Looking for places in Tokyo that most tourists never find? Skip the crowded spots and discover peaceful temples, local food streets, and traditional markets where locals actually hang out.
From the lucky cat temple of Gotokuji to the tiny food stalls of Omoide Yokocho, these 10 hidden spots show you the real and unique Tokyo.
Each place offers something special – and best of all, you won’t have to fight through crowds to enjoy them. 😊
1. Shibamata Taishakuten Sando
a. What Makes It Special
- The street retains a nostalgic, old Tokyo atmosphere from the mid-20th century
- It’s a 200-meter-long shopping street in Tokyo’s Katsushika ward
- It leads from Shibamata Station to the famous Shibamata Taishakuten Temple
- Famous as the setting for the beloved Japanese film series “Tora-san”
- The area offers a peaceful escape from modern Tokyo, perfect for experiencing old-world charm
b. What to See Along the Street
- Traditional Japanese sweet shops selling local specialties like yomogi dango (mugwort dumplings)
- Old-fashioned toy stores and retro candy shops reminiscent of the Showa era
- Shops offering freshly grilled senbei (rice crackers) and other savory snacks
- Keep an eye out for shops with visible kitchens where you can watch food being prepared
- Most shops open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
c. Must-Try Foods
- Kusa dango (Yoshino-ya | Kameya Honpo | Takagiya Roho): Green rice dumplings flavored with mugwort, a local specialty.
- Freshly grilled senbei (Kanekoya | Asanoya): Crispy rice crackers in various flavors.
- Unagi dishes (Kawachiya): Grilled eel is a specialty of the area.
- Dorayaki (Ishii): Two small, sweet pancakes sandwiching a filling of sweet red bean paste.
d. Shibamata Taishakuten Temple
- The temple is at the end of the shopping street – you can’t miss its impressive entrance gate
- Visit the beautiful Japanese garden behind the main hall (Garden entrance fee: 400 yen)
- Take a moment to admire the 500-year-old pine tree in front of the temple
e. How to Get There
Take the Keisei-Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Station. Exit the ticket gate (there’s only one). As you exit, you’ll spot a statue of Tora-san directly in front of you, with the entrance to the shopping street, Shibamata Taishakuten Sando, just beyond it.
Read More: 10 Places I Regret Not Visiting in Tokyo
2. Gotokuji Temple
a. What Makes It Special
- Known as the birthplace of the Maneki-neko (lucky waving cat)
- Thousands of ceramic lucky cats scattered throughout the temple grounds
- Beautiful traditional Japanese architecture, including the Main Hall (Hondo)
- Free to enter the temple grounds
- Perfect for unique photos and social media moments
b. The Legend of the Lucky Cat
- A poor monk lived at the temple site with his pet cat in the 17th century
- During a storm, the cat beckoned a samurai lord to take shelter at the temple
- The lord’s life was saved when lightning struck the spot he had just left
- Grateful, the lord became a patron and rebuilt the temple
- This legend gave birth to the Maneki-neko as a symbol of good fortune
c. What to Do at the Temple
- Visit the small temple housing thousands of Maneki-neko figurines
- Purchase your own Maneki-neko figurine from the temple shop
- Make a wish and leave your figurine at the temple, or take it home for luck
- Explore the main temple buildings and admire the traditional architecture
- Take a peaceful walk through the temple gardens and cemetery
d. How to Get There
Take the Odakyu Line and get off at Gotokuji Station. After exiting the ticket gate, turn left and walk for about 5 minutes to reach Gotokuji Temple.
Read More: 5 Days in Tokyo Itinerary: How to Do It Under $550
3. Shin-Okubo
a. What Makes It Special
- The authentic Korean atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo
- A diverse mix of Korean and Japanese cultures
- The opportunity to experience Korean trends without leaving Japan
- The concentration of Korean businesses in a compact, walkable area
- The constant evolution of the area, reflecting current Korean pop culture
b. Korean Cuisine Experience
- Korean BBQ (Tonchang | Macchan): Grill your own meat, especially samgyeopsal (pork belly).
