Visit Mejiro, an upscale residential neighborhood with large and elegant homes and Gakushuin University. This prestigious academic institution was established in the late 19th century and has educated many members of the Imperial Royal Family. While the neighborhood isn’t packed with tourist attractions, it is a delightful place to explore gardens, shops and peaceful streets.

Revel in blissful moments of serenity at Chinzanso Garden, which was designed by an army general in the late 19th century. Stroll by the pond and waterfall and try to find the statues of seven lucky gods that are dotted around the place. According to Japanese mythology and folklore, the deities are meant to bring luck and good fortune. At the highest point of the park is the Entsukaku Pagoda, a three-story structure that is more than 1,000 years old. It was brought to the gardens from the mountains of Hiroshima during the 1920s.

Spend some time in another of the neighborhood's green spaces, Higo-Hosokawa Garden. This small public park features a pond and paths bordering apricot trees, cherry trees and wax trees. Other highlights include the Eisei Bunko Museum, which used to be the office of the Hosokawa family, a samurai clan. The museum contains documents, scrolls, paintings and other family possessions.

For lunch, dinner and refreshments, make your way to the bars and restaurants of Mejiro Dori, which is located on the university campus.

Save time in your day for a visit to the Philatelic Museum, which is dedicated to the artistic, historical and cultural importance of stamps. Browse exhibitions from the museum's vast collection and visit the library section to read stamp-related books and magazines. Throughout the year, the museum hosts stamp bazaars and flea markets selling postal goods. Check out its official website for more details.

Mejiro is located in northern Tokyo and is easily reached by public transportation. Mejiro Station is on the Yamanote railway line.