from a tiny stone monument called Tateishi-sama , located at Tateishi 8-37... , Aoto |
 Kita, Tokyo is one of the special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself the City of Kita .As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 332,140 and a population density of 16,140 persons per km². The total area is 20.59 km².-Geography:... |
北区 | 330,646 | 15,885.67 | 20.59 | Akabane, Ōji, Tabata Tabata Station (Tokyo) is a train station operated by East Japan Railway Company in Kita, Tokyo, Japan. There is a south and a north exit from the station. The number of passengers using this station was 15.232 million in 2006.-Layout:... |
 Koto, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 442,271 and a population density of 11,070 persons per km². The total area is 39.48 km². The ward refers to itself as Kōtō City in English.... |
江東区 | 436,337 | 10,963.24 | 39.8 | Kiba, Ariake Ariake, Tokyo is a location within Kōtō, Tokyo, Japan. It is best known as the region adjacent to and directly east of Odaiba. Airake is subdivided into four chome and comprises part of the Tokyo Bay Landfill #10 and Tokyo Rinkai Satellite City Center.... , Kameido, Tōyōchō, Monzennakachō, Fukagawa Fukagawa (Tokyo) is a region in Kōtō ward of Tokyo metropolis, Japan. It is one of the representative shitamachi of Tokyo. Formerly, it was a ward of the historical Tokyo City. Its postal code is 135-0033.... , Kiyosumi, Shirakawa Shirakawa - Surnames :* Atsushi Shirakawa, a Japanese music composer* Hideki Shirakawa, Dr., a Japanese chemist* Kazuko Shirakawa, a Japanese actress* Masaaki Shirakawa, the 30th governor of the Bank of Japan* Yoshikazu Shirakawa, a Japanese photographer... , Etchūjima, Sunamachi, Aomi |
| Meguro Meguro, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It calls itself Meguro City in English.Meguro hosts fifteen foreign embassies and consulates. One of Tokyo's most exclusive residential neighborhoods is located in Meguro.... |
目黒区 | 267,798 | 18,217.55 | 14.70 | Meguro, Nakameguro, Jiyugaoka Jiyūgaoka is a commercial and residential neighborhood in Meguro and Setagaya, located in Tokyo.- Neighbourhood :Jiyūgaoka consists of the area surrounding Jiyūgaoka Station, where the Tōyoko Line and Ōimachi Line intersect... |
| Minato Minato, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 1 March 2008, it had an official population of 217,335 and a population density of 10,865 persons per km². The total area is 20.34 km².Minato hosts 49 embassies... |
港区 | 205,196 | 10,088.30 | 20.34 | Odaiba Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Japan, across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo. It was initially built for defensive purposes in the 1850s, dramatically expanded during the late 20th century as a seaport district, and has developed since the 1990s as a major commercial, residential... , Shinbashi Shinbashi is a district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, located south of Ginza, west of Tsukiji, east of Toranomon and north of Hamamatsucho.-History:Shinbashi was the Tokyo terminus of the first railway in Japan in 1872... , Shinagawa, Roppongi Roppongi is a district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, famous as home to the rich Roppongi Hills area and an active night club scene. Many foreign embassies are located in Roppongi, and the night life is popular with locals and foreigners alike... , Toranomon, Aoyama Aoyama, Tokyo is a neighborhood of Tokyo, located in the northeastern Minato Ward. During the Edo Period, Aoyama was home to various temples, shrines, and samurai residences. The name Aoyama derived from a samurai named Aoyama Tadanari who served the Tokugawa Shogunate and held his mansion in this area... , Azabu Azabu is an area within Minato in Tokyo, Japan, built on a marshy area of foothills south of central Tokyo. Its coverage roughly corresponds to that of the former Azabu Ward, presently consisting of nine official districts: Azabu-Jūban, Azabudai, Azabu-Nagasakachō, Azabu-Mamianachō, Nishi-Azabu,... , Hamamatsuchō Hamamatsucho is an area of Minato ward in Tokyo, Japan.Hamamatsuchō Station is served by the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tōhoku Line, and the Tokyo Monorail. The latter links Hamamatsuchō with Haneda Airport.... , Tamachi Tamachi Tamachi is the informal name for the area surrounding Tamachi Station in Minato, Tokyo, generally referring to the districts of Shiba, Shibaura and Mita. The name, meaning literally "field town", probably derives from the earlier presence of rice paddies.-History:During the Edo period Tamachi was... |
