Vol.45 TOKYO’S UNMISTAKABLY ROMANTIC NEIGHBORHOODS

Make no mistake – there’s no shortage of romance in a city as large as Tokyo. Beyond iconic settings like Shibuya, Asakusa and Roppongi, there’s a diversity of neighborhoods that has to be seen to be believed. When it comes to falling in love with and within the complex fabric of the city, here are some of the most romantic neighborhoods to visit today from communities that have retained breathtaking history to those that have fostered unsurpassed extravagance.

The One That Pulls Out All The Stops

Surrounded by famous neighborhoods like Harajuku, Shibuya and Omotesando, Aoyama can be overlooked by first-time visitors. But for many Tokyoites, this is the pinnacle of Tokyo’s ability to display wealth and luxury, and it is home to cultural icons like the author Haruki Murakami, United Nations University, and countless international fashion brands like Prada Tokyo Aoyama and Comme des Garçons. But it’s the architecture, art galleries, shops, spas and eateries that truly take center stage for those lucky enough to discover the neighborhood on their own, and makes it a treasured destination for those from the west. The flawless garden at the Nezu Museum, designed by Kuma Kengo, is a particular gem, while Meiji Shrine Outer Gardens is where one might come across a Shinto wedding in progress. Romance doesn’t get much better than that.

The One You Least Expect

Surprises are around every corner in Jiyugaoka, where the bench-adorned Marie Claire Promenade and shopping arcades like La Vita piazza are fashioned in a European style. The Parisian promenade is perfect for people watching, while the piazza showcases its own canal and Italian style buildings. Nature lovers will be impressed by the lush Todoroki Valley gorge, one of Tokyo’s best natural getaways, that is just a manageable 1.5-mile trek away. The neighborhood is also overflowing with restaurants and bars from Irish pubs to wine bars, family-owned restaurants and izakaya; establishments like Unagi Hosakaya, the cozy Mondo(Italian), and Saido (vegan Japanese) compel visitors to come back for more. Day or night, this thriving residential area makes one feel like they’ve stumbled upon an unforgettable oasis.

The One Where You Feel Like You Live Here

New Yorkers will feel kinship with Kichijoji, which is oft compared with Williamsburg, Brooklyn because of its youthful vibe, relaxed pace, and myriad charms like local coffee houses and vintage sneakers shops like Skit. It’s also considered by locals as one of the trendiest places to live, thanks to landmarks like the classic shopping arcade Sun Road and the verdant Inokashira Park, where couples can stroll, picnic, or even pedal in a swan boat. Foodies in particular will enjoy the bars and cafes of Nakamichi-dori, as well as neighborhood favorites like the organic Monk’s Foods, Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘official partner‘ bar Whisky House Vision, and numerous jazz bars. Simply hobnobbing at the standing bars of Harmonica Yokocho Alley can lure one to move here.

The One Where History Envelops You

For those who fall in love with down-to-earth neighborhoods frozen in time, Yanaka will not disappoint. Here, generations-old businesses welcome visitors seeking an authentic slice of life; old senbei (Japanese cracker) shops are particularly abundant, and shopping streets like Yanaka Ginza feature over 80 local shops that serve everything from bento to taiyaki, homemade konnyaku (yam cakes), tea (like at the popular Kanekichien) and more. Those seeking souvenirs are urged to visit Yanaka Kenshindo for its unique goods and exceptional cafe. There’s also a high number of temples (including Tennoji) to visit, and a Himalayan cedar tree planted by a local nearly a century ago that still stands strong as a reminder of a rich past. Time travel has never been more satisfying for the soul.

For more information on Tokyo’s romantic neighborhoods, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/

To visit the archives, visit: www.japansolutionusa.com/tokyobeat