How well do you really know Tokyo? Japan's capital city is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. It is famous for giant skyscrapers, historic temples, anime and manga, efficient trains, traditional food, fashion districts, and neighborhoods that each have their own unique personality.
But how much do you actually know about Tokyo?
Do you know what the city was called before it became Tokyo? Can you identify the neighborhood famous for anime and manga? Do you know which tower is 634 meters tall? And can you recognize the traditional food associated with Edo?
This Ultimate Tokyo Quiz features 20 questions designed to test your knowledge of Japan's capital city.
Some questions are easy, while others may challenge even experienced Japan travelers.
Choose your answers, keep track of your score, and discover how well you really know Tokyo.
How to Take the Ultimate Tokyo Quiz
Each question has four possible answers.
Choose your answer before checking the answer section. After each question, you can learn an interesting fact about Tokyo.
The quiz covers:
- Tokyo history
- Famous landmarks
- Tokyo neighborhoods
- Japanese food
- Transportation
- Traditional culture
- Modern Tokyo
- Tokyo geography
There are 20 questions in total.
Question 1: What Was Tokyo Called Before?
What was Tokyo historically known as before 1868?
- Osaka
- Edo
- Nara
- Yokohama
Answer: B — Edo
Tokyo fact: Before becoming Tokyo, the city was known as Edo. It grew into a major political and cultural center under the Tokugawa shogunate.
Question 2: What Does the Name Tokyo Mean?
What does "Tokyo" generally mean in English?
- Eastern Capital
- New Capital
- Imperial City
- Eastern City
Answer: A — Eastern Capital
Tokyo fact: The name Tokyo is written 東京. The first character means east and the second means capital.
Question 3: When Was Edo Renamed Tokyo?
In which year was Edo renamed Tokyo?
- 1603
- 1700
- 1868
- 1945
Answer: C — 1868
Tokyo fact: The name change occurred during the Meiji Restoration, when Japan entered a major period of political and social transformation.
Question 4: Which Tokyo Area Is Famous for Shibuya Crossing?
Where can you find the famous Shibuya Crossing?
- Shinjuku
- Shibuya
- Ginza
- Asakusa
Answer: B — Shibuya
Tokyo fact: Shibuya Crossing has become one of the most recognizable images of modern Tokyo. Large crowds cross the intersection from multiple directions when the pedestrian signals change.
Question 5: Which Temple Is Located in Asakusa?
Which famous Buddhist temple is located in Tokyo's Asakusa district?
- Senso-ji
- Meiji Jingu
- Zojo-ji
- Gokoku-ji
Answer: A — Senso-ji
Tokyo fact: Senso-ji is one of Tokyo's most famous historic temples. Its Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street are major attractions.
Question 6: How Tall Is Tokyo Skytree?
What is the height of Tokyo Skytree?
- 333 meters
- 500 meters
- 634 meters
- 700 meters
Answer: C — 634 meters
Tokyo fact: Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall. The number 634 can be associated with "Musashi," the name of a historic province that included much of present-day Tokyo.
Question 7: When Did Tokyo Tower Open?
In which year did Tokyo Tower open to the public?
- 1945
- 1958
- 1964
- 1970
Answer: B — 1958
Tokyo fact: Tokyo Tower became a symbol of Japan's postwar modernization. Its design was inspired partly by the Eiffel Tower.
Question 8: Which District Is Famous for Anime and Manga?
Which Tokyo neighborhood is particularly famous for anime, manga, gaming, and electronics?
- Akihabara
- Ginza
- Roppongi
- Meguro
Answer: A — Akihabara
Tokyo fact: Akihabara has become an international symbol of Japanese pop culture and is especially popular among fans of anime, manga, video games, and electronics.
Question 9: Which District Is Famous for Luxury Shopping?
Which Tokyo district is best known for luxury shopping and high-end brands?
- Ginza
- Koenji
- Ueno
- Yanaka
Answer: A — Ginza
Tokyo fact: Ginza is one of Tokyo's most prestigious commercial districts and is known for luxury stores, department stores, restaurants, galleries, and fine dining.
Question 10: Which Shrine Is Near Harajuku?
Which famous Shinto shrine is located near Harajuku and surrounded by a large forest?
- Meiji Jingu
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kanda Shrine
- Nezu Shrine
Answer: A — Meiji Jingu
Tokyo fact: Meiji Jingu is surrounded by a large forest and offers a peaceful contrast to the busy streets of Harajuku and Shibuya.
