Fewer tourists! Tokyo's hidden gems loved by locals

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, where the traditional downtown atmosphere remains

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is a charming place that retains a strong downtown Tokyo atmosphere. This shopping street is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, and is crowded with many tourists and locals. The street is about 170 meters long and is lined with about 70 stores, whose diversity delights visitors.

When you step into the shopping street, the first thing that catches your eye are the old-fashioned buildings and signs. Many of these stores have been around since the Showa period (1926-1989), giving you a sense of their history. The street is also known for its many cats and is affectionately known as "Cat Town. This is a great spot for cat lovers.

In Yanaka Ginza, you can also enjoy delicious food. For example, deep-fried side dishes such as "menchikatsu" and "korokke" are popular. These side dishes can be easily eaten on the go, making them perfect for when you are hungry. There are also grocery stores selling fresh fruits and vegetables and stylish cafes scattered throughout the area, catering to a wide variety of needs.

In addition, seasonal events are held in this shopping arcade. Local festivals such as the "Summer Festival" and the "New Year's Market" are held in the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Arcade, bringing together local residents and tourists. The ability to deepen interaction with people through such events is another attraction of Yanaka Ginza Shopping Arcade.

The Yanaka Ginza shopping district, which offers new discoveries and a sense of nostalgia every time you visit, is the result of the daily efforts of the local residents. They carefully preserve the traditions and culture of the area, while at the same time bringing in new ideas, which is why this unique atmosphere is maintained.

In general, Yanaka Ginza shopping district is a warm and nostalgic place in Tokyo. Once you visit, you will be drawn in by its charm. Spending a moment in this downtown space will be a special experience, a little removed from everyday life.

A hole-in-the-wall spot! Charms of Kita-Senju

Kitasenju is an area located in Adachi-ku, Tokyo, that has been attracting a lot of attention in recent years. Although it is not a flashy tourist spot, its quiet charm attracts many people. In this issue, we will introduce some of Kita-Senju's hidden gems and their charms.

First of all, there are many traditional shopping streets around Kitasenju Station. The "Sun Road Shopping Street" is one such shopping street, lined with many locally owned stores. Here, you can find fresh vegetables, fruits, and delicious Japanese sweets. There are also small cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the area, creating a casual atmosphere.

Next, we recommend the Yanagihara Inari Shrine. This shrine has a long history dating back to the Taisho era (1912-1926), and its beautiful torii gate and tranquil precincts soothe visitors. Especially in spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a popular destination for many photography enthusiasts.

Also not to be missed is the Tokyo Art Center. This facility hosts a wide variety of art events and exhibitions, where you can see works by up-and-coming artists. There is also a café inside the building, so visitors can relax after viewing the art.

In addition, the "Arakawa Riverbed" is recommended as a relaxing spot. The large lawn area allows picnicking and jogging, and is crowded with many families on holidays. The bicycle paths are also well maintained, making it a perfect place for bicycle enthusiasts.

Last but not least, we must not forget "Kitasenju Drinking Alley". Here you can have a good time with delicious food at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and bars with a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Stop by at the end of the day and you will meet your new favorite restaurant.

As you can see, Kitasenju is an area full of diverse attractions. We hope you will experience the warmth and vitality unique to this area through a tour of spots, each with its own unique character.

Walking in the nature-rich Todoroki Valley

Todoroki Gorge is a precious spot where you can feel the richness of nature even though it is located in Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. The valley stretches about 1 kilometer in length and offers beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons.

The first thing to do when visiting is to take a few minutes to walk from Todoroki Station, which is very convenient. As soon as you step inside the entrance, you are immediately greeted by the cool shade of the trees and the murmuring of the stream. The promenade is well-maintained, so visitors with small children can stroll around with peace of mind.

In spring, the cherry blossoms and fresh greenery are a feast for the eyes, and in summer, the trees become even greener and cooler. In the fall, the autumn foliage is spectacular, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Even in winter, visitors can enjoy a quiet time in the tranquil atmosphere, making it a place that can be enjoyed all year round.

There is also a Japanese garden and an old-family-style café in the valley, which is a good place to stop by when you need to take a break. The café in particular offers dishes and sweets made with locally produced ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing moment while admiring the beautiful natural surroundings.