- Cheese dak galbi (Shijan Dak Galbi): Spicy stir-fried chicken with melted cheese.
- Korean fried chicken (NeNe Chicken | Shin-Chan): Crispy, flavorful chicken in various sauces.
- Kimchi jjigae (Minzoku Mura): Spicy stew made with kimchi and pork.
c. Street Food Adventure
- Korean corn dogs (Jongno Yataimura): Crispy, cheese-filled hot dogs on a stick.
- Tteokbokki (Jongno Yataimura): Spicy rice cakes in a gochujang-based sauce.
- Hotteok (POPO Hotteok): Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and seeds.
- Odeng (Shin-Okubo Kankoku Yokocho): Fish cakes on skewers in a savory broth.
d. Unique Cafes and Desserts
- CAESAR Cafe: K-pop themed interior with celebrity posters and photos, extensive drink menu and desserts including cakes, waffles, Belgian waffles, and tiramisu.
- Cafe du Riche: 7-minute walk from Okubo Station, serves waffles, toasted sandwiches, shaved ice, sandwiches, and pasta, spacious interior with terrace seating, perfect for afternoon tea.
- Cafe BingGo: Various desserts with Korean shaved ice (bingsu) being most popular, also serves waffles, milkshakes, and milk tea.
- 2D Cafe: Unique black-and-white hand-drawn themed interior, specializes in milk snowflake ice and bubble tea drinks.
- Sul Bing Cafe: Wide variety of Korean shaved ice (bingsu) flavors including strawberry, blueberry, mango, banana, plus unique options like Oreo, matcha, soybean, and cheese.
e. How to Get There
Take the JR Yamanote Line and get off at Shin-Okubo Station. After exiting the ticket gate, turn right and walk for about 3 minutes to reach Koreatown.
Read More: 17 Top Things to Do in Shibuya with My Ideal Itinerary
4. Jiyugaoka
a. What Makes It Special
- European-inspired architecture and streetscapes, including Parisian-style promenades
- La Vita: a miniature version of Venice complete with a canal, bridge, and gondola
- An abundance of unique dessert shops and cafes, many exclusive to Jiyugaoka
b. Shopping & Exploring
- La Vita “Little Venice”: Features canals and gondolas, with unique shops lining the streets.
- Shopping Streets: Mix of fashion boutiques, lifestyle stores, interior design shops, and art galleries.
- Marie Claire Promenade and Green Street: tree-lined avenues perfect for strolling and people-watching.
- Kumano Shrine: an 800-year-old shrine offering a peaceful escape.
c. Must Try Desserts
- Mont St. Clair: Famous patisserie by master chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi, known for exquisite cakes and cookies.
- Jiyugaoka Rollya: Specializes in Swiss rolls with various flavors including Jiyugaoka special roll, honey cake roll, chocolate roll, and banana chocolate roll.
- BAKE Cheese Tart: Popular for their aromatic large cheese tarts, a must-visit for cheese lovers.
- FLIPPER’S: Famous for cloud-like souffle pancakes that melt in your mouth, known for their fluffy texture and rich egg flavor.
- patisserie Paris S’eveille: French-style pastry shop featuring exceptional cream puffs and seasonal fruit tarts.
d. How to Get There
Take the Oimachi Line or Toyoko Line and get off at Jiyugaoka Station. After exiting the Main Entrance ticket gate, turn left and walk for about 5 minutes to reach La Vita Jiyugaoka.
