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📍 Overview
Located in the northeastern part of Tokyo’s 23 wards, Taitō City covers only about 10.11 km², making it the smallest ward in Tokyo.
Despite its compact size, it’s home to world-famous landmarks like Sensō-ji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, and Ueno Park and its museum district.
Here, you’ll find a perfect blend of “shitamachi” old-town charm and cultural sophistication, creating one of Tokyo’s most characterful neighborhoods. ✨
🏯 Name and Origins
Taitō City was established in 1947, through the merger of the former Asakusa and Shitaya wards.
The name combines “Tai” (from Ueno’s plateau, known as Ueno Hill) and “Tō” (meaning east, representing the Asakusa side) — symbolizing the unity of the two historic areas.
📜 A Brief History
⛩ Edo Period
Sensō-ji Temple (legend says it was founded in 645 AD) flourished as a temple town, attracting theaters and entertainment houses.
Meanwhile, Ueno’s Kaneiji Temple became a spiritual center of Edo.
The famous Kaminarimon Gate, destroyed multiple times by fire, was rebuilt in 1960 with a donation from Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita.
🎓 Meiji Period
After the Meiji Restoration, the former temple grounds of Kaneiji became Ueno Onshi Park (opened in 1873), one of Japan’s first public parks.
The area soon evolved into Japan’s cultural capital, housing the Tokyo National Museum (1872) and the National Museum of Nature and Science (1877).
🛍 Postwar Era
A black-market district beneath the elevated tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi transformed into the lively Ameyoko Market.
Packed with food, clothes, and knickknacks, it remains a beloved “Tokyo local market experience” today.
🌏 Modern Day
In 2016, Ueno’s National Museum of Western Art, designed by Le Corbusier, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taitō now proudly stands as a unique fusion of old-town soul and world-class art culture. 🎨✨
🚉 Transportation Access
🚅 Ueno Area
A major terminal hub with JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line, and shinkansen lines (Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku).
From Keisei Ueno Station, the Skyliner provides a direct connection to Narita Airport✈️.
🚇 Asakusa Area
Served by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line,
plus direct through-services to both Haneda and Narita airports via the Asakusa Line 🌏.
The Tsukuba Express (Asakusa Station) also offers easy access to Akihabara and Tsukuba.
💡 Fun Fact:
Japan’s first subway (now part of the Ginza Line) opened between Asakusa and Ueno in 1927 —
making Taitō City the birthplace of Japan’s subway system! 🚇🎉
🛣 Roads & Bridges
Major roads such as Showa-dori (Route 4), Asakusa-dori, and Meiji-dori run north–south and east–west through the ward.
Across the Sumida River, iconic bridges like Azumabashi, Kototoibashi, Kuramaebashi, and Umayabashi connect Taitō to Sumida Ward —
a perfect route for evening walks and cherry blossom views 🌸🌉.
🏮 Highlights: The Two Faces of Taitō
🌸 Asakusa — The Spirit of Edo
Sensō-ji & Kaminarimon: The iconic red lantern leads to Nakamise Street and the temple’s main hall — a timeless view of Edo’s traditions.
Kappabashi Kitchenware Street: A paradise for chefs and foodies 🍳, filled with stores selling kitchen tools and Japan’s famous food samples.
Hanayashiki: Japan’s oldest amusement park (founded in 1853) 🎡, preserving the joyful, nostalgic spirit of old Tokyo.
🖼 Ueno — The Cultural & Artistic Heart
Ueno Onshi Park: Established in 1873, it’s one of Japan’s earliest parks. Cherry blossoms 🌸 in spring, lotus flowers 🌿 in summer, and autumn colors 🍁 in fall.
Tokyo National Museum: Japan’s oldest and most prestigious museum — a treasure trove of national heritage.
National Museum of Nature and Science: A hall of natural wonders, with its famous giant blue whale statue 🐋.
National Museum of Western Art: Designed by Le Corbusier, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🏛.
Ameyoko Market: A lively postwar market street between Ueno and Okachimachi, bursting with energy, aromas, and bargains 🛍️🍜.
🏠 Living & Real Estate (as of 2025)
✨ Neighborhood Character
Traditional areas like Asakusa and Yanaka are filled with wooden houses and renovated townhomes,
while Ueno, Kuramae, and Asakusabashi are evolving with newly built apartments, boutique hotels, and stylish cafés☕.
It’s a district where craft, creativity, and convenience coexist.
🚉 Commute & Connectivity
Excellent access across Tokyo: JR lines, subways, private railways, and direct airport links to both Haneda and Narita✈️.
Ideal for business travelers, expats, and those with flexible work lifestyles.
🌿 Quality of Life
Local supermarkets, traditional shopping arcades, and street markets make daily life convenient and lively.
Tourist spots can get crowded on weekends, but side streets offer quiet, livable residential zones🏡.
💴 Average Rent (1R–1K / Family 2LDK〜, Approx.)
Ueno / Okachimachi：￥110,000–￥140,000 / ￥220,000–￥300,000 — Excellent transport and cultural hub
Asakusa / Kuramae：￥100,000–￥130,000 / ￥200,000–￥270,000 — Vibrant mix of tradition and redevelopment
Asakusabashi / Iriya：￥90,000–￥120,000 / ￥180,000–￥240,000 — Quieter residential pocket
Yanaka / Ueno Sakuragi：￥85,000–￥110,000 / ￥170,000–￥230,000 — Historic charm and greenery
📈 Investment & Market Trends
Rising demand for new apartments and short-term rentals near Ueno and Kuramae
Broad rental market supported by airport connectivity and tourism recovery
Strong performance even in post-pandemic inbound tourism
⚠️ Things to Know
🗼 Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer HQ are technically across the river in Sumida Ward, though best viewed from Asakusa!
🎊 Festivals & Crowds: The Sanja Matsuri and Ueno’s cherry blossom season bring heavy crowds — check location and sound environment when choosing property.
📌 Summary
Taitō City is where Edo tradition meets world-class art.
It’s a living museum of Tokyo — full of energy, creativity, and warmth.
From Asakusa’s spirit, to Ueno’s culture, to Yanaka’s calm,
it embodies the essence of “humanity × history × convenience.” 🌸🏙️
A district that lets you feel Tokyo’s past while living in its present,
Taitō remains one of the city’s most authentic and unforgettable neighborhoods. ✨