If you’re looking for an authentic Tokyo experience away from the usual tourist crowds, Yotsuya is the place to be!
This charming neighborhood offers a unique mix of history, culture, and delicious food, making it a hidden gem for foreign visitors.
Here are five must-visit spots in Yotsuya that will give you a taste of traditional and modern Japan! 🇯🇵✨
1. Akasaka Palace (Geihinkan) 🏰✨
📍 Location: 2-1-1 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
🕐 Opening Hours: Varies by season (check online for updates)
💴 Admission: ¥1,500 (Main Building)
A visit to Tokyo isn’t complete without seeing Japan’s only neo-Baroque palace!
Akasaka Palace, also known as the State Guest House, is where world leaders are welcomed when visiting Japan. The grand architecture and beautifully maintained gardens make it a must-visit spot.
✅ Why Foreigners Love It
- Stunning European-style architecture in the heart of Tokyo
- Guided tours available in English with historical insights
- Instagram-worthy photo spots in the palace gardens
💡 Book a guided tour in advance for the best experience!
2. Suga Shrine ⛩️ (Your Name Movie Location)
📍 Location: 5-5 Sugacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🕐 Always Open
💴 Free Entry
Anime lovers, this one’s for you!
Suga Shrine is famous for its appearance in the hit anime movie “Your Name” (Kimi no Na wa). The staircase leading to the shrine has become a pilgrimage spot for fans from around the world.
✅ Why Foreigners Love It
- A real-life location from Japan’s most famous anime movie
- Offers a peaceful, traditional Shinto shrine experience
- Perfect photo spot with a stunning city view
💡 Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best photo opportunities!
3. Shinmichi Street 🍣🍶 (Hidden Gourmet Alley)
📍 Location: Around Yotsuya 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🕐 Most restaurants open from 5:00 PM – Late Night
If you want to experience a real Tokyo izakaya (Japanese pub), head to Shinmichi Street!
This narrow alley is packed with cozy local eateries, ramen shops, and sushi bars, offering an authentic taste of Japanese nightlife.
✅ Why Foreigners Love It
- No tourist traps! Just authentic, delicious food
- Great place to try sake & yakitori (grilled skewers)
- Friendly locals who love chatting with foreign visitors
💡 Try “Suzuden” for an amazing selection of Japanese sake! 🍶
Related Article : 5 Must-Visit Spots in Yotsuya! A Guide to Exploring History and Gourmet Delights
4. St. Ignatius Church ⛪ (A Hidden Architectural Gem)
📍 Location: 6-5-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🕐 Open Daily, English Mass on Sundays
💴 Free Entry
Right next to Yotsuya Station, St. Ignatius Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Tokyo.
The modern architecture and colorful stained glass interior make it a peaceful escape from the busy city.
✅ Why Foreigners Love It
- Multilingual services (English Mass on Sundays)
- A rare European-style church in the middle of Tokyo
- Great for those interested in architecture and history
💡 Perfect place to take a quiet break and admire beautiful stained glass windows.
5. Yotsuya Arakicho 🌸 (Hidden Historical Neighborhood)
📍 Location: Arakicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🕐 Best visited in the evening for nightlife
For those who love discovering hidden historical neighborhoods, Arakicho is a must-visit!
Once a famous geisha district, this area still maintains a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, with tiny backstreet bars and izakayas.
✅ Why Foreigners Love It
- A time-travel experience to old Tokyo
- Cozy, intimate bars where you can chat with locals
- No big tourist crowds—a truly hidden gem!
💡 Try a local bar and experience Tokyo’s traditional nightlife like a local! 🍸
Summary: Yotsuya’s Best Spots for Foreign Visitors
🏰 Akasaka Palace – A majestic European-style palace in the heart of Tokyo
⛩️ Suga Shrine – A real-life location from “Your Name” anime
🍣 Shinmichi Street – Hidden alley with the best local food & sake
⛪ St. Ignatius Church – A peaceful architectural gem
🌸 Yotsuya Arakicho – A nostalgic backstreet full of history
Yotsuya is a perfect blend of history, local culture, and hidden gems.
Skip the crowded tourist spots and experience a different side of Tokyo! 🇯🇵✨