Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (60)

Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Step beyond Tokyo’s neon buzz to uncover serene shrines, indie shops, and hidden courtyards on a journey crafted around your passions.

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

Step off the tourist path and uncover Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. From Shimokitazawa’s charm to Tokyo Camii’s architecture and Yoyogi Hachiman’s serenity, this is your curated flexible journey

Key highlights

  • Tailored to your interests, ensuring every stop reflects your curiosity.
  • Uncover Shimokitazawa’s vibrant indie backstreets and creative spirit.
  • Marvel at Tokyo Camii’s Ottoman-style elegance and multicultural significance.
  • Experience serenity at Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine, away from the city’s bustle.
  • Wander Uehara’s quiet courtyards and artisan shops, discovering local craftsmanship.
  • Pause for a coffee or a light snack at a cozy, independent café (optional).

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a host
Walking experience

What’s not included

Food and drink
Transportation costs
Tickets to any attractions
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Shimo-Kitazawa Station, 2-chōme-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Shimo-Kitazawa Station, 2-chōme-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Step into Shimokitazawa’s Indie Backstreets

Unearth Tokyo’s creative soul in Shimokitazawa’s tucked-away lanes.

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Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Begin in Shimokitazawa, where the city’s indie heart beats strong. Trace your fingers along timeworn records in Flash Disc Ranch, browse antique shops, and pause to admire murals brightening the alley walls. You’ll feel the energy of this artistic haven, a perfect introduction to Tokyo’s treasures.

Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Marvel at Tokyo Camii’s Architectural Beauty

Discover Tokyo Camii, a cultural and architectural treasure.

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Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Welcome to Tokyo Camii, an Ottoman-style mosque and a testament to Tokyo’s multicultural fabric. Step inside its intricately designed prayer hall, where stained glass and carved wooden details transport you to another world. Your host will share insights into the mosque’s history and its culture

Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Find Peace at Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine

Escape to the serene Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine, nestled in a quiet neighborhood.

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Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Wander under the torii gates of Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine, a peaceful sanctuary steeped in tradition. Your host will guide you through its tranquil grounds, sharing stories about its historical significance as a spiritual refuge for locals. This hidden gem offers a moment of calm in your journey.

Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Wander Uehara’s Hidden Courtyards & Artisan Shops

Explore Uehara, where local craftsmanship and tranquility blend effortlessly.

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Discover Tokyo’s Best-Kept Secrets and Hidden Gems

Conclude your day in Uehara, a residential neighborhood filled with hidden treasures. Step into pottery studios, browse handmade wares at local artisan shops, and discover charming courtyards tucked away. End your experience with a coffee at a cozy independent café, savoring the quiet charm Tokyo.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
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GYGRFVM7ZWAN_host_Noriko_Takata_DayTriptoKawagoe_Tokyo

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience

Amanda, Nov 2024

He stayed on our pace and was a wonderful guide.

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Jill, Oct 2024

We had so much fun with Tomo. She took us to several really cool areas, providing us with interesting information about the areas that we visited. We would highly recommend doing a tour with Tomo. The time passed quickly. We all agreed that it was one of the best tours that we’ve been on.

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Kayce, Oct 2024

Shuto was a wonderful guide. Just the right amount of conversation and information!

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Kat, Oct 2024

Veronica was great and made changes to the initerary to meet my interests. This is my 2nd time in Tokyo so she took me to places that's been changed since my last visit. some great recommendations after the tour.

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Mariela, Oct 2024

I spent a half day touring Tokyo with Yohei. He was very knowledgeable about Tokyo and beyond. He shared many stories about the city that I could not have found in any guidebook. Given that this was my third time in Tokyo, Yohei took me to truly hidden gems of the city and small local neighborhoods. After the tour, Yohei suggested a fantastic local place for lunch. It was a fantastic tour and I will certainly do it again when I come back to Tokyo. It felt like touring with a friend.

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Mariela, Oct 2024

I spent a half day touring Tokyo with Yohei. He was very knowledgeable about Tokyo and beyond. He shared many stories about the city that I could not have found in any guidebook. Given that this was my third time in Tokyo, Yohei took me to truly hidden gems of the city and small local neighborhoods. After the tour, Yohei suggested a fantastic local place for lunch. It was a fantastic tour and I will certainly do it again when I come back to Tokyo. It felt like touring with a friend.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

What makes City Unscripted different?

We don’t do generic tours. Every experience is crafted around you, ensuring a unique, personal, and authentic way to explore the city. You won’t just see the sights—you’ll connect with the people and stories that bring the city to life.

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.