Are you planning a trip to Japan? The pandemic seems to be slowly but surely coming to an end so I’m sure there are many who are eager to book or rebook their trips to Japan and finally check out this little island.
I’ve read and watched a lot of guides for this, and while they call it ‘activities’, they usually contain restaurants, museums, tours, and other touristy things. If you’re someone like me who likes adventure, games, and challenges, and you actually want to do something cool or fun on your trip, THIS IT THE LIST YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!
1. Animal Cafes
Japan loves their animals, and they also love to make money off them! While some animal activists are against these due to the stress of the animals, where else would you have an opportunity to pet an owl or hold a hedgehog? Cats, dogs, bunnys, even snakes!
Do note though, I separated these from the unique cafe category below because a lot of these animal places don’t actually have much food or drinks to offer. The one’s I went to only gave you a coupon for a vending machine drink, so don’t come here if you’re hungry!
2. Hang Out At An Arcade
I can’t lie….what I was most excited for when going to Japan was the arcades. I was especially hoping to find Para Para Paradise, but not luck. However, it was really cool getting to play Taiko in person and also try Mai Mai which was a game I fell in love with. You’d be surprised how many arcades or machines I came across during my trip and I took every opportunity to play it XD It’s so easy to get caught up for hours if you find a game you really enjoy. There are claw games to win prizes as well. Do be warned, some games will require a bit of Japanese knowledge or a lot of guessing, and you may lose your money accidently clicking extreme and not being able to turn back.
3. Round1 Namba
Address: 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku Tokyo 135-0064(DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 6F)
Round1 is what you would call a sports amusement park. They got karaoke and arcade games here, but you’ll also find batting cages, bouillards, tennis, basketball, darts, ping pong, and much more. Great way to get some exercise will having fun on your trip.
4. Amusement Parks
Japan has quite a few amusement parks, some bigger than others. Some you may want to do some research on is Tokyo DisneyLand, Tokyo DisneySea, Yomiyuriland, Sanrio Puroland, One Piece Tokyo Tower, Namco Nanjaland, Tokyo Summerland, Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo, Mega Web, KidZania Tokyo, Hanayashiki Amusement Park, Tokyo Dome City Attractions, I could go on..
5. Tokyo Joypolis (VR Park)
Address: Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 3F～5F DECKS Tokyo Beach
If a regular amusement park sounds boring, why not try a virtual one? Tokyo Joypolis is the biggest indoor VR park and their doors are open year round.
They have a huge rollercoaster and many attractions where you’ll get strapped in and get to enjoy a story through screens or googles. They also arcade games. I heard that it could be really crowded and you may wait an hour for a ride, but I got super lucky as I had it scheduled mid week and it was raining that day. Also be warned that some more inversive games, like their Pheonix Wright activity, may only be available in Japanese.
6. Go-Kart On Local Streets
You may have seen videos and clips, and yes it is very real! If you have an international driving license, you can rent a go-kart, dress up, and ride the streets of Tokyo. Don’t get too excited though! You don’t get to truly race and bump into each other, but it’s a cool way to tour the city.
While it appears Nintendo won the lawsuit and they cannot use Mario characters, their website is still up and running so I’m sure they’re still in business.
7. Visit An Onsen
Each Onsen is different. Some are simply a bath and soaking place, some are hotels with food and such involved. I went to Ooedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba which not only had hot springs, but games, shops, massages, and other treatments. Sadly, as I am updating this article, they have permanently closed down. However, there are many many other amazing onsens to check out in Japan!
8. Unique Cafes
There are basic cafes, you sit down get, get some tea and snacks and leave…but Japan loves to change things up, as we’ve seen with animal cafes. There are game cafes, maid cafes, ninja cafe, robot cafes, detective cafe, kawaii monster cafe and pops up for certain animes come around now and then.
9. Record A Samurai Scene
Address: Haneda Airport – Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan
If you’re returning home at Haneda airport and you’re willing to arrive earlier than usual, why not book this. You can be the start of a samurai film to show your friends when you return. They dress you up, teach you choreo, and film it, all while you wait for your flight back home. Make a booking here!
10. Dress Up & Cosplay
Japan has many places for you to rent a costume for a few hours. Some even include makeup and getting your hair done. If you want to try on a traditional kimono, cosplay as your favourite anime character, or just try something new, there are places to do so. Be sure to bring your camera and feel like a character for a day.
I tried to find a specific place to recommend, but some weren’t active since before the pandemic, and other’s may still be closed as sharing outfits and props isn’t the best thing to do at the moment. Do some research and see if an appointment is required if you’re interested in this activity!
11. Capsule Hotel
Not so much an activity, but certainly a different experience. If you’re looking to save money when it comes to hotels and accommodation, these could be just what you’re looking for, assuming you’re not claustrophobic. Each hotel is different, some will have activities and TVs in each booth, while others stick to the basics.
12. Unko Museum
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
Museums aren’t usually much of an activity in my books but like….this one….could be quite fun. Why? Because it’s a museum based on poop. If you don’t know, Japan is a country that is very very comfortable with poop. Heck, in my favourite anime Digimon, there are poop based creatures and they love to throw poop. I mean, Japan has a penis festival if I remember right, but we’re not going to get into that. Perhaps you’ll see poop differently as this museum has made poop kawaii (super cute!)
