Literally meaning “low town” or “downtown”, during the Edo period shitamachi described all districts lower than Edo castle, by opposition to Yamanote (山の手) or “upper town” (note the name of the JR Yamanote line which encircles the Imperial palace or former Edo castle).

You may think of crowded streets and tall buildings when you hear the name “Tokyo”. But besides all those high-tech areas, there are also many traditional areas in Tokyo. Shitamachi, which can be translated as “Downtown” refers to the traditional shopping, entertainment and residential districts of Tokyo. In these areas you’ll find old Edo culture still alive in the capital city.