Cool tokyo neighborhoods

The cherry blossoms sakura in bloom are a feast for your eyes and you will be in awe of the intense yet delicate beauty of the carpet of sakura trees, which are usually in bloom during late March and early April. It's a small town, a warren of winding laneways offering a quieter pocket of Tokyo in which you can momentarily escape the organized chaos.

Cars aren't allowed in the narrow alleys and you can wander and get lost in the maze of streets as locals ride by on vintage bikes. Explore the abundance of secondhand stores, vinyl record stores and hip small bars and eateries. Although Shimokitazawa isn't on the JR line, it's still just a few stops away from the main stations of Shinjuku and Shibuya and well worth the visit. Another neighborhood offering respite from the cacophony of lights and sounds is Koenji, which is often described as being a more grown-up version of Shimokitazawa with a great reputation for live music.

While Shimokitazawa leans towards "quaint," Koenji lies on the "edgy" end of the spectrum which is perhaps explained by the fact that it was once home to Tokyo's punk scene.

There is an abundance of thrift stores you can rummage around in for bargains, particularly around Look Street. The picturesque tree-lined canals of Nakameguro are reason alone to explore this charming neighborhood particularly during Hanami , but there is also the myriad of effortlessly cool designer boutiques, bars and cafes that run along the Meguro River that will keep you coming back. Characterized by its cool, calm and cosy atmosphere, Nakameguro is a magnet for the creative crowd as well as young families.

Roppongi expat central is one of the few areas in Tokyo where you can find nightlife catering to foreigners and is one of those places you will either love or hate. It has a notorious "sleazy" reputation but is also a hub for entertainment fluctuating interminably between classy and crude. Alternatively, if you want to skip the party and prefer an injection of culture instead, do the Roppongi Art Triangle, comprising the National Art Centre, the Mori Art Museum and the Suntory Museum of Art, all within walking distance of each other.

Odaiba is a man-made island that is a popular tourist destination and well-known date spot for young Tokyo couples.

There are plenty of attractions to keep you preoccupied including large shopping malls, entertainment and dining complexes, leisure centers and even a replica Statue of Liberty.

This article was originally published on the author's personal blog. By Camha Pham. It's intense and wholly exhilarating. Furoshiki make excellent gifts and souvenirs. The helpful attendants can demonstrate how to use your furoshiki as shopping bags, decorations, and even to present wine bottles.

Round out your visit to Kagurazaka with a stop at the Akagi-jinja , a unique shrine remodeled by famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Photo via chia ying Yang on Flickr. These miscellaneous goods stores are all about improving home, life and appearance. Photo via Naoki Nakashima on Flickr. Kichijoji might not be a popular spot for tourists, but it is very well known amongst locals, many of whom consider it to be one of the best places to live in Tokyo.

Start your exploration with a visit to Inokashira Park. Shaded walking paths make this an ideal location to take a stroll; the scenic pond in the center serves as the perfect backdrop for a quiet picnic. Just be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance as they are high in demand. For shopping and drinking, head to Harmonica Yokocho. Most visit Harmonica Yokocho for the vibrant open-air bars and restaurants.

Photo via Zac Davies on Flickr. From vintage clothing stores to organic shopping to theaters and live music venues, Shimokitzawa lives up to its Bohemian reputation. Lapland Finland hotels review — 10 best place to stay in…. Podere Salicotto review — Experience one of the best countryside villas…. Best 5 star hotels in Santorini — 6 most beautiful, best….

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel review — Experience one of the most…. All Asia Cruises European Cruises. Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam. Visit Lanyang Museum, the pride of Yilan, Taiwan. Korea mural village — 3 most beautiful mural villages in Korea…. Why I love Italy?

Where to go in Malacca? Exploring top 7 most beautiful towns in Germany you should visit…. Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam. Shigaraki Tanuki — An animal symbol of good luck in Japan.

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain. Ginza District. Lapland Finland hotels review — 10 best place to stay in Lapland Finland. October 24, Toronto blog — The ultimate Toronto travel guide blog for first-timers October 22, October 20, Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17 most famous, cheap July 1, Top 11 best nude beaches in the world that you should