Tokyo is a city like no other, and while I already knew that before going…I’m even more convinced now that I’ve visited!
Showcasing a thrilling mix of ancient traditions and futuristic technology, with a good dose of quirky experiences, Tokyo is the place to be to free your inner child and rejoice in the fun, rather weird things in life.
Whether it’s eccentric arcades, themed cafés, scandalous museums, or robots serving your drinks at a bar, Tokyo knows exactly how to blur the lines between sci-fi and reality.
When visiting, make sure to leave some time out of your jam-packed itinerary to include one (or many) of these unique things to do in Tokyo. I’ve done the vast majority of them, and I can confirm that they will enhance your travel experience immensely. Ready to have fun? Let’s dive in!
Get Checked In by a Robot or a Dinosaur
Your first quirky, utterly futuristic experience might just take place at your hotel. The Henn na Hotel chain leads the way with this innovation that is quickly expanding in the country.
We stayed at both the Henn Na Hotel Tokyo Haneda, where dinosaur robots greet you at the reception, and the Henn Na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka, where humanoid robots checked us in. They have various hotels throughout the city where you can also find holographic receptionists.
Blending the cutting-edge technology Japan is known for with the peculiarities of its capital city, there’s not a better introduction to Tokyo!
Have a Poopy Afternoon at Unko Museum
Pay a visit to the Unko Museum for the poopiest afternoon of your life. As you’ve probably guessed, this eccentric museum is all about… poop! But colorful, quirky, and fun poop, if that’s even a thing.
The museum boasts many poop-themed interactive displays, games, and exhibits, plus the most bizarre photo space for all your Insta shots.
The experience starts in a room full of toilet bowls where everyone has to sit and make a pooping face…. and voilà! A plastic poop appears at the bottom of the bowl! This takes the cake for the weirdest “museum” I’ve ever been to.
Among its most fun sections there’s the Crappy Arcade, the Poop Factory, and a games area that will delight (if we can use that word in this situation) both children and adults.
Visitors can draw images of poop, catch flying poop with VR, and take photos with the perfect poop sculptures located throughout the museum.
While the experience is primarily entertaining, it covers a little bit of the cultural history and significance of poop in Japan, with a few informational facts sprinkled in all the fun.
Have a 3D Latte Art Coffee
How about ordering coffee and getting a steaming mug with 3D latte art on it? That’s not only in your wildest dreams – it’s a reality in Tokyo! I went to Reissue, a coffee shop in Harajuku, where the baristas are truly exceptional at creating the most adorable designs out of milk foam.
You can get famous characters, cute animals, or even request a customized design based on a photo. Trust me, drinking that cup of coffee (aka destroying the latte creation) will make you sad, but it’s so worth the experience (and the Instagram pic!).
Another great spot is Hat Coffee in Asakusa, where your cup of coffee also comes with 3D milk foam creations.
Go to the World’s Largest Gashapon Department Store
Gashapon Ikebukuro Main Store is a toy collector’s dream, but equally enjoyable for curious visitors. The store features over 3,000 capsule toy vending machines, each of which is full of unusual collectibles.
Everything from anime and video game characters to limited-edition trinkets and mini-figurines can be found at the department store, probably taking you on a nostalgic trip back in time with the various themes.
Realistic food replicas, charms, and animal motifs are among the most popular gashapons.
Stay in a Capsule Hotel
Did you know that capsule hotels in Japan were actually meant for workers? When they missed their last train home or needed a place to spend the night, they’d stay in these sleeping pods, big enough to sleep and store a few belongings.
Nowadays, capsule hotels range from very basic to fancy accommodations equipped with modern appliances and services, such as heating blankets, and individual light controls.
For tourists, they’re not as convenient, as many capsule hotels require you to check in and out every day, even if you’re staying multiple nights. But while I wouldn’t recommend them as your permanent Tokyo accommodation, it’s a great experience to try for one night!
We stayed at Nine Hours Akasaka, where they tracked our sleep with sensors and then sent us a report. Other cool capsule hotels in the city include Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa, First Cabin Ichigaya, and MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae.
