Tokyo Neighborhoods: Best Hidden Gems to Explore!

Tokyo neighborhoods that typically come to mind for tourists include Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa. However, with Japan’s inbound tourism reaching record levels in 2025, many well-known areas are becoming increasingly crowded. Want to avoid the crowds and get to know the Tokyo neighborhoods that locals love to hang out at? Here are three places worth visiting!

Jiyugaoka

Jiyugaoka Station is conveniently only 8-12 minutes away from Shibuya Station via the Tokyu Toyoko Line! Once you step outside of the station, the area will surprise you with how different it feels from its bustling Shibuya neighbor. Its narrow alleyways and streets make walking through the neighborhood feel more intimate. 

In the 1920s, Jiyugaoka Gakuen High School was established and recognized for its liberal education. Jiyugaoka literally translates to “freedom hill,” which eventually led to the entire area being called that. Nowadays, Jiyugaoka is most known for its European-like atmosphere and tasty sweets. There are dozens of cafes, bakeries, and quirky small businesses scattered throughout the neighborhood, making it fun to explore! 

In Tokyo, it can be difficult to find public rest spaces, especially outside of parks. However, in Jiyugaoka, there is the Kuhonbutsu River Green Way! It is a vertical strip of green space, lined with trees and benches. The green way starts from Kuhonbutsu and leads to Jiyugaoka Station, which is about a 15-minute walk. If you want to grab a coffee to-go but worry about finding a place to sit, this spot solves that problem!

One of the many unique businesses is Frogs, a store that specializes in, you guessed it, frogs! The shop features a wide range of frog-themed clothing, accessories, toys, and more. If you love frogs or want to buy a cute gift for a frog lover, this is the place to be. 

Numéro 5 Paris is run by a French pâtissier and loved by both tourists and locals alike. They sell a variety of baked goods, including scones, canelés, and cakes. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this shop is definitely worth checking out!

Koenji 

From Shinjuku Station, it only takes around 6-10 minutes to arrive at Koenji Station via the JR Chuo Line! The neighborhood’s name originated from a famous temple in the area, called Shukuhozan-Koenji Temple. Considered a haven for thrift lovers, this Tokyo neighborhood has retained its classic feel without becoming completely modernized. As a result, it truly feels like you’ve been transported a few years back in time! 

Koenji’s shotengai (shopping street) play a significant role in why it has been able to keep its down-to-earth vibe. Shotengai refers to a type of Japanese commercial district that serves as a community hub for both residents and visitors. They host local festivals, processions, and other cultural gathering events. Think of it as being a long, usually covered, shopping street! Koenji Pal Shopping Street is one example. 

If you have kids or simply want to feel childlike nostalgia, Hattifnatt is a one-of-a-kind cafe that will leave you filled with joy. Stepping inside feels like you are within a children’s storybook! The walls on the second floor are painted with adorable, colorful scenes of animals and children alike. They offer lots of food options too, with cute latte art and sweets. 

Want a taste of Japan from the convenience of your home? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat ships tasty sweets, snacks, and Japanese noodles right to your door!

This neighborhood has two TreFacStyle stores (TreFacStyle Koenji 1 & TreFacStyle Koenji 2) that are within a 2-minute walk of one another! Shoppers love TreFacStyle, a second-hand clothing chain Famous for its reasonable prices and wide variety of items. With a diverse range of brands available, it is a great stop for those looking to buy affordable and well-priced second-hand goods.

Wakabayashi

Wakabayashi is located in Setagaya, a popular ward that is home to well-known Tokyo neighborhoods such as Sangenjaya and Shimokitazawa. It may not be as lively, but Wakabayashi has its own charming points! If you want to start your day leisurely, this is a great area to begin. 

Although you would think to get off at Wakabayashi Station, Shoin-jinja-mae Station is the one conveniently near every place you would want to visit. From Shibuya Station, it takes about 20-22 minutes by train or bus to arrive. If you take the train, make sure to get off at Sangenjaya Station and look for signs to the yellow Setagaya Line (SG). 

From Shoin-jinja-mae Station, I recommend walking along the street that goes to Shoin Shrine. It offers a variety of shops, including coffee shops, restaurants, and stores to browse. Since it is such a narrow street, it’s easy to walk back and forth between shops. 

Just a two-minute walk away from the station is iri coffee roastery [sic]. Small but cozy, this cafe serves hand-drip coffee, lattes, and a variety of desserts. The bar seats and table seats allow you to take a breather and relax in this slow-paced atmosphere. 

One of the most popular destinations for visitors is the Shoin Shrine. With cherry blossoms lining the entrance, walking in feels like taking a step back into the past! Enshrined is Yoshida Shoin, a famous intellectual from the Edo period, who is now worshipped as a deity of learning. Many of his early followers went on to become prominent figures in Japan. One of them was Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan. 

Right next to the shrine is Wakabayashi Park! If you have kids, it’s a perfect place for them to burn some energy. The park includes a playground and bathroom facilities, and it also hosts community events.

Why you should take the lesser-known path

By visiting areas that are not geared towards tourists (which also means higher prices), you get a feel for the actual places that Tokyo residents visit for fun. Many locations are facing overcrowding as a result of overtourism. Exploring lesser-known places allows you to support small businesses and discover for yourself what makes Tokyo special. 

Tokyo’s neighborhoods all have their own unique atmosphere, offering a wide range of activities. Which neighborhood would you choose to visit? Send us a comment below and let us know what you think!