Top 10 Multicultural Towns in Tokyo + 5 Hidden Foreigner Communities

Enjoying the Multicultural Charm of Tokyo

Tokyo is an international city where cultures from around the world intersect. Areas with a high population of foreigners are deeply rooted in their respective countries' food and culture, offering a taste of foreign atmospheres just by visiting. This article introduces 10 major "multicultural towns" in Tokyo, along with 5 lesser-known "hidden foreigner communities."

Top 10 Multicultural Towns in Tokyo

Northern Area

1. Ikebukuro Chinatown (Toshima Ward)

Features:
The "living-style Chinatown" in Ikebukuro's north exit area offers an authentic experience of Chinese culture, untouched by tourism.
Cultural Highlights:
Authentic Atmosphere: Chinese signs and shops line the streets, creating a lively environment reminiscent of China.
Homestyle Chinese Cuisine: Restaurants offer rare, authentic flavors such as dumplings, medicinal soups, and dim sum.
Spring Festival Celebrations: During the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), the entire area is adorned with red decorations and special events are held.
Attraction:The area is popular among international students, blending youthful energy with tradition.

Northern Area (Johoku) - Toshima Ward

2. Little Nepal (Arakawa Ward, Itabashi Ward)

Features:
• Known as "Little Kathmandu," this area is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture.
Cultural Highlights:
• Spice Cuisine Haven: Enjoy delicious Nepalese dumplings called "momo" and rich curries.
• Experience Ethnic Culture: Shops selling traditional clothing and jewelry offer a glimpse into Nepalese lifestyle.
• Religious Festivals: During the Hindu festival of Dashain, the entire area is enveloped in a festive atmosphere.
Attraction:
• The friendly nature of Nepalese people adds warmth to the neighborhood.

Northern Area (Johoku) - Itabashi Ward

Eastern Area (Joto) - Arakawa Ward

Eastern Area

3. Koiwa Indian Community (Edogawa Ward)

Features:
• This area, home to many Indian residents, blends religious culture with rich culinary traditions.
Cultural Highlights:
• Diverse Food Options: Easily enjoy vegetarian dishes and spice-rich curries.
• Reflection of Religious Culture: Hindu and Muslim places of worship are scattered throughout, integrating faith into daily life.
• Vibrant Festivals: During Diwali (Festival of Lights), the area is illuminated and bustling with activity.
Attraction:
• A unique area in Tokyo where you can feel the fusion of multiple cultures.

4. Ueno Little Bangkok (Taito Ward)

Features:
• The Thai community around Ueno Station is filled with Thai restaurants and shops, creating an authentic atmosphere. Nearby, there is also a Thai temple, allowing you to experience Thai culture throughout the area.
Cultural Highlights:
• Thai Street Food Culture: Enjoy authentic dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Thai curry. Many street-style eateries make it easy to grab a meal.
• Festivals and Events: The Thai Festival features traditional dances and music performances, integrating Thai culture into the community.
• Thai Language Services: Some restaurants and shops offer services in Thai, providing a glimpse into local life.
Attraction:
• This area offers spicy cuisine along with the bright atmosphere and hospitality unique to Thailand.

Eastern Area (Joto) - Edogawa Ward

5. Kinshicho Indonesian Community (Koto Ward)
Features:
• This area is home to Indonesian restaurants and shops, with a strong presence of Muslim culture.
Cultural Highlights:
• Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay, which are faithfully recreated to taste like home.
• Mosque in the Area: The presence of a mosque offers a unique cultural experience for visitors.
• Local Events: During Indonesian Independence Day, local residents and foreigners come together to enjoy various festivities.
Attraction:
• A neighborhood where Indonesian food culture and religious culture intersect.

Central Area

6. Okubo Koreatown (Shinjuku Ward)
Features:
• The center of Korean culture, recently becoming more multicultural with an increase in Southeast Asian residents.
Cultural Highlights:
• Korean Street Food Culture: Enjoy authentic street food like Tteokbokki and Hotteok.
• Beauty Culture Hub: Numerous Korean cosmetic shops and beauty salons make it a popular spot for those interested in beauty.
• Experience Traditional Culture: Events like Korean cooking classes and traditional tea tastings allow tourists to learn about the culture.
Attraction:
• A lively area where youth culture and traditional culture intersect.

7. Hiroo and Roppongi Western Community (Minato Ward)
Features:
• An area with many Western expatriates, featuring luxury residential areas and international schools. The entire neighborhood has a global atmosphere, making it a comfortable environment for foreign families.
Cultural Highlights:
• Diverse Food Culture: High-end supermarkets offer a wide range of imported foods, and local bakeries serve authentic European-style bread and pastries.
• Seasonal Events: Halloween and Christmas events are held throughout the area, with markets and parties organized by foreign families attracting attention.
• Convenience in Education and Living: With many international schools, the area is home to numerous foreign families, and English is commonly spoken in cafes and libraries.
Attraction:
• Experience Western-style living in a global environment.

8. Shin-Okubo Myanmar Community (Shinjuku Ward)
Features:
• Known for its Korean culture, Shin-Okubo has recently seen an increase in Myanmar residents, fostering a new blend of multiculturalism.
Cultural Highlights:
• Diverse Culinary Culture: Myanmar curries and noodle dishes are characterized by rich, spicy flavors. "Mohinga" (fish soup noodles) is a representative dish.
• Traditional Festivals: During the "Thingyan Festival" (Myanmar New Year), water-splashing events and traditional dances fill the streets with exotic charm.
• Crafts and Art: Shops selling delicate Myanmar crafts and textiles enhance the joy of walking through the area.
Attraction:
• The natural fusion of Korean and Myanmar cultures is developing into a new form of multicultural coexistence.

