How much do you really know about Tokyo? Japan's biggest city is famous around the world for its futuristic skyline, efficient trains, historic temples, colorful neighborhoods, incredible food, and unique culture.
But Tokyo has many fascinating facts that even experienced travelers may not know.
From its former name Edo and the history of the Tokugawa shogunate to Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, traditional sushi, and the city's enormous railway network, there is plenty to discover.
This Tokyo Trivia Quiz contains 20 questions about Japan's biggest city. Test your knowledge, check your answers, and discover interesting facts about Tokyo along the way.
How to Play the Tokyo Trivia Quiz
Each question has four possible answers. Choose the answer you think is correct before checking the answer and explanation.
The 20 questions cover Tokyo's history, landmarks, neighborhoods, transportation, food, culture, and geography.
Keep track of your score and find out whether you are a Tokyo beginner, Tokyo fan, or true Tokyo expert.
Tokyo Trivia Question 1: What Was Tokyo Called Before?
What was Tokyo known as before 1868?
- Nara
- Edo
- Osaka
- Yokohama
Answer: B — Edo
Trivia: Tokyo was historically known as Edo. The city became the political center of Japan after Tokugawa Ieyasu established his shogunate there in 1603.
Tokyo Trivia Question 2: What Does Tokyo Mean?
What does the Japanese name Tokyo generally mean?
- Eastern Capital
- New City
- Imperial City
- Capital of Japan
Answer: A — Eastern Capital
Trivia: Tokyo is written 東京 in Japanese. The first character means "east," while the second means "capital."
Tokyo Trivia Question 3: When Was Edo Renamed Tokyo?
In which year was Edo renamed Tokyo?
- 1603
- 1700
- 1868
- 1945
Answer: C — 1868
Trivia: The name change took place during the Meiji Restoration, when Japan underwent major political and social changes.
Tokyo Trivia Question 4: How Many Special Wards Are in Central Tokyo?
How many special wards make up central Tokyo?
- 15
- 20
- 23
- 30
Answer: C — 23
Trivia: Tokyo's 23 special wards include famous areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Taito, Chiyoda, Minato, and Setagaya.
Tokyo Trivia Question 5: Where Is Shibuya Crossing?
Which Tokyo neighborhood is home to the world-famous Shibuya Crossing?
- Shibuya
- Asakusa
- Ginza
- Ueno
Answer: A — Shibuya
Trivia: Shibuya Crossing has become one of the most recognizable symbols of modern Tokyo. Pedestrians cross the intersection from several directions when the signals change.
Tokyo Trivia Question 6: Which Temple Is Famous in Asakusa?
Which famous Buddhist temple is located in Asakusa?
- Senso-ji
- Meiji Jingu
- Zojo-ji
- Nezu Shrine
Answer: A — Senso-ji
Trivia: Senso-ji is one of Tokyo's most famous historic temples. Its Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street attract visitors throughout the year.
Tokyo Trivia Question 7: How Tall Is Tokyo Skytree?
How tall is Tokyo Skytree?
- 333 meters
- 500 meters
- 634 meters
- 750 meters
Answer: C — 634 meters
Trivia: The number 634 can be read as "Musashi," referencing the historic Musashi Province, which included much of present-day Tokyo.
Tokyo Trivia Question 8: When Did Tokyo Tower Open?
In which year did Tokyo Tower open?
- 1945
- 1958
- 1964
- 1972
Answer: B — 1958
Trivia: Tokyo Tower became an important symbol of Japan's postwar economic growth and modernization.
Tokyo Trivia Question 9: Which District Is Famous for Anime?
Which Tokyo district is famous for anime, manga, video games, and electronics?
- Akihabara
- Ginza
- Ebisu
- Daikanyama
Answer: A — Akihabara
Trivia: Akihabara has become an international center of Japanese pop culture and attracts fans of anime, manga, gaming, and electronics.
Tokyo Trivia Question 10: Which District Is Known for Luxury Shopping?
Which Tokyo district is particularly famous for luxury shopping?
- Ginza
- Koenji
- Yanaka
- Ueno
Answer: A — Ginza
Trivia: Ginza is one of Tokyo's most prestigious commercial areas and is known for luxury brands, department stores, restaurants, and high-end boutiques.
Tokyo Trivia Question 11: Which Shrine Has a Huge Forest?
Which famous shrine is surrounded by a large forest near Harajuku?
- Meiji Jingu
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Yasukuni Shrine
- Kanda Shrine
Answer: A — Meiji Jingu
Trivia: The forest surrounding Meiji Jingu covers a large area and creates a peaceful atmosphere despite the shrine's location in central Tokyo.
Tokyo Trivia Question 12: Which Neighborhood Is Famous for Youth Fashion?
Which Tokyo neighborhood is famous for Takeshita Street and youth fashion?
- Harajuku
- Marunouchi
- Otemachi
- Shinagawa
Answer: A — Harajuku
Trivia: Harajuku became internationally known for Japanese youth fashion, street culture, colorful clothing, cafes, and creative trends.
Tokyo Trivia Question 13: Which District Has Many Skyscrapers?
Which Tokyo district is famous for skyscrapers, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife?
- Shinjuku
- Asakusa
- Yanaka
- Nezu
Answer: A — Shinjuku
Trivia: Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's major commercial and entertainment centers and is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Tokyo Trivia Question 14: Which River Flows Through Asakusa?
Which river passes through the Asakusa area?
