Tokyo Neighbourhood Vocabulary: Shibuya vs Shinjuku

Learn Japanese through real places

One of the best ways to remember vocabulary is to connect words to real places and experiences. Tokyo's neighbourhoods each have their own personality — and their own vocabulary.

Let me take you on a tour of two of my favourite areas: Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Shibuya: Youth, fashion, and energy

Shibuya is where young Tokyo comes alive. The famous scramble crossing, 109 shopping building, and endless fashion — it's the beating heart of youth culture.

Words you'll hear in Shibuya

Useful phrases

「渋谷で待ち合わせしよう」 — "Let's meet up in Shibuya"

「今日、渋谷は混んでいるね」 — "Shibuya is crowded today, huh"

Shinjuku: Business, food, and nightlife

Shinjuku is Tokyo's busiest station area. West side is skyscrapers and business. East side is restaurants, entertainment, and the famous Golden Gai — tiny bars packed into narrow alleys.

Words you'll hear in Shinjuku

Useful phrases

「新宿の居酒屋で飲み会がある」 — "There's a drinking party at an izakaya in Shinjuku"

「新宿駅で乗り換えてください」 — "Please transfer at Shinjuku Station"

More Tokyo vocabulary

Here are words useful across all of Tokyo:

Why location-based learning works

When you attach vocabulary to places, you create spatial memories that are much stronger than abstract word lists. If you ever visit Tokyo (or even just watch videos of these areas), these words will pop back into your mind naturally.

This is why Japanese SenSei teaches vocabulary through real situations and places. When I tell you about my weekend in Shibuya, you're not just learning words — you're building a mental map of Japanese life.

Try it yourself

Next time you learn new vocabulary, connect each word to a specific place or situation. Where would you hear this word? Who would say it? What would be happening?

That context is the difference between memorizing and acquiring a language.