Visit a Maid Cafe
One of the most popular cosplay cafés in Tokyo are the maid cafes. The staff is dressed as maids, addressing the diners as master or princess, and doing cute poses as they serve heart-shaped dishes, and desserts that look like adorable animals.
The maids cast spells to make the food taste better and perform songs and theatrical dances for special menus. Taking photos inside the café is forbidden, but you can purchase a photo with the maids.
I found the Maid Cafe to be an extremely weird experience, but you can try it for yourself and form your own opinions. The one I visited is the head store of Maidreamin Cafe in Akihabara, though it’s a chain with many locations around the city. You can find all the info and pricing here.
Have a Low-Interaction Ramen Experience
For a unique dining experience, try the delicious ramen at Ichiran, a popular chain restaurant that offers single-seated booths to enjoy your meal in private.
Customers are seated in these individual cubicles, and requested to order their meal by filling out their preferences on a sheet. Many restaurants have ticket vending machines at the entrance to choose the ramen and pay for the meal.
The food is then served through a curtained window by anonymous hands, avoiding any interaction between the servers and the diners.
The experience aims to focus solely on the flavors and textures of the ramen, which is famed for its rich broths and customizable spice levels, while avoiding any type of socialization.
While it’s a peculiar dining concept that may spark curiosity among foreigners, it reflects part of Japanese culture and its fast-paced way of life, which calls for efficient service and no fuss.
Visit the Gotokuji Cat Temple
One of the most unique landmarks in Tokyo is the Gotokuji Temple, also known as the Cat Temple for the hundreds of Maneki-Neko statues displayed on the property. Maneki-Neko are the famous Japanese white cats with one raised paw, believed to bring good luck.
According to the legend, a notorious lord was saved from lightning by a cat, who led him into the Buddhist temple, and to express his gratitude he restored the temple, which adopted the imagery of the Maneki-Neko for prosperity and protection.
There’s a small shop inside where you can get a cat souvenir, or you can choose to leave it in the temple for good luck. It’s a very curious – and photogenic – place to visit in Tokyo.
Eat Bizarre Food at Takeshita Street in Harajuku
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the place to be for food… but not for the traditional Japanese dishes. The street is a colorful, hectic hub for culture, innovation, and cuisine, which resulted in striking shops that sell the most bizarre bites in Tokyo.
One of the most delightful foods is the huge rainbow cotton candy, a real treat for your sweet tooth while being very photogenic!
There’s also the rainbow toast, a cheese-filled sandwich that pulls apart showcasing a colorful rainbow, and the delicious crepes, filled with an incredible variety of toppings that go from ice cream to fresh fruit, chocolate, and whipped cream.
Sugared out already? Try the long potato chips, foot-long fries loaded with cheese, spicy sauces, and toppings.
Takeshita Street offers the most Instagrammable foodie experience, so make sure to include a stop here while in Tokyo!
Spend a Night in a Love Hotel
Love Hotels are quite popular in Tokyo, and true to the country’s style, they showcase extravagant, over-the-top furnishings and decor.
They’re primarily targeted at couples looking to spend the night in a peculiar, different setting, but their bizarre interiors have called the attention of tourists and curious alike.
The rooms range from spaceship-themed suites to romantic settings, theme park interiors, casinos, and movie sets.
There’s the Sweets Hotel, featuring rooms filled with sweets motifs, normal and madeleine-shaped beds, chocolate baths, and a private karaoke area; and Hotel Sky Paradise Rakuen, designed as a mini park with its rooms surrounding an artificial sea.
Hotel R in Fukuoka boasts all sorts of themed rooms, from a prison to a sumo ring and a houseboat, while Hotel Artia Dinosaur Machida is all about dinosaurs, including games and life-size dinosaur statues.
Most of these hotels have self-check-in kiosks to maintain privacy, and offer unique amenities like karaoke machines, jacuzzis, and even costume rentals.
Find Weird Vending Machines around Tokyo
Tokyo is well-known for having vending machines stacked with the most random, shocking items, going way beyond the regular snacks and drinks.
Throughout the city, you’ll find vending machines dispensing canned cakes and soups, insects, steak, fresh cream and juices, socks and ties, fresh produce, hot meals, SIM cards, and trinkets.
