Key Takeaways
- Discover the “My 10 favorite places in Tokyo” by Annatituude! Whether you enjoy rooftop lounges with perfect views of the striking skyscrapers or quaint tea rooms… There’s something for everyone’s taste and travel style, and lifestyle !
- Try hands-on experiences like sushi-making classes and chopstick workshops to deepen your connection with Japanese culture and take home unique memories of quality time.
- Savor delectable dishes, from Michelin-starred ramen to inexpensive omakase sushi, and even join Japanese food tours, making sure to post about your culinary experiences to impress your huge foodie friends.
- Counterbalance your busy schedule with restorative experiences, from serene temple tours to redemptive dips in one of Tokyo’s city-center onsens and bathhouses.
- Use Tokyo’s efficient public transit, helpful travel apps, and prepaid cards to move easily between the whole city and make the most of your trip.
- Follow and integrate with the local customs, learn a few words of Japanese, and be open to trying new things and you’ll make some incredible memories in Tokyo. Book an Ubigi eSIM data plan for your Japan trip and enjoy a fast, reliable 5G Internet connectivity.
A small note from Annatituude
Hello! My name is Anna, I’m French-Japanese and I love Tokyo. For the past two years, I’ve been sharing my tips and secret spots on Instagram (@annatituude) to help travelers discover a Japan far from the clichés and tourist traps. My thing is finding those hidden gems that only locals know about… The real gems you’d never find without me!
And today, I’m giving you 10 100% exclusive addresses, places I’ve never mentioned anywhere else, not even to my friends and family. Restaurants, bars, experiences… In short, the kind of places that will make you say, “Now I know I’m in Japan.”
Tokyo is a wonderful city, with so much to see and do, with such an incredible balance of old and new! Each location provides you with an authentic experience of Tokyo’s beauty, whether it’s through bustling street markets or serene landscapes.
In sharing these picks with you, I hope to inspire you to plan your own trip, or simply to experience the city’s spirit from wherever you are. I hope you’ll join me on this exciting journey.
My Top 10 Secret Tokyo Spots by Annatituude
Sure, you know about Tokyo’s most famous sights, but the heart and soul of the city beckons from its secret corners. This list is a combination of those haunts and a few other tucked away secrets. Find out hidden temples, tucked away ramen shops, secret rooftop lounges and artsy studios!
Whether you’re looking for a bite of ancient culture or the latest electrifying experience, these places present opportunities for every inquisitive adventurer. So, let’s explore an unexpectedly adventurous side of Tokyo!
1. Sky Lounge Stellar Garden: Drinks Above Tokyo
If you really want to feel on top of the world, head to the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden. Located on the 36th floor of a hotel, this bar is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while admiring the Tokyo Tower sparkling in the night. With such a panoramic view, even your gin and tonic seems more elegant.
The atmosphere is decadent yet casual—a great place to kick back and relax after a busy day. Capture an incredible photo of the skyline that’ll help you never forget just how big and bright Tokyo truly is.
Adress: 〒105-0011 Tokyo, Minato City, Shibakoen, 4 Chome−8−1 33F
2. Tsuta Ramen: Michelin Star Noodles
Who said you can’t have refined ramen? At Tsuta Ramen, we’re a long way from basic noodle bowls. Here, we’re talking about Michelin-starred ramen, where the broth, made with love and carefully selected ingredients, almost makes you forget to slurp.
If haute cuisine went into comfort food mode, this would be it. A must for ramen lovers, but also for those who want to impress their taste buds (and their Instagram).
The atmosphere is intimate, flavors complex, and each slurp is a testament to the chef’s artistry. It’s culinary comfort food with a funky modern flair, best eaten with new friends… Or at least photographed to make other people ramen jealous!
Adress: 〒151-0066 Tokyo, Shibuya, Nishihara, 3 Chome−2−4 フロンティア代々木上原 B1
3. Chanoma: A Calming Tea Break
Between two outings across the city, a little moment of zen in a tea room is a must. Chanoma is the perfect place to enjoy matcha in a warm atmosphere, like a little bubble suspended between two worlds.
While tea is king, the Japanese pastries that accompany it are true delights, both light and indulgent. I recommend the matcha terrine or their cheesecake, which are excellent and among my favorite desserts.
You emerge both recharged and with a newfound reverence for the slow art of tea.
Adress: 〒171-0021Tokyo, Toshima, 5 Chome-12-3 Nishiikebukuro
4. Sushi-dokoro Shigeru: Affordable Omakase Treat
When we talk about sushi in Tokyo, we’re not just talking about “fish with rice,” we’re talking about a sensory experience. And when that experience is offered by Sushi-dokoro Shigeru, a 6,500 yen omakase, there’s no room for compromise.
This restaurant offers a selection of sushi created to perfection, each bite telling a story. A real treat for the eyes and taste buds. At this price, you could almost believe you’re eating with golden chopsticks (even if they’re just wooden ones, but shhh).
This place is for anyone looking for that high level quality without the fuss.
