The reputation of Tokyo is not only constructed by the towering Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Crossing, the vibrant otaku culture, the ancient temples, or the fish markets – because have you ever wondered: what are the best-kept secrets behind that glitz and glamor and narrow side streets?
If you ask true Tokyoites, they are happy to reveal a place or two.
But if you ever need more – say a list of more than spots? It’s time to dig out what this article has to say.
Here I rounded up 12 hidden gems in Tokyo, and they are unique on their own.
There’s one with a chic coffee culture and a cool roastery serving a tasty caffeine fix to shake you up. There’s one with all the old Edo houses elbowing out each other since the wartime. And there’s even a heritage streetcar line from the early 1920s that takes you to all the lesser-known residential neighborhoods.
Wondering what’s more in store for ya?
Dive right in.
Kiyosumi Shirakawa
If you’re looking for the best getaway that’s not too far from Tokyo, opt for Kiyosumi Shirakawa. It’s no more than 45 minutes by metro and you can easily hail the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and the Toei Oedo Line to get off at Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station.
As a coffee lover, I cannot start my day without an iced cold coffee fix. And there’s no better place to fulfill a perfect morning for me than Kiyosumi Shirakawa. The main thrill in Kiyosumi Shirakawa is all about coffee. Don’t get me wrong, coffee is not the only thing this town has to offer. However, its booming coffee scene with cool independent roasters set amidst the low-ceiling traditional townhouses will definitely beckon your attention.
Blue Bottle, inarguable the public’s favorite stop-over, is on top of the list of where to go in Kiyosumi Shirakawa. A humble yet inviting two-story storehouse making a statement with floor-to-ceiling windows is always packed with locals and visitors alike. Their open space is carefully designed to invite as much sunlight in as possible and the exotic greenery is such a whimsical quirky touch to it.
Yanesen
Yanesen is like a time capsule in the country. Dubbed a “shitamachi”, Yanesen is one of the very few cities left behind after the war when most other parts of the country were torn apart by guns and fire.
Today, Yanesen goes forward with its exceptionally retro feel and a humble feeling to help you unplug from social buzzes and be present. The narrow streets are lined up with eateries and low-ceiling lounges where you can take it slow with your loved ones while good eats and local treats are on the table.
Azabu Juban
Teaming up with Yanesen, Azabu Juban is another serene hideout with its impressive laid-back atmosphere. This is one of the best photogenic hidden gems near Tokyo which is sandwiched between Roppongi and Tokyo Tower. The biggest hook here is a massive collection of the vintage Edo period roots nestled within the so-called “the highest rents” in Tokyo.
Daikanyama
In contrast to the nearby Shibuya Crossing, Daikanyama ironically retains its lowkey feel with incredibly less foot traffic even though it’s only ten minutes away from its chaotic neighborhood.
The rise of boutique shops, coffee shops, and trendy restaurants doesn’t take away the authenticity of a true Tokyo. Occupying such a small footprint, Daikanyama doesn’t take you more than half a day to complete a proper visit.
Do you know what the not-to-miss spot here is?
Daikanyama Tsutaya Books!
Yeah, losing a couple of hours in this very bookstore is like a fantasy any modern city has always dreamed of. From arts to antique tomes and foreign titles, you name it!
Best Read: Shibuya Crossing Area in Tokyo: Things To See And Do
Jiyugaoka
A ten-minute walk from Shibuya Station takes you to another lesser-traveled spot in Tokyo, Jiyugaoka. Taking over the southwest edge of the capital city, Jiyugaoka has a fair share between the hustle and the laid-back, between the old and the new.
Set in the heart of a no-frills surrounding is La Vita, a small central square steeped in a rich European flare with a little crossover and a man-made stream flowing underneath.
Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is dubbed as one of the best hidden gems in Tokyo for the young and families with kids. Shining its torch on everything anime and arcade related, you’ll have a whale of a time roaming the streets of Ikebukuro when the sun beams down.
Shopping is another main thrill here, with local heavyweights such as Pokémon Center, LOFT, Totoro Republic, and KIDDY LAND being the household names in town for years.
