Gotanda

Predominantly residential Gotanda is quietly emerging as a bustling entertainment district and the daytime home to an increasing number of corporate headquarters and international firms thanks to a convenient location and great access to central Tokyo via intersecting train lines.

The area around Gotanda station is dotted with several small shrines and temples, and some cheap hotels, while featuring quite a few independent izakaya, international food stops, and Korean barbecue restaurants.

Work is all off at one of the popular sports gyms like Fitness Gym ARF and the famous Watanabe Boxing Gym (which has produced prize-winning fighters) nearby. Looking for some inspiration? The Tokyo Design Center and Hara Museum of Contemporary Art are also located in Gotanda.

Gotanda also has a tiny (but highly active) red light district which is rumored to a scaled-down version of the popular Kabukicho area around Shinjuku.

If you’re visiting Japan around late March, the Meguro River, which is very popular for Cherry Blossom viewing during the springtime, is just a few blocks away and provides a much less crowded viewing spot during peak season.