Visiting Tokyo? Try these lesser-known hidden gems of the city
What's the story
From its cool streets and markets to calmer temples and museums, Japan's capital city, Tokyo, has a lot to offer. So, even when you are done with the obvious picks- Tokyo Skytree and the Sensō-ji temple, there's still a lot left to explore. Hence, if out-of-the-box is your thing, here are top five hidden gems to see, when you are in the busy capital.
#1
Mount Takao: A temple, a monkey park, and scenic surroundings
If a nature trip is on your mind, take out a day to hike Mount Takao. Given the ease of hike, it is convenient for all, including children. If you don't want to climb the mountain, you can also try the cable car. Once you reach the top, you will find a temple, a monkey park, and a serene view of the scenic surroundings.
#2
Rainbow Promenade: Take a drive or walk through the bridge
The picturesque Rainbow Promenade Bridge is a huge bridge connecting Tokyo with the Bay Area of Odaiba. You can either take a short car drive or cross it on the Yurikamome monorail. In case you want to witness some stunning views from the bridge, you can walk through 1.7 km bridge at the time of sunset. It will take you some 20-30 minutes.
#3
Ramen Museum: No, we are not kidding!
Ramen lover or not - this place is a treat for everyone visiting Tokyo. Located in Yokohama (just one hour drive away from central Tokyo), the Ramen Museum features all kinds of ramen you can possibly think of. The museum has a lot of shops, where you can roam around and order some delicious ramen till 9 pm. Doesn't get any better, does it?
#4
Hot Springs Theme Park: Head there for a relaxing outing
For great time with family and friends, take a trip to the Hot Springs Theme Park. Apart from taking baths, you could also spend your time taking a nap or massage, while relishing some great Japanese cuisine. So, head there for a relaxing outing. There are two branches of the park around Tokyo area, you can choose which one suits you best.
#5
Roppongi Hills Observatory: For some breathtaking views
Pick a nice sunny day (the place is closed on days with bad weather) and head to the Roppongi Hills Observatory. It will offer you some of the most spectacular views of the city, from a height of 270 meters, with strong wind whipping at your face. Also, the place can get crowded sometimes, so go in early during the day.