| Nakano Nakano, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Nakano City .As of April 1, 2011, the ward has an estimated population of 311,690 with a household number of 176,936 and a density of 19,992.94 persons per km². The total area is 15.59 km².-Geography:Five special wards... |
中野区 | 312,939 | 20,097.82 | 15.59 | Nakano Nakano, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Nakano City .As of April 1, 2011, the ward has an estimated population of 311,690 with a household number of 176,936 and a density of 19,992.94 persons per km². The total area is 15.59 km².-Geography:Five special wards... |
| Nerima Nerima, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Nerima City.As of August 1, 2007, the ward has an estimated population of 703,005 , and a density of 14,443 persons per km². 12,897 foreign residents are registered in the ward. 18.4% of the ward's population is over the... |
練馬区 | 702,202 | 14,580.61 | 48.16 | Nerima, Ōizumi, Hikarigaoka |
| Ōta Ota, Tokyo is one of the 23 Special wards of Tokyo, Japan.As of May 1, 2011, the ward has an estimated population of 676,458, with 348,492 households, and a population density of 11,376.69 persons per km²... |
大田区 | 674,590 | 11,345.27 | 59.46 | Ōmori Omori is a district located a few kilometres south of Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan accessed by rail via the Keihin Tohoku line, or by road via Dai Ichi Keihin. Ōmorikaigan, the eastern area of Ōmori, can be reached via the Keikyu line.... , Kamata Kamata, Ota, Tokyo is a neighborhood in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan.Features include the Kamata Station, Kamata High School, and the headquarters of Toyoko Inn.... , Haneda, Den-en-chōfu Den-en-chofu , meaning "garden suburb," is a district in Ōta Ward in southern Tokyo. It lies along the Tama River, the natural border between Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa. It is served by Den-en-chōfu Station on the Tōkyū Tōyoko and Meguro lines... |
| Setagaya Setagaya, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo in Japan. It is also the name of a neighborhood within the ward. The ward calls itself the City of Setagaya in English... |
世田谷区 | 855,416 | 14,728.23 | 58.08 | Setagaya, Kitazawa, Kinuta, Karasuyama, Tamagawa Tamagawa may refer to the following places in Japan:*Tamagawa, Ehime, a former town in Ehime Prefecture that is now part of the city of Imabari*Tamakawa, Fukushima, a village in Fukushima Prefecture*Tamagawa, Saitama, a village in Saitama Prefecture... |
| Shibuya Shibuya, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 2008, it has an estimated population of 208,371 and a population density of 13,540 persons per km². The total area is 15.11 km².... |
渋谷区 | 205,512 | 13,337.13 | 15.11 | Shibuya Shibuya, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 2008, it has an estimated population of 208,371 and a population density of 13,540 persons per km². The total area is 15.11 km².... , Ebisu Ebisu, Tokyo is a neighborhood in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Conveniently near Roppongi and central Shibuya, Ebisu is easily accessed by the JR Yamanote and Hibiya lines via Ebisu Station... , Harajuku Harajuku Harajuku is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan.... , Hiroo, Sendagaya Sendagaya Sendagaya is an area within Shibuya ward 渋谷区), one of Tokyo , Japan's special 23 wards.-Introduction:... , Yoyogi Yoyogi is a neighborhood in the northern part of Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.-Geography:The area encompassed by Yoyogi is typically defined two ways:* Only the five Yoyogi .... |
| Shinagawa Shinagawa, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Shinagawa City. The ward is home to nine embassies.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 344,461 and a density of 15,740 persons per km². The total area is 22.72 km².... |
品川区 | 353,887 | 15,576.01 | 22.72 | Shinagawa, Gotanda Gotanda is a busy neighbourhood in the Shinagawa ward of Tokyo, Japan. The name "Gotanda" can be literally translated as "a paddy of half-hectare's size"... , Ōsaki Osaki, Tokyo is a primarily commercial district in the northern part of Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. By today, this district has completed several urban renewal programs around Ōsaki Station of Yamanote Line, which include Ohsaki New City , Gate City Ohsaki , Art Village Osaki , Oval Court Ohsaki , and ThinkPark... , Hatanodai, Ōimachi |
| Shinjuku Shinjuku, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative center, housing the busiest train station in the world and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administration center for the government of Tokyo.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population... |
