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Top Non-Touristy Things To Do In Tokyo

From its food to its gigantic, sleek or traditional architecture, Tokyo unveils itself in a whole new way. Below find a list of some of the top non-touristy things to do while visiting Tokyo.

Temple of Thousands of Foxes: Toyokawa Inari

You won't find a temple as uniquely decorated as the Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple. The temple is adorned with thousands of fox statues and bright red banners. With such an impactful imagery, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Kyoto.

Tiny Tokyo Apartments Are Surprisingly Popular

Ququri studio apartments offer just 4.64 square meters (49.94 square feet) of usable floor space, but with prices this low, it’s all some people need.

Government: Japan Has Enough Toilet Paper

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshi Kajiyama says Japan has enough toilet paper and urges people to stop hoarding.

Yoyogi Park: The Perfect Picnic Spot

Yoyogi Park is Tokyo's 5th largest park, but perhaps the #1 most lively park. With the spacious lawns, wide walking paths, and calming ponds, it welcomes many families, pet owners, joggers, street musicians, meet ups, yoga lovers, and more.

Best Halal Restaurants In Tokyo, Japan

It can be tough to find restaurants that can accommodate your dietary needs, which is why our friends at Trip101 have curated a list of 10 Halal-friendly restaurants in Tokyo!

A Luxury Train From Tokyo to Izu

JR East unveils the Saphir Odoriko, a luxury train connecting Tokyo with Izu, a popular tourist destination in Shizuoka Prefecture, starting March 14.

Japan Cultural Expo

The Japan Cultural Expo coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will showcase the country’s traditional arts starting mid-March.

Lay Around in Landabout Hotel in Uguisudani

A new hotel in the area of Uguisudani is bringing stylish charm and simplicity to its little part of Tokyo.

Daiba 1-chome Shotengai: Time-travel to 1960s

The Showa era might be over, but you can still take a trip back in time at Odaiba's Daiba 1-chome Shotengai—a mini-theme park made of 10 stores and 7 entertainment facilities with the retro feel of the 1960s.

JNTO Multilingual Coronavirus Hotline

Japan National Tourism Organization has a visitor hotline at 050-3816-2787 that accepts inquiries about coronavirus in English, Chinese and Korean.

Find Your Next Best Pal at the Mameshiba Cafe

Unfortunately, there aren't that many chances to meet a Shiba dog in Japan for tourists—until now. At the Mameshiba Cafe located in Takeshita Street in Harajuku, for 880 yen for 30 minutes, you can play with the 12 friendly canine staff members.

Happo-en: a Japanese Garden Hidden in Tokyo

Happo-en is a hidden gem featuring a traditional tea house, koi pond, bonsai, cherry trees, and everything else a Japanese garden should have.

Find Wonderland at Alice on Wednesday

Alice on Wednesday is a themed shop dedicated to—obviously—Alice in Wonderland. With enchanting decor, gorgeous accessories, clever themed snacks, it will make you feel like you've been immersed in the true Wonderland.

Japan’s Government Policy Regarding Corona

Japan’s government adopts a basic policy to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Kagurazaka: Fusion of Kyoto and Paris in Tokyo

Kagurazaka is an eclectic mix of Edo Japan and French influences. Although originally known for geishas in the Edo era, it is now a hub for fine dining and delicious street food.

Yutenji Temple: 300-Year World War Survivor

Yutenji Temple was founded in 1723 near Shibuya and miraculously managed to escape the world wars without much damage. As a result, you can witness the history of the original Buddhist temple as it was 300 years ago.

There's Still Fresh Seafood at Tsukiji Market

Any fan of sushi or seafood in Tokyo knows that the best place to eat is the Tsukiji Outer Market, even after the famous inner market and wholesale auction moved to Toyosu in 2018.

Stuff your Gut at Gut's Grill

If you're craving meat and a lot of it, Gut’s Grill is the place to go. Between their 720 gram signature Magnum Steak and their all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan, you're sure to leave satisfied.

Olympic Torch Relay Rehearsal

A rehearsal for the Tokyo Olympic torch relay took place about seven weeks before its planned start in late March.

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