Roppongi is one of Tokyo’s popular nightlife districts. But it’s also home to world-class museums, an observatory, quiet gardens, and highly-rated restaurants. Neighboring Akasaka balances historic shrines with a vibrant food scene.

Skip the crowds in this exploration of the gardens along the quiet Kanda River. Best in autumn with its fiery foliage, the spring also offers a less-crowded cherry blossom viewing opportunity.

See the alleged birthplace of the beckoning cat, as well as a host of other side street secrets. Cherry blossoms and fall foliage brighten up the area in spring and fall.

Hibiya’s streets are littered with history. From one of the first public parks in Tokyo to Frank Lloyd Wright’s “battleship”, from century-old theaters to the site where the “secret constitution” was created, this neighborhood packs centuries of stories into only a few blocks.

Tokyo’s old lumber district has undergone a reinvention in recent years. The soaring warehouses that once housed logs for Tokyo’s construction firms now boast coffee roasters, and the district has become something of a mecca for coffee aficionados. Other highlights include a traditional garden, a hands-on history museum and a nearby temple with a fascinating fire ceremony.

Ryogoku is Tokyo’s sumo town, home to the national sumo stadium and many sumo training stables. It’s also chock full of museums, art, parks and historic sites related to sushi, sumo and vengeful samurai.

Ginza has evolved from the shogun’s silver mint to a Western-style “bricktown” to the classy shopping district it is today. Come here for a Sunday stroll on the car-free main street or dine in one of the many tasty eateries.

These two neighborhoods were the old “downtown” of Edo (the name for Tokyo in the 1600s-1800s). With hidden shrines and temples, historic shops and tiny alleys, this is a fascinating glimpse at Tokyo in its early days.

Asakusa is the highlight of the tourist scene, and for good reason. The neighborhood is home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, and a wealth of shopping, dining and entertainment activities. Poke around the backstreets for second hand kimonos, ukiyo-e art and hidden historic sites.

This atmospheric shitamachi (old downtown) beckons visitors with nearly 100 shrines and temples, as well as cherry blossoms and neighborhood cats. Quaint cafes, a local brewery and a lively shopping street make this a worthwhile destination.

A stroll through the streets of Shibamata will make you feel like you’re in another era. The neighborhood retains the feel of the 1950s, with retro candy stores and eateries featuring eel and tempura. The district is also home to a wonderful tea house with a top-notch garden and a temple known for its impressive carvings.