10 LESS POPULAR yet Cool Places to Visit in Tokyo

Yokosou Nippon!

I had the amazing experience living in Tokyo for 4 years. Despite my never learning Nihonggo properly, I survived and learned the ways of the people more than what I set out for.

I have so much to share about Japan but I wouldn’t want to bore you with my experiences. Instead, I’ve decided to provide helpful information in traveling within Japan and categorize it in the different ways you can enjoy plus share some information that is beyond what most travelers go there for.

Where to go in Tokyo?

Go beyond the usual touristy Shibuya (crossing and Hachiko statue tour), Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shinjuku town stops. Tokyo is massive and each town or ward has something to share, so don’t be afraid to explore and discover. 

However, if you don’t know where to begin, here are 10 Unpopular yet Cool Places to visit in Tokyo:

Ueno – for its parks, zoo, and museums. If you happen to be in Japan for Hanami (Sakura), there are lots of parties held here. Also, Japan’s street eating culture and yummy Yakitori (skewers) can be experienced here under the railway.

Yurakucho – for more authentic street eating, Yakitori, and drinking culture plus, awesome little hole in the all pubs are found here.

Ebisu – also good for pubs and restaurants; more relaxed than Shibuya.

Ueno - Okachimachi – in between these two (via Yamanote Line) is Ameyokocho or the Black Market of Tokyo. You can get anything and everything (well, almost) here for cheap! Yes, cheap is possible in Tokes. One of my favorite ‘kaiten’ sushi (train sushi) restaurants is here too -- $1/ a plate (2 sushi pieces).

Yoyogi Koen (Park) – where all the craziness happens. From free hugs to cosplay to rockabillies to plain ol’ crazy. See for yourself.

Tsukiji – best experienced pre-dawn for fresh catch and batches of sea food.

Roponggi – every country has their version of the vortex (party blackhole). This is Tokyo’s.

Ginza – for all the high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

Gaiemae – Not a very popular area but I vouch for its tree-lined beautiful avenues, brick-style buildings, parks and stadium. For some peace and quiet in bustling Tokyo, go here.

Ikebukuro -- if you love shopping, check out Sunshine City and it's 60 floors! If eating is your thing, go dine in the many izakayas (authentic japanese fast food restaurants, originally after-work drinking spots) in the area. People watching is fun here too!

Surely, there are loads more less popular yet awesome places. All depends on who experiences it really. These are just some of mine. Maybe you can recommend some??