Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Hopworks
wants to drink something at fmd_goodHopworks
wants to drink something at fmd_goodHopworks
want to meet at fmd_good Foodland
wants to browse a market at fmd_goodFoodland
wants to browse a market at fmd_goodFoodland
wants to browse a market at fmd_goodFoodland
want to meet at fmd_good The Spot
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to visit a temple at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to visit a temple at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to visit a temple at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to visit a temple at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodThe Spot
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
Did Tokyo Metropolitan Government solved the Toyoku Kids/Kaiwai-Min Problem?
I suppose they ain't gone completely but the place definitely changed, which can be interpreted as positive. I read something about rising abuse of OTC Cough Medication in the scene so I expected something different when I walked through the area this week - tbh I didn't explore much around but I was wondering if some of you may know if this sub-culture scene changed their place or even got some help and maybe has evolved into something social more acceptable? Also I know that there were some Police Activities regarding the prostitution and drug abuse but I figured it is unlikely that those led to these kids changing the place where they stayed for the last 10 Years? Articles (English and Japanese) are welcome as well as personal information.
yeah the toyoko kids thing is way less visible now but they didn't just disappear. a lot of them moved to the area around okachimachi and ueno park, especially near the yamashita park section where the homeless community is already established. the government's emergency shelter program from 2020 actually did become a semi-permanent thing but it's run by a mix of private ngos and ward offices now, not the metropolitan government directly. the whole scene shifted from a visible street culture to something more scattered and harder to spot, which honestly made it harder for outreach workers to find the kids who need help
honestly the whole toyoko kids thing kinda died down because the govt cracked down hard on the loitering and pushed them out with constant police patrols and that construction fence. a lot of them just moved to different spots like near shibuya or spread out into smaller groups in yoyogi park, but the scene isn't what it was. the otc cough med abuse is still a thing but it's more underground now, less visible on the streets.
i think the media coverage on this has died down too, so it's easy to miss. there's still a lot of kids rotating through net cafes and capsule hotels around asakusa and the edge of ikebukuro when they can afford it. the main shift i noticed is that the younger ones who were visible before are now way more careful about being seen in groups, they connect through line groups instead of meeting up in the open
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.