Tokyo Hidden Gems that NO ONE Mentions | Tourist Trap Alternatives

This Japan Guide focuses lesser known Tokyo Hidden Gems that are not mentioned in a lot of Tokyo guide books. I wanted to show you some secret hidden spots to most Japan tourists. Instead of take you to the regular Tokyo Tourist Traps that are often prime destinations for first time Japan visitors, I wanted to take you to some of my favorite local places in Tokyo. This video will serve as Guide for these Tokyo hidden gems and will give you ideas on what to do in Tokyo. You don't need to follow the path in the standard guide books to have a great time in Tokyo. Also, this hidden gem spots may also serve to be great instagram / instagramable places in Tokyo as you will see from this video.

Thanks to Zhiyun for sending me the Weebill Lab Gimbal
NOTE: I was NOT Paid for this video

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Tokyo Hidden Spot Locations. Timestamps / Map Links

0:00 - Intro

0:59 - #5. Hamarikyu Garden

2:06 - #4. Zozoji Temple

3:02 - #3. Tokyo Farmer's Market @ United Nations University

3:35 - #2. La Vita and Jiyugaoka

4:29 - #1. Kotohiragu Shrine

Hamarikyu is a beautiful Edo-period garden hidden just beyond the Shiodome and Shimbashi area.

Zojoji is one of the seven great head temples of Jodo Sect, located in Shiba Park. It was built in 1393 and moved to this location in 1598. Zojoji is known to be the family temple of the biggest shogunate during the Edo period and in fact is the house of 6 Tokugawa shogunates.

One of the indearing features of this site is located on the side of the main building. The Sentai Kosodate Jizo statues stand in line in cute little red hats and pinwheels smiling at you.

The Tokyo Farmer's Market is located in front of United Nation University, just 5 minutes walk from Omotesando Station.

Jiyugaoka, directly translated means Freedom Hill. The area started developing in the 1920’s and over the years has become desirable places to live in Tokyo. Wide open streets, minimal crowds, a variety of shops and restaurants and only a 12min ride from Shibuya make it one my favorite chill spots in Tokyo.

Koto Hirgagu shrine is wedged right in the middle of the Toranomon business district. Built in the 1600's, this shrine used to be the south entrance of Edo Castle.

The 4 animals on the torii represent the 4 Guardians of the East, West, South and North. It signifies that this was once a very powerful site. It enshrines the strongest god in Japanese mythology Oomono Nuno Kami.

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I'm from TOKYO JAPAN, I've been living here for a long time. I'll be your Tokyo Travel Guide, taking you to the spots I love as well as showing you what to do all around Japan and maybe sometimes overseas. I'm also into Tech so you'll see a few videos about my drone and other cool toys I discover. In short, the channel is all about what I Love, Japan, Food, Travel, Tech and most likely coming FROM-TOKYO, my home.

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[mtorre]

Hi Paolo, I just wanted to thank you. We just came back from Japan and we saw all your videos before our trip. We really enjoyed many different things that we would have missed if your videos weren't available. I just bought a couple of your t-shirts as a sign of appreciation. Please keep up the good work and thanks again!

[kenken]

lol old man @6:32 behind you. haha. Been to Japan twice already and there's always new places to explore. Thanks for these hidden gems! Awesome!

[suzybatt]

Literally on holiday in Tokyo now watching this video for ideas of what to do tomorrow :) Your tips have been soo helpful so far :)

[MrsTeenagewiccan]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!! So many people who make videos about japan cover the same touristy and well known locations over and over which is okay but gets boring sometimes seeing repeats : it’s seriously so great to see and learn about new places that I haven’t heard of before . Honestly one of my most favorite videos of yours so far which is really saying something because I haven’t once not enjoyed any of your videos!!! Thank you!!!

[wee-senchoo]

Maiko is a great model!! Btw zozoji was the filming location for The Wolverine.

[ryvanwharewera]

You really deserve more recognition and followers, your editing is amazing and your videos are very helpful as I am planning on going around this time next year. Watching your videos are making me excited!!

[meteorgarden]

Yes.. I'm in Japan now and plan to visit Tokyo on 27mar, this new video is just in time. I'm so happy, thank you.

[Gantorin]

I have been to Zojoji shrine after vositing Tokyo Tower. So empty, and like all the places I want to were so beautiful. But you gave me more to want to go see when I visit again in 2021. Hope you and the wife are foing well. You videos are always so fun, and entertaining. So thank you.

[BackwardMapTravels]

I’m leaving for Japan next week and I’ve been binge watching your channel in preparation! Thanks for sharing all your tips！

[melissahernandez]

Your videos were really helpful when I visited Tokyo 2 years ago. I think I will move to Japan for a while to really experience everything.

[michaelhughes]

This is what I like, the hidden gems away from the tourists, to see the history of Japan. The culture, history that goes back hundreds of years. BTW, nice Gimbal. Might have to see if I can find it on Amazon.

[fakezne]

I'm coming to Tokyo next year and by watching your videos I'll know the city like the back of my hands by then, great stuff and thanks I'm sure I owe you a beer when I get there

[TheOGBambussa]

Going to Japan in May. These videos are helpful. Cheers 😁

[billcook]

Great video. If I have one "complaint" about your channel, it's that you tend to hit the major spots everybody hits. Love these off-the-beaten-track spots. And what's even better about this video is that your off-the-beaten-track spots aren't the same spots in every other off-the-beaten-track videos :)

[allanovalles]

Going to Tokyo next week, great videos super helpful! Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽! Hope to see the Sakura Blossom

[crazycatlady]

Cheers to you for providing truly unique gems!

[genkifit]

Went in Japan last february for the first Time and go back in November ! Yahoooo!
Thanks for your videos that help my family to organize our trip !!!

[MrUdaya]

Nice video...Japan is best 👍..very clean, calm and quiet...like this wide open streets...every thing in order...
No horns...perfect...Japan is my favourite country..Japanese people are very polite and helpful..
I was there last year...
thank you for uploading this video..do more videos..

[TheArcNite]

Just went to Hama-Rikyu 2 days ago. It's a beautiful place with no crowds.

[kayel]

I'm excited for the upcoming video on Jiyugaoka! I enjoyed my time there my last trip to Japan, particularly the cute cafes and shops