Tea, Irises, and Nordic Homeware: Visit These Four Tokyo Spots Before They Get Trendy

Tokyo is a massive metropolis. As the country’s capital with not one but two international airports, this city obviously has a lot going on. As such, there are a lot of places that are hyped up online and then trampled half to death by tourists.

While many tourists might stick to the most popular spots, Tokyo has a lot more to offer than just those. More discerning travelers can experience the quiet, hidden gems scattered throughout the city. Here are just a few otherwise hidden or overlooked spots we’ve caught sight of lately that you don’t want to miss.

HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi: complexity hidden in simplicity

A short walk from Tokyo Station, HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi sits in the middle of a business district where glass towers and office workers set the rhythm of the day. The shop carries freshly steamed manju (both traditional and fusion styles), souvenir sweets, tea leaves, and traditional tableware.

The shop has a very Zen, minimalist vibe, mixing natural wood with wide white walls and copper plating. The understated design is a huge contrast to a lot of nearby, flashier stores. However, that simplicity is also what makes it such a breath of fresh air.

One neat thing about the store is that it has secret nori-ben (海苔弁) that it doesn’t openly display. This lunchbox appears very simple on the surface, with only nori seaweed and a Japanese-style egg omelet on top. But underneath, there’s flavored rice with 10 different side dishes or more.

Address: 100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−4−5 1F

A warm cup of Japanese black tea at KAGUWA

We love Kagurazaka. With its plethora of small shops and premier restaurants that constitute its unique brick street neighborhood, Hyogo Yokocho, Kagurazaka is an active yet still relatively peaceful slice of Tokyo.

Found in the neighborhood’s narrow backstreets, KAGUWA is a tea shop that brings attention to a less familiar corner of Japan’s tea culture: Japanese black tea (和紅茶, wakōcha). In other words, this is black tea grown and processed in Japan rather than imported from overseas.

The shop’s appeal lies in its intimacy. Its seating area is small, with only seven seats at an L-shaped counter. The menu includes black tea hand-picked by the owner and wagashi (和菓子), or Japanese sweets. Since seating is limited, I’d suggest booking ahead of time. (Just be sure to actually show up!)

Narahara Ryo, the owner of the shop, has been specializing in tea for a long time and knows his stuff. He studied in Sri Lanka (famous for its tea production) and even got an official qualification from the UK Tea Academy as a professional tea sommelier.

The owner didn’t just put careful thought into the tea selection, though. He also chose the teaware used to serve customers, even commissioning original pieces from artists. It adds a touch of thoughtfulness and sincerity that can be hard to find in such a bustling metropolis.

Address: 162-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 6 Chome−21 NEO神楽坂 1F

Stopping to smell the irises at the Imperial Palace

On the one hand, I can’t really call the Imperial Palace East Gardens “hidden” or “unknown.” They just don’t have the same massive draw as more popular sites like Senso-ji or Shibuya Crossing. Frankly, they have one of central Tokyo’s most underrated seasonal walks.

Built on the site of Edo Castle’s former inner grounds, the gardens feature historically preserved walls and carefully maintained landscapes. In early summer, the iris beds especially add a burst of color without taking away from the gardens’ sense of quiet.

Unlike more famous flower-viewing spots, the East Gardens feel spacious and contemplative, especially on weekday mornings. The area with the irises also has water features and different elevations, so you’ll never have a flat experience going through.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111

Bonus: grab some Nordic homeware at CINQ HOME

Though it’s only open three days a week (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), CINQ HOME in Tokyo’s popular Kichijoji neighborhood has some unique pieces on offer that’ll pique anyone’s interest. Its stock consists mostly of Nordic and British vintage furniture, tableware, baskets, and more, all of high quality.

The interior is spacious and serene, blending 1800s antiques with modern Japanese sensibilities. Some of the more popular (and, for travelers, portable) items include classy English teapots and CANASA mugs.

The shop also hosts events every now and then, including tea ceremony workshops, basket weaving, and seasonal exhibits. It’s overall a very relaxed shop with many unique pieces. It even comes with a resident black cat chilling in the background.

Address: 180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2 Chome−31−1 2F

Uncover more amazing, less-toured places in Japan

Tokyo’s best secrets don’t hide by distance, but by understatement. All these places reward visitors who prefer craft over hype and atmosphere over crowds. Together, they give a portrait of Tokyo you don’t normally see: one that’s quiet, exacting, and elegant.

And if, after those visits, you’re feeling peckish, try some lesser-known Tokyo cafés, the city’s lesser-known museums, or other neighborhoods like the thrifty Shimokitazawa.

Sources

東京駅から徒歩5分♪　 洗練を極めた東京みやげと贅沢すぎる隠れメニュー「海苔弁」 を「HIGASHIYA man 丸の内」のショップで co-Trip

かぐわしく、ほっこりと。神楽坂の和紅茶専門店「KAGUWA」で過ごす癒しの時間 co-Trip

都内の絶景スポット。梅雨に咲き誇る「皇居東御苑」の花菖蒲 Travel jp

吉祥寺で週3日だけオープン。北欧や英国の一点ものに出会える、暮らしの道具と家具のお店「CINQ HOME」co-Trip