Question 11: Which Neighborhood Is Famous for Takeshita Street?
Where can you find the famous Takeshita Street?
- Harajuku
- Shinjuku
- Odaiba
- Marunouchi
Answer: A — Harajuku
Tokyo fact: Harajuku is famous for youth fashion, street culture, colorful clothing, cafes, sweets, and creative Japanese trends.
Question 12: Which District Is Famous for Skyscrapers?
Which Tokyo district is famous for skyscrapers, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife?
- Shinjuku
- Asakusa
- Yanaka
- Kagurazaka
Answer: A — Shinjuku
Tokyo fact: Shinjuku is one of the city's major business and entertainment centers. The district is also home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Question 13: Which River Flows Through Asakusa?
Which major river passes through the Asakusa area?
- Sumida River
- Kamo River
- Uji River
- Katsura River
Answer: A — Sumida River
Tokyo fact: The Sumida River has played an important role in Tokyo's history and is still used for sightseeing cruises and seasonal events.
Question 14: Which Airport Is Closer to Central Tokyo?
Which major airport is generally closer to central Tokyo?
- Narita International Airport
- Haneda Airport
- Kansai International Airport
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
Answer: B — Haneda Airport
Tokyo fact: Haneda Airport is located within Tokyo, while Narita International Airport is in Chiba Prefecture, farther from central Tokyo.
Question 15: Which Railway Line Forms a Loop?
Which famous railway line forms a loop connecting many important Tokyo districts?
- Yamanote Line
- Keio Line
- Ginza Line
- Keisei Line
Answer: A — Yamanote Line
Tokyo fact: The Yamanote Line connects major areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Tokyo, and Shinagawa.
Question 16: Where Was Tokyo's Former Wholesale Fish Market?
Which district was home to Tokyo's famous wholesale fish market before it moved to Toyosu?
- Tsukiji
- Shibuya
- Ikebukuro
- Odaiba
Answer: A — Tsukiji
Tokyo fact: The wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018. However, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a popular destination for seafood, sushi, Japanese kitchenware, and food-related businesses.
Question 17: Which Food Is Associated With Edo?
Which traditional Japanese food is strongly associated with Tokyo's Edo-era culinary culture?
- Edomae sushi
- Takoyaki
- Hakata ramen
- Osaka-style okonomiyaki
Answer: A — Edomae sushi
Tokyo fact: Edomae sushi developed in Edo and became an important part of Tokyo's culinary heritage.
Question 18: How Many Special Wards Are in Central Tokyo?
How many special wards make up the central part of Tokyo?
- 15
- 20
- 23
- 30
Answer: C — 23
Tokyo fact: The 23 special wards include some of Tokyo's best-known areas, including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Taito, Chiyoda, Minato, and Setagaya.
Question 19: Which Waterfront Area Is Famous for Modern Attractions?
Which Tokyo waterfront area is known for futuristic architecture, entertainment, shopping, and views of Tokyo Bay?
- Odaiba
- Yanaka
- Kagurazaka
- Koenji
Answer: A — Odaiba
Tokyo fact: Odaiba is a large man-made island area in Tokyo Bay and has become one of the city's best-known modern waterfront destinations.
Question 20: What Was Located on the Site of the Imperial Palace?
Which historic castle once occupied the site of today's Imperial Palace?
- Edo Castle
- Osaka Castle
- Himeji Castle
- Odawara Castle
Answer: A — Edo Castle
Tokyo fact: The Imperial Palace occupies the former site of Edo Castle, which was closely associated with the Tokugawa shogunate.
Check Your Tokyo Quiz Score
Now count how many answers you got right.
0–5 Correct: Tokyo Beginner
You are just beginning your Tokyo journey.
There is a huge amount to discover, from the history of Edo to Tokyo's famous modern neighborhoods.
6–10 Correct: Tokyo Explorer
Nice job! You already know many of Tokyo's most famous landmarks and districts.
Keep exploring Tokyo's history, food, culture, and transportation and your knowledge will continue to grow.
11–15 Correct: Tokyo Fan
Great score!
You have a solid knowledge of Japan's capital and understand many of the places and traditions that make Tokyo unique.
16–19 Correct: Tokyo Expert
Impressive!
You clearly know Tokyo very well. You understand both the traditional and modern sides of the city.
20 Correct: Ultimate Tokyo Master
Perfect score!
You answered every question correctly.
