Taito City is the smallest of Tokyo’s 23 special wards, located in the northeastern part of central Tokyo, bordering the Sumida River and facing Sumida Ward across the water. Though small in area, it is one of Tokyo’s oldest districts with a rich cultural heritage. Blending traditional shitamachi (downtown) charm with modern urban functionality, Taito is a must-visit area in Tokyo.
Geography and Transportation
Taito boasts a well-connected transportation network. Ueno Station serves as a hub linking northern Kanto with the Tohoku region, with Shinkansen (bullet trains) stopping here. The Tokyo Underground Railway, now the Ginza Line, began in 1927 between Asakusa and Ueno — Asia’s first subway. In addition to Ueno Station, the area is served by Asakusa, Okachimachi, Uguisudani, and several other stations, ensuring excellent connectivity.
History and Cultural Heritage
Taito is one of Tokyo’s oldest urban areas, home to Senso-ji Temple, which has over 1,400 years of history. In the Edo period, it was a center of the Genroku culture and merchant traditions flourished. From the Meiji era onward, the establishment of museums, art galleries, and Tokyo University of the Arts turned Ueno into Tokyo’s cultural heart.
The ward is rich in cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Western Art (designed by Le Corbusier and a candidate for World Heritage listing), the Hyokeikan of the Tokyo National Museum, and Tokyo University of the Arts. The preserved Edo-period charm in areas like around Kan’ei-ji and Yanaka earned Taito a spot on the “100 Best Historical Landscapes of Japan.”
Local Highlights
Ueno is the cultural core of Taito, with Ueno Park hosting Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, and the Western Art Museum. The area around Ueno Station is a bustling commercial zone, and Ameyoko Street is a vibrant market with fresh foods and daily goods.
Asakusa is a famous sightseeing spot with old-town charm, centered around Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, where traditional rickshaws are still seen. Nearby, Kappabashi Dogu Street is a popular wholesale area for restaurant supplies, frequented by both professionals and tourists.
The Kuramae–Asakusabashi area is known for its Doll Street, home to renowned doll makers like Yoshitoku and Kyugetsu, along with shops selling toys, stationery, and general goods. Further south, Yokoyamacho and Bakurocho in neighboring Chuo Ward are key wholesale centers for clothing.
Yanaka and Negishi are noted for their historic residential neighborhoods and nostalgic ambiance. In contrast, Uguisudani Station is known for its concentration of love hotels, creating a unique urban landscape.
Iriya and Senzoku areas preserve many temples and shrines, such as Iriya Kishimojin and Otori Shrine, famous for the Morning Glory Festival and the Tori-no-Ichi Fair, reflecting strong local culture. The Yoshiwara area in Senzoku preserves remnants of traditional red-light culture and is a notable site of literary and historical significance.
Craftsmanship and Industry
Taito is also a center for traditional crafts, known for its leather goods, dolls, toys, and Buddhist items. Areas like Hanakawado, Kuramae, and Asakusabashi are bustling with wholesalers and industrial activity.