In addition, a historic temple called Todoroki Fudoson is also located nearby, where you can visit and refresh your body and mind. This temple is famous for its ability to ward off bad luck, and many visitors come to the temple for good luck charms and other items.

In this way, Todoroki Gorge is not only a rich natural environment, but also a place where visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences in combination with the surrounding facilities. Once you visit, you will be drawn in by its charm. We highly recommend this spot as a time to get away from the daily routine of the city and face yourself.

Back alleys of Kagurazaka with a retro atmosphere

Kagurazaka is known as one of the most retro areas in Tokyo. Walking through its charming back alleys, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Showa period. Cobblestone-paved streets and old wooden buildings line the streets, each one of them conveying a sense of history and stories.

The first things that catch the eye are the small restaurants and cafes. All of them are unique, including izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) with traditional noren curtains and cozy coffee shops. These stores attract not only locals but also tourists, who can relax and spend time in a homey atmosphere.

Small galleries and craft stores are also scattered throughout the alleyways. Here, you can see a diverse range of works, from traditional Japanese crafts to contemporary art, and discover something new. It is also a great place to find stylish souvenirs.

Kagurazaka takes on a different look at night. The alleyways are slightly illuminated by lanterns, and the scene looks like a scene from a movie. During this time, many stores are open for business, offering delicious food and drinks. The area becomes even more lively and bustling on festival days.

The area is also home to temples and shrines, each with its own unique charm. The serenity of the temple grounds (Keidai) offers a moment of tranquility and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Thus, Kagurazaka has a unique charm with a mixture of old and new. This makes it a place you will want to visit again and again, and not just once. The nostalgia felt from the streets may be the reason why so many people continue to love this area. We hope you will enjoy strolling through these retro back alleys as much as we do.

A tour of unique cafes to be found in Nishiogikubo

Nishi Ogikubo is known as one of the most unique areas in Tokyo where unique cafes gather. In this issue, we will introduce a trip to unique cafes found in this charming town.

The first place to visit is Café Trois. This café features antique furniture and warm lighting, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. You can enjoy homemade cakes and specialty coffee, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing time.

Next, we recommend the Book & Bakery Culture. Here, you can enjoy a selection of books along with delicious bread. This is a space that book lovers will love, and you can expect to encounter new works of art. In addition, events are regularly held in the store, where you can enjoy interacting with local people.

In addition, one cannot miss Bean's Laboratory. This café is popular as a coffee shop specializing in home-roasted coffee. You can choose from a variety of beans to find your own favorite cup of coffee. You can also learn more about coffee through conversation with the baristas, and make new discoveries.

The last place you should visit is the Art Space Gallery Cafe. Here, exhibitions by local artists are always on display, and you can enjoy delicious snacks and drinks along with art appreciation. It is especially recommended for art lovers, and a unique cultural experience awaits you in Nishiogikubo.

As you can see, there are many unique cafes in Nishiogikubo, each with a different charm. Why not spend a whole day walking around and find your favorite place? The time you spend at each place will surely become an unforgettable memory.

Shibaurafuto Park overlooking Tokyo Bay

Shibaurafuto Park is located in an excellent location overlooking Tokyo Bay. This park is a quiet place where many people can forget the hustle and bustle of the city. From Shibaurafuto Park, you can enjoy the view of Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba as well as the open sea. Especially at dusk, the beautiful sunset illuminates the surface of the sea, creating a romantic atmosphere.

The park is well maintained with walking paths and benches, allowing visitors to spend a relaxing time. On weekends, the park is crowded with families and couples, many of whom bring their own lunch boxes and enjoy picnics. The park is also equipped with playground equipment for children, so visitors with small children can visit with peace of mind.

In addition, seasonal events are held in the area, each of which attracts a large number of tourists and locals. In spring, the rows of cherry blossom trees are in beautiful bloom, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. In summer, fireworks displays can be viewed along with the nighttime scenery, making it a place that can be enjoyed all year round.

Access is also convenient. While it is within walking distance from the nearest station, it is also possible to visit by private car as parking is available. Because of this convenience, it is a favorite spot for many people to visit.

These attractive elements make Shibaurafuto Park a highly recommended destination in the Tokyo Bay area. Once you visit the park, you will be soothed by its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. We hope you will spend a special moment in this wonderful park.