GUIDE: Hidden gems and must-see spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy spring

See the sakura flowers

If the main reason you're in Japan is to see the cherry blossoms, the best places to go are parks. If you're staying in the Shibuya area, one of the nearest places to go to for the flowers is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which is a short train ride away.

The Shinjuku Gyoen is a short walk from the Shinjuku-sanchome station and when you get there, you'll have to pay a 500 yen (~P186) entrance fee. Take your time and enjoy a stroll through the park or have a picnic date here. There's also a Starbucks inside as well as an ice cream shop, but lines can be long. When I visited Shinjuku Gyoen, the sakura trees weren't in full bloom yet but there were a few trees that were vibrant pink.

For those who don't want to go far from Shibuya, you can go to Sakura Street to see the beautiful cherry blossom trees. This street is also lined with shops and restaurants so you can go for some chow if you need to warm up for a bit.

Another park that's not as crowded but just as picturesque is the Yoyogi Park near Shibuya and Harajuku. It's home to around 700 cherry blossom trees and has a vast green space where you can also sit and enjoy a picnic.

Do some shopping

After a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, you can stop by Harajuku, which is a few stops away, and do some shopping. This vibrant street is a popular shopping center for trendy clothes and shoes but it also has lots of snacks to try like crepes and tanghulu.

If you want to go somewhere that's not as crowded, Shimokitazawa's another option. Also a stone's throw from Shibuya, this corner has a calmer, artsier vibe than Harajuku as here you can get vintage clothes, books, vinyl records, souvenirs, coffee, and more for less.

Walk along the streets of Shibuya

With the cool weather in Tokyo, you'll be able to walk around without breaking a sweat. Take the time to go on a stroll and enjoy the view.

There are a lot of people traversing the urban hub but when you're in the city, you can't miss out on joining the Shibuya scramble. Our pro tip for walking around: make sure your phone has enough battery and keep Google Maps and Translate at the ready.

While you're walking make sure to stop for some street food. I walked from Harajuku to Shibuya, which is about 1.9 kilometers and I hit my brakes as I got a whiff of shawarma at a stand called Mamo Kebab. A chicken wrap set me back 700 yen (P260).

After walking, hop inside a ramen shop to warm up with a nice, warm bowl of grub. Shibuya has lots of ramen restaurants with a lot of working locals and tourists alike falling in line. Eating at these spots is enjoyable for introverts or people who don't have social battery yet as you don't need to give your order to anyone—there's a machine for it. You just have to give the server your order slip and they'll serve up your ramen and drink.

Try Nonbei Yochoko

Shibuya has lots of bars and clubs—including one that looks like a small chapel—but the crowds and noise may not be for everybody. Those looking for a more chill drinking spot will find a haven in Nonbei Yochoko or "Drunkard's Alley."

This small street is a hidden gem near Shibuya Station lined with kiosk-sized bars which can house up to four to five people at a time. Given its intimate setting, you can chat with the bartender at each bar (some of them speak English) and talk to other people, usually locals, in the small room as well. It's a great place to strike up conversations and test your knowledge of the Japanese language.

If you're not sure what drink to get, you can always ask the bartender for a recommendation. I got to try saké for the first time as that's what the attending barman said to try. In addition to the drinks, the cozy bar also serves bar chow like chicken wings and dumplings.