Tokyo's Hidden Gems: An Insider's Guide To Exploring The Metropolis

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where the past meets the future, and traditional culture and a passion for everything new coexist. The city offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, from its dynamic arts scene and phenomenal dining to its bustling shopping districts and historic temples.

For those interested in exploring the city's unique neighbourhoods, Shibuya is a popular haunt for youngsters, with its trendy shops, restaurants, and clubs. Shinjuku is another must-visit, with the giant Godzilla head at Shinjuku Kabukichō and the bustling Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Asakusa is the place to go for a glimpse of traditional Tokyo, with the Senso-ji temple and the Nakamise shopping street.

Tokyo also boasts impressive views from its many observation decks and towers, such as the Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Tower, and the Government Building. And for a break from the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of green spaces, including the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Yoyogi Park.

Foodies will delight in the city's diverse culinary offerings, from the freshest sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market to the best ramen at Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi in Shinjuku Golden Gai. And for a truly unique experience, don't miss the chance to bar-hop in the tiny back-alley izakaya of Golden Gai or sing your heart out at a karaoke bar.

With its blend of old and new, Tokyo has something for everyone, whether you're a first-time visitor or an experienced traveller.

Shibuya Crossing: the busiest intersection in the world

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest intersection, with up to 3,000 people crossing at once. It is located in the heart of Shibuya, surrounded by massive TV screens, tall buildings, several major universities, and endless flashing lights. The best time to visit is at dusk, one of the scramble's peak times, and when the lighting is most flattering.

The feeling of the crossing is often described as oddly soothing, a reminder that, whatever our disparate paths in life, they all tend to cross at one time or another.

The intersection has been featured in many films, including "Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift" and "Lost in Translation." It is also a popular spot for photographers who want to capture the shuffle of the Shibuya way.

The Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a bird's-eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 meters above street level.

Shibuya is a popular haunt for youngsters in their teens and 20s. Beyond the demographics of its regulars, Shibuya is also home to the largest scramble crossing in the world. Once the lights turn red, all vehicles on the road come to a complete stop, allowing pedestrians from all sides of the intersection to cross in whatever direction they wish.

In recent years, this crosswalk has served as the base for seasonal events popular among the younger generation, such as New Year countdowns and Halloween.

Tokyo's backstreet bars

Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Omoide Yokocho, also known as 'Piss Alley', is a ramshackle collection of tiny bars and eateries located on the west side of Shinjuku Station. It is one of the most photogenic backstreet alleys in Tokyo, with a retro vibe and a variety of bars and street food-style diners.

Golden Gai, Shinjuku

Golden Gai is a famous cluster of tiny bars in Shinjuku, with over 250 ramshackle drinking dens squeezed into a small network of alleyways. The area has a gritty, post-war feel and is a great place to experience local Tokyo nightlife. The bars cover a range of themes, from pop culture to heavy metal, and offer a wide selection of spirits, including local sake and shochu.

Nonbei Yokocho, Shibuya

Nonbei Yokocho, or 'Drunkard's Alley', is a small network of two parallel alleys located near Shibuya Station. The narrow walkways are lit by lanterns, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The bars here are often nameless and resemble a local's living room. This is a great alternative to the more touristy Golden Gai.

Nomiya Yokocho, Kita-Senju

Located in northern Tokyo, Nomiya Yokocho is a collection of charming yokocho that come alive at night, especially on weekends. The narrow walkways, low-hanging electrical wires, and colourful lanterns create a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. You'll find a mix of izakaya, ramen shops, and bars with rustic wooden decor.

Harmonica Yokocho, Kichijoji

Harmonica Yokocho is a maze of standing-only bars and excellent restaurants located on the north side of Kichijoji Station. The area is known for its quirky atmosphere and diverse food options, including gyoza, yakitori, ramen, and taiyaki.

Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

Hoppy Dori is an 80-metre-long street running down the west side of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. The street is named after the low-alcohol drink, Hoppy, which is commonly served in the bars and restaurants along the street. Hoppy Dori offers wide streets and outdoor seating areas, providing a spacious alternative to the cramped confines of other yokocho.

The Imperial Palace: the site of the original Edo-jo

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the centre of Tokyo. The castle was built in 1457 by Ōta Dōkan in Edo, Toshima District, Musashi Province. Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate there, and it was the residence of the shogun and the headquarters of the military government during the Edo period (1603–1867).

