1. Jindai Motomachi, Chofu
Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo by exploring the tranquil neighborhood of Jindai Motomachi in western Tokyo. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the charm of old Edo village, where you can immerse yourself in the serene ambiance or let your imagination run wild as a samurai.
A quick taxi ride from Chofu Station will bring you to the entrance of Jindai Shokubutsu Koen (Jindai Botanical Gardens), a botanical paradise showcasing a diverse range of plants, trees, and flowers throughout the year. From there, venture along the path on the right which leads to a quiet residential street. As you wander through this quaint neighborhood, passing by spacious houses with a peaceful atmosphere, you'll eventually come across a secluded cemetery adorned with towering trees and accompanied by the melodic sounds of birds chirping.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Jindai Motomachi and appreciate the beauty of nature that still exists within Tokyo's concrete jungle.
After 10 minutes or so you will reach another entrance to the botanical gardens and several old-style soba noodle shops, one of which, Matsubajaya, has an open fire in the middle of the floor. Yes, in a wooden building.
Turn right here and follow the slope down to Jindaiji, the second-oldest temple in the Tokyo area, built in 733 to house a bronze statue of Buddha Shaka Nyorai.
The narrow street along which the temple’s entrance is found is full of shops selling traditional sweets and food to keep your sustenance up.
A stream gurgles parallel to the path, with tiny bridges leading to impressive-looking (i.e. pricey) restaurants and a still pond filled with swans and koi carp. If it’s a time-warp you’re looking for, Jindai Motomachi is the place to find it.
Chofu Station, Keio and Sagamihara lines, then No.34 bus or a 10-minute taxi ride
2. Shimotakaido, Setagaya Ward
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Shimotakaido is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This vibrant neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and quirky charm, offers a unique experience for both locals and tourists alike.
One of the main draws of Shimotakaido is its train spotting scene. For enthusiasts, the imposing rail crossing that slashes through the neighborhood is a dream come true, providing an opportunity to admire and capture the passing trains in all their glory.
Beyond its trainspotting appeal, Shimotakaido also boasts a young and funky crowd of residents, who are drawn to the area for its abundance of affordable bars, eclectic eateries, and band rehearsal studios. This gives the neighborhood a vibrant and creative energy.
If you venture further north from the train tracks, you'll stumble upon a charming shopping street where local vendors proudly display their goods. Fresh fish, homemade tofu, and an array of fruits and vegetables overflow from the stalls, creating an enticing atmosphere for food lovers. Don't miss Baobab No Ki, a small but well-stocked wholefood store, which stands proudly on one of the corners of this bustling street.
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, Shimotakaido has got you covered. Throughout the neighborhood, you'll find stalls selling taiyaki - delightful fish-shaped wafer cakes filled with azuki (red bean) paste and other delectable treats. These tasty snacks are a must-try for visitors.
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If you're craving a satisfying meal, venture across the tracks to the south and take a right and an immediate left to find Mushinosu, an Italian restaurant known for its delectable pastas and risottos. Don't be fooled by the name; the restaurant is insect-free.
Right opposite Mushinosu, you'll stumble upon Trashmundo, a hipster haven filled to the brim with cult vinyl, CDs, classic films, and vintage magazines. This eclectic shop is a treasure trove for collectors of all kinds.
If you're a cinephile looking for a unique movie- watching experience, make sure to visit the boutique theater Shimotakaido Cinema, situated just east of the Asagaya station. With their carefully curated selection of films, you're bound to discover new cinematic horizons and impress your friends with your movie trivia knowledge.
3. Asagaya, Suginami Ward
Discover the charming streets of Asagaya, a hidden gem in the heart of Tokyo. Asagaya is renowned for its vibrant jazz scene, drawing music enthusiasts from all over. Don't miss the annual Asagaya Jazz Streets Festival, transforming the neighborhood into a lively celebration of jazz every last weekend of October.
Film enthusiasts and cinephiles will find refuge in Asagaya's Laputa, a unique theater dedicated to showcasing Japanese cinema from the 1950s to the 1970s. Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry of Japan's film industry.
Embark on a gastronomic journey by strolling along Star Road, a network of streets bursting with a variety of eateries, bars, and clubs. Indulge in the soulful sounds of live jazz, blues, and world music as you hop from one venue to another. Experience the cozy and intimate ambiance of venues like Jamb Jamb, Yellow Vision, and Manhattan, where space is limited but the atmosphere is electric.
As you wander through Star Road, your senses will be tantalized by the scent of charcoal emanating from the renowned Buchi Yakiniku barbecue restaurant. For a taste of authentic and delectable Italian cuisine, make your way to Don Tsucchi, located at the far end of Star Road.
Explore the unique neighborhoods of Tokyo off the beaten path and uncover the cultural treasures they hold. Embark on a journey filled with captivating jazz melodies, timeless films, and mouthwatering culinary delights. Tokyo awaits, ready to enchant and surprise you at every turn.
For those looking to discover a side of Tokyo that is off the beaten path, there are several lesser-known neighborhoods worth exploring. If you have a passion for music, make sure to visit Rare, a record shop that offers an impressive collection of collectors' vinyl and bootleg music DVDs.
A hidden gem in the area is Nigiyakana Kaze, a small shop located on Don Tsucchi. This unique store not only sells cakes, ramen, and bath salts but also supports disabled individuals by featuring products made by them from various centers around Japan. Additionally, Nigiyakana Kaze often hosts live theater events, adding a touch of cultural charm to your visit.
Venturing further south of the neighborhood, you'll stumble upon the Pearl Center arcade. During the first week of July, this covered street transforms into a captivating sight, decorated with vibrant paper lanterns for the local Tanabata festival. Throughout the year, the arcade is home to Meat-Ya, a gourmet spaghetti bar, and a variety of shops offering a wide range of products, from materials and teas to vintage toys and video games.
4. Shoto, Shibuya Ward
Though barely minutes from the action of Shibuya, Shoto is nonetheless a relatively unexplored neighborhood that is home to several delicious destinations. That’s right: Shoto is all about the food.
Take Shinsen Station’s North Exit and muddle your way north for five minutes, till you hit a main road; or approach the same street from Shibuya, turning left off Bunkamura-Dori when you reach Don Quijote and Tokyu department store.
From the Shinsen end, the first and most fun eatery you’ll come across is Junkadelic Jalopy! This tiny and self-exclaimed branch of the Junkadelic chain serves gorgeous Tex-Mex grub in a laid-back tumbledown shack — very bohemian.
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Nestled behind the bustling main street, you'll find Arossa. This unique Australian wine bar and grill has a sister branch in Ginza with a New Zealand twist. Their extensive wine menu caters to all tastes, while the selection of fresh cheeses adds a delightful touch. For the adventurous, don't miss the opportunity to sink your teeth into their grilled crocodile dish.
As you continue along the main thoroughfare, you'll come across Galettoria, a charming eatery covered in lush ivy. Indulge in their French galette pancakes, generously filled with organic ingredients for a truly satisfying meal.
5. Minowabashi, Taito Ward
Explore Minowabashi, a vibrant neighborhood in the Taito Ward of Tokyo. Step away from the well-trodden path and delve into an area brimming with local charm and hidden gems.
Uncover the rich culinary scene of Minowabashi, where quaint cafes offer delectable treats and traditional eateries serve up mouthwatering local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you stroll through the lively streets, discovering intriguing shops and vibrant markets.
Experience the charm of the Arakawa Line, an iconic tram that adds a touch of nostalgia to the bustling city of Tokyo. For just $1.40 (¥160) for adults and $0.70 (¥80) for concessions, you can hop aboard this one-carriage conveyance and embark on a delightful journey from Waseda to Minowabashi. Listen out for the familiar "ding-ding" as the tram sets off, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
Arriving at Minowabashi, you'll find it more than just a typical station. It boasts a charming square adorned with rose beds, captivating Showa Era advertisement posters, and a useful bilingual map. Stepping through the quaint wooden archway, you'll find yourself on Nikko Kaido, a historic road dating back to 1617 as one of the five routes of Edo.
While exploring the area, don't miss Sound In Mitsui, a family-run music store that has been operating since the 1920s. Here, you can lose yourself in their extensive collection of pop CDs, musical instruments, and, most notably, enka (ballads) albums. Take a step back in time as you browse through their selection, which even includes cassette tapes, accompanied by magnifying glasses for older customers.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover Tokyo's hidden gems with these lesser-known neighborhoods:
Minowabashi: Hop on the whimsical Arakawa Line and explore this charming area, complete with a picturesque square and a nostalgic wooden archway.
Nikko Kaido: Wander along this historic road, one of the five routes of Edo dating back to 1617, and soak in the rich history of Tokyo.
Sound In Mitsui: Get lost in the family-run music store, established in the 1920s, where you can find an extensive collection of pop CDs, musical instruments, and enka albums.
Experience the hisExperience the historical charm of Tokyo's lesser-known neighborhoods by venturing north along Nikko Kaido. This picturesque route takes you to Senju Bridge, a rebuilt landmark that replaced the original bridge dating back to 1594, making it the first-ever bridge across the Sumida River. After a long day of exploring, taking in all of Tokyo's rich history, where better to rest than one of the comfortable, yet reasonably priced 3-star hotels in Tokyo? These hotels offer great value for money, adding another layer to your unique experience in this bustling, historic and cherished city. in the spiritual atmosphere as you stroll along the street adorned with temples and shrines, each accompanied by its own cemetery. Among these hidden treasures, Entsuji Temple stands out with its collection of unique statues, including a magnificent effigy of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion, perched on the rooftop.
For a memorable shopping experience, make sure to visit the Joyful Minowa Shopping Street, just a block north of Minowabashi Station. As you explore this covered arcade that runs parallel to the tramline, you'll find a variety of offerings, from fresh produce to traditional Japanese sweets and everything in between. Stop by Minoriya, a rice specialist store, where you can purchase grains from different regions of Japan. Whether you prefer polished rice or unrefined grains for added health benefits, Minoriya caters to your needs. Also, don't miss the opportunity to rejuvenate yourself at the public bath located midway down the street, providing a relaxing soak after your exploration.