- Sumida River
- Kamo River
- Uji River
- Katsura River
Answer: A — Sumida River
Trivia: The Sumida River has played an important role in Tokyo's history and remains a popular location for river cruises, sightseeing, and seasonal events.
Tokyo Trivia Question 15: Which Airport Is Closer to Central Tokyo?
Which airport is generally closer to central Tokyo?
- Narita International Airport
- Haneda Airport
- Kansai International Airport
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
Answer: B — Haneda Airport
Trivia: Haneda Airport is located inside Tokyo, while Narita International Airport is located in Chiba Prefecture, farther from central Tokyo.
Tokyo Trivia Question 16: Which Train Line Forms a Loop?
Which famous railway line forms a loop connecting many major Tokyo districts?
- Yamanote Line
- Keio Line
- Ginza Line
- Keisei Line
Answer: A — Yamanote Line
Trivia: The Yamanote Line connects major districts including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Tokyo, and Shinagawa.
Tokyo Trivia Question 17: Where Was the Former Tsukiji Wholesale Market?
Which Tokyo district was home to the famous wholesale fish market before it moved to Toyosu?
- Tsukiji
- Shibuya
- Odaiba
- Ikebukuro
Answer: A — Tsukiji
Trivia: The wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the Tsukiji Outer Market remains popular for seafood, sushi, Japanese kitchenware, and other food-related businesses.
Tokyo Trivia Question 18: Which Sushi Style Is Associated With Tokyo?
Which sushi tradition is strongly associated with Tokyo's Edo-era history?
- Edomae sushi
- Hakata sushi
- Osaka sushi
- Kyoto sushi
Answer: A — Edomae sushi
Trivia: Edomae sushi developed during the Edo period and traditionally used seafood associated with the waters around Edo.
Tokyo Trivia Question 19: Where Is Odaiba?
What is Odaiba best known for?
- A mountain temple
- A futuristic waterfront area
- A traditional farming village
- A historic castle
Answer: B — A futuristic waterfront area
Trivia: Odaiba is a large man-made island area in Tokyo Bay and is known for shopping, entertainment, museums, waterfront views, and modern architecture.
Tokyo Trivia Question 20: What Is the Imperial Palace Built On?
What historic site occupies the area of the present Imperial Palace?
- Edo Castle
- Osaka Castle
- Himeji Castle
- Odawara Castle
Answer: A — Edo Castle
Trivia: The Imperial Palace occupies the former site of Edo Castle, which was once the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate.
How Did You Score?
Count the number of correct answers and find your Tokyo trivia level.
0–5 Correct: Tokyo Beginner
You know a few basic facts about Tokyo, but there is plenty more to discover.
Start by exploring Tokyo's famous neighborhoods and learning about the city's history as Edo.
6–10 Correct: Tokyo Explorer
Good job! You already know many of Tokyo's famous landmarks and neighborhoods.
Keep learning about Japanese culture and history and you will soon become a Tokyo expert.
11–15 Correct: Tokyo Fan
Very good! You have a solid understanding of Japan's biggest city.
You know many of the places, traditions, and facts that make Tokyo unique.
16–19 Correct: Tokyo Expert
Excellent score!
You clearly know Tokyo better than the average traveler and understand both its traditional and modern sides.
20 Correct: Tokyo Trivia Master
Perfect score!
You answered every Tokyo trivia question correctly.
From Edo history and Tokyo's railway system to Shibuya, Akihabara, Asakusa, and Tokyo Skytree, you know Japan's biggest city extremely well.
More Fun Facts About Tokyo
The 20 questions above only scratch the surface of Tokyo's fascinating history and culture.
Tokyo Is One of the World's Largest Urban Areas
Tokyo is part of an enormous metropolitan region that extends far beyond the 23 special wards.
The wider Tokyo metropolitan area includes many surrounding cities and prefectures and is one of the world's largest urban agglomerations.
This enormous scale is one reason Tokyo's transportation network is so important.
Tokyo Has an Ancient History
Although Tokyo is often presented as a futuristic city, its history stretches back many centuries.
Before becoming Japan's modern capital, the city developed as Edo and became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Many modern Tokyo neighborhoods still preserve traces of this history.
Tokyo Has Hundreds of Neighborhoods
Tokyo is not a city with a single personality.
Different districts can feel completely different from one another.
- Asakusa: traditional temples and historic atmosphere.
- Shibuya: youth culture and modern entertainment.
- Shinjuku: skyscrapers, shopping, and nightlife.
- Akihabara: anime, manga, gaming, and electronics.
- Ginza: luxury shopping and fine dining.
- Harajuku: youth fashion and street culture.
- Odaiba: futuristic waterfront attractions.
- Ueno: museums, parks, and cultural attractions.
Tokyo Is a Food Paradise
Tokyo is one of the world's greatest food destinations.
Visitors can find everything from inexpensive ramen shops and sushi counters to traditional Japanese restaurants and Michelin-starred dining.
The city's food culture also reflects the history of Edo.
Edomae sushi is one of the best examples of a culinary tradition that developed in the city.
Tokyo's Trains Connect the City
Tokyo's railway system is one of the most important features of everyday life.
Major railway lines connect residential areas with business districts, shopping centers, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions.
For visitors, the trains make it possible to explore many different parts of Tokyo within a single day.
Tokyo Is a City of Contrasts
One of Tokyo's greatest characteristics is the contrast between old and new.
A traveler can visit a centuries-old temple in Asakusa and later