Where to start exploring old Tokyo and Shitamachi? While old Tokyo elements can be found in many different places and the definition of Shitamachi can cover a rather wide area (see Shitamachi/old Tokyo article), you have various areas within Tokyo where you can find these spots. I chose on this website to showcase two of the most important areas: Yanesen and the Ueno-Asakusa area, that you can see on the interactive google maps below. These areas are located in the north-east of Tokyo, about 3km north of Tokyo Station.
Click the colourful icons on the map for the basic details and a link to more information.
The Yanesen area (Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi)
Yanesen is one of the classic areas to experience Shitamachi. If has become a major tourist destination since the early 2000s and packs many of the Old Tokyo features in a compact area. Start exploring from Nippori Station. With the Yamanote line, it takes 11 minutes to get there from Tokyo Station.
The Ueno-Asakusa area (Ueno-Asakusa-Iriya-Mukojima)
Ueno and Asakusa are two of the foremost touristic areas in Tokyo where the Tokyoites themselves will send you to find the traditional Tokyo/Japan. Best reached through either Ueno station, 5 minutes from Tokyo station, or Asakusa station, 16 minutes from Tokyo station (change trains in Kanda).
Map markers by Maps Icons Collection https://mapicons.mapsmarker.com