Shimokitazawa
If vintage fashion is what your heart’s after, look no other than Shimokitazawa. Think about it as a retro respite from the glitz and glamor of Tokyo, a place where the fast pace doesn’t exist but only the low-key, heart-warming, and cheerful feel.
Shimokitazawa is nothing close to a large shopping hub, but the small and independent boutique stores here will make you think twice. It’s a place to fulfill your retail therapy without maxing out your credit card, a place for window shopping and detoxifying at the same time.
Somewhere in between the fashion stores, you’ll find quaint cafés and cool restaurants neighboring the small townhouses or tucked away at the back of the alleys.
Yurakucho
Ginza is no stranger in Tokyo. A sprawling shopping paradise where modern luxury and world-renowned department stores articulate. But little do you know that only a short walk away from this chaotic town lies another shopping spree, lesser-known, and more peaceful.
Welcome to Yurakucho, beloved and nourished by the true Japanese, beholds its excellent authenticity and regional impression where goodies are offered at a fraction of what you’ve gotta pay for Ginza. Iconic spots such as 0101 and Bic Camera Yurakucho will eat a large pie of your time budget. So be prepared and enjoy!
Koenji Temple Area
The surrounding neighborhood that Koenji Temple sets foot in holds a special charm. Little do you know that this area is also known as a holy land of thrift stores and vintage keepsakes. There’s nothing better than peeking into these quaint little shops and running your eyes over unique treasures at an affordable price.
The area is also filled with cafes and eateries to rest your legs and watch people traversing the streets.
Ebisu
Less than three kilometers south of Shibuya Station, Ebisu charms your heart with its complete contrast to the nearby topsy-turvy Shibuya Crossing. Much as I love Shibuya, sometimes you just need that luxurious serenity to get yourself together – and Ebisu does just that.
Its laid-back vibe comes at just the right time when you finally need somewhere more quiet and more insightful after a long day roaming the busy streets of Shibuya.
My favorite place to visit here is Yebisu Garden Place. There’s not only an art museum to snap your coolest shots but also a department store, a cinema to catch the latest film, and even a museum about Yebisu Beer.
Toden Arakawa Line
I’m gonna save the last two spots for the two very special things to do in Tokyo – not hidden gems themselves but rather a unique thing to do.
How about getting on a retro tram to see Tokyo through the eyes of a history seeker?
The first one I’m gonna introduce is called the Toden Arakawa Line. The locals call it Sakura Tram. This tram begins at the Waseda Station setting north until it stops at Minowabashi. Along the way, the tram passes through some of the most nostalgic and whimsical alleys as well as less-beaten residential neighborhoods where many Japanese only wanna keep it for themselves. Each special side of Tokyo’s daily life is slowly peeled off as you gaze through the windows, with the old buildings and cherry blossoms gradually sneaking out to say hello.
Tokyu Setagaya Line
Last but not least, the Tokyu Setagaya Line is another unique vintage streetcar to consider. This one may not be as popular as the Sakura Tram but the scenes it brings along the way are second to none. Tokyu Setagaya stretches for five kilometers in total, putting together the loveliest corners of Tokyo suburbia like holy shrines, flea markets, and local eateries as the tram ventures southwest to the Setagaya Ward.
The streetcar leaves Sangenjaya, an area quite well-known for its tea-drinking tradition in the heritage Edo houses. And on top of that, riding this streetcar gives you a chance to be closer to the early 1920s when the tram was established.
I hope you enjoy these hidden gems in Tokyo as much as I do. And to help you enjoy this sprawling capital city to the fullest, I’ve made some more travel guides I think you may enjoy:
Everything You Need to Know about Tokyo
Explore more of our adventures around Tokyo:
- Guide: A Comprehensive Tokyo Travel Guide
- Attractions: Best Places to Visit in Tokyo
- Food: Ultimate Tokyo Food Guide
- Hotel: Where to stay in Tokyo
- Tokyo Disneyland Planning Guide
Simplify Your Tokyo Trip