Tokyo has a reputation for being a sensory overload. So when Tim and I first landed in Japan, we fully expected the wall of sound, the flashing neon lights, and the organized chaos of the train stations. And we definitely experienced all of that.
But between the towering skyscrapers and the packed crosswalks, we also found quiet spots in Tokyo. Perfect places to add to your Tokyo itinerary for when you crave an escape from the crowds.
So let me take you through the little pockets of peace we found while exploring Tokyo.
Table of Contents
1. Senso-ji Temple
We actually visited Senso-ji multiple times during our stay, but experiencing Senso-ji Temple at night was by far our favorite.
Our first visit was a spur-of-the-moment decision. We arrived in Tokyo late in the afternoon, and by the time we finished having dinner (at a tiny ramen shop tucked between buildings away from the busy main street with the most amazing saebura ramen), it was already past 8pm.
We wanted to go for a post-dinner walk and enjoy the crisp evening air, so we decided to head over for a quick glance at Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji.
The walk there was short and scenic, with a nice view of the illuminated Tokyo Skytree across the Sumida River. When we arrived, the shops at the Nakamise Shopping Street were already closed, but the temple compound was glowing with lights. There were still people walking around (even some with suitcases!), but it still felt incredibly peaceful.
We visited the temple again a few days later, this time making sure to get there earlier in the day. It was a completely different vibe.
There were So. Many. People.
People waiting for rickshaw rides. People standing in line waiting to buy sweets at the many, many stalls. People posing for photos all around the temple.
It was such a different experience from when we were there previously.
Tim and I retreated to a coffee shop for a quick break and emerged as the sun was setting. The atmosphere had shifted completely as the crowds thinned out. That meant we were finally able to get a mitarashi dango and a melonpan without standing in line. And after taking photos, and drawing omikuji (Japanese fortune-telling paper strips), and stopping at a vending machine for a hot milk tea, we finally made our way home.
Looking back, I can definitely say that I enjoyed visiting Senso-ji at night more than I did during the day. We were able to take our time, chat with the stall owners, and take photos without feeling like we were in the way. Seeing the temples illuminated against the night sky was an added bonus.
2. Meiji Jingu
While evenings offer their own kind of peace, sometimes you need a daytime escape.
Before we even exited Shibuya Station, we already knew we were in for another busy day. And by busy I mean bustling with people. So, we planned a stroll through Meiji Jingu as a deliberate way of escaping the crowds in Tokyo.
Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine that’s just a 20-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing (or right outside Harajuku Station if you take the train). Even with the proximity to such busy areas, Meiji Jingu feels like it could be miles away.
Walking under the massive torii gate and onto the tree-covered path is instantly grounding. The sudden silence of the forest a far cry from the busyness around it.
Tip: When visiting, it’s proper etiquette to bow, then walk on the sides of the path, as the center is reserved for the kami (deities).
It’s important to note that Meiji Jingu is located in a bustling area so it can still get pretty busy. The paths leading to the shrine are expansive so it’s more peaceful, but the shrine itself can get filled with visitors.
To avoid the most crowds, try to visit in the early mornings or towards sunset. The shrine opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, so hours vary by month.
3. Ueno Park
Finding that contrast between the electric city and natural calm became a theme for us, especially when planning our mornings.
Since we had plans to visit Akihabara in the evening (which is famously very busy), we decided to start our morning slow. We took the train to Ueno Station, stopped at a Family Mart for a Famichiki, and strolled over to Ueno Park.
Since it was January, there were no blooming lotus flowers in Shinobazu Pond, but we did stop to watch a grey heron in the water. As we approached the Shinobazu no Ike Bentendō, the temple on an island in the middle of the pond, we passed several food stalls and bought karaage, candied strawberries, and our first takoyaki in Japan!
Enjoying street food by the water turned out to be one of our favorite quiet spots in Tokyo.
4. Sumida River Terrace
On a sunny January day, Tim and I decided to go on a run. Our hotel looked out onto the Sumida River Terrace, which has paved paths perfect for running right next to the water.
We had an amazing view of Tokyo Skytree as we ran past seagulls, bridges, and the occasional train, allowing us to soak in the morning atmosphere.
We even saw several yakatabune, Japanese-style tour boats that offer refreshments and entertainment, traversing the river.
We ended up at the Sumida Park Breeze Plaza, where a cute mobile coffee shop was serving coffee and pastries, before heading back.
Tokyo Skytree is a short nine-minute walk from the park if you want to visit Japan’s tallest tower and enjoy the panoramic views from its observation deck.
5. Shiba Park
Sometimes, you need to find a quiet spot right in the middle of doing the big, popular tourist things.
Tim and I had the perfect Tokyo afternoon doing the quintessential must do’s.
We started with spending hours immersed in the crowded, high-stimulation rooms of teamLab Borderless, then walked to The Prince Park Tower Tokyo for drinks while we watched the sunset over Tokyo and the illuminated Tokyo Tower.
But in between these busy activities, we stumbled upon Shiba Park.
Even with its location so close to Tokyo Tower, the park was surprisingly peaceful. It’s the perfect spot to take a breath away from the chaos of the museum or before diving into drinks at a busy lounge.
And it’s got a great view (day and night) of Tokyo Tower.
It was a beautiful reminder that even right next to one of Tokyo’s biggest tourist attractions, you can still carve out a peaceful pocket of time for yourselves.
Conclusion
Our time in Tokyo moved so fast. There are so many things to do, places to see, and food to eat. But it was also so nice making time to find the quiet spots in Tokyo.
We’re not saying skip the famous spots. But maybe shift how and when you experience them.
Choosing to sit by a pond in Ueno Park, watching a heron look for fish. Visiting Tokyo’s oldest temple at 8pm to see it glow in the night instead of being surrounded by a thousand tourists. Or going on a sunny morning run along the Sumida River, watching the traffic and the trains go by.
Have you ever found a surprisingly quiet moment in a bustling, chaotic city? Let us know in the comments below!
Planning your next trip but don’t know where to start?
Join our newsletter to get our free Slow Travel Toolkit!
It includes our essential pre-departure checklist, a budget guide and tracker, and the packing list we used for 15 months of travel.
Leave a Reply