Tokyo is an overwhelmingly massive city, so much so that there are countless cities within Tokyo that stretch beyond Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Senzoku Pond
The city of Ota is unheard of to many visitors in Tokyo; after all, it’s often overlooked by the likes of tourist hotspots such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. However, what many don’t realize is that Ota City is the home of Haneda Airport, meaning the vast majority of people landing in Tokyo have technically been in Ota. However, to actually exit the airport and visit the main city of Ota is another matter, and most will skip this hidden gem of a town in favor of the more “popular” cities of Tokyo.
I was fortunate to experience a few days in Ota City as I was participating in the annual EVO Japan 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba. The accommodation in Ota was cheap, and it was very close to where I needed to be for the big gaming tournament. However, what caught me off guard was the calm and peaceful spots you could find in this otherwise bustling city of locals and travelers passing through. I would spend my evenings at the Senzoku Pond, which had incredible walking trails that take you through small shrines and bridges, offering scenic views of the pond with dazzling city lights in the backdrop.
Inokashira Park
Running along Mitaka and Musashino cities is the beautiful Inokashira Park, one of the most beautiful displays of nature I’ve seen in all of Tokyo. Located in the western region of the prefecture, the park centers around the Inokashira Pond, a massive body of water that is so big you could mistake it for a lake! I was lucky to visit this park on my way to Nakano Broadway, where I intended to do some serious anime merch shopping, but was delayed in my quest due to the sheer beauty of Inokashira Park’s autumn trees.
Perhaps it was just the fact that the weather and temperature were so perfect on this particular day, but it really left a lasting impression on me, like one of those days where you’re just grateful to be alive and experience God’s creations. Few places have evoked such feelings within me, but Inokashira Park is certainly my favorite hidden gem in Tokyo for experiencing the glorious side of Mother Nature. It’s no wonder they’ve placed the Ghibli Museum within the park’s vicinity; after all, the beautiful natural elements in Inokashira Park really set the scene for paying tribute to Hayao Miyazaki’s nature-inspired artworks.
Shin-Okubo
Lastly, I want to shed some light on what I call the highly underrated city of Shin-Okubo. As Shinjuku’s direct neighboring city, it’s no wonder few have visited or even heard of this town. Of course, in my search for affordable hostels in Tokyo, I was fortunate (and not so fortunate) to find a cheap place near the station. Convenient, yes, but also a location where you would hear the non-stop rattling of passing trains on the Yamanote Line (as expected from the busiest railway line in the world!). Fortunately, there are quiet neighborhood streets and tranquil spots in Shin-Okubo that are as peaceful as the likes of Inokashira Park.
My favorite spot in Shin-Okubo is definitely Toyama Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat from the sleazy city and kick back with a nice cup of coffee by the giant golden autumn trees. I’m always so surprised at how quickly Tokyo can go from an overcrowded and noisy place to a charming, quiet glimpse of natural beauty. Also interesting to know is that Shin-Okubo has a massive Korean population, so you’ll find plenty of delicious bibimbap and fried chicken stores here too!
Sagamihara (Bonus)
Technically not in Tokyo but only an hour away by train, is the city of Sagamihara, located in Kanagawa, the next prefecture over. This town is quite scenic in itself, with plenty of mountain views and jaw-dropping sunsets. So then you might ask why I’ve chosen a random photo of a tyre shop to represent the city of Sagamihara. Well, what you are seeing in the above photo is the famous Sagamihara Vending Machine Park. Home to countless vending machines, from food and drink to merchandise and accessories, you’ll be utterly fascinated just strolling through the endless colorful machines on display.
Quite an interesting story: it all began when the owner of a tyre shop developed a hobby of collecting vending machines, a habit that has turned into a profitable business (though the tyre shop is still very much in operation). What I love about Sagamihara Vending Machine Park is that you’ll find very unique items that are not available anywhere else, including full-on lunch machines that dispense heated packs of rice and noodle dishes. I personally loved the red bean toast machine, which made for a delicious breakfast alongside a can of coffee, courtesy of another vending machine, of course!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!