18 Most Famous Streets in Tokyo (Must Visit!)

Heading to Tokyo? The city has loads of fantastic streets to explore. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the best sushi or a fashionista scouting for the latest trends.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo more than five times now, these are my favourite streets in the city.

1. Kabukichō, Shinjuku

Kabukichō is Tokyo’s famous adult entertainment district. Home to small clubs and late-night snack bars, this place is best visited at night.

2. Godzilla Road, Shinjuku

Godzilla Street is named after the 12-meter Godzilla that was placed here in 2015. The Godzilla head can be viewed up close on the 8th floor of the Hotel Gracery.

Alternatively, you can also see it from the street, with growls and smoke thrown every hour from midday until 8pm.

3. Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Omoide Yokocho is less of a street and more of an alleyway. Also known as “piss alley,” this street has more than 80 food vendors serving Japanese street food.

4. Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya

Shibuya Crossing isn’t technically a street but rather a pedestrian scramble intersection. However, it’s such an iconic landmark in Tokyo that it simply had to be on this list.

Having been featured on many TV shows and films, this should be your first stop on any visit to Tokyo.

5. Sakura-Dori, Shibuya

Sakura-Dori is famous for being one of the best streets in Tokyo to view the iconic cherry blossoms. This street can get incredibly busy, especially during cherry blossom season. I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

6. Center-Gai, Shibuya

Center-Gai is one of the busiest streets in Tokyo. Just off Shibuya Crossing, this street sees roughly 50,000 people daily and offers a blend of fashion stores, fast-food chains, and clubs.

7. Omotesando, Shibuya

Omotesando Avenue is an upscale shopping hot spot lined with zelkova trees. Here, you’ll find leading brands and fashion retailers. However, the designed stores, such as Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen, give this street its luxurious feel.

8. Cat Street, Shibuya

A half-mile stretch of Tokyo’s Cat Street connects Shibuya and Harajuku. The street’s name has some origin stories, but none have ever been confirmed.

This street runs perpendicular to Omotesando. While it’s still known for fashion, it has a more cosy, hipster vibe.

9. Takeshita Street, Harajuku

Takeshita is the best street in Tokyo to see Harajuku girls. Here, you’ll find several famous Harajuku-inspired clothing and gachapon stores. There are also several “Purikura” photo booths!

10. Nakamise-Dori, Asakusa

Nakamise is 250 meters long but has almost 90 food stalls and stores. While tabearuki (walking and eating) is typically frowned upon in Japan, given the fast food served in Nakamise, it is fairly common here.

11. Denboin-Dori, Asakusa

Denboin-Dori is designed to reflect the style and atmosphere of the Edo period in Japan. However, many restoration projects have been done here, so it’s not 100% authentic. However, it’s still a fantastic representation for tourists visiting Tokyo.

12. Kappabashi-Dogu-Gai, Asakusa & Ueno 

Kappabashi-Dogu-Gai is one of the longest streets on this list and is a shopping street for catering items. Think tableware, pots, baking supplies, staff uniforms, and even fake food used for window displays—it’s all sold here!

13. Kokusai-Dori, Kuramae

Kokusai-Dori is one of the best streets in Tokyo for hand-crafted items. This is the place where you can immerse yourself in the Japanese artisan lifestyle.

14. Chazawa-Dori, Sangenjaya

Godzilla isn’t the only character you’ll see in Tokyo. Instead, you’ll also find a giant gorilla dangling from the Family Mart on Chazawa-Dori. This street is pedestrian-only on the weekends, making this the best time to visit.

15. Meguro Ginza Shotengai, Nakameguro

Meguro Ginza Shotengai is a fantastic shopping street in Tokyo. Here, you’ll find various unique, independent stores and cafés. There’s also the Nakameguro Atlas Tower nearby.

16. Togoshi Ginza Shotengai, Shinagawa

Togoshi Ginza is Tokyo’s longest shopping street. Stretching from Nakahara-Kaido Avenue to Mitsugi Street, this 1.3km street has more than 400 stores.

That said, as a tourist, you’re unlikely to want to shop at Togoshi Ginza. That’s because most shops here only offer essential products and services suitable for the area’s residents. Nevertheless, it’s still a great place to explore while in Tokyo.

17. Ginza-Dori, Ginza

Ginza-Dori, known as Ginza Main Street, is one of Japan’s most famous shopping streets. Here, you’ll find luxury brands and flagship stores, including the biggest UNIQLO store in the world.

18. Jizo Dori Shopping Street, Sugamo

Jizo Dori Shopping Street adds a twist to the traditional shopping streets of Tokyo. There are more than 200 stores along this shitamachi-style street. However, many locals don’t come to shop here.

Instead, the highlight of Jizo Dori Shopping Street is the Buddhist Koganji Temple and Arai Kannon Statue. Locals, especially the elderly, come from across the city to visit the Arai Kannon Statue, as it’s thought to help relieve pain.