Tokyo is packed to the brim with tourist spots, cultural areas and shops to keep us busy. However, Tokyo is known for being one of the busiest tourist cities in the world. While its always important to see popular spots, going off the beaten path can lead us some of best things Tokyo has to offer. In this list, we will name
1. Swan Boat Ride in Inokashira Park
If you find yourself on the way to the Studio Ghibli Museum, be sure to take a few hours out of your day to experience Inokashira Park. More specifically, you can take extremely cute swan boats(!) out on the lake. There are three types of swan boats you can take in varying sizes depending on how many children or adults you have. A regular paddleboat will run out 600 to 700 yen for 30 minutes, depending on size. You will also be close by Inokashira Zoo and the Aquatic Life House if you prefer to change up the scenary — ensuring the day never gets boring.
2. Suntory Musashino Brewery
Suntory is one of the most popular beers in Japan. They first got their start in 1963 and use quality water in their brewing process, which allows a crisp, watery-clear quality with each sip. If this sounds good to you (why wouldn’t it?), be sure to take some time out of your day to visit the Suntory Musashino Brewery. Here, you can take a tour to witness their meticulous brewing process which, of course, ends with a tasting. If you’re a fan of beer, be sure to give this place a visit.
3. Tokyo City View and Sky Deck
Located in Roppongi Hills is the Tokyo City View and Sky Deck at the Mori Tower. This is a fantastic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and tourists to get a fantastic view. It is an open-air platform with that offers a 360-degree view of the city. We know visiting Tokyo is quite an overstimulating experience, so this will give you a much-needed calm and intimate experience to help you reset.
4. Hamarikyu Gardens
Nestled in the more low-key Ueno Park in the middle of overshadowing Tokyo skyscrapers is this hidden gem of a garden. Hamarikyu Gardens offers a quiet oasis amongst the chaos, featuring a pond, garden, and even a teahouse. One should also come here during the change of seasons, with the autumn completely transforming the garden into a picturesque red and gold atmosphere. There is even a teahouse where you can get a relaxing cup of tea to unwind from the day.
5. Jizo Dori Shopping Street
If you look hard enough in the Sugamo district, you will find this overlooked hidden gem. The Jizo Dori Shopping center is a fantastic spot for tourists. It has hundreds of small shops which you can easily spend multiple days perusing. It’s rarer for this street to be as busy as other bustling Tokyo streets, so tourists looking for a more calming experience should add this to their list.
6. Fuchu
Fuchu is a spiritual and hidden gem in western Tokyo, and often evades the radars of tourists. The history of this city is extensive, being built in the 7th century and was a bustling hub during the Edo period (1600 – late 1800s). With this, visitors can also get a tour of one of the most historical places in all of Japan, such as the Musashi Koufu ruins.
7. Farmers Market at United Nations University
The farmers market at the UNU (United Nations University) is a hidden gem that is packed to the brim with fresh produce, crafts, bread, and much more. This spot is often overlooked by tourists. In fact, even some locals consider it a secret. This is something you should absolutely consider for a stop while in central Tokyo, and offers an enchanting oasis full of locals who laugh and share great memories. For a more ‘organic’ experience, stop by this farmer’s market!
8. Tokyo Ramen Street
Yes, how can you visit Japan without having a great bowl of ramen? If you’re looking to truly indulge yourself in this famous dish, look no further than the Tokyo Ramen Street. Its an underground passage that features multiple high-quality ramen shops. Here you can get your fill of dipping ramen (Tsukemen) or more traditional bowls served at diners. Next time your stomach is rumbling at Tokyo station, look no further than the Ramen street.
9. Okura
Okura is a total labyrinth located in Yutenji — a quaint residential district in Tokyo. To this day, it remains a hidden gem even for locals. This is a perfect spot to spend a lazy weekend afternoon while sipping tea and perusing the books that are on display. If one wants to get a more intimate look-in at Japanese culture and history, spending some time here will go a long way!
10. Shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory
The name along is enough to draw us in! While this is not a “factory” in the traditional sense, it is actually a spot to get creamy puff pastries which are often made into lovable characters from Studio Ghibli films. Each bite will give you a delightful burst of cream texture, and there are many other pastries you can try here as well. It’s a perfect spot with a warm, welcoming vibe to relax in during your busy stay in Tokyo.
