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Overview & City Profile
Taitō (台東区, Taitō-ku; Japanese pronunciation: [tä̀í.tó̞ó̞, -tó̞ò̞.kɯ̈̀]) is a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis in Japan. In English, it is known as Taitō City. As of May 1, 2015, the ward has an estimated population of 186,276, and a population density of 18,420 persons per km2. The total area is 10.11 square kilometres (3.90 sq mi).
Within Tokyo Prefecture (Kanto region), Taitō (台東区) serves as a special ward of tokyo in tokyo prefecture. Travelers exploring Tokyo often combine a stop in Taitō 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).
| Gegeven | Details voor Taitō (台東区) |
|---|---|
| Japanse Naam | 台東区 (Taitō) |
| Bestuurlijke Status | Special ward of Tokyo in Tokyo Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Tokyo Prefecture (Capital: Tokyo (Shinjuku)) |
| Regio van Japan | Kanto |
| Inwoners | 168,277 residents |
| Totale Oppervlakte / Dichtheid | 10.08 km² · 16,139 people per km² |
| Gemeentelijke Status | 1947-03-13 |
| Coördinaten | 35.7125°N, 139.78°E |
Getting to Taitō & 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 Taitō. 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 Taitō 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 Taitō 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.
Wat te Eten in Taitō & Tokyo: Lokale Specialiteiten
Taitō deelt de culinaire tradities van de prefectuur Tokyo en de regio Kanto. Mis deze lokale specialiteiten niet tijdens je bezoek:
- 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 Taitō.
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 Taitō include: 23 historic & futuristic special wards (Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza) plus leafy Western Tokyo Tama cities (Kichijoji/Musashino, Mitaka, Tachikawa, Hachioji/Mount Takao).
Praktische Reistips voor Taitō
- 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 Taitō 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.
Veelgestelde Vragen (FAQ)
Where is Taitō (台東区) located in Japan?
Taitō (台東区) is a special ward of tokyo located in Tokyo Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan (coordinates: 35.7125°N, 139.78°E). It has a population of approximately 168,277 across an area of 10.08 km².
How do I get to Taitō by train?
Most visitors reach Taitō 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 Taitō. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Taitō and Tokyo known for?
In Taitō 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 Taitō?
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: