
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.
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
We had a wonderful start of our trip with our guide Kay. He was super nice, showed us how to use the metro, get our cards, in a quick and simple way then showed us a great mix of nature, temples and bustling streets and the side ones we should visit! We recommend him to anyone who wants a positive, kind and enthusiastic guide in Tokyo! Thanks, Kay!
Show moreOur tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Show more5* GYG6H8383AAZ
Show moreApy was delightful. She was prompt, friendly, and attentive. She ensured we had time to sit in a/c sampling food in restaurants in between some quick street food stops. She was informative and and engaging. We would definitely book her again for a tour.
Show moreAmazing
Show moreAfter 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 more