Four Alternative Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo has so much to offer the intrepid traveller. But with an excess of experiences and activities available, it can be hard to know where to go all out and where to save that yen. Where to brave the crowds and where to avoid them and their iPad photo-taking. So I’ve put together a list of four alternative things to do in Tokyo, and which popular attractions you can swap ’em out with.

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4 Alternative Things to do in Tokyo:

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building instead of Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower both have amazing views over the city, with observation decks at 350m and 250m respectively. We’ve all seen the photos, and it’s probably a great experience if you’re willing to fork out over 2000 yen for the privilege. But there’s alternative things to do in Tokyo.

Enter, the Goldilocks of observation decks, because being a little lower but totally free means it’s juuuuuuust right. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. That’s ‘Tocho’ to the locals.

The building is incredible, like a modern, glass-clad Notre Dame cathedral. The 202m high views of the city are breathtaking; on clear days you can see places of interest in Tokyo like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meji Shrine, and in PERFECT conditions, even Mount Fuji!

Close by, the Park Hyatt Tokyo and Shinjuku Chuo Park are two landmarks you can see all year round.

Tocho has two towers, both of which have observation decks. One is open into the evening so you can take in the jewel-coloured lights of the city.

I didn’t realise until I left Japan – to my drunken horror – that this tower also turns into a bar at night! Devastating for me, but lucky for you. Take these travel tips and roll with ’em!

Getting There:

Shinjuku Station: It’s an easy ten minute walk from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Tocho-Mae Station: This station on the Metro Oedo Line is located in the basement of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building itself.

2. Shimokitazawa instead of Harajuku

Harajuku is a tourist hotspot for good reason. With many of its top attractions topping those “Cool Things to do in Tokyo” lists. You’ll find busy Takeshita Street packed with people who’ve come to shop, try decadent crepes, and eat fairy floss bigger than their heads. All whilst looking for those outrageously fashion-forward locals.

But the caricature non-Japanese people have in their head – let’s call it the ‘Gwen Stefani Effect’ – is an outdated version of ‘lolita’. Today, the many 90’s sub-cultures have changed, evolved or given way to something else.

Tokyo is still an epicentre of creative fashion, but it’s been replaced by more subdued, infinitely cool looks influenced by streetwear, nostalgia, neo-traditional, or Americana. With a variety of new styles and subcultures springing from the trend.

These edgy looks can be found all over the city, and aren’t limited to the busy Harajuku area. So to get your fix, save some cash, and escape the crowds, head instead to the hipster-bohemian neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa – one of my must see places in Tokyo.

Shop the goods; from a range of vintage and thrift stores, offbeat Tokyo brands, even record shops! There’s a huge variety of coffee shops, bars, and mom-n-pop style eateries to mingle with the artistic & eclectic locals. Making it one of the most cool places in Tokyo. Sorta Greenwich Village circa 1965.

Or, you could always just wander the streets and alleys to see what outfits fashionable Tokyoites are rocking. All the draw of Harajuku, in a more charming, affordable and less-touristy package; that’s what makes it my favourite alternative thing to do in Tokyo.

Read more about getting off the beaten path in Shimokitazawa.

3. The Gate Hotel Asakusa instead of the Park Hyatt Tokyo

I’m sure all of us travelling to Tokyo would love to stay at the Park Hyatt – made famous in the movie Lost In Translation – and meet Scarlett Johansen and Bill Murray visit its incredible top-floor New York Bar. Unfortunately, the hotel is one of the most expensive in the city, befitting its five stars.

New York Bar has a cover charge at night of 2500 yen (around $30 AUD!) and the drinks start at around 1300 yen for beer and go up from there. Still, with a jazz band and phenomenal views of the city, it’s a wonderful thing to do in Tokyo. Exactly the kind of place where you could fall into a quiet romance, bask in the glow of low, moody lighting, and otherwise feel glamourous. But this is real life, and that’s just a little too ouch! pricey.

But I gotcha covered with The Gate Hotel in Asakusa. This upscale boutique hotel offers visitors luxury feel without a five star price tag.

The reception lobby is located on the 15th floor – unlike any hotel lobby in the history of ever – and an enormous chandelier grabs your attention, pointing towards panoramic glass windows which frame stunning views of the Asakusa area and Sensoji Temple, with Tokyo Skytree taking pride of place. The gorgeous-yet-cozy rooms are furnished in dark, moody colours with warm lighting, and are immediately relaxing.

R Restaurant & Bar has breathtaking up-close views of Tokyo Skytree, and gives you all the swank of the aforementioned New York Bar without the hefty cost or crowds. Catch a live jazz band there at the end of every month. It’s the perfect alternative thing to do in Tokyo.

But that’s not all, head upstairs to B Bar (exclusive to guests of the hotel) for a more cozy atmosphere, or sit out on the gorgeous roof terrace to take in the city. The Gate Hotel isn’t what you’d call budget accomodation, but budget luxury? Definitely. And it’s worth every penny.

Prices start at around $220 AUD per night.

4. Yakiotri Alley in Yurakucho instead of Memory Lane in Shinjuku

Memory Lane – known locally by its more colourful moniker Piss Alley -is a charming taste of old Tokyo, with a similar vibe to drinking mecca Golden Gai. Beginning life as an illegal drinking quarter post-WW2 (its lack of toilets inspired the name) over time Memory Lane / Piss Alley became a hotspot of cheap bars, yakitori, and noodles for the working classes to get their budget fix. It retains its iconic look and feel today.

While I still think Memory Lane is one of the most fun things to do in Tokyo, it gets packed quickly in the evening, becoming impossible to get a table. It’s also right next to Tokyo’s busiest station, Shinjuku.

If you fancy something a little less crazy, then Yakitori Alley in the laid back district of Yūrakuchō is the go. Near Yūrakuchō Station, the alley is part of a stretch of charming and tightly packed izakaya and yakitori joints which run between Yūrakuchō and Shimbashi Stations.

It gives you that same post-war Tokyo vibe; dimly lit, strung with lanterns, and built under the arches of the JR Yamanote Line tracks. Yūrakuchō is a smoke-laden, intoxicating atmosphere where charcoal grilled chicken pulls you in for cheap, tasty food and a beer or five.

The happy, drunken chatter of locals spills out onto the sidewalk, eateries are filled with tables & chairs fashioned from milk crates and planks of wood, and the whole area buzzes with energy. It’s overall a more chilled neighbourhood than Shinjuku, making it a top choice, particularly on weekends. This is absolutely one of the best cheap things to do in Tokyo for foodies too!

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So there it is, four pretty fantastic alternative things to do in Tokyo (if I do say so myself!). Whether you want to save money on tourist attractions like observation decks, feel glamorous without the price tag, get a taste of old Japan, or just escape the crowds. There’s a little something for everyone.

After an easy day trip from Tokyo? Check out Nikko – just a 1.5 hour train away

What do you think of this alternative stuff to do in Tokyo?
Let me know in the comments below!

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Remember – every time you share, an ice-cold Asahi gets its wings.

Amelia X