【One-Day Tokyo Itinerary】Channel Your Inner Hipster!

By: Peng Jieying

Being a hipster is all about embracing a slow lifestyle—sipping coffee, reading books, strolling through lifestyle stores, taking photos, and ending it all with a caption like “You made my day!” Being a hipster isn’t hard at all—and in Tokyo, there are hipster spots everywhere. If you want to have a laid-back, bohemian day, check out this itinerary!

First Stop: 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN Designers' Street

(Image source: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau)

(Image source: ForgeMind ArchiMedia – A Site for Aspiring Architects)

After sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely breakfast, wander around this emerging cultural and creative space.

JR EastJapanRailways transformed the space under the elevated railway bridge between Okachimachi and Akihabara into a street dedicated to handmade crafts and creativity. It features galleries, workshops, cafes, and artisan shops. In addition to exhibitions and photo opportunities, there are also coffee tastings and craft workshops. It's a regular haunt for many well-known local artisans.

This artisans’ street is called “2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN”—quite a long and odd name, right? Actually, the name comes from the 2,540-meter distance from Tokyo Station to the elevated bridge under Okachimachi and Akihabara stations, combined with the initials of Akihabara and Okachimachi (AKI-OKA), and ARTISAN, which means “artisan.” That’s how the name came about!

Just strolling around this artisans’ street can easily fill up your afternoon!More Info

Next Stop:Former Iwasaki Residence Garden

The Western-style building in the Former Iwasaki Residence Garden
(Image source:  yayayamamamama)

“Grass,” “gardens,” and “nostalgia” are all must-like elements for hipsters too. After exploring the artisans’ street, if you have time, you can weave through the bustling lower-city area of Okachimachi and head toward Yushima to visit the Former Iwasaki Residence Garden, which still retains the charm of the Meiji period. Take some photos and soak in the historical vibe.

This building was the residence of the Iwasaki family, the founders of Mitsubishi, built in 1896. It is a classic European-style mansion. Now recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the over 15,000-square-meter site houses 20 buildings, preserving many important historical artifacts. The beautiful architecture is definitely worth seeing. More Info

Third Stop: Yushima Tenman-gū (Yushima Tenjin)

(Image source: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau)

JapanStudents often write their exam wishes on wooden plaques. (Image source:  yukishana)

Plum blossoms blooming in early spring (Image source:  yukishana)

Another must-visit nearby spot is...Yushima Tenman-gū. JapanVisiting a shrine is a given, right? But this isn’t just any shrine—it enshrines none other than...JapanThe "Kami of Learning," known as Yushima Tenjin, who governs scholarship in mythology, has long been revered by many scholars and literati.JapanStudents heading to university often pray here for success, and their wishes tend to come true. If you visit between late February and March each year, you can also admire the blooming white plum blossoms. Another special feature of this shrine is that it is entirely built from Japanese cypress, truly giving off an academic and bookish vibe befitting a shrine of the learning deity.Detailed Information

Back:Ultimate Lazy Guide: Complete Tokyo Travel Strategies