By Tokyo Kenchan
Many travelers to Tokyo visit the same famous landmarks, yet the city is made up of countless unique neighborhoods, each with its own distinct appeal. In this video, Kengo from Tokyo Kenchan takes on the challenge of exploring five random train stations in Tokyo, selected by his viewers who specifically chose places they’d never heard of. The goal is to uncover the authentic everyday experience of Tokyo by stepping off the typical tourist track and into the ordinary communities that make up this massive metropolis.
The journey begins at Sasazuka Station, located in Shibuya ward, a relaxed residential area that hints at local Tokyo life beyond the bright lights. Next up is Nerima Station in Nerima ward, offering a mix of shopping streets and quiet charm that contrasts sharply with the busy city center. The tour continues at Tokyo Big Sight Station, found near the iconic Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center in Koto ward, showing a different side of Tokyo’s bay area redevelopment.
Unoki Station in Ota ward is the fourth stop, where the pace slows and the atmosphere turns truly local, giving the viewer a rare look at suburban Tokyo’s daily routines. The adventure concludes at Tamagawa Station, nestled along the Tama River, bridging Setagaya and Ota wards, and providing access to greenery and riverside tranquility—in stark contrast to Tokyo’s urban density. Throughout the video, Kengo demonstrates that even Tokyo’s lesser-known corners harbor unique stories, friendly businesses, and surprising discoveries, offering valuable insights for travelers seeking to go off the beaten path.