Think you know Tokyo well? Even for seasoned locals, the city has so many cool and relatively unknown neighbourhoods to discover, each with its very own something special. Many visitors make a point of going to the well-known popular districts like Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and the Ginza but whether you are first timer or a repeat visitor there is a lot to be said for visiting lesser-known downtown or “shitamachi” neighbourhoods and discovering another side of Tokyo. The locals will be delighted to see you and it's a great way to avoid the crowds! Hear we introduce 3 charming downtown neighbourhoods to explore.

Shibamata in northern Tokyo is known, in name at least, by nearly all Japanese people but far fewer have actually been there in person. The town is famous as the hometown of the main character in Japan's longest running comic movie series “Otoko wa Tsurai” which translates as It's Tough Being a Man. The movies follow the adventures and misadventures of an optimistic romanticist as he navigates his way through a challenging life. The film series holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running movie series starring a single actor - at 50 films in 50 years! A constant in the films is the lead actor coming back home to his family home, a dango (rice dumpling) shop in Shibamata Taishakuten Sando a charming and traditional shopping street. Visiting this street is like stepping back in time, many of the buildings and what they sell retain the old-world feel. Sample local treats like mugwort rice dumplings (kusa dango) and rice crackers (sembei). At the end of the shopping street, its name sake, Shibamata Taishakuten Buddhist temple, built in 1629 features striking architecture with exquisite wood carvings around the structure depicting the teachings of Buddha. Nextdoor, the home of a wealthy merchant from the 1920s, Yamamoto Tei features a stunning Japanese garden. Shibamata is easily accessed by train, you will see a statue of Tora-san, the main character from the movies, in front of the station. Feeling adventurous? You might wish to experience the only surviving Edo-era ferry in Tokyo at the Yagiri no Watashi crossing the Edo River which connects Shibamata to Matsuda City in the neighbouring Prefecture.

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Minowa is just two stops from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and not far from Asakusa yet most people are unaware of this hidden gem. The place has a downtown “shitamachi” feel to it, enjoy the retro vibe of the covered Joyful Minowa Shopping Street with a range of shops from grocery stores to clothing boutiques. There are local snacks to be sampled as well as retro coffee shops. Toden Café near the entrance of this shopping street is the place to go, they offer signature meals and often have live entertainment, even operating as the Toden Hotel upstairs if you decide to stay. Minowabashi, not far from the shopping street, is the last stop on the city's only surviving tram line, the adorable Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line). Twice a year, May to June and October to November, you will see hundreds of roses in bloom at the Minowabashi tram stop. Another unexpected Tokyo delight.

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Mozen-nakacho & Fukagawa - Monzen-nakacho Station is about 10 minutes from Otemachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. It is home to two important places of worship, Fukagawa Fudodo and Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine.  The area retains a real sense of the Edo era with many old fashioned local shops and  places to eat and drink. The narrow streets leading to the main attractions are a-buzz with a lively atmosphere by day. By night head for Tatsumi Shindo an alleyway packed with izakaya, small local bars. The perfect place to bar hop whilst sampling local food like yakitori and a great opportunity to meet some locals in a vibrant atmosphere.The area is well known by locals for the spectacular scenery along the Oyokogawa River, particularly during cherry blossom season and it is much less crowded than many of the famous sites.

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Enjoy exploring Tokyo!