20 Unconventional Places Near Tokyo You've Never Heard Of - Public Transport Accessible!

@Currently Hannah

Currently Hannahyoutubethe post

Discover 20 lesser-known attractions and unique experiences in and around Tokyo, perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures and local insights beyond the usual tourist spots.

16 places

1
Togakushi Shrine
Shinto shrine · Nagano · 3 hours
4.4 (6,300)Closed
Creator's voice
A collection of five Shinto shrines nestled in a sacred mountain forest, known for its ancient cedar trees and spiritual atmosphere. The hike connecting the shrines is a beautiful mini-pilgrimage.
Togakushi-Jinja Chusha, Chūsha-3506 Togakushi, Nagano, 381-4101, Japan
Tip: Start at Hokosha bus stop for a three-hour mini-pilgrimage hike visiting all five shrines.
2
Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist temple · Minato City · 2 hours
4.2 (1,791)Closed
Creator's voice
A massive and historically significant Buddhist temple in Nagano, offering a serene atmosphere and a beautiful approach lined with traditional shops.
Zenkōji Temple, 3 Chome-5-17 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan
Tip: Combine with the Togakushi hike as it's also near Nagano Station.
3
Vowz Bar
Bar · Shinjuku City · 2 hours
4.4 (346)Closed · opens 7 PM
Creator's voice
A bar in Tokyo run by real practicing monks, offering unique alcoholic drinks and shoji ryori (monk's cuisine) snacks. They host mini Buddhism sermons and sutra chanting sessions throughout the night.
Vowz Bar, AGビル２Ｆ 6-42 Arakicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0007, Japan
Tip: Partake in the mini Buddhism sermon and sutra chanting for a full experience.
4
Canadian Camp Yatsugatake
Equestrian club · Hokuto · half day
4.6 (65)Open · until 5:30 PM
Creator's voice
A camp offering the unique experience of Yabusame, traditional Japanese archery on horseback. They provide tailored lessons for all skill levels.
Canadian Camp Riding Club, 10235 Kobuchisawacho, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0044, Japan
Tip: Consider renting a bike from Kabuchizawa Station to explore other nearby attractions like the Keith Haring Museum and local breweries.
5
Keith Haring Museum
Art museum · Hokuto
4.3Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
A museum dedicated to the works of artist Keith Haring, located in the Yatsugatake area.
Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, 10249-7 Kobuchisawacho, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0044, Japan
6
Manami Inaga Lake
Lake · Minami-Alps
4.5 (146)
Creator's voice
A beautiful lake known for its stunning autumn leaves and the presence of swans. Accessible only by car.
Minamiinaga Lake, Kamiichinose, Minami-Alps, Yamanashi 400-0317, Japan
7
Sakura Wanitsuka
Tourist attraction · Nirasaki
4.4 (1,197)Closed
Creator's voice
A renowned photo spot famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Primarily a scenic stop for photography.
Sakura Wanitsuka, Kitamiyaji-624 Kamiyamamachi, Nirasaki, Yamanashi 407-0042, Japan
8
Yamataka Jindai Zakura
Scenic spot
4.4Closed · opens Tuesday 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
Home to what is believed to be the oldest cherry blossom tree in the world, estimated at 2,500 years old. Also features a cherry blossom tree grown from space-sent seeds.
Yamataka Jindai Zakura, 2763 Mukawacho Yamataka, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0306, Japan
9
Sorano Hotel
Hotel · overnight
4.4 (96)
Creator's voice
A modern luxury hotel near Tachikawa Station, featuring Japanese Zen-style architecture and a heated infinity pool on the top floor with potential views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Sorano Hotel, W1 3-1 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0014, Japan
Tip: Factor in the additional 2,000 yen fee for the rooftop pool when budgeting.
10
Tachikawa Cinema City
Movie theater · Tachikawa
4.0 (1,708)
Creator's voice
A cinema known for its unique 'explosive sound' experience, where sound designers sometimes tweak audio for specific movies to match the director's vision.
Cinema One, 2 Chome-8-5 Akebonocho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0012, Japan
11
Mount Ishiwari
Mountain peak · Hachioji
4.5
Creator's voice
A mountain behind Lake Yamanaka offering spectacular, uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji. The hike is about 8-10 km with 400m elevation gain, taking 4-5 hours.
Mount Takao, Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan
Tip: Continue past Mount Ishiwari to Mount Hirao and Mount Ohira for the most expansive views of Mount Fuji. Bring at least a liter of water and wear grippy shoes.
12
Aabi Café
Cafe · Shinjuku City
4.3Open · until 8:30 PM
Creator's voice
A board game café in Kanda Jimbocho with a wide selection of games, many in English. If seats are full, you can request to join another group, making it a great place to meet new people.
Cafe Aaliya, ビル山本 B1F 3 Chome-1-17 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
13
Vegetable Izakaya Ganja
Creator's voice
A maximalist, wildly decorated izakaya in Kanda Jimbocho offering a unique dining experience with many vegan options. The staff are also elaborately dressed, adding to the immersive atmosphere.
Tokyo, Japan
Tip: Keep the experience a surprise from your friends for maximum impact. While the food is good, the experience is the true value.
14
Jindaiji Temple
Buddhist temple · Chofu
4.3 (8,606)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
Creator's voice
A non-touristy temple known for its chill vibe and the goma daki ritual, where wishes written on wooden planks are prayed over and burned by monks. The area is also famous for wasabi and soba.
Jindaiji Temple, 5 Chome-１５-1 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017, Japan
15
Jindai Botanical Gardens
Botanical garden · Chofu
4.3 (946)Closed · opens Thursday 9:30 AM
Creator's voice
A huge botanical garden with one of the largest collections of unique and rare flora from around the world. Features a rose garden in summer and is best visited in spring.
Jindai Botanical Gardens, 5 Chome-31-10 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017, Japan
16
Satologue
Hotel · Okutama · half day
4.9 (46)
Creator's voice
A brand-new, beautifully designed luxury sauna facility located two hours from Tokyo, offering a full wellness experience including a sauna, cold plunge with river water, relaxation areas, and amenities.
Japan, 〒198-0106 Tokyo, Nishitama District, Tokyo, Okutama, Tanazawa, １番地 Satologue (さとローグ)
Tip: Save this for a special occasion or romantic getaway due to its luxury pricing.