10 Things Most Travelers Miss in Tokyo (that you shouldn’t!)

Think you’ve seen all Tokyo has to offer? Think again. We’re sharing our top hidden gems in Tokyo—experiences most tourists miss but were some of our absolute favorites from our trips to Japan.

After multiple trips (and more bowls of ramen than we can count!), we’ve discovered that some of our favorite experiences in Tokyo aren’t the ones you’ll find on the typical top 10 lists. Sure, the big sights are worth seeing—but it’s the hidden gems that truly make this city unforgettable. 

From chatting with locals in their home to watching sumo wrestlers train at dawn, we’re sharing our favorite underrated experiences that most travelers miss… but definitely shouldn’t!

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1. Share a home-cooked meal with a local family

Dining with a local family in their home is hands down one of our top things to do in Tokyo that is totally unique and not on your typical tourist’s list. 

This is the type of cultural exchange most people wish they had, but don’t know how to arrange. That’s where Nagomi Visit comes in…

Nagomi Visit is a really cool program that essentially pairs you with a local family with whom you can enjoy a homemade meal. In addition to great food, it’s also a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture and daily life.

We’ll never forget the afternoon we met our hosts—a warm couple who guided us through their quiet residential neighborhood (an area of Tokyo we never would have discovered on our own, but loved!). 

Back in their living room-turned-kitchen, we rolled up our sleeves to assemble temaki hand rolls, laughed over language mishaps, and swapped stories about parenting (they had the sweetest toddler tips for our little one!).

By the end of the night, bellies full of fresh sushi, miso soup, and homemade pickles, we felt less like tourists and more like guests. 

It was hands-down one of our most memorable Tokyo experiences—an authentic peek into daily life that you simply can’t get from a guidebook and we can’t wait to do it again the next time we’re in Japan!

→ Wondering how to set it up yourself? We gotchu! We wrote an entire article about our experience and how you can sign up for Nagomi Visit on your next trip to Japan. 

Authentic Japan: Dine in a Local’s Home with this Cool Program 

2. Parco Rooftop Terrace

Shibuya’s chaos can be overwhelming, but just above it all—literally—you’ll find one of our favorite secret spots in Tokyo: the rooftop garden at Parco. We stumbled upon this gem on our last visit to Tokyo and were pleasantly surprised by how relatively uncrowded it was. 

The rooftop terrace is located on the 10th floor (lower than Shibuya Sky) of the Shibuya Parco Shopping Mall. The great thing about this spot is it is free to enter, and no reservations are necessary!

There is a bar (Commune) and small coffee shop on the rooftop to enjoy refreshments while you take in the views.

3. Yanaka (Old Town) food tour

If you want to imagine Tokyo as it was years ago before the ultra modern buildings and posh shopping districts, you’ll want to make time to explore the neighborhood of Yanaka. 

Adoringly called “Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhood,” the nickname says it all. Yanaka was spared from much of the bombings in WWII, and thus retains a lot of charm and nostalgia that you can’t find in many other parts of the city.

We think the best way to explore this area is by tasting your way through on a food tour. 
This Old Town food tour is the exact tour we loved. We filled our bellies with local specialties and our minds with fun facts about this neighborhood. 

4. Dinner Cruise on the Sumida River

Last time we were planning a trip to Tokyo, a local friend recommended we do a dinner cruise on the Sumida River. 

We weren’t sure what to expect from a dinner cruise, but floating past Tokyo Skytree, lantern-lit bridges, and twinkling high-rises while sipping sake? It turned out to be one of our favorite Tokyo nights. Not to mention the best part—the food!

We hadn’t seen this experience in any guides before trying it ourselves, but it still surprised us to see that only about half the participants were foreigners. Plus, it’s one of the few ways to see Tokyo from the water.

Our advice: This fills up fast, so book your dinner in advance!

If you’re on the fence about booking this experience, we wrote an honest review about our Tokyo dinner cruise that covers every detail you’d want to know.

Tokyo Dinner Cruise Review: Best Foodie Experience in Tokyo?

5. Japanese Baseball Game

We didn’t expect a baseball game in Tokyo to be one of the most fun nights we’d have in Japan—but it totally was. 

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, trust us: Japanese baseball is an experience. Think nonstop chants, trumpet-blasting cheer sections, fans waving flags in perfect sync—and yes, beer girls weaving through the stands with mini kegs strapped to their backs.

We’ve been to two games now at the iconic Tokyo Dome, and the energy is electric. Everyone around is on their feet, cheering and singing—even in the “cheap seats.” Plus, you can bring in your own food and booze.  (Though your beer will be poured into a plastic cup by security—don’t say we didn’t warn you.)

If you’re visiting from late-March through October (Japan’s baseball season), try to catch a game. For popular matchups, book tickets online in advance. But even if everything’s sold out, you might still snag standing-room tickets day-of at the ticket counter. 

We honestly had such a blast that we tell everyone to check the baseball schedule when asked about what to do in Tokyo. It’s a totally different side of the culture—and one most travelers miss.

6. Yakitori Ton Ton

One of our favorite things about Tokyo is how easy it is to slip out of the tourist bubble and into local life—even if just for a drink and a few smoky skewers. 

Yakitori Ton Ton is one of those places that feels like a secret… even though it’s hiding in plain sight just under the train tracks by Tokyo Station.

Our experience: We wandered in on a weeknight and were immediately swallowed up by the energy: the hum of post-work chatter, clouds of cigarette smoke, and the clink of beer mugs. We were the only foreigners there, squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder with friendly salarymen who gave us (slightly tipsy) menu advice. Their recommendation was the grilled leeks and chicken meatballs—and they did not disappoint.