Read More: Tokyo to Mount Fuji: A Complete Day Trip Guide for You
5. Omoide Yokocho
a. What Makes It Special
- Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Memory Lane” or “Piss Alley”, is a small network of alleyways near Shinjuku Station
- Authentic post-war Tokyo atmosphere preserved in the heart of modern Shinjuku
- Unique dining experience in extremely small, intimate establishments
- It’s known for its authentic, old Tokyo atmosphere and affordable drinks and food
b. What to Eat and Drink
- Try yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), a specialty of many shops in the area
- Sample motsuyaki (grilled offal), another popular dish dating back to post-war times
- Enjoy cheap beer and sake, staples of the Omoide Yokocho experience
- Don’t miss out on nikomi (beef tendon stew), a hearty local favorite
c. Photography Opportunities
- Capture the nostalgic atmosphere with the dimly lit alleys and red lanterns
- Take photos of the bustling crowds and lively eateries (but be respectful of patrons)
- The entrance sign makes for a great photo opportunity
- Early evening offers a mix of natural and artificial light for interesting shots
d. How to Get There
- By JR Train: Take any JR line to Shinjuku Station. Exit through the West Exit, and Omoide Yokocho is just a 2-3 minute walk away. Look for the narrow alley filled with signs and eateries.
- By Tokyo Metro: You can also take the Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku Station and head towards the West Exit. Follow the signs for Omoide Yokocho.
- By Subway: Take the Oedo Line to Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station. Use Exit D3, and from there, it’s about a 1-minute walk to Omoide Yokocho.
Read More: 17 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku
6. Yanaka Ginza
a. What Makes It Special
- It’s a charming 170-meter long shopping street in Tokyo’s Yanaka district
- Authentic shitamachi (old town) atmosphere rarely found in modern Tokyo
- It’s home to about 60 small, family-run shops and eateries
- Yanaka Ginza offers a glimpse into authentic local life in Tokyo
- Cat-themed decorations and souvenirs, as Yanaka is known as a “cat town”
b. Must-Try Street Foods
- Niku no Sato: Try their juicy menchi-katsu (ground meat cutlet).
- Yanaka Shippoya: Specializes in cat tail-shaped donuts, reflecting Yanaka’s reputation as a “cat town”.
- Kikumi Senbei: Taste freshly grilled senbei (rice crackers) in various flavors.
- Chaya Matsuo: Offers classic Japanese sweets like dango and kakigori, featuring a stylish take on traditional festival treats.
- Yanaka no Omusubi: Serves adorable and delicious rice balls (omusubi) with various fillings, including unique daily specials.
c. How to Get There
Take the JR Yamanote Line, Joban Line, Toei Toneri Line, or Keisei Line and get off at Nippori Station. After exiting the West Exit ticket gate, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Yanaka Ginza.
Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Ginza
7. Nezu Shrine
a. What Makes It Special
- It’s one of Tokyo’s oldest Shinto shrines, with a history dating back over 1,900 years
- Famous for its tunnel of vermilion torii gates.
- It survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and World War II bombings
- The shrine grounds include a picturesque pond with koi fish and a small waterfall
b. Must-See Features
- Romon Gate: A stunning two-story gate at the shrine’s entrance, built in 1706.
- Karamon Gate: An ornate Chinese-style gate with intricate carvings.
- Honden (Main Hall): The shrine’s centerpiece, featuring beautiful Edo-period architecture.
- Otome Inari Shrine: A smaller shrine within the complex, famous for its tunnel of torii gates.
- Pond and Garden: A serene spot with a traditional Japanese landscape design.
c. Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (April-May): The famous Bunkyo Azalea Festival, with over 3,000 azalea bushes in bloom.
- Summer (July-August): Enjoy the lush greenery and escape the heat under shady trees.
- Fall (October-November): Beautiful autumn foliage, especially the Japanese maples.
- Winter (December-February): A peaceful time with occasional light snowfall, creating a serene atmosphere.
d. How to Get There
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line: Get off at Nezu Station or Sendagi Station. After exiting the ticket gate, walk straight for about 5 minutes from Exit 1 to reach Nezu Shrine.
- Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Get off at Todai-mae Station. After exiting the ticket gate, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Nezu Shrine from either Exit 1 or Exit 2.