13. Karaoke
Where better to bolt out some crazy hits with your fam or your friends than the place where Karaoke originated. You’re sure to find a bar in any city so definitely check one out one evening while they lights are out!
If you’ve never been to karaoke bar elsewhere, definitely read this guide on how they operate and what to expect.
14. Teamlab Borderless
Address: Japan, 〒135-0064 Tokyo, Koto City, Aomi, 1 Chome−3−8 お台場パレットタウン２階
I saw a reel about this on my Instagram a couple months ago and I had to make sure I added it. I wasn’t sure how to describe it, so let me just quote their website.
“teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map created by art collective teamLab. teamLab Borderless is a group of artworks that form one borderless world. Artworks move out of rooms, communicate with other works, influence, and sometimes intermingle with each other with no boundaries. Immerse your body in borderless art in this vast, complex, three-dimensional 10,000 square meter world. Wander, explore with intention, discover, and create a new world with others.”
They got a 4.6 rating on Google with over 14,000 reviews, so I’m sure it’s definitely worth the visit.
15. Shooting Bar EA
Address: Japan, 〒180-0005 Tokyo, Musashino, Gotenyama, 1 Chome−5−5 沢田ビル 2F
Consider this one of those off the road locations. This bar was created by GAINAX, a Japanese anime studio famous for productions such as EVANGELION, as many of the workers loved airsoft guns. This place has 3 shooting ranges and you can grab some drinks as they teach you how to shoot.
16. Ninja Trick House
Address: Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 2 Chome−28−13 ご注意）エレベータが無いです 第一和幸ビル ４F
Feel like a ninja warrior for a day at Ninja Trick house. This place has shurikens to throw, swords to fight with, animations to watch, and other little games and educational activities for visitors. Super kid friendly if you plan to go with your little ones.
Pro Tips For Your Trip
1. Be sure to book a Wi-Fi pocket for the duration of your stay.
My friend who went to Korea before my trip was the first to tell me about Wi-Fi pockets and boy are they a blessing. While temporary SIM cards are an option if you need to make a calls, a Wi-Fi pocket allows you stay connected, even on trains, and you can connect it to multiple sites. You can pick them up and drop them off at the airport.
2. Do your research on train routes beforehand.
Even for someone like me who is very comfortable with Toronto’s transit system, nothing could prepare you for the number of stops, routes, and the fact that their subway system is a combination of multiple private systems. You’ll not only waste time getting on or off at the wrong stations, but you’ll also lose money. Don’t risk being late to your appointments cause you couldn’t be bothered to plot it out beforehand.
3. Always have cash on hand and always ALWAYS carry your passport.
Not only do you get deals and tax breaks as a tourist, but you can be detained if you are questioned by an officer and don’t have it on you.
4. Take advantage of the many public lockers around the city.
I thought it would be a smart idea doing carry-on luggage only and staying at a hotel in a different area each night, but having to drag my stuff around all day and trying to move a suitcase through small aisles while shopping was not fun. Whenever I saw a locker, you best be sure I used them. I wanted to use them at Nakano but the lockers were too small for my suitcase ;____; On my final check out date, I had a few hours to spare before I planned to get on the airport bus shuttle, so I got another locker outside of the hotel and did a few more things before I left.
5. If you have time before your trip, learn the basics of the language.
“Konnichiwa” (Hello), “Sumimasen” (Excuse Me), “Hai/Ee” (Yes), “Iie” (No), “Arigatou Gozaimasu” (Thank You), “__________ wa doko desu ka” (Where is _______?), __________ wa arimasu ka (Do you have ________?) “Eigo o Wakarimasu/Hanasemasu ka” (Can you understand/speak English?) and “Kono/Dono densha wa _______ ni tomarimasu ka” (Does this train/which train stop/s at ___________?) may be all you need to get around. Understanding some numbers will definitely help with purchases if they say it outloud since you will be using cash quite a bit.
If you’re a picky and/or religious eater like me, “___________ wa taberaremasen” will let the server know that you absolutely cannot eat a certain food item. They are known to use fish and pork as a base or flavoring for many items so be warned. I’ve also had to use “Kono pan o naka ni nan desu ka?” (What is inside this bread?) as I saw some bread that looked good but I couldn’t tell if there was meat inside. She told me buta (pork) so I put it back.
While Tokyo may be more comfortable with foreigners compared to other rural areas, don’t expect everyone to know or understand English. Heck, when I arrived at the airport for security, the worker checking my bag started speaking to me in Japanese. I wasn’t prepared to be speaking it so soon, but I was able to converse with him and answer his questions. The locals are very friendly and willing to help, but try to make it a little easier for them by having some words and phrases on hand.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been more than useful in helping you find cool, fun, and unique attractions during your stay. I know when doing research, you’re going to come across many tourist traps and more sight viewing activities, but Japan’s a really cool and innovative places, so you should certainly explore that side of the city if you like to do something more immerse and stimulating.