
Explore a different side of Tokyo with your local host! Discover my favorite hidden gems in Central Tokyo
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
I’ve carefully curated this experience based on the places I absolutely adore in Tokyo! You can expect to step off the beaten path and discover places other travelers like you don’t even know about and discover the real heart of Tokyo as a local would..
Be prepared to join the elite explorer club as you explore one of Tokyo’s most hidden but beautiful shrines, the Hanabusa Inari Shrine, trust me when I say that it is a real hidden gem that you need to see! Surrounded by high-rise skyscrapers and nestled in a tiny side alley, this shrine was left intact as a reminder of Tokyo’s fast post war growth. When I first visited it, it was so hidden in fact, that it took me three tries to find it. Your host will make sure you get there first time though so you maximize the rest of your experience time.
Experience the future as you explore the neighborhood of Akihabara Electric Town which is famous for its anime and manga scene but what amazes me the most is the wide variety of related shops! Life sized figures, impressive art and larger than life characters means this is a stop with great stories and even better photo opportunities.
Discover one of my favorite hidden gems in Tokyo, (I know I say that a lot, I have a lot of favorites) the Yushima Seido, a Chinese Confucian temple tucked away in the busy backstreets of Akihabara. Despite being so beautiful and centrally located, this temple sees very few visitors. Each time I come here, I expect it to become more popular with tourists and to see it full of people, but each time it is quiet but it is still a nice hidden gem when it's busy in Tokyo. A special secret I am sharing with you!
Remember that Anime Movie called “Weathering With You”? Visit the amazing Hijiribashi Bridge at Ochanomizu Station. A beautiful location immortalized thanks to the movie and really popular for photographers. From the unique viewpoint, you can see up to 6 different trains run through the Tokyo scenery, try to catch them all in one photo for ultimate bragging rights! Although you could probably just spend hours watching the scenery over Tokyo (trust me I did that before). As a challenge, make sure to get a photo with at least 4 trains in the same frame; I am sure you can do it!
Find serenity in an unexpected place, the Jimbocho Book Town, one of the oldest book towns in the world! This area of Tokyo managed to withstand fires and wars while maintaining its old school charm. A must see store is Kitzawa Shoten, its atmosphere and selection of English books it’s amazing. What I love about this bookstore is this cute and cozy cafe there! It is so peaceful to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading one of my favorite books. Expect to see people reading right on the sidewalks, they take reading pretty seriously here! Your host will share with you all the special magic this area holds.
Wander through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle and the only publicly accessible part of the Imperial Palace. These gardens are especially beautiful during the Sakura Season. This is probably one of the few places in the city where you can see wide open spaces. If you’re lucky you may even spot some turtles, koi fish and of course you can expect to see some beautiful birds, probably my favorite thing about the East Gardens. There are many great photo opportunities here, make sure to share your favorites with me.
Just a short walk away you will find one of the most iconic buildings in Tokyo, the Tokyo Station. This famous red brick station stands out from the rest of the city with its unique architecture and appearance. Definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. While Tokyo Station doesnt look big from the outside, it’s nothing compared to what is underneath it: the incredible maze of train stations is so massive, it once took me almost an hour to find the right exit! You’ll have more luck with your host though.
While it's unfortunate that you’ve reached the end of your journey, you have to experience the Kitte Mall as our final stop. This is a former post office turned into an upscale mall which makes it completely unique to other malls in Tokyo. Check out the big open-air rooftop garden with amazing views out on Tokyo Station, including train watching. I could honestly spend days just watching the trains go by from this spot.
I really hope you enjoy this experience I have created, highlighting some hidden gems that only a local would know. With your talented local host by your side, you’re almost guaranteed a wonderful experience.
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After a disastrous first tour with city unscripted I was very anxious about what today would be like. Ayaka was punctual, knowledgeable and efficient. We loved seeing Tokyo with her. We realised just how bad our previous experience was by having a good guide today. Cecily
Show moreTomo was the most lovely tour guide you could ask for. She was so well organised before and during the tour. We covered so many areas we were interested in, and that we never would have found without her. We give Tomo 10/10!
Show moreWe had a wonderful time walking and seeing so many different areas of the city. I highly recommend it.
Show moreI had a wonder time with Amir on a solo tour. He was as accommodating as could be, starting with picking me up at my hotel and explaining how to use the train and subway system during the rest of my stay in Tokyo. At my request, we started off my sight-seeing in Yanaka, which is one of the oldest parts of the city. The pedestrian streets were wonderful and I was impressed with how Amir knew all the little shops and alleys and even showed me his favorite hidden gem of a place for coffee. I was lucky enough to be in Tokyo for Sakura, the peak time for cherry blossoms. Amir knew the best spots to see them without being overwhelmed by too many tourists trying to see them at the same time. Although Amir is not born and bred Japanese, he is married to a Japanese woman and understands the culture very well. We chattered so much about all sorts of topics during my tour that by the end I felt I had not only learned a great deal about Japan but also had gained a new friend.
Show moreTwo days ago, we went on a walking city tour with Chiara. Despite the heavy rain, she made the experience truly exceptional. We managed to complete our list of things we wanted to see and even added some suggestions from Chiara along the way. She is professional, fun, and an all-around wonderful person. Book a day tour with her now; you won’t regret it.
Show moreMy tour with Veronica was wonderful. She walked me to so many wonderful sights, showed me how to take the trains around town and where to buy goodies to take home. She was full of information. Not only did she educate me on the proper way to enter and leave a shrine but she explained why. It was 4 hours worth every minute! Highly recommend her as a guide!
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