Shibuya, Tokyo | Image credit: Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash
Tokyo faces challenges with overtourism, despite being one of the largest cities in the world. Iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble, Hachiko Square, Harajuku, Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara are constantly bustling with tourists. While these locations are exciting for first-time visitors, the crowds, bright neon lights, and sounds of arcades can become overwhelming over time. Fortunately, there are lesser-known places and unique things to do in Tokyo that attract fewer visitors and offer a more authentic, local experience. So, the next time you’re in Tokyo, consider skipping the more touristy spots for these hidden gems instead.
Get ready to go beyond the typical tourist trail by following our curated list of unique things to do in Tokyo. Additionally, be sure to check out our guide to the must-visit places in Tokyo in 2025.
Explore hidden gems and more: Unique things to do in Tokyo
Visit Kanda-Jinbōchō for coffee and reading: Kanda-Jinbōchō is a well-known book town in Tokyo, frequented by writers, readers, and students alike. It boasts around 100 cosy bookstores offering a variety of secondhand books, vintage magazines, and antique items. In addition to the bookstores, visitors can also discover charming retro cafes, curry shops, and stationery stores. We recommend visiting Magnif for art magazines, Nanyodo for books on design and architecture, Cafe Ataraxia and Ladrio for delicious coffee and reading.
Address: Kanda-Jinbōchō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
Enjoy a picnic at Kiba Park in Koto City: While tourists often visit Yoyogi and Ueno Parks for recreation, locals prefer Kiba Park in Koto City. This hidden gem on Tokyo’s east side features a spacious picnic area, a dog park, a BBQ area, a jogging path, an event space, and a tennis court. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends for a picnic under the cherry blossom trees in spring. We recommend the Park Community KIBACO for iced coffee and sweet treats.
Address: 4 Chome-6-1 Hirano, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0023
Also, check out this guide on where to go in Tokyo on your first vs second visit.
Go vintage shopping: Koenji and Shimokitazawa are two hotspots for vintage fashion lovers. While Koenji boasts an edgier, old-school vibe, Shimokitazawa attracts a younger crowd. Both neighbourhoods offer a wide selection of 1970s to 1990s American streetwear, including graphic tees, gender-neutral fashion, oversized clothing, and retro outfits. In addition to fashion, you’ll find Instagram-worthy cafes serving beautifully crafted desserts and coffee. We recommend shopping for miscellaneous items at Marché Shimokitazawa and fashion pieces at Little Trip to Heaven Shimokitazawa, as well as thrifting for vintage fashion pieces at Atlantis Vintage Tokyo and Top of the Hill Koenji.
Address for Koenji: Koenji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0002, Japan
Address for Shimokitazawa: Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Shop the best travel experiences here
Gotokuji Temple | Image credit: John Gillespie/Flickr
Visit the Lucky Cat Temple at Gotokuji: Cat lovers shouldn’t miss Gotokuji Temple, famous for its ‘maneki-neko’ figurines, symbolising good luck and fortune. Although it’s a popular tourist destination, few visitors come on weekdays. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. You can purchase a maneki-neko figurine as a souvenir to take home. We recommend trying the lucky cat-shaped dessert at Rarasand Cafe, a truly unique thing to do in Tokyo.
Address: 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021
Buy rare anime merchandise from Nakano Broadway: While Sunshine City in Ikebukuro and Akihabara are famous for mainstream anime merchandise, Nakano Broadway is a gleaming hidden gem, making shopping here one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo. Here, visitors will find limited-edition retro anime merchandise, Disney goods, and capsule toy products for a premium price. We recommend Mandarake Nakano for their selection of second-hand manga and anime merchandise.
Also, explore the affordable, accessible and fun world of Gachapon in Japan.
Address: 5 Chome-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
Sunamachi Ginza Shopping District | Image credit: ivva/Flickr
Explore a local shopping district: Another unique thing to do in Tokyo is to enjoy retail therapy away from the malls, at the local shopping districts featuring long pathways and numerous shops. You can find a great mix of tea shops, butcher shops, greengrocers, coffee houses, fashion boutiques, household items, and daily necessities. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to meet locals and shop owners. Visiting the Sunamachi Ginza Shopping District, Togoshi-Ginza Shotengai, Sugamo Jizo-dori Shotengai, and Jujo-Ginza Shotengai will leave you with a memorable experience. We recommend visiting local tea shops and Japanese pickle and bento shops for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Address for Sunamachi Ginza Shopping District: 4-18-14 Kitasuna, Koto City, Tokyo
Stroll along Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s ‘Little Paris’: Once a vibrant Geisha district, Kagurazaka has transformed into a stylish neighbourhood filled with European restaurants, charming cafes, artisanal home goods, ceramics, traditional Japanese craft stores, and boutique fashion shops. Due to the proximity of the French Institute of Tokyo, the area boasts a strong French influence, with many French expats calling it home. Unlike many tourist-heavy locales, Kagurazaka remains one of Tokyo’s hidden gems. We recommend trying the fresh French pastries at Le Coin Vert and Aux Merveilleux de Fred.
Address: Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
Jiyugaoka | Image Credit: w00kie, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Explore the charming Jiyugaoka neighbourhood: Jiyugaoka is a hidden gem in Tokyo for those who enjoy stylish shops, European-inspired architecture, cobblestone streets, trendy fashion, home decor, and cutesy eateries. It’s in Tokyo’s Meguro ward and is loved for its laid-back atmosphere. Unlike Shibuya or Harajuku, Jiyugaoka attracts a more mature and sophisticated crowd into design, fashion, and interior decorating. We recommend shopping for knick-knacks and aesthetic cutlery at Hotch Potch and Today’s Special.