Central Area - Shinjuku Ward

Southern Area

9. Kamata Filipino Town (Ota Ward)
Features:
• An area with many Filipino residents, characterized by a cheerful and homely atmosphere.
Cultural Highlights:
• Recreating Home Flavors: Sweet and savory Adobo and the dessert Halo-Halo are representative Filipino home dishes.
• Karaoke Culture: Karaoke, an important pastime for Filipinos, also serves as a social hub in the neighborhood.
• Unique Events: The Filipino community hosts its own festive events, attracting visitors.
Attraction:
• The spirit of Filipino hospitality can be felt throughout the area.

10. Kamata Brazilian Town (Ota Ward)
Features:
• An area with many Japanese-Brazilian residents, where Brazilian culture thrives. The love for soccer, music, and dance brings energy to the neighborhood.
Cultural Highlights:
• Charm of Brazilian Cuisine: Popular dishes include Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) and the sweet dessert "Pastel."
• Sports Culture: During soccer season, the area is adorned with Brazilian colors, and residents passionately support their teams in bars and restaurants.
• Music and Dance: Samba and Bossa Nova music fill the air in local shops, with residents dancing and singing along.
Attraction:
• Experience the lively and energetic Brazilian culture, along with the warm hospitality of the residents.

Southern Area (Jonan) - Ota Ward

• Rather than being distinctly separated, Filipino Town and Brazilian Town contribute to Kamata's overall multicultural character.

Bonus: 5 Hidden Foreigner Communities

Tokyo is home to "hidden foreigner communities" that differ from the more touristy multicultural towns. Though smaller in scale, these areas are rich in unique cultures and lifestyles, offering new perspectives to visitors. Below, we detail the characteristics and cultural backgrounds of each area.

1. Sangenjaya French Community (Setagaya Ward)
Features:
• An artistic area with a large French population, where bread and wine culture is integrated into daily life.
Cultural Highlights:
• Bread and Wine Culture: Enjoy authentic French baguettes and croissants from local bakeries.
• Art Hub: Galleries and cafes host art exhibitions and French film screenings, offering a variety of creative events.
• French Conversations: Hear French spoken in cafes and bakeries, creating a European atmosphere.
Attraction:
• A sophisticated area reminiscent of the streets of Paris.
Link:
• Southern Area (Jonan) - Setagaya Ward
2. Takadanobaba Vietnamese Community (Shinjuku Ward)
Features:
• An area with many Vietnamese students and technical trainees, exuding a homely atmosphere.
Cultural Highlights:
• Diverse Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon (spring rolls).
• Market-like Vibe: Many shops where Vietnamese is spoken, reminiscent of local markets.
• Blend of Languages: In shops, you can hear a mix of Japanese and Vietnamese, reflecting a multicultural coexistence.
Attraction:
• An area full of exotic charm where you can enjoy the authentic taste and atmosphere of Vietnam.

• Southern Area (Jonan) - Setagaya Ward

2. Takadanobaba Vietnamese Community (Shinjuku Ward)
Features:
• An area with many Vietnamese students and technical trainees, exuding a homely atmosphere.
Cultural Highlights:
• Diverse Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon (spring rolls).
• Market-like Vibe: Many shops where Vietnamese is spoken, reminiscent of local markets.
• Blend of Languages: In shops, you can hear a mix of Japanese and Vietnamese, reflecting a multicultural coexistence.
Attraction:
• An area full of exotic charm where you can enjoy the authentic taste and atmosphere of Vietnam.

• Central Area - Shinjuku Ward

3. Otsuka Russian Community (Toshima Ward)
Features:
• A small area where Russian culture can be felt, with a homely atmosphere.
Cultural Highlights:
• Home Cooking: Enjoy authentic Russian home dishes like Borscht and Pirozhki.
• Traditional Crafts: Shops sell traditional crafts like Matryoshka dolls and Samovars (tea urns).
• Religious Influence: Russian Orthodox Church events and prayer spaces are integrated into the local culture.
Attraction:
• An area where you can deeply experience Russian culture in a warm, homely environment.

4. Sugamo Iranian Community (Toshima Ward)
Features:
• A hidden area rooted in Middle Eastern culture, with a unique lifestyle led by Iranian residents.
Cultural Highlights:
• Middle Eastern Cuisine: Enjoy Iranian specialties like Kebab, Saffron Rice, and Pistachio Baklava.
• Spice Haven: Easily purchase spices like saffron and cardamom to recreate authentic flavors at home.
• Festive Events: During Iranian holidays, music and dance events foster multicultural exchange.
Attraction:
• An area where you can experience the warmth and unique food culture of the Middle East.

• Northern Area (Johoku) - Toshima Ward

5. Tachikawa African Community (Tachikawa City)
Features:
• An area with a vibrant African community, rich in energetic culture and unique culinary traditions.
Cultural Highlights:
• Traditional Cuisine: Enjoy African home dishes like Ethiopian Injera and spicy stew Wat.
• Music and Dance Fusion: Local halls and event spaces host performances of traditional African music and dance.
• Handicrafts: Purchase colorful and artistic crafts like African print fabrics and beadwork.
Attraction:
• An energetic area where you can feel the vibrant African culture and community interaction.

Summary

Hidden foreigner communities, though small in scale, are rich in unique cultures and lifestyles. Visiting these areas can offer new perspectives. On your next day off, explore these areas to experience new cultures and flavors. It will make your time in Tokyo even more enriching and enjoyable!