1.
the 23 (special) wards of Tokyo
The twenty-three special wards (特別区) that together make up the central, urban core of Tokyo, distinct from the rest of Tokyo Metropolis (which includes outer cities such as Hachioji and the Tama region). Each ward functions as an independent municipality with its own elected mayor and assembly, but together they correspond to what is loosely called 'central Tokyo' or simply 'Tokyo' in casual English.
東京二十三区に住んでいる。
I live in Tokyo's 23 wards.
二十三区の家賃は特に高い。
Rent in the 23 wards is especially high.
都心と呼ばれるのは主に二十三区の中央部分だ。
What is called the city center is mainly the central part of the 23 wards.
二十三区内と都下とでは、税金や行政サービスの仕組みが微妙に異なっている。
The tax structure and administrative services differ slightly between within the 23 wards and the outer Tokyo area.
Composed of 二十三 (twenty-three) and 区 (ward; district). Often written with numerals as 23区, especially in informal contexts and on signage.
USAGE:
A fixed term referring specifically to Tokyo's 23 special wards: Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku, Bunkyo, Taito, Sumida, Koto, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Setagaya, Shibuya, Nakano, Suginami, Toshima, Kita, Arakawa, Itabashi, Nerima, Adachi, Katsushika, and Edogawa. Common phrases include 二十三区内 (inside the 23 wards) and 二十三区外 (outside the 23 wards). The contrasting term for the rest of Tokyo Metropolis is 都下 or 多摩地域. Real-estate listings, restaurant rankings, and public transport guides routinely use this distinction.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 二十三区内: within the 23 wards
- 二十三区外: outside the 23 wards
- 東京二十三区: Tokyo's 23 wards (full form)
- 二十三区の中心部: central part of the 23 wards
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 特別区: special ward — the formal legal designation; only Tokyo has these
- 都下: areas of Tokyo Metropolis outside the 23 wards
- 都心: the city center; usually refers to the inner ring of wards (Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato)
- 首都圏: greater Tokyo area — the much broader region including Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa