Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka, in Shinjuku, Tokyo, first got its start as a bustling geisha district. Visitors here will find a large shopping street that’s home to trendy shops and cafes, but just a few steps from the main drag sits a few cozy, veteran Japanese eateries, chic cobblestone streets and black, wood-latticed fences.

There’s also a backstreet crawl of interwoven streets nicknamed “Kakurenbo Yokocho” (lit. Hide-and-seek Alley), for how easy it is to hide away from prying eyes. Michikusa Yokocho is another narrow alleyway lined with little pubs and plenty of retro flair.

Kagurazaka is also home to a wide range of French cafes and the Institut français du Japon, earning this area the nickname of “Little Paris”.
For history lovers, there are plenty of historic spots like Zenkokuji and Akagi Shrine, plus a full array of destinations that blend both old and new Japan.