新宿区 | 309,463 | 16,975.48 | 18.23 | Shinjuku, Takadanobaba Takadanobaba Takadanobaba is a neighborhood in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.-History:Originally, the area's name was read Takatanobaba and many Tokyo residents in their 50s or older pronounce it as such. However, younger Tokyoites and residents who have come from outside Tokyo, use the pronunciation Takadanobaba... , Ōkubo, Kagurazaka Kagurazaka is a neighbourhood in Tokyo, near Iidabashi Station. It has a sloping street at its center, lined by numerous cafés and restaurants. It is served by Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Toei Oedo Line.-History:... , Ichigaya Ichigaya Ichigaya is an area in the eastern portion of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.-Places in Ichigaya:*Hosei University Ichigaya Campus*Chuo University Graduate School... |
| Suginami Suginami, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Suginami City.As of April 1, 2011, the ward has an estimated population of 538,703, with 301,277 households, and a density of 15,834.39 persons per km². The total area is 34.02 km².-Geography:Suginami occupies the... |
杉並区 | 534,981 | 15,725.49 | 34.02 | Kōenji Koenji is an area of Tokyo in Suginami ward, west of Shinjuku. The neighborhood is named after some old temples in the area.Kōenji is primarily a bedroom community with easy access to Shinjuku and Tokyo Stations. It was largely unaffected by the 1980s building boom and therefore many of the houses and... , Asagaya Asagaya , a suburb of Tokyo located in the Suginami ward west of Shinjuku. Main access to Asagaya is via the Chūō-Sōbu Line, 12 minutes out from Shinjuku station.-Geography:... , Ogikubo |
| Sumida Sumida, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It calls itself Sumida City in English.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 240,296 and a density of 17,480 persons per km²... |
墨田区 | 237,433 | 16,079.49 | 13.75 | Kinshichō, Morishita, Ryōgoku Ryogoku is a neighborhood in Sumida, Tokyo. It is surrounded by various neighborhoods in Sumida, Chūō, and Taitō wards: Yokoami, Midori, Chitose, Higashi Nihonbashi, and Yanagibashi.... |
| Toshima | 豊島区 | 256,009 | 19,428.44 | 13.01 | Ikebukuro Ikebukuro is a commercial and entertainment district in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan. Toshima ward offices, Ikebukuro station, and several shops, restaurants, and enormous department stores are located within city limits.... , Komagome, Senkawa, Sugamo Sugamo is a neighborhood in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan. It is well known for , a popular shopping street for the older generation . It lies at the crossing point of the JR Yamanote railway line, and national road route Route 17.-See also:* Sugamo Prison* Sugamo Station... |
 Taito, Tokyo is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it calls itself Taito City.As of April 1, 2011, the ward has an estimated population of 168,909, with 94,908 households, and a population density of 16,745.86 persons per km². The total area is 10.08 km².-History:The ward was founded... |
台東区 | 168,277 | 16,139.38 | 10.08 | Ueno Ueno, Tokyo is a district in Tokyo's Taitō Ward, best known as the home of Ueno Station and Ueno Park. Ueno is also home to some of Tokyo's finest cultural sites, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum, as well as a major public concert hall... , Asakusa Asakusa is a district in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, most famous for the Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. There are several other temples in Asakusa, as well as various festivals.- History :... |
| Overall | 8,637,098 | 13,890.25 | 621.81 | ||
Places
Akasaka
Akasaka, Tokyo
is a residential and commercial district of Minato, Tokyo, located west of the government center in Nagatachō and north of the Roppongi nightlife district....
: A district with a range of restaurants, clubs and hotels; many pedestrian alleys giving it a local neighbourhood feel. Next to Roppongi, Nagatachō, and Aoyama.
Akihabara
Akihabara
, also known as , is an area of Tokyo, Japan. It is located less than five minutes by rail from Tokyo Station. Its name is frequently shortened to in Japan...
: A densely arranged shopping district for electronics and otaku
Otaku
is a Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly anime, manga or video games.- Etymology :Otaku is derived from a Japanese term for another's house or family , which is also used as an honorific second-person pronoun...
goods.
