If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience that doesn’t involve neon signs or anime costumes, make your way to Piss Alley. This alley was originally a black market drinking quarterback in the 1940s, and it got its name from the lack of toilet facilities, which resulted in public urination on the nearby train tracks. Despite the dingy appearance, Piss Alley still has a strong sense of nostalgia for the post-war era (minus the smell!).
Nowadays, you’ll find it packed with tiny bars and restaurants, each with enough space for about ten people in a booth. It may be hard to imagine, but there is something extraordinary about squeezing into a bar, drinking sake and eating yakitori (skewered meat) among the locals.
Speaking of Tiny Bars – check out Golden Gai
As night falls, take a stroll to Golden Gai, a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with more than 200 small bars. Like Piss Alley, Golden Gai is a remaining piece of “Old” Tokyo. Each bar can only accommodate 6-10 people and many of them only cater to regular customers. Although a few bars are open to tourists, finding them may require a bit of searching.
To witness Tokyo’s youth fashion culture, visit Harajuku on Sundays where Yoyogi Park hosts young fashion enthusiasts showcasing their quirky, cool, and bizarre outfits.
Tokyo has a French quarter called Kagurazaka, which is home to a cluster of shops, cafes, and bakeries that are influenced by Parisian culture. If you visit one of the bookstores in the area, you may find Proust or Voltaire’s works translated into Japanese, or perhaps a popular book series in Japan called “The French Have Only 10 Clothes,” which talks about French elegance and chic style.
By PHGCOM – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3964155
If you want a change of Scenery
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city, Shinjuku Gardens offers a perfect retreat to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquil beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. The gardens also feature French and English landscapes, making it an exciting blend of cultures. While the gardens are stunning throughout the year, they are especially magnificent during the cherry blossom season. However, it is also the busiest time to visit, so you should be prepared for crowds.