Address : Jiyugaoka, Meguro, Tokyo 152-0035, Japan
Go cafe hopping at Kiyosumi-Shirakawa: Think of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa as Tokyo’s unofficial coffee town. Some cafes in the neighbourhood are renovated warehouses that have been beautifully designed. Most of them use hand-drip techniques and roast their coffee. Once your caffeine fix is in, explore nearby attractions like Kiyosumi Garden and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT). We recommend trying coffee at Blue Bottle, Cream of the Crop Coffee and Tokaku Coffee.
This handy guide will take you to some of Japan’s most unique cafes, ranging from entertaining to eerie.
Address: 1 Chome-6-13 Shirakawa, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0021
Spend your evening at an izakaya in Monzen Nakacho: This location in Koto Ward boasts a lively izakaya scene at night. Numerous family-run restaurants and small bars fill the area, where locals gather to enjoy yakitori and beer. After dinner, it is common for residents to conclude their evening by visiting a nearby karaoke booth. During the day, tourists can explore the area’s spiritual side by visiting its temples and shrines. We recommend savouring sake and grilled yakitori at Shukushu KinKin, Sakamoto Shoten, Hikodori Monzen-nakacho, and Izumi.
Address: Monzen-Nakachō, Kōtō-ku, Tokyo 135-0048, Japan
Tips for visitors
Tokyo | Image Credit: Natsuko Aoyama/Pexels
A long line outside the restaurant or shop is a strong indicator that the place is popular.
Local shopping streets, known as Shotengai, offer a variety of popular homemade local dishes, including rice balls (onigiri), skewered chicken (yakitori), bento boxes (lunchboxes), and Japanese pickles (tsukemono).
Local food and cultural events take place in key districts and venues, including Tokyo Big Sight, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo Dome, and Ueno Park. You can find weekly event dates and schedules on X or Japan Travel.
Explore locations on weekday afternoons and weekend mornings when there are fewer crowds.
Tabelog is a good app for finding and reading reviews on nearby local restaurants.
Walking at least 5,000 to 15,000 steps daily in Tokyo is common. Hence, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothes.
Investing in IC cards like Suica and PASMO is helpful when using Japan’s public transport and vending machines.
Carry a hand sanitiser with you, as most public toilet areas often lack soap, towels, and toilet paper.
Carry extra cash because some stalls at flea markets and local bakeries do not accept card payments.
Google Maps is a handy tool for navigating routes and exploring new places.
Carry only essentials, such as cards, cash, a pocket Wi-Fi device, an IC Card, a hand towel, and a small box of mints.
(Feature image credit: Thomas balabaud/Unsplash)
Related | A Day Away From Tokyo: Tranquil Trips To Refresh And Explore
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are some neighborhoods in Tokyo where locals hang out?
Some popular neighbourhoods in Tokyo where locals hang out are Koenji, Jimbocho, Kichijoji, Jiyugaoka, Sugamo, Kagurazaka, Monzen-Nakacho, Shimokitazawa, and others.
Which Tokyo districts offer a more authentic, local vibe?
Check out Koenji, Shimokitazawa, Koto, and Yanaka in Tokyo for a more authentic, local vibe.
Are there quiet places in Tokyo that locals prefer over touristy areas?
Yes, there are plenty of quiet places where locals escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. We recommend visiting Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya, Kagurazaka in Shinjuku, and Mozennakacho in Koto.
What local cafes or bars do Tokyo residents recommend?
Tokyo has a rich and diverse cafe culture. With themed and traditional cafes, there’s a cafe for every vibe. Visit Koenji and Jimbocho for vintage and retro-designed cafes. Shibuya, Takadanobaba, Shinjuku, and Harajuku for youthful and modern cafes.
Where do Tokyo locals go to relax or spend weekends?
Living in Tokyo is exciting because there is always something going on. On weekends, most locals enjoy brunch with friends at a cosy restaurant, reading at a cafe, shopping at the mall, karaoke, and finishing the night with drinks and local snacks at an Izakaya.
How do I find hidden spots in Tokyo that are not in guidebooks?
The best way to find hidden spots in Tokyo is to get lost without a fixed plan or purpose. Reddit, Tabelog, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads are other ways to find niche places in Tokyo.
What are the best non-tourist areas to stay in Tokyo?
Stay around Koenji, Nezu, Kuramae, Koto, and Yanaka for a local experience.
Are there local markets in Tokyo worth visiting?
Yes, there are local markets in Tokyo worth visiting, like the Oedo Antique Market for antique items and secondhand clothing. The Marche of the Sun, and the UNU Farmers Market for fresh groceries and handmade goods. There’s also Sunamachi Ginza Shotengai for affordable groceries and homemade lunchboxes.
What kind of nightlife do Tokyo locals enjoy?
Locals often spend their evenings singing at Karaoke booths, drinking with friends at an Izakaya, attending live events at Koenji, unwinding at a local sento and Shimokitazawa, and dancing the night away at a club.
Can I explore these local spots even if I do not speak Japanese?
Yes, you can visit these local spots without knowing Japanese. For a smooth experience, point out items from the menu or use translation apps like Google Translate and DeepL Translate.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read Moreshe worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte. Read Less
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