Aoyama
Aoyama, Tokyo
is a neighborhood of Tokyo, located in the northeastern Minato Ward. During the Edo Period, Aoyama was home to various temples, shrines, and samurai residences. The name Aoyama derived from a samurai named Aoyama Tadanari who served the Tokugawa Shogunate and held his mansion in this area...
: A neighborhood of Tokyo with parks, an enormous cemetery, expensive housing, trendy cafes and international restaurants. Includes the Omotesandō
Omotesando Station
is a Tokyo Metro station located at the intersection of Omotesandō and Aoyama-dori in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. -History:...
subway station.
Ginza
Ginza
is a district of Chūō, Tokyo, located south of Yaesu and Kyōbashi, west of Tsukiji, east of Yūrakuchō and Uchisaiwaichō, and north of Shinbashi.It is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. Ginza is recognized as one of the most...
and Yūrakuchō
Yurakucho
is a neighborhood of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan situated in between the Ginza and Hibiya Park, near the neighborhood of Shinbashi. Unlike its tonier neighbor Ginza, Yūrakuchō provides a glimpse of Japanese life from the early postwar period, with its many izakaya and outdoor yakitori restaurants , many...
: Major shopping and entertainment district with department stores, upscale shops selling brand-name goods, and movie theaters.
Harajuku
Harajuku
Harajuku is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan....
: Known for its role in Japanese street/teen fashion
Japanese street fashion
Japan began to emulate Western fashion during the middle of the 19th century. By the beginning of the 21st century it had altered into what is known today as 'street fashion'. The term 'street fashion' is used to describe fashion where the wearer customizes outfits by adopting a mixture of current...
.
Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro
is a commercial and entertainment district in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan. Toshima ward offices, Ikebukuro station, and several shops, restaurants, and enormous department stores are located within city limits....
: The busiest interchange in north central Tokyo, featuring Sunshine City
Sunshine City, Tokyo
is a building complex located in East Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo. It is Tokyo's oldest city within the city and has the 240 metre tall Sunshine 60 skyscraper at its centre...
and various shopping destinations.
Jinbōchō : Tokyo's center of used-book stores and publishing houses, and a popular antique and curio shopping area.
Marunouchi
Marunouchi
Marunouchi is a commercial district of Tokyo located in Chiyoda between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. The name, meaning "inside the circle", derives from its location within the palace's outer moat...
and Ōtemachi
Otemachi
is a district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is located north of Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, east of the Imperial Palace, west of Nihonbashi and south of Kanda. It is the location of the former site of the village of Shibazaki, the most ancient part of Tokyo....
: 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.
Nagatachō : The political heart of Tokyo and the nation. It is the location of the Diet, government ministries, and party headquarters.
Odaiba
Odaiba
is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Japan, across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo. It was initially built for defensive purposes in the 1850s, dramatically expanded during the late 20th century as a seaport district, and has developed since the 1990s as a major commercial, residential...
: A large, reclaimed, waterfront area that has become one of Tokyo's most popular shopping and entertainment districts.
Omotesandō
Omotesando
' is an avenue, subway station and neighborhood in the Minato and Shibuya wards in Tokyo stretching from Harajuku station, the foot of the famous Takeshita Street, to Aoyama-dori where Omotesandō station can be found. Zelkova trees line both sides of the avenue. Around 100,000 cars drive down the...
: Known for upscale shopping.
Roppongi
Roppongi
is a district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, famous as home to the rich Roppongi Hills area and an active night club scene. Many foreign embassies are located in Roppongi, and the night life is popular with locals and foreigners alike...
: Home to the rich Roppongi Hills area, an active night club scene, and a relatively large presence of Western tourists and expatriates.
Ryōgoku
Ryogoku
is a neighborhood in Sumida, Tokyo. It is surrounded by various neighborhoods in Sumida, Chūō, and Taitō wards: Yokoami, Midori, Chitose, Higashi Nihonbashi, and Yanagibashi....
