Shitamachi

When speaking about Tokyo, shitamachi refers to the area located south-east of what is now the Imperial Palace. The word shitamachi is often translated into English as downtown, but shitamachi is actually a little different. Downtown refers to a city’s central area or center of business and commerce; however, shitamachi actually refers to the physical level of the land as shita can mean both down and low. 

These areas thrived in the Edo period. And while Tokyo has obviously changed a great deal since the Edo period, you can experience traces of Tokyo’s past in its shitamachi. Broadly speaking, this area is divided in different neighborhoods, each with its own unique characteristics. Visiting them all is highly recommended. To get you started, here’s a primer on the neighborhoods that make up Tokyo’s shitamachi.