You know Tokyo's history, famous neighborhoods, landmarks, food, transportation, and modern attractions extremely well.
10 Bonus Tokyo Facts
Finished the quiz? Here are 10 additional facts about Tokyo to test your curiosity even further.
- Tokyo was formerly known as Edo.
- The city was renamed Tokyo in 1868.
- Tokyo means "Eastern Capital."
- Central Tokyo contains 23 special wards.
- Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall.
- Tokyo Tower opened in 1958.
- Akihabara is famous for anime, manga, gaming, and electronics.
- Asakusa is home to the famous Senso-ji Temple.
- Tsukiji's wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in 2018.
- The Imperial Palace stands on the former site of Edo Castle.
Why Is Tokyo So Fascinating?
Tokyo is difficult to describe with just one word.
It is simultaneously a historic city, a global business center, a technology hub, a fashion destination, a food capital, and a center of Japanese popular culture.
The city's diversity is one of its biggest attractions.
Tokyo's Traditional Side
Despite its futuristic reputation, Tokyo has many places where traditional Japanese culture remains strong.
Asakusa is one of the best examples. The area around Senso-ji contains historic streets, traditional shops, Buddhist architecture, and festivals.
Other areas such as Yanaka and Kagurazaka also provide glimpses of a quieter and more traditional side of Tokyo.
Tokyo's Modern Side
The modern face of Tokyo can be seen in places such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Odaiba, and Marunouchi.
Skyscrapers, digital screens, shopping complexes, modern architecture, and advanced transportation create an urban environment unlike almost anywhere else.
Tokyo Is a City of Neighborhoods
One of the best ways to understand Tokyo is to explore its neighborhoods.
- Shibuya: famous for fashion, youth culture, and Shibuya Crossing.
- Shinjuku: known for skyscrapers, shopping, nightlife, and transportation.
- Asakusa: famous for Senso-ji and traditional Tokyo.
- Akihabara: known for anime, manga, gaming, and electronics.
- Ginza: famous for luxury shopping and fine dining.
- Harajuku: associated with youth fashion and street culture.
- Odaiba: known for futuristic waterfront attractions.
- Ueno: famous for museums, parks, and cultural attractions.
Tokyo Is Also a Food Capital
Tokyo offers an extraordinary variety of food.
Visitors can enjoy sushi, ramen, tempura, soba, yakitori, wagashi, and countless other Japanese dishes.
The city also has restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
From inexpensive neighborhood restaurants to high-end dining, Tokyo has something for almost every type of traveler.
Tokyo's Railway Network
Tokyo's railway system is one of the most important parts of daily life in the city.
Major railway lines connect residential neighborhoods with business districts, shopping areas, entertainment centers, and tourist attractions.
For visitors, the railway network makes it possible to explore very different parts of Tokyo in a single day.
Tokyo Is Full of Contrasts
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Tokyo is its contrast between old and new.
You can visit an ancient temple in Asakusa, walk through a quiet shrine forest at Meiji Jingu, shop for anime merchandise in Akihabara, and watch the modern skyline from a skyscraper—all within the same city.
Traditional festivals continue alongside modern fashion, technology, entertainment, and international business.
Final Tokyo Challenge
Think you are a true Tokyo expert?
Try answering these questions without searching online:
- Why was Tokyo originally called Edo?
- What does the name Tokyo mean?
- Why is Shibuya Crossing famous?
- What makes Akihabara different from other Tokyo districts?
- Why is Asakusa important to Tokyo's history?
- How tall is Tokyo Skytree?
- What is Edomae sushi?
- Why is the Yamanote Line important?
- What was located at the site of today's Imperial Palace?
- Why is Tokyo considered a city of contrasts?
If you can answer most of these questions, your knowledge of Tokyo is already impressive.
Related posts:
Tokyo is a city where ancient history and modern life exist side by side.
Its story stretches from Edo and the Tokugawa shogunate to today's enormous metropolitan area filled with skyscrapers, advanced trains, digital technology, fashion, entertainment, and world-class food.
This Ultimate Tokyo Quiz is a fun way to test your knowledge while discovering interesting facts about Japan's capital.
Whether you scored 5, 10, 15, or a perfect 20, there is always something new to learn about Tokyo.
So, how well do you really know Tokyo?
Share your score with friends and challenge them to take the quiz. You may be surprised by who becomes the ultimate Tokyo expert.
Tokyo is enormous, diverse, and full of stories—and every neighborhood has something new to discover.