Adress: 〒160-0006 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Funamachi, 15 荒川ビル 1F
5. Wood Works Kawagoe: Craft Your Chopsticks
How about making your own chopsticks? No, it’s not a joke—you can really enjoy a creative moment at Wood Works Kawagoe. The workshop offers personalized wooden chopsticks, so you can leave with a truly unique souvenir.
A little Japanese craftsmanship, a dash of patience, and voilà: a pair of “homemade” chopsticks that you’ll treasure like a precious gift or souvenirs. It’s great, simple fun, and you come away with a one-of-a-kind keepsake that puts any store-bought souvenir to shame.
Adress: 〒350-0063 Saitama, Kawagoe, Saiwaicho, １４−3
6. Sushis Joy Asakusa: Hands-On Sushi Fun
If the idea of making your own sushi excites you (and let’s be honest, it should), Sushis Joy Asakusa welcomes you to an interactive sushi workshop. In the historic heart of Asakusa, you’ll learn the art of preparing nigiri and other Japanese delicacies.
Put on an apron and learn to roll, press, and plate your own sushi masterpieces before sampling your work. You’ll get to play chef and, as a bonus, taste your creations in this sushi place!
With locals walking you through the process, you leave not just with a happy stomach, but a bit of new culinary talent under your belt. Be warned, though: this is about technique, but also about having fun. A real treat for the soul (and the stomach).
Adress: 〒111-0034 Tokyo, Taito City, Kaminarimon, 2 Chome−18−16 THE CITY 浅草雷門 5F
7. Gotokuji Temple: Land of Lucky Cats
You know that little cat waving its paw, symbol of luck and prosperity? Well, you can pay homage to it at Gotokuji Temple, the birthplace of this famous lucky charm. The temple is decorated with hundreds of Maneki Neko statues, a sight as charming as a cat napping in the sun. And who knows? Maybe a little luck will slip into your suitcase!
It’s tranquil, eccentric, and replete with photo ops. Beautiful enough to visit just for the cuteness!
Adress: 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021
8. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura: Urban Bath Bliss
Want to unwind? There’s nothing better than a nice hot bath in an onsen. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura is the perfect place to soak in warm, soothing water after a day of exploring Tokyo.
The atmosphere is zen, the facilities are impeccable… The warm water is relaxing, and you feel invigorated upon emerging. You could almost stay there forever… or at least until closing time. It’s self-care, Tokyo onsen style!
Adress: 5 Chome-4-24 Komagome, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0003
9. Centifolia: Creative Cocktails with Yuzu
Fancy an original cocktail? Centifolia, a very cool bar where Yuzu Komai has mastered the art of mixology, awaits you for a unique sensory experience.
With fresh ingredients and sometimes unexpected flavor combinations, every sip is a taste adventure. And if you have a penchant for yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), you’ll be in your element.
The space hums with warm conviviality, and the cocktails are every bit as fantastic as the atmosphere. Do something you’ve never done before and come share the tale over drinks.
Adress: 〒106-0045 Tokyo, Minato City, Azabujuban, 1 Chome−6−5 ラミュウーズ十番ビル ラミューズ麻布十番ビル6F
10. Tokyo Government Building: Free City Views
The cherry on top? The free panoramic view of Tokyo! At the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the south observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city.
The best part? There’s no admission fee, so you can enjoy a 360° view of Tokyo without breaking the bank. Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji in the distance are a breathtaking sight. A real reason to look up and enjoy the city!
It’s an awesome budget pick, one that feels anything but cheap, particularly when the sun sets.
Adress: 〒160-8001 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2 Chome−8−1 東京都庁第一本庁舎 45階
Practical Info for Your Trip
Having the fundamentals down pat goes a long way in ensuring a seamless Tokyo experience. You’re looking for the flexibility to roam, dine, and explore however you please—with no minor inconveniences getting in your way.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure blissful days and wonderful longtime memories in Tokyo.
Book your Ubigi eSIM data plans for Japan
Staying connected while in Tokyo opened up exciting new possibilities. By using an Ubigi eSIM, you cut all the trouble of pocket Wi-Fi rentals and looking for a local SIM card. Install your Ubigi eSIM data plan to stay connected.
Download the Ubigi app and activate your eSIM first thing upon landing in Japan. You’re connected as soon as you arrive. No more waiting in queues or dealing with language issues at airport kiosks! It’s invaluable for navigation, public transport, and posting pictures of your new Tokyo favorite to Instagram.
With reliable internet, you can find so many terrific places. Soak it all in, from the vibrant stalls of local cuisine to the majestic Sumida River cruise! You can’t do that, so you have to do some advance planning. That way, you can enjoy your trip worry-free right from the start!
Best Times for Each Location
Tokyo may be a city that never sleeps, but careful timing allows you to experience the best of each vibrant artsy neighborhood. Early mornings in Asakusa allow you to explore the temple-streets before the masses arrive.
Shinbashi really comes alive in the evening as local office workers let loose, and it’s a great introduction to the unique culture of Japanese nightlife. Street food with diverse flavors, including delicious bites like udon and Japanese snacks, really comes alive during lunch and dinner time.
