How to Experience Tokyo Like a Local

Image: PHOTO: Locals come to Yoyogi Koen to unwind. (Photo via Flickr.com/angelicalbite)
Image: PHOTO: Locals come to Yoyogi Koen to unwind. (Photo via Flickr.com/angelicalbite)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Wed January 18, 2017

Looking to unwind in the bustling city of Tokyo or find some good local grub? Take these tips from Matador Network to turn your journey from "tourist status" to "feeling like a local" in nothing flat.

"Saying Tokyo is overwhelming to visit is a gross understatement. Searching for a decent happy place to unwind or simply enjoy a lazy afternoon can become a full on, all-consuming quest," writes Jennifer Gracey.

She suggests heading somewhere like Yoyogi Koen, Shibuya, to truly unwind.

"Of all Tokyo's green spaces, the city's fourth largest, Yoyogi Koen ('koen' means 'park' in English), has the most character," writes Gracey.

A hot bowl of ramen is a must in Tokyo and Gracey suggests heading to Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya.

"No one does hot bowls of ramen quite like the Japanese and every true Tokyo local, has a handful of 'favorite' ramen shops-Ichiran is one such list topper," she says.

[READMORE]READ MORE: You Will Never Believe What Visitors Are Doing With Sake In Japan [/READMORE]

A stop at the market is another way to get into local culture. United Nations University Farmers' Market in Aoyama is where to go, suggests Gracey.

"A beautiful mix of fresh produce, ready-to-eat snack and drink offerings, and plenty of handmade goods, this is great either before or after brunch," she says.

For more places in Tokyo where you can get a taste of local life, read on here.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...