Read More: 17 Wonderful Things to Do in Asakusa Tokyo
8. Koenji
a. What Makes It Special
- Retro-style shopping arcade
- Known for vintage clothing stores and indie music venues
- Vibrant street art adds to the area’s eclectic vibe
- Popular with young locals and artists
b. Shopping Highlights
- Browse through numerous vintage clothing shops for unique fashion finds
- Explore second-hand stores for books, music, and other interesting items
- Look for handmade crafts and accessories in small, independent stores
c. How to Get There
Take the JR Chuo Line and get off at Koenji Station. Exit through the North Exit and walk straight for about 5 minutes to reach Koenji Junjo Shotengai.
Read More: Only 3 Best Places to Stay in Tokyo
9. Tsukishima Monja Street
a. What Makes It Special
- Known as the birthplace of modern monjayaki
- Interactive dining experience where you cook your own food
- A 500-meter long shopping street in Tokyo’s Tsukishima district
- Home to around 80 restaurants specializing in monjayaki, a local delicacy
- Preserves the atmosphere of old Tokyo, giving you a glimpse into the past
b. Understanding Monjayaki
- A Tokyo-style savory pancake, different from Osaka’s okonomiyaki
- Made with a runny batter mixed with various ingredients
- Cooked on a hot griddle at your table
- Eaten directly off the griddle with small metal spatulas
- Ingredients can include seafood, meat, vegetables, and even cheese
c. Top Restaurants to Try
- Monja Kura: Known for its 35 different toppings and unique flavors.
- Tsukishima Monja Moheji: An old establishment dating back to 1871, famous for fresh seafood.
- Monkichi: Popular among entertainers, with staff that helps beginners.
- Tsukishima Monja Tamatoya: Renowned for its original “Tsukishima monja”.
d. How to Get There
Take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line and get off at Tsukishima Station (Exit 7, 8a, or 8b). After exiting the ticket gate, walk straight for about 2 minutes to reach Tsukishima Monja Street.
Read More: 10 New Things to Do in Tokyo
10. Sumo Wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan
a. What Makes It Special
- It’s the main sumo stadium in Tokyo, hosting three of the six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments
- You’ll witness Japan’s national sport in its most prestigious venue
- You can see sumo wrestlers of all ranks, from beginners to grand champions (yokozuna)
- It’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a uniquely Japanese cultural experience
b. Planning Your Visit
- Tokyo hosts three tournaments annually: January, May, and September
- Tickets go on sale about a month before each tournament
- Arrive early to explore the area and secure good seats if you have general admission tickets
- The tournament runs from around 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
c. What to See and Do
- Watch the ring-entering ceremonies, especially for top-division wrestlers
- Observe pre-bout rituals like salt-throwing and foot-stomping
- Stay for the bow-twirling ceremony performed by the gyoji (referee) before top matches
- Try to spot the differences in wrestlers’ ceremonial aprons, indicating their rank
- Keep an eye out for rare techniques and exciting upsets during bouts
d. Understanding the Tournament Structure
- Matches for lower-ranked wrestlers start in the morning
- Top-division (Makuuchi) and second-division (Juryo) matches begin around 2:00 PM
- The highest-ranked wrestlers compete last, usually around 5:00 PM
- Each bout is typically very short, often lasting only seconds
- The winner is the first to force his opponent out of the ring or make him touch the ground with any part of his body other than the soles of his feet
e. Tips for Enhancing Your Experience
- Rent a radio with English commentary to better understand what’s happening
- Visit the Sumo Museum on the first floor to learn about sumo history (free entry)
- Purchase a tournament banzuke (official ranking list) as a souvenir
- Stay until the very end to see the bow-twirling ceremony and the yumitori-shiki (bow-twirling ritual)
f. How to Get There
- JR Sobu Line: Get off at Ryogoku Station (West Exit). After exiting the ticket gate, walk for about 2 minutes to reach Ryogoku Kokugikan.
- Toei Oedo Line: Get off at Ryogoku Station (Exit A3). After exiting, walk for about 5 minutes to reach Ryogoku Kokugikan.
