At first glance, Tokyo might be synonymous with skyscrapers, crowds and neon streets. Most people have heard of the bustling Shibuya, whimsical Harajuku or eclectic Shinjuku that have long been well-worn tourist hotspots. However beyond that, there is undoubtedly no shortage of charming neighborhoods making its buzz across the metropolis. Currently there is an emerging new wave of interest surrounding trendy neighborhoods with a quaint and laid-back atmosphere, retro stores and coffee shops - now's the time to discover these areas that are 'hidden' in plain sight.
Shimokitazawa
The ultimate hub for the coolest kids on the block, Shimokitazawa is every hipsters' paradise. With every street lined with countless vintage thrift stores, you can find anything from secondhand designer clothes to vintage film cameras. You'll also find some of the city's most creative spots, central to the thriving arts and music community like the live music venue Shimokitazawa Three, movie theaters Shimokitazawa Tollywood and Honda Theater, as well as a vibrant open-air dining space known as the Shimokita Cage. Once just a farming area it's since transformed into Tokyo's most uniquely bohemian neighborhood favorited by locals.
Nakameguro
Centered around the famous Meguro River, Nakameguro is an upscale yet laid-back neighborhood adjacent to Shibuya and Ebisu that's popularly frequented during the cherry blossom season in the spring and for the illuminations in the winter. Recently, the area has been gaining popularity from tourists because of the newly opened world's largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery that has quickly become one of the neighborhood's landmarks. Laid-back yet upbeat at the same time, Nakame is home to fine local designer stores, trendy bars and restaurants, as well as an array of some of the best coffee shops in town.
Daikanyama
A stone's throw away from the major district of Shibuya, Daikanyama is more stylish, sophisticated and a quiet counterpart of its neighboring tourist area. Often regarded as Tokyo's Little Brooklyn, Daikanyama on the contrary hosts some of the most upscale spots that is more comparable to Manhattan. The uber-hip urban area is beloved by models and celebrities so be ready to keep both your eyes open. To begin your exploration here start off in the neighborhood's landmark, Daikanyama T-SITE which is a one-stop destination for aesthetic seekers, then stroll along the narrow roads lined up with stylish stores including the Hillside Terrace. When the sun goes down head to the Log Road complex for more shopping and to sip on one of the best craft beers in town.
Koenji
Koenji, a few stops from Shinjuku along the Chuo line is a vibrant capital to Tokyo's underground culture. The atmosphere of Koenji is compatible to of the aforementioned Shimokitazawa. Both are known for being a hub for vintage clothing shops and their expanding creative scenes that cultivate and nurtures young artists. To check out some local work head to the BnA art hotel in Koenji where artists gather, socialize and showcase their works within the building. While Shimokitazawa mostly attracts young hipsters, Koenji tends to attract a more mature audience, once known to be the hub of Tokyo's punk scene back in the 1970s.
Kichijoji
Just a little bit further down the Chuo line from Koenji, you'll find one of the most scenic and culturally-rich areas in suburban Tokyo, Kichijoji. The area boasts the beautiful Inokashira Park, offering plenty of lush nature beneath the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan. Attractions within the neighborhood is humbly charming completed with a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the sophistication of Ginza or Roppongi. Explore old-school pedestrian shopping streets and bar-hop among authentic Japanese izakayas or if you are a Studio Ghibli fan, don't miss out on visiting the Ghibli Museum.
Yanesen
Rather than an area of its own, Yanesen is an abbreviation coined by locals to refer to the collective greater area of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. Off the beaten path east of Ueno, is a well-preserved traditional district offering a less tourist-y window into the city's past. Historically the area of residence of Edo period's Tokugawa shogunate, the remains of the aged legacy serves as some of the most culturally-rich attractions in the city. The famous Yanaka cemetary is the resting place of the last shogun and is open to the public. Various art galleries also decorate the streets of the neighborhood, the most unique one being the SCAI Bathhouse which is a contemporary art museum built from a refurbished bath house. Walk down along the hill and you will come across a broad staircase leading to Yanaka Ginza, a traditional Japanese shopping alley that will transport you back to the Edo Era.
Conclusion
Iconic places in Tokyo such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Akihabara are prime tourist spots for a good reason. For first time visitors to Japan, you won't want to miss out on them, however if you want to experience Tokyo from a local's perspective, it's best to explore some of the areas that not quite on the well-trodden tourist route. Go beyond the usual haunts next time you are in Tokyo and include places from this list into your itinerary for a wholesome, cultural and dynamic sojourn in Japan's capital.