Hidden Gems Tokyo: A Week of Unique Discoveries and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Arrival & Local Leisure

Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan on May 6, 2025

10:00am

Check-in Premier Ikebukuro Natural Hot Spring

Relax and unwind with the natural hot spring facilities at your hotel, perfect after your journey and a great introduction to Tokyo's wellness culture.
JPY3000, 1h

11:30am

Brunch at Rokurinsha Ramen (no pork option available)

Enjoy a hearty bowl of chicken-based tsukemen at this highly regarded ramen spot, known for its rich broth and firm noodles.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Shopping & Exploring Sunshine City

Explore the massive Sunshine City mall complex with unique shops, an aquarium, and a planetarium, ideal for unique finds and entertainment.
Free entry, 2h

3:30pm

Visit the Otome Road Shops

Delve into Japanese pop culture with stores dedicated to anime, manga, and collectibles, a great place to grab unique souvenirs.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Niku no Mansei Ikebukuro

Savour a variety of non-pork wagyu beef dishes in a classy setting, perfect for a meat-loving dinner with quality cuts.
JPY3500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening soak at Premier Ikebukuro Natural Hot Spring

Wind down your day with a peaceful hot spring visit, enhancing relaxation and promoting restful sleep.
Included, 1h
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Day 2: Trendy Districts Stroll

Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tea Stand Cherry

Start your day with a selection of quality Japanese green teas and matcha-based drinks accompanied by light pastries.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Travel from Ikebukuro to Shimokitazawa

Take the JR Yamanote Line from Ikebukuro to Shibuya Station, then transfer to the Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa (about 40 minutes total).
JPY400, 40m

9:45am

Explore Shimokitazawa

Wander vintage clothing boutiques, quirky cafés, and independent bookstores in this youthful and artistic neighbourhood.
Free entry, 3h

12:45pm

Lunch at Bear Pond Espresso (for tea alternatives)

While primarily a coffee shop, their menu includes speciality teas and matcha options; pair them with their famous cinnamon rolls.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa

A quirky bookstore with oddities, rare books, and eclectic items, great for discovering unique souvenirs.
Free entry, 1h

3:15pm

Return to Ikebukuro

Travel back to Ikebukuro by Odakyu Line to Shibuya, then JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro.
JPY400, 40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Onyasai Shabu Shabu (non-pork and seafood options)

Enjoy a delightful shabu shabu experience featuring beef, chicken, and seafood, with plenty of vegetable selections, perfect for a light, interactive dinner.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Chic Neighbourhoods

Daikanyama and Nakameguro, Tokyo, Japan on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ivy Place

Enjoy a stylish breakfast with healthy options including matcha tea and fresh fruit in a serene garden setting.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Daikanyama

From Ikebukuro, take JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya and then Tokyu Toyoko Line to Daikanyama Station (approx 35 minutes).
JPY400, 35m

10:15am

Explore Daikanyama T-Site

Browse the famous Tsutaya bookstore and chic boutiques in a beautiful, modern complex perfect for finding unusual books and lifestyle goods.
Free entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Kitsuné

Sample delightful matcha lattes and French-Japanese fusion light meals in this stylish café, known for its quiet ambiance.
JPY1800, 1h

1:45pm

Walk to Nakameguro

A scenic 15-minute walk along the Meguro River, ideal for spotting boutique shops and smaller, hidden cafés.
Free entry, 15m

2:15pm

Shopping and Tea Tasting at Nakamura Tokichi

Discover traditional and contemporary matcha sweets and teas at this excellent tea shop, with tasting sessions available.
JPY1000, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Ikebukuro

Return the same way via Tokyu Toyoko Line and JR Yamanote Line.
JPY400, 35m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tokyo Pasta Studio

Enjoy Japanese-style pasta dishes that are seafood and vegetable-focused without pork or raw options in a cosy, artistic restaurant.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nature and Art

Kichijoji, Tokyo, Japan on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saryo Tsujiri

Savour exquisite matcha sweets and hot or cold teas in a warm, traditional tea house environment.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kichijoji

Take JR Chuo Line from Ikebukuro directly to Kichijoji Station, a 30-minute ride.
JPY450, 30m

