Three Hidden Tokyo Spots Only the Savvy Know About

Beyond the classic tourist spots, Tokyo is filled with “hidden gems” where you can slip into an extraordinary world with just a casual visit. Whether you want a quiet place to relax, a photogenic location, or a chance to experience another culture, here are three perfect destinations.

We’ll introduce La Vita in Jiyugaoka, a charming spot that recreates the atmosphere of Venice; Tokyo Camii, where you can feel the serene air of Islamic prayer; and Horin-ji Temple, known for its beautiful goshuin stamps and floral water basins. Each place offers a special space where you can step away from daily life and spend time reconnecting with yourself.

Immerse Yourself in a Venice-Like Setting: La Vita Jiyugaoka

In a stylish corner of Jiyugaoka, known for its chic cafes and boutique shops, you’ll find La Vita—an area that feels as if you’ve wandered straight into Italy. With its small bridge over a canal, brick buildings, and classic gondola, the entire setting is a photogenic spot reminiscent of Venice itself.

As a commercial complex, it’s perfect for enjoying some leisurely shopping. But if you visit on a quiet weekday afternoon, you can savor a slow, relaxing moment. Whether you’re reading on a café terrace, taking photos, or simply enjoying a sense of freedom, it’s an ideal place to unwind.

In the evening, the area is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere completely different from the daytime.

Hours	Varies by store
Address	2-8-2 / 2-8-3 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Access	• From Shinjuku Washington Hotel: Walk to Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line, and get off at Jiyugaoka Station. It is a 3-min. walk from the station. • From Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: Walk to Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line, and get off at Jiyugaoka Station. It is a 3-min. walk from the station.
URL	https://www.jiyugaoka-abc.com.e.mb.hp.transer.com/

Beautiful Stained Glass and a Majestic Atmosphere: Tokyo Camii, One of Japan’s Largest Mosques

Located about a 5-min. walk from Yoyogi-Uehara Station, Tokyo Camii and Turkish Culture Center is one of the largest Islamic mosques in Japan. Built with support from the Turkish government, the structure features a grand dome and intricate arabesque designs that evoke the feeling of standing inside a palace in Istanbul.

The interior is open to the public, welcoming visitors of any background or faith. The soft light filtering through the stained-glass windows and the gentle echoes of prayer create an experience that feels deeply calming and purifying.

On the first floor, you’ll also find a halal market selling groceries, sweets, and other items, making it a great place to explore both culture and cuisine.

Hours	10:00～18:00
Address	1-19 Oyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access	• From Shinjuku Washington Hotel: Walk to Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line, and get off at Yoyogi-Uehara Station. It is about a 5-min. walk from the South Exit. • From Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: Walk to Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line to Yoyogi-Uehara Station, then walk about 5 min. to the destination.
URL	https://tokyocamii.org/

Popular for Goshuin Stamps and Floral Chozu Bowls: Horin-ji Temple

About 15 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Horin-ji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Waseda. Despite its 400-plus years of history, the temple has recently gained attention on social media for its colorful floral chozu bowls and its charming “flower goshuin,” available in ten different designs.

All the flowers arranged in the chozuya and decorative vessels are created by the head priest, Kokei Unno. The colors and varieties change with the seasons, offering a new and beautiful scene each time you visit. The temple is also known for its intricate paper-cut goshuin and the limited-edition “Oshi-hana Mamori,” a small charm decorated with seasonal blooms. Many visitors enjoy collecting the monthly designs.

Blending flowers and prayer, Horin-ji offers a peaceful environment ideal for travelers looking to quiet their minds and reset their spirits.

Hours	Hours: 7:00–17:00 November–March: 7:30–16:30 Goshuin reception: 9:00–12:30, 13:00–16:00 Closed days: None
Address	1-1-15 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access	From Shinjuku Washington Hotel: Walk to Shinjuku Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ikebukuro Station, transfer to the Yurakucho Line, and get off at Edogawabashi Station. It is about a 10-min. walk from the station. From Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: Walk to Shinjuku-sanchome Station, take the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line toward Ikebukuro, and get off at Nishi-Waseda Station. It is about a 10-min. walk from the station.
URL	https://www.ho-rinji.com/