Dernière mise à jour · Les tarifs en Yens (¥) sont donnés à titre indicatif. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Kōtō (江東区, Kōtō-ku; Japanese pronunciation: [kò̞ó̞.tó̞ó̞, -tó̞ò̞.kɯ̈̀, kó̞ó̞-]) is a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis in Japan. It is known as Kōtō City in English. As of May 1, 2025, the ward has an estimated population of 543,730, and a population density of 12,648/km2 (32,760/sq mi). The total area is 42.99 km2 (16.60 sq mi).
Within Tokyo Prefecture (Kanto region), Kōtō (江東区) serves as a special ward of tokyo in tokyo prefecture. Travelers exploring Tokyo often combine a stop in Kōtō with regional highlights such as 23 historic & futuristic special wards (Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza) plus leafy Western Tokyo Tama cities (Kichijoji/Musashino, Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachioji/Mount Takao).
| Information | Détails pour Kōtō (江東区) |
|---|---|
| Nom Japonais | 江東区 (Kōtō) |
| Statut Administratif | Special ward of Tokyo in Tokyo Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Tokyo Prefecture (Capital: Tokyo (Shinjuku)) |
| Région du Japon | Kanto |
| Population | 436,337 residents |
| Superficie / Densité | 39.80 km² · 10,963 people per km² |
| Fondation / Statut | 1947-03-13 |
| Coordonnées | 35.6667°N, 139.8167°E |
Getting to Kōtō & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno & Haneda Airport (HND)): Direct international flights into Haneda (HND, 20m from center) and Narita (NRT, 40–60m); connected to all JR East & JR Central Shinkansen lines plus JR Chuo Line to West Tokyo.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Tokyo Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Tokyo (Shinjuku) with Kōtō. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Tokyo have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kōtō en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kōtō are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Tokyo can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
Que Manger à Kōtō & Tokyo : Spécialités Locales
Kōtō partage les traditions culinaires de la préfecture de Tokyo et de la région de Kanto. Ne manquez pas ces spécialités locales lors de votre visite :
- Edomae nigiri sushi — a signature specialty across Tokyo Prefecture.
- Tokyo shoyu & tsukemen ramen — a signature specialty across Tokyo Prefecture.
- Monjayaki (Tsukishima) — a signature specialty across Tokyo Prefecture.
- Tempura & tonkatsu — a signature specialty across Tokyo Prefecture.
- Fukagawa-meshi (clam rice) & artisanal depachika sweets — a signature specialty across Tokyo Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kōtō.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late March–early April for cherry blossoms; October–early December for crisp blue skies and golden ginkgo avenues; vibrant year-round indoors and out.
Regional highlights across Tokyo Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kōtō include: 23 historic & futuristic special wards (Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza) plus leafy Western Tokyo Tama cities (Kichijoji/Musashino, Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachioji/Mount Takao).
Conseils Pratiques pour Visiter Kōtō
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno & Haneda Airport (HND)) or major stations in Tokyo Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kōtō accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Questions Fréquentes (FAQ)
Where is Kōtō (江東区) located in Japan?
Kōtō (江東区) is a special ward of tokyo located in Tokyo Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan (coordinates: 35.6667°N, 139.8167°E). It has a population of approximately 436,337 across an area of 39.80 km².
How do I get to Kōtō by train?
Most visitors reach Kōtō via the main prefectural gateway of Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno & Haneda Airport (HND). Direct international flights into Haneda (HND, 20m from center) and Narita (NRT, 40–60m); connected to all JR East & JR Central Shinkansen lines plus JR Chuo Line to West Tokyo. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Kōtō. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Kōtō and Tokyo known for?
In Kōtō and across Tokyo Prefecture, top local dishes include Edomae nigiri sushi, Tokyo shoyu & tsukemen ramen, Monjayaki (Tsukishima), as well as Tempura & tonkatsu and Fukagawa-meshi (clam rice) & artisanal depachika sweets. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Kōtō?
Late March–early April for cherry blossoms; October–early December for crisp blue skies and golden ginkgo avenues; vibrant year-round indoors and out. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: