Go to Shibuya crossing on a Saturday evening and try crossing the street without running into someone. Bonus points if you try crossing the street while texting on your phone. But really, Shibuya is all about people and big lights. If you like shopping, meeting people, or spending a lot of money this place is good for you.
Ginza - Expensive
Ginza is the most expensive area in Japan. Here you can find world famous sushi for $300, hundreds of high end shopping centers and plenty of expensive restaurants. Other than spending money, Ginza really isn't all that interesting. I was a little disappointed actually at the lack of things to do aside from shopping. On a side note, you will probably be interviewed for a news program or TV show (I was twice in one day). Everyone seems to be filming in Ginza.
Harajuku - Loud
If you really want to experience culture shock in Japan, when you get off the plane head straight to Harajuku station and go down Takeshita street. Here you will find the craziest and the most "uniquely Japanese" costumes and outfits. The street is extremely crowded, the shops are loud and the shopkeepers are even louder. Oh, and they sell the most delicious crepes here. Also, just across the street is the huge Meiji temple and forest, one of the most calm and tranquil areas in Tokyo. It's a great contrast to see in literally a less than 1 minute walk.
Akihabara - Anime
If you've done any research at all about Akihabara, you would know that it's all about anime. Anime, electronics, collectables, video games and just about everything that is considered nerdy. It's the one place in Japan that holds true to all the stereotypes given to foreigners who watch a lot of anime. This is as close to the "fantasy dream Japan" that you will ever get.
Roppongi - 2-Faced
Roppongi is a pretty unique place in that during the daytime, it's quite the classy and luxurious place to be. There's some really nice museums and new shopping buildings that are modern and expensive. At night though, Roppongi is one of the most disgusting and sleazy places you will ever come across, especially for Japan's standards. It's best to plan which bar/nightclub you will be going to before you get to Roppongi, as there are a lot of annoying touts who will try to scam you/harass you.
Ikebukuro - Mysterious
To be honest, I really do enjoy spending time in Ikebukuro. Although the more I come here, the more bizarre it starts to seem to me. There's plenty of great and cheap restaurants here, you can do just about everything.... but there's a strangeness about Ikebukuro that I haven't found anywhere else in Tokyo. Firstly, visiting the East of West side of the station is a completely different experience. The West side it's pretty common to hear English being spoken, on the East side its much more rare to find someone who speaks English. There's also a much higher crime rate on the West side. On the East side however you will find a lot of back alleyways with very peculiar hotels and/or services that, if you have a Japanese friend, can translate the many different types of services you can buy. You will be amazed at the amount of options there are. Having a maid clean your ear with a Q-tip and renting a fake girlfriend to walk outside with were a few I came across.
Also, the theme of this district appears to be Owls. There is an own statue in the station as well as many scattered owl statues throughout the town. There is even an owl cafe where you can drink coffee and play with owls. Another odd fact is that there used to be a prison for war criminals on the site that is now the Sunshine 60 Building.
Shinjuku - Business
Shinjuku is very much a business district. Everyone is commuting here in the morning and this is where the government building is as well (where you can access the top floor observatory for Free). There are many great and unique restaurants here such as the Robot Restaurant and Zauo. It's great for shopping and has one of Japan's most infamously dangerous areas (Kabuki-cho). Personally I don't particularly like Shinjuku. It's too big and it just doesn't have as much character as other districts in Tokyo. It seems like there is an endless opportunity for fun but in reality I always end up being disappointed when I come here. Maybe its because I always get lost in the vast maze of subway exits.
Takadanobaba - College
Takadanobaba or "Baba" for short, is where a few of Tokyo's large Universities are located and therefor it has become a bit of a Japanese college town. Here you will find some of the cheapest bars and izakayas in Tokyo. Also you will, of course, find many University students roaming around at night. I give this district 2 thumbs up.
Ryogoku - Sumo
If you are lucky enough to get tickets to a Sumo Tournament, Ryogoku is where you will go. Just outside the station there is the Sumo arena, Sumo museum, and Sumo themed Restaurant (which is quite delicious and cheap during lunch). You will probably also see a few scattered sumo wrestlers walking to their training building. Pretty cool place!
Asakusa - Historical
If you want to see temples and hang out at a shrine without leaving Tokyo, Asakusa is the place to be. Although very crowded on weekends, there's all the inner-zen fulfillment you will ever need at this big red temple. There's a huge outdoor market selling cultural foods/snacks and neat little souvenirs. Bonus: If you visit on the 3rd week of May you can see the huge Sanja Matsuri festival.
Tsukiji - Fishy
Tsukiji, Mmmmm. Here you will find by far the freshest and most delicious sushi in the world. This is where the fish auction begins that sends fresh fish to the millions of Tokyoites. To actually see the auction you will need to line up at the Tsukiji information center by at least 4:30 am. Since the trains don't run at this time, you will need to either line up around midnight or find a hotel to sleep for a few hours. There are many sushi restaurants in this area that serve sushi for breakfast, and it will be the tastiest fish you will ever have the pleasure to experience.
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