This place is gritty, crowded, and unpolished in the best way. It’s not fancy, the menu is simple, and there’s a chance you’ll be turned away if it’s too busy. But if you manage to snag a seat, you’ll get a slice of everyday Tokyo that most travelers never experience.

Psst! If Ton Ton is packed, there are tons of other atmospheric izakayas nearby. The magic is less about where you go and more about doing as the locals do.

7. Watch a Sumo morning practice up close

Seeing sumo in action on TV is one thing—but watching it up close in a training stable? That’s a whole different level. 

Unlike flashy tournaments, morning practices (called keiko) are the real deal. No theatrics—just discipline, sweat, and centuries-old tradition. 

When we visited, the room was hushed, and everyone, including us, was expected to be respectful and stay still. You’re not there to cheer—you’re there to observe.

We visited a stable in the Ryogoku district with a guide, which we definitely recommend. It gave us context for what we were seeing, and helped navigate the etiquette (there’s a lot!). 

Most travelers skip this kind of experience altogether, but if you’re even a little curious about Japanese culture, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime, only-in-Tokyo moments you shouldn’t miss.

8. Gotokuji (“Lucky Cat Temple”)

We’d seen maneki-neko (lucky cat) figurines all over Japan, but only on our last trip did we finally visit Gotokuji Temple—where the tradition supposedly began.

Gōtokuji Temple is a Buddhist temple also called “The Lucky Cat Temple.” According to legend, the temple’s association with these lucky cats began when a cat belonging to a monk saved a feudal lord from a thunderstorm, leading to the temple’s prosperity.

Visitors to Gōtokuji can explore its tranquil grounds, which feature traditional Japanese architecture, well-maintained gardens, and numerous maneki-neko statues left by devotees seeking good fortune. 

It’s an easy detour from central Tokyo—and one that most visitors never take. But it’s 100% worth it.

9. Izakayas

One of our favorite ways to feel like you’re experiencing local life is to pop into an izakaya (tiny, casual bar with food) and order a drink and some small plates.

Oftentimes, izakayas only fit around 15 people, so it becomes as much about the atmosphere as it is about trying small dishes and drinks. We had some really cool izakaya experiences where we mingled with locals, tried dishes we wouldn’t have otherwise, and had an overall great evening.

Good to know: some izakayas charge a “cover fee”, which varies based on the place (we paid on average around 300 yen per person). They might bring a small (aka tiny!) little dish that is supposedly what you’re paying for (as well as your seat).

Golden Gai is famous for izakayas, but it’s also packed with tourists these days. For a more local feel, try wandering through Shimokitazawa and Koenji, hopping into small izakayas without English menus and letting the chefs surprise you.

This is the Tokyo of salarymen and students, of clinking beer glasses and sizzling yakisoba. We never knew what we were ordering—but that was part of the fun. If you want a truly local night out, leave the guidebook spots behind and follow your nose into Tokyo’s real bar culture.

10. Spa LaQua

Many visitors don’t think of Tokyo as a place for onsen, especially in the city center. Spa LaQua, however, is luxurious, modern, and relaxing—a true hidden gem for a mid-trip recharge.

Located on the 6th floor of Tokyo Dome City, this resort-like spa boasts natural hot springs, an open-air bath, a sauna, and a convenient central location.

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Tokyo Map: Our favorite spots!

Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our custom Tokyo Map. It’s filled with 100+ custom pins of our favorite Tokyo sights, activities, restaurants and more!

We made personal notes for each pin and included many of our personal photos so you know exactly what to expect from each pinned location.

Perfect Tokyo itinerary

Want your Tokyo itinerary planned for you? No problem! We did the legwork and came up with what we think is the perfect route for a 5-day Tokyo itinerary for your first visit. 

5 Day Tokyo Itinerary: Iconic Sights + Hidden Gems!

First timer’s guide to Tokyo

If this is your first time visiting Tokyo, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like how to get around and where to find the best eats. 

First Time in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

Where to stay in Tokyo

In this guide we break down the best neighborhoods in Tokyo to find short term accommodation when visiting. Plus, we’ve included our top recommendations for hotels and Airbnbs.  

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels

Day trips from Tokyo

If you’re looking to combine your trip to Tokyo with a few other places, or you’re simply in search of nearby adventures, you’ve got a ton of options.

There are so many places near Tokyo that you can go for a quick adventure or a weekend getaway, so we decided to do an entire round-up of the best day trips from Tokyo. 

15 Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Plan your trip to Japan

After 3 trips (and counting!), we’ve fallen head over heels for Japan—and we’ve created TONS of resources to help you plan your dream trip. Start with our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide and be sure to check out these helpful articles:

• First time? Our Japan Trip Planner walks you through everything you need to know.
• Use our Japan Rail Pass guide to determine if getting a train pass is optimal for your trip.
• Here’s our curated list of the best things to do in Japan—from iconic sights to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
• Not sure where to go? Our Japan itinerary ideas will help you map it all out.
• Foodies, rejoice! This guide to what to eat in Japan will have you drooling before you land.
• This guide to what to wear in Japan (and what not to wear) will help you blend in.
• Use our ultimate Japan Packing List to make sure you don’t forget anything.
• Before you go, brush up on these essential Japan travel tips (including major do’s and don’ts!).
• Avoid awkward moments by brushing up on Japanese etiquette.

Still have questions? Drop us a comment—we LOVE helping travelers plan unforgettable trips to Japan!

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We want to hear from you!

Which of these hidden gems in Tokyo have you heard of before? Are there any that surprised you? Are you planning a trip to Tokyo and have more questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!