Hidden Tokyo | The Quiet Side of Shinjuku & Toshima City

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Hidden Tokyo | The Quiet Side of Shinjuku & Toshima City | JAPAN vlog

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Discover the lesser-known charm of Waseda and Kagurazaka in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with a day trip covering unique shrines, historic architecture, cozy jazz kissas, and delightful local shops.

16 places · 4 experiences

Experience · 3 places
Morning Stroll in Waseda
morning3 hours
Start your day exploring the quiet charm of Waseda, from a famous anime slope to a serene Japanese garden, before enjoying a peaceful breakfast.
1
Nozoki-zaka Slope
Scenic spot · Toshima City
4.4Closed
Creator's voice
Known as Tokyo's steepest slope, this spot gained fame from Makoto Shinkai's anime 'Weathering With You'. It's a unique photo opportunity and a quiet place to start your exploration.
Nozokizaka, 2 Chome-12-21 Takada, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0033, Japan
2
Kansen-en Park
Garden
4.1 (33)Closed · opens Tuesday 7 AM
Creator's voice
A beautiful Japanese garden, perfect for a quiet morning. Look for the 'yukitsuri' technique used to protect trees from heavy snow, a rare sight in Tokyo.
Kansen-en Park, 3 Chome-5 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0051, Japan
3
Hole-in-the-Wall Apple Candy Stall
Publisher · Paris
4.2 (25)
Creator's voice
A charming apple candy stall found during a New Year's market, offering traditional sweets.
FamilyWall, 8 Rue Bayen, 75017 Paris, France
Experience · 4 places
Waseda Campus & Jazz Kissa
afternoon2 hours
Immerse yourself in the academic and cultural heart of Waseda, visiting its university campus and experiencing the unique atmosphere of a Jazz Kissa.
4
Haruki Murakami Library
University library · Shinjuku City
4.7 (275)Open · until 5 PM
Creator's voice
A library dedicated to the works of the renowned author Haruki Murakami, featuring interesting architecture.
The Waseda International House of Literature (The Haruki Murakami Library), 4号館 1 Chome-6 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0051, Japan
5
Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum
Museum
4.4 (1)Closed · opens Tuesday 10 AM
Creator's voice
Designed in the style of London's historic Fortune Theatre, this museum is a architectural gem on the Waseda campus.
Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, 1 Chome-6-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0051, Japan
6
Waseda University Campus
Private university · Shinjuku City
4.0 (229)Open · until 10:30 PM
Creator's voice
Explore the campus of Waseda University, home to unique architectural styles, including a building reminiscent of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, designed by 'Japanese Gaudi' Von Gercox.
Waseda University Nishi-Waseda Campus, 3 Chome-4-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
7
Onigiri Shop (Waseda)
Japanese restaurant · Shinjuku City
4.6 (165)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
A perfect spot for lunch, offering a New Year's onigiri set with two flavors and ozoni (Japanese mochi soup for good luck).
Kawashima, スリーベルマンション 3 1 Chome-4-19 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0051, Japan
Experience · 3 places
Kagurazaka's Little France
afternoonhalf day
Wander through Kagurazaka, known as Tokyo's 'Little France,' discovering charming streets, unique shops, and a playful hide-and-seek alley.
8
Peko-chan Yaki Shop
Dessert shop · Shinjuku City
3.9 (576)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A popular shop near Iidabashi Station selling cute Peko-chan shaped cakes with various fillings. The milk cream flavor is a bestseller.
Fujiya Iidabashi-Kagurazaka, 1 Chome-１２ Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
9
Kakurenbo Yokocho
Tourist attraction · Shinjuku City
4.2 (82)
Creator's voice
Translating to 'Hide-and-Seek Alley,' this maze of cobblestone paths and dead ends is a fun area to explore. Hidden heart, star, and diamond stones are said to bring good luck if found.
Kakurenbo Yokocho (Hide-and-Seek Alley), 3 Chome Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
10
Live Jazz Bar (Kagurazaka)
Creator's voice
A popular and intimate live jazz bar in Kagurazaka, known for its cozy atmosphere and diverse musicians who can sign up to play. Arrive early as it gets crowded quickly.
Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan
Experience · 6 places
Waseda's Hidden Shops & Art
morning3 hours
Explore more of Waseda's local side, discovering unique shops selling Scandinavian goods and traditional pottery, alongside a charming art gallery and cafe.
11
Scandinavian Goods Shop
Furniture store · Chuo City
4.8 (13)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
A small shop specializing in Scandinavian products, mostly homeware, giving a feel of a European cottage.
Luca Scandinavia, 松岡第二銀緑舘 1F 1 Chome-9-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
12
Onta-yaki Pottery Shop
Traditional market · Shibuya
5.0 (65)Open · until 7 PM
Creator's voice
The only shop in Tokyo selling Onta-yaki pottery, a traditional craft using Edo period techniques, characterized by earthy colors and geometric patterns.
Japan, 〒150-0012 Tokyo, Shibuya, Hiroo, 1 Chome−4−9 Japanese Pottery in Tokyo
13
Handicraft Shop (Waseda)
Variety store · Shinjuku City
4.5 (22)Open · until 7 PM
Creator's voice
Located up a cute staircase, this shop sells locally handmade and painted crafts by local artists.
Japan, 〒169-0051 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishiwaseda, 1 Chome−1−4 川崎ビル 1F 早稲田雑貨店 switch
14
Morikazu Art Gallery & Cafe
Art museum · Toshima City
4.2 (352)Open · until 5:30 PM
Creator's voice
An art gallery featuring the works of Morikazu, known for bold, thick lines in his art, with a natural light-filled cafe inside.
Toshima City Morikazu Kumagai Art Museum, 2 Chome-27-6 Chihaya, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0044, Japan
15
Chocolate Shop (Waseda)
Confectionery store · Shinjuku City
4.7Closed · opens Monday 11:30 AM
Creator's voice
A delightful chocolate shop offering various chocolate products. The sipping chocolate is very thick, so consider the regular version for a lighter experience.
Japan, 〒162-0851 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Bentencho, 30 早稲田長谷川ビル F CHOCOLAT（エフショコラ）
16
Ikebukuro Station
Transit station · Toshima City
3.8 (2,872)
Creator's voice
A major transportation hub where you can grab a late lunch, such as a tempura rice bowl with soba for around $8.
Ikebukuro Station, 1 Chome Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0022, Japan

Tips from the creator1

How to get around Waseda and Ikebukuro?
Waseda is best explored on foot, but a cute cat-bus-like local bus can take you to Ikebukuro. These buses don't come often, so plan your timing.
Transit31:51