About this site
Tokyo knowledge from
someone who lived there
I lived in Tokyo for a year — not as a tourist, but as a resident. I rented an apartment, navigated the train system daily, found my favourite ramen spots, and learned which neighbourhoods actually suit different types of travellers.
Where I lived
I spent most of my time split between Shimokitazawa (indie cafés, vintage shops, live music venues) and Nakameguro (canal walks, design studios, the best izakayas). I also spent time in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and quieter residential areas like Sangenjaya and Koenji.
Why this site exists
Most Tokyo travel advice is generic and written by people who visited for a week. "Stay near Shinjuku Station" is advice that fits everyone and helps no one.
Roam Tokyo exists to give you the granular, specific advice that only comes from actually living somewhere: which streets feel safe at midnight, which hotels have thin walls, which "central" locations mean an extra 20 minutes on the train.
How the site works
The core pillar guides — the neighbourhood deep-dives, the "where I actually stayed" posts — are written entirely by me, based on personal experience.
Supplementary guides (hotel comparisons, area vs. area breakdowns, itinerary suggestions) are generated with AI assistance, always grounded in my personal notes and always reviewed for accuracy.
Hotel recommendations
When you find a hotel through Roam Tokyo, I may earn a small commission through Stay22. This doesn't change my recommendations — I only highlight areas I'd genuinely stay in myself.
Have a question about Tokyo?
Reach me at hello@roamtokyo.com — I'm happy to answer specific questions about neighbourhoods, timing, or anything the guides don't cover.