9:45am

Explore Inokashira Park

Stroll the scenic lake park, rent a paddle boat, and visit the Ghibli Museum nearby (ticket required in advance).
Ghibli Museum JPY1000; park free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Harmonica Yokocho Alley

Discover a narrow street filled with tiny eateries offering yakitori, seafood, and vegetable dishes, avoiding pork and raw options.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Browse indie shops and art stores

Explore the small independent galleries and craft shops in the Kichijoji area known for unique artisanal goods.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Ikebukuro

Train back on JR Chuo Line to Ikebukuro.
JPY450, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Afuri Ramen Ikebukuro (Yuzu-based chicken ramen)

Enjoy light and refreshing yuzu-flavoured chicken ramen that avoids pork and raw fish, a refreshing change from traditional ramen.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 5: High-tech & Seaside

Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Toraya Café Ginza (travel from Ikebukuro)

Taste traditional Japanese sweets and a variety of teas including matcha, in a sophisticated setting before heading out.
JPY1600, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Odaiba

Take JR Yamanote Line from Ikebukuro to Shimbashi, then the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba (approx 50 minutes total).
JPY600, 50m

10:30am

Explore teamLab Borderless

Enjoy an immersive digital art museum that showcases stunning light installations and interactive art, open 10am to 7pm.
JPY3200, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Bills Odaiba

Savour delicious western-style dishes with tea options including matcha lattes in a seaside atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit DECKS Tokyo Beach and shopping

Browse unique shops and enjoy scenic views of Tokyo Bay; ideal for relaxed shopping in a lively environment.
Free entry, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Ikebukuro

Travel back via Yurikamome Line to Shimbashi, then JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro.
JPY600, 50m

7:00pm

Dinner at T's Tantan Ikebukuro (vegan, no pork or raw)

Enjoy rich and flavourful vegan ramen featuring matcha and other teas in a cosy setting.
JPY1300, 1h
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Day 6: Eclectic Local Scenes

Koenji and Asagaya, Tokyo, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Local Coffee Stand (tea option available) Koenji

Though known for coffee, they serve fine matcha and other teas alongside delicious pastries.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Koenji

Take JR Chuo Line from Ikebukuro directly to Koenji Station (approx 30 minutes).
JPY450, 30m

9:45am

Explore Koenji shopping streets

Visit vintage shops, record stores, and independent fashion boutiques in this hip, alternative neighbourhood.
Free entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mochi Cream Stand Koenji

Taste delightful mochi desserts and matcha tea in a casual street food style setting.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Asagaya

Short JR Chuo Line ride from Koenji to Asagaya (about 7 minutes).
JPY160, 10m

2:45pm

Visit Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Arcade

Discover local shops, street food, and unique secondhand stores reflecting a more traditional shopping street vibe.
Free entry, 1h30m

4:45pm

Return to Ikebukuro

JR Chuo Line back to Ikebukuro (approx 35 minutes).
JPY450, 35m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanada Rosso

Taste delicious vegetable and chicken-based ramen bowls that exclude pork and raw fish, accompanied by a variety of teas.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 7: Art & Vintage Finale

Ueno and Yanaka, Tokyo, Japan on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yanaka Coffee (special tea blends available)

Enjoy a peaceful start with matcha tea and freshly baked pastries in this charming old Tokyo coffee shop.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Ueno

Take JR Yamanote Line from Ikebukuro to Ueno Station in approx 25 minutes.
JPY300, 25m

9:30am

Visit Ueno Park and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Stroll through Ueno Park, then enjoy an exhibition of modern and classical art at the museum (open 9:30am-5:30pm).
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ippudo Express Ueno

Enjoy pork-free chicken-based ramen and fresh teas, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
JPY1300, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

A nostalgic shopping street with vintage shops, tea shops, and traditional sweet sellers to get souvenirs and enjoy local food.
Free entry, 2h

3:30pm

Return to hotel in Ikebukuro

Take JR Yamanote Line from Ueno back to Ikebukuro (approx 25 minutes).
JPY300, 25m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Saryo Tsujiri Ikebukuro

Indulge in exquisite matcha desserts and tea-based drinks in a lovely setting to round off your Tokyo trip.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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