: The heart of the sumo
Sumo
is a competitive full-contact sport where a wrestler attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally...
world. Home to the Ryōgoku Kokugikan
Ryogoku Kokugikan
, also known as Sumo Hall, is an indoor sporting arena located in the Ryōgoku neighborhood of Sumida, one of the 23 wards of Tokyo in Japan, next to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. It is the third building built in Tokyo associated with the name kokugikan. The current building was opened in 1985 and has a...
and many heya
Heya
In sumo wrestling, a heya , usually translated into English as stable, is an organization of sumo wrestlers where they train and live. All wrestlers in professional sumo must belong to one. There are currently 49 heya , all but four of which belong to one of five ichimon...
.
Shibuya
Shibuya, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. As of 2008, it has an estimated population of 208,371 and a population density of 13,540 persons per km². The total area is 15.11 km²....
: A long-time center of shopping, fashion, nightlife and youth culture.
Shinagawa
Shinagawa, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. In English, it is called Shinagawa City. The ward is home to nine embassies.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 344,461 and a density of 15,740 persons per km². The total area is 22.72 km²....
: 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.
Shinbashi
Shinbashi
is a district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, located south of Ginza, west of Tsukiji, east of Toranomon and north of Hamamatsucho.-History:Shinbashi was the Tokyo terminus of the first railway in Japan in 1872...
: An area revitalized by being the gateway to Odaiba
Odaiba
is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Japan, across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo. It was initially built for defensive purposes in the 1850s, dramatically expanded during the late 20th century as a seaport district, and has developed since the 1990s as a major commercial, residential...
and the Shiodome
Shiodome
Shiodome is an area in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, located adjacent to Shinbashi and Ginza, near Tokyo Bay and the Hamarikyu Gardens. Formerly a railway terminal, Shiodome has been transformed into one of Tokyo's most modern areas...
Shiosite complex of high-rise buildings.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative center, housing the busiest train station in the world and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administration center for the government of Tokyo.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population...
: Location of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The , also referred to as Tokyo City Hall or Tochō for short, houses the headquarters of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which governs not only the 23 wards, but also the cities, towns and villages that make up Tokyo as a whole....
. 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
Shinjuku Station
is a train station located in Shinjuku and Shibuya wards in Tokyo, Japan.Serving as the main connecting hub for rail traffic between central Tokyo and its western suburbs on inter-city rail, commuter rail and metro lines, the station was used by an average of 3.64 million people per day in 2007,...
, Kabukichō is known for its many bars and nightclubs. Shinjuku Station moves an estimated three million passengers a day, making it the busiest in the world.
Ueno
Ueno, Tokyo
is a district in Tokyo's Taitō Ward, best known as the home of Ueno Station and Ueno Park. Ueno is also home to some of Tokyo's finest cultural sites, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Science Museum, as well as a major public concert hall...
: Ueno Station
Ueno Station
is a major railway station inTokyo's Taitō ward. It is the station used to reach the Ueno district and Ueno Park -- which contains Tokyo National Museum, The National Museum of Western Art, Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and other famous cultural facilities...
serves commuters to and from areas north of Tokyo. Besides department stores and shops in Ameyoko, Ueno boasts Ueno Park
Ueno Park
is a spacious public park located in the Ueno section of Taitō, Tokyo, Japan. It occupies the site of the former Kan'ei-ji, a temple closely associated with the Tokugawa shoguns, who had built the temple to guard Edo Castle against the north-east, then considered an unlucky direction...
, Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo
The is a zoo, managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and located in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan. It is Japan's oldest zoo, opening on March 20, 1882. It is a five-minute walk from the Park Exit of Ueno Station, with convenient access from Tokyo's public-transportation network...
and major national museums. In spring, Ueno Park and adjacent Shinobazu Pond are popular places to view cherry blossoms.
See also
- Capital of JapanCapital of JapanThe capital of Japan, where the seat of the Government of Japan and home of the Emperor are located, is de facto. While this is generally not in dispute, the capital de jure is unclear. There is a dispute as to exactly when Tokyo became the capital. Some state that it occurred when Tokyo...
- List of Japanese cities by population
- Local Autonomy LawLocal Autonomy LawThe Local Autonomy Law of Japan was passed as Law No. 67 on April 17, 1947, an Act of Devolution that established most of Japan's contemporary local government structures, including prefectures, municipalities and other entities....
- Wards of JapanWards of JapanA is a subdivision of one of the cities of Japan that is large enough to have been designated by government ordinance. Wards are used to subdivide each city designated by government ordinance...
External links
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government explanation of special wards (in English)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government statistics (in Japanese)