Whenever someone hears about Tokyo, their response is typically the same: “it’s just too crowded and noisy.”

I get it, Tokyo can sometimes be loud, and every morning on the subway, I pray for a seat more than anything else. A seat in the rush hour period is like a signal that the day would be swell.

Instead of doing the touristy things next time, try going about Tokyo like a local like a Tokyo-jin.

Take the rush hour train in the morning!

(Picture by Geoffrey Lang for National Geographic)

It may seem like a bad idea, but aren’t great memories made from bad decisions. The rush hour train is the pinnacle of being a local. We know it’s troublesome, but we get up every day to get into those crowded trains and go about our day. If the train is weirdly too empty, we worry.  A crowded train means that all is well.

Dinner at a Kaiten Sushi!

Conveyor Belts of Sushi is the representation of Japan’s high tech society. You order sushi on a tablet and the sushi will zoom through the belt and only stop at your table within a few minutes. Each plate of the regular sushi is color coded in older places or there are bar codes that detect which table took the sushi. Try the variety, but remember there is no such thing as a California Roll, that would be too basic.

Saturdays at Yoyogi Park!

If you’re lucky and the weather is great on a Saturday, head down to Yoyogi Park for a stroll or a picnic. Often there are cultural fests going on, and we love to try new things to eat. At Yoyogi, you can rent a bike to go through the park or stroll around to discover a variety of live music or random dance parties. Join the fun, who knows you could maybe learn some Japanese on the way.

Sunday Photoshoot and Shopping at Ginza!

Ginza literally means silver seat, and that is exactly what it is. It is known as one of the most expensive streets, with all the biggest couture brands. And on Sundays, you can roam the road as well, maybe take a few pictures at the corner of Ginza SIX with Fendi and Prada in the background. But let me remind you if you want to be a local in Ginza remember to leave your sneakers and tourist outfits home, and embrace the classy, Tokyo chic look of midi skirts and kitten heels.

Visit Ueno Zoo!

Like the entire world, we tend to have an obsession with pandas. But we go beyond that, often going to the zoo to see pandas becomes a day date. I personally still don’t understand why. But Ueno Zoo/Park has it all, from the Natural History Museum to amusement parks.

Night walk in Downtown Tokyo!

So Downtown Tokyo is extensive, for a calm walk try going between Tokyo station and Otemachi, the Wall Street of Japan. Don’t look down, but rather arch your neck and back backward to see the sky of high rises that Tokyo is famous for. Modern Architecture galore! Or if you are the kind who’d rather bar hop and visit the bustling nightlife of Tokyo, Roppongi is your jam. Just make sure that you remember the last train time or the first train time just like a local would.

See the Statue of Liberty at Odaiba!

You must be wondering how on earth it is possible for the Statue of Liberty to be here, but that is the magic of Tokyo. If you take the picture at the right angle, you can fool anyone that you’re in NYC and not TKY. Odaiba’s beaches are great to meet a little marine life and find some shells to take home. Remember to pack extra clothes for the kiddies though, or shop at Aquacity!

The Iconic Shibuya!

Generally, Shibuya is known for the crossing, even in Tamasha that was one vital shot apparently. But Shibuya is so much more, during the day go around and shop, eat fresh fruits or unlimited pizza. And by night see the nightlife with all the music and Karaoke.

Be a tourist at Asakusa!

Even us locals, like to do touristy things, especially in Asakusa. Visit Kaminarimon, and see the little traditional stores that line up to the Sensoji Temple. Make sure to try the red bean sweet dumplings or experiment with the matcha ones!

Matcha Frappucino at Starbucks!

(Picture by Emima Mitani)

Japanese Starbucks makes many around the world envious. From American Cherry Pie to Sakura ones and more you can’t imagine; Starbucks Japan keeps addicted to trying something new. But no matter what, Matcha Frappucino is our go to. Try it for a combination of Japan and America all in one cup.

Experiment with Vegan Ramen at T’s Tan Tan!

Inside the Tokyo Station, this place is often easy to miss, but if you can see a mix of locals and foreigners lining up, you’ve found the place. From extremely hot to mild, there is a wide range of ramen to try and make sure to get your hands on the curry, bibimba, and gyozas, I assure you that you will walk out with a satisfied smile!

Roadside Restaurants at Ameyoko!

Ameyoko is a bustling place so be careful to stay with your group. Try the various restaurants built under the train bridge, there is an array of Asian food. Picking where to go would definitely take a while! If you go during the day make sure to stop by the local stores where you can get discounted sportswear.

Desserts at Dominique Ansel Bakery!

(Picture by Ria Parikh)

Known for their ingenious ways to transform desserts from cakes in confetti filled balloons to ice creams in watermelon cutouts, this place is a must. But make sure to have the stamina to wait in long lines because, in the end, there is a sweet-sweet surprise of irresistible desserts.

Experience the Unique Quirks of Japanese Icecreams!

In Nakano, if you ask anyone to visit an ice cream place you would be recommended the Daily Chico and the 7 level ice cream. It is literally a race against time to see if you work hard to finish or if the ice cream melts first. And as it is believed in Japan, there is always room for more sweets!

I truly hope you will get a chance to visit Tokyo and see that there is more to it than the neon lights and sky rises!