Plan your visit to areas such as Asakusa around meal times to savor freshly made bites and absorb the bustling atmosphere! Consider seasons as well. Cherry blossom season in spring beautify Ueno Park, and fall foliage makes walks around the Meiji Shrine especially memorable.
Consider the weather when planning your outdoor days, and you’ll see the city at its best, making it a fascinating journey full of surprises.
Getting Around Tokyo Easily
Tokyo’s subway system is incredibly efficient, fast and clean, with English signage that makes it easy to zip from beloved place to place across the sprawling metropolis. The Suica and PASMO prepaid cards are huge time savers.
Just tap and go on trains, buses, and even at convenience stores and vending machines. If you plan on taking many trips, tourist train passes can save you money. Both Japan Transit Planner and Google Maps make it easy to navigate line switches and locate exits.
Don’t overlook buses for street-level views and a feel for daily life. They’re a relaxing way to spot new corners of the city. A Sumida River cruise is another fun ride, giving you a view of the city from the water and avoiding the masses. Explore some of central Tokyo’s favorite spots or enjoy the calmer attractions of eastern Tokyo—there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to discover.
Local Etiquette Quick Tips
A little local politeness will get you very far. Basic phrases, such as “arigatou” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me) will go a long way in expressing respect.
At dining spots, do not rest chopsticks upright in rice and do not point with them. Lower voices on trains and allow enough space for others, particularly in crowded areas.
Cash is still king at small restaurants, shrines and markets, so have some yen on hand. Don’t miss out on the wonderful food halls, seafood, or local desserts by going unprepared!
Don’t limit yourself to tourists’ hotel accommodations! Ride the neighborhoods for a fun local atmosphere and walkable access to hidden landmarks and charming streets. You’ll find a much different, fascinating world of Tokyo just waiting to be explored.
Conclusion
Tokyo sweeps you up quick. Whether it’s the neon dazzel of Shibuya or the tranquility found in Koenji, every place makes an impression. Side streets bring you ramen steam, old temples show you slow days… Early mornings at Tsukiji fill your nose with sea salt and fresh fish… Nights in Golden Gai buzz with contagious excitement.
Just a few blocks away, the park is still alive with colorful city lights sparkling in the trees. Your visit can be adventurous or relaxing, boisterous or quiet.
It’s up to you to set the speed. Each block is filled with amazing discoveries, beautiful design and wonderful little joys. So get out there and see what Tokyo has to offer.
Leave a note with your favorite place or advice on my Instagram! Help me spread the gospel of this crazy, nice metropolis 😉
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hidden gems in Tokyo recommended by annatituude?
Aside from the tourist traps, I really recommends more underrated places like Daikanyama, Shimokitazawa, and Nezu Shrine. These places are still local-feeling with great unique shops and beautiful views and sights and avoids the big crowds.
Is it easy to get around Tokyo’s secret spots?
Is it easy to get around Tokyo’s secret spots? Fortunately, most of these secret spots are accessible by train or subway, giving visitors easy access to this sprawling metropolis’s hidden gems.
Are Tokyo’s secret spots suitable for first-time visitors?
It would be very much appreciated! Find the Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path places that work for first-time and returning travelers alike. These local favorites give visitors a true feel for the beauty of Tokyo’s culture.
When is the best time to visit these Tokyo spots?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, making them ideal times to explore Tokyo’s hidden gems.
Are these places family-friendly?
Yes, many of my favorite spots are great for families, featuring parks, quiet neighborhoods, and fun local attractions.
Do I need to speak Japanese to enjoy these places?
No. You’ll manage easily with basic English, as they do understand it in most touristy places. There’s usually English signage. Having a good translation app is a big help as well, to pair with an Ubigi eSIM data plan!
How can I budget for a trip to these Tokyo spots?
Most of the suggested locations are either free to visit or very affordable. You’ll be able to experience homegrown cuisine, beautiful green spaces, and rich history all on a budget.
I have a flight layover at Tokyo Haneda Airport. Can I explore the city, and what should I know before I go?
Absolutely! If your next flight leaves several hours after your flight arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport, you have time for a quick adventure. Haneda is conveniently located close to central Tokyo, making it ideal for short visits.
Before heading out, consider using the Haneda Airport temporary baggage storage service so you can explore hands-free. Depending on your layover duration, spots like Asakusa, Shibuya Crossing, or even the Tokyo Tower are easily reachable.
Just be sure to check how much time you have before your next flight leaves—you’ll want to allow enough time to return, go through security, and reach your gate.
If you’re planning to visit again, book a longer stay with your next flight for a deeper dive into Tokyo!
Can I enjoy cherry blossoms during a layover in Tokyo, and where should I go?
Yes, if your layover is during spring, you’re in luck! It’s cherry blossom season! One of the best spots for a quick blossom-viewing escape is Kokyo Gaien National Garden, near the Imperial Palace. There, you’ll find stunning sakura trees, peaceful paths, and even a classic Japanese garden vibe.
Grab a bento box lunch from the airport or a nearby shop and have a traditional picnic under the blossoms. If you have more time, head to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views and maybe even join one of the short tours that include blossom spots. Just be sure to check how much time you have before your next flight—you don’t want to miss it!