The Imperial Palace occupies a 1.15-square-kilometre area in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo. The grounds contain several buildings, including the Fukiage Palace, where the Emperor has his living quarters, the main palace, where various ceremonies and receptions take place, residences of the Imperial Family, an archive, museums, and administrative offices. The palace grounds and gardens are built on the site of the old Edo Castle, and the area is now divided into various wards or citadels, including the Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru, Nishinomaru, Nishinomaru-shita, Fukiage, and Kitanomaru.

The Imperial Palace is generally closed to the public, except for guided tours that are offered throughout the year. The inner grounds of the palace are open to visitors on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and February 23 (Emperor's Birthday), when members of the Imperial Family make several public appearances on a balcony. The East Gardens, which are adjacent to the inner grounds of the palace, are open to the public year-round.

Tokyo's most visited temple: Senso-ji

Senso-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. It is the oldest temple in the city, dating back to 645 CE, and is one of the most significant and colourful. With an annual visitor count of around 20 to 30 million, it is the most visited temple in Japan and the world's most frequented spiritual site.

History

According to legend, in 628 CE, two brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Takenari, discovered a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River while fishing. They are said to have tried to put the statue back into the river, but it kept returning to them. Asakusa's village chief, Hajino Nakamoto, recognised the statue's sanctity and built a temple to house it, becoming the first Senso-ji temple.

In the early 1600s, Tokugawa shogun Ieyasu designated the site as a family temple for spiritual protection. The temple received further attention during the 10th and 11th centuries when influential samurai warlords from the Taira and Minamoto clans visited and decided to rebuild and expand it. The now-famous Kaminarimon and Hozomon Gates were completed during this period.

Features

The Senso-ji temple complex includes the main temple building, a five-story pagoda, and the Nakamise-dōri shopping street. The main hall is dedicated to Kannon and features two masterpieces of calligraphy by Edo-period artist Noguchi Sekko. The Hozomon Gate serves as the entrance to the inner complex and houses sacred Buddhist scriptures.

The temple grounds also feature a contemplative garden maintained in the traditional Japanese style and several historical structures, including the Niten-mon Gate, an important cultural property. The five-story pagoda, visible from anywhere on the grounds, is considered a sacred memorial site and is only accessible at certain times to those with family members inscribed on the tablets within.

Events and Festivals

Senso-ji is well-known for its celebrations, the most notable of which is the Sanja Matsuri festival. This event takes place over three to four days in late May and is Tokyo's biggest annual festival. The temple is also the site of the Hagoita-ichi market in December and the Asakusa Samba Carnival in August.

Location and Accessibility

Senso-ji is easily accessible from multiple points in Tokyo. It is a 15-minute train ride from Tokyo Station and a 20-minute ride from Shinjuku Station. The temple is a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station, served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, and Tobu Railway.

The Ghibli Museum: the heart of the Studio Ghibli world

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a whimsical attraction dedicated to the beloved Studio Ghibli film studio, often regarded as "Japan's Disney". Co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is the creator of some of the world's most celebrated animated films, including "My Neighbor Totoro", "Princess Mononoke", and "Spirited Away". The museum is located in Inokashira Park, in the western suburbs of Tokyo, and is a multi-storey mansion full of surprises.

The Ghibli Museum is designed to showcase the art and technique of animation, combining features of a children's museum, technology museum, and fine arts museum. The building itself is part of the exhibit, with its intricate design of spiral staircases, bridges, and balconies, inspired by European architecture. The museum's slogan, "Let's get lost together", reflects Miyazaki's vision of a portal to a storybook world, where visitors can immerse themselves in his imagination.

The main exhibition hall showcases the magic of animation, with intricate mechanical contraptions. There are also smaller exhibition rooms, some permanent and others changing annually, that delve into the creative process of animation filmmakers. One permanent exhibit recreates a Studio Ghibli art director's studio, complete with bowls of candy and pots of paint. Another exhibit area features life-size recreations of popular film settings, such as the flying ships of "Laputa", where visitors can explore and interact.

The museum also includes a delightful miniature theatre, the Saturn Theatre, located in the basement, which shows exclusive short films created for the museum by Studio Ghibli. The museum's rooftop garden features a life-size, five-metre-tall statue of a robot from "Castle in the Sky", made from hammered copper plate.

The Ghibli Museum is a highly popular attraction, and tickets are limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only valid for the specific date and time purchased. The museum is typically closed on Tuesdays and open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on other days.

A visit to the Ghibli Museum can be combined with exploring the nearby Inokashira Park and Kichijoji, as well as other attractions in western Tokyo, such as Nakano, Koenji, and Shimokitazawa.

Frequently asked questions