The machines are an attraction on their own, with their bright colors, lights, and bizarre designs. They showcase Japan’s love for convenience and practicality while celebrating the quirkiness of the city.
Book a Ticket to Either teamLab Planets or Borderless
TeamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless are two immersive digital art museums in Tokyo that are well worth the visit. They’ve redefined the way we enjoy art, blending technology with colors, shapes, and movement that immerse visitors in the artwork.
Both museums were developed by teamLab collective, and offer a surreal, almost ethereal experience by making you part of the art as they showcasing the pieces around you, as if enveloping you.
TeamLab Planets is designed to engage all the senses, so it boasts water passages that require you to walk barefoot, shifting landscapes and astounding digital projections that swirl around you, and various tactile, interactive sections.
▶️ The TeamLab Planets Entrance Ticket grants you access to the museum at your selected timeslot, allowing you to stay for as long as you want. I recommend getting your tickets in advance for your desired day, as they’re quite coveted. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
TeamLab Borderless follows the concept of art without boundaries, resulting in a series of interconnected rooms in which the artwork seemingly flows, intermingling with other works and, changing at every turn.
▶️ You can get your TeamLab Borderless Tickets online for instant confirmation and a secured slot on your chosen day. There’s also the chance to book a combo deal if you’d like to include other attractions, such as the TeamLab Planet museum. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go Shopping at Don Quijote (Don Don Donki)
Don Quijote offers one of the most astounding shopping experiences, with stores all over the city. The largest one is in Shibuya, but you can also find locations of this discount store chain in Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Akihabara.
Don Quijote is a multi-story building packed from floor to ceiling with the most random, peculiar objects you can imagine.
Everything from souvenirs and trinkets to Japanese snacks, costumes, party supplies, electronics, collectibles, beauty products, canned food, drinks, rice cookers, and everyday essentials can be found at Don Quijote.
The neon lights on every floor, packed shelves, and chaotic product arrangements will make the visit fun and bizarre at once. The store is open 24/7, so you can roam the aisles at any time of day…or night!
Go Kart Through the Streets of Tokyo
Ready, set, go! Prepare to kart through the streets of Tokyo during a thrilling adventure.
Inspired by the Go-Kart video games, this activity takes you real-life karting through the district of Shibuya, zooming past landmarks and neon billboards.
You’ll dominate the famous Shibuya Crossing, and drive to the areas of Harajuku and Omotesando led by a professional guide.
You’ll be joined by a group of other travelers, and become the talk of the town as you speed around Tokyo, grabbing the attention of curious onlookers.
▶️ The experience takes merely an hour, and it includes photos as a souvenir. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Enjoy All-You-Can-Play Sports & Games
Round1 Stadium in Tokyo offers an “All You Can Play” pass, granting you unlimited access to a huge variety of games and sports, guaranteeing a few hours of epic enjoyment.
This massive entertainment complex features activities like bowling, darts, karaoke, arcade games, and multiple sports, such as basketball, soccer, and tennis.
You can also try your hand at the claw machines, or show your rhythm at the dancing games. While it’s a popular venue for children, adults might enjoy it even more, with the nostalgic games and wide range of adventures available.
We literally spent 7 hours at Round 1 Stadum and no, I’m not kidding. Fran would have stayed even more if I hadn’t dragged him out at 10 PM!
Please note that not all Round1 locations are Stadiums. Some smaller branches don’t offer the same variety of activities or the “All You Can Play” pass, so be sure to visit a Stadium location for the full experience. The one at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is a good option.
Try the Conveyor Belt Sushi at Kura Sushi
Kura Sushi is one of the most popular conveyor belt sushi chains in Tokyo, and it’s a dining experience you can’t miss.
As plates of fresh sushi glide by on a conveyor belt, you’ll be grabbing whatever dish you’d like to eat to enjoy on the spot. Kura Sushi offers a ludic culinary adventure with the Bikkura Pon game.
Small gachapon machines are located on every table, and for every five plates you can get a gachapon souvenir.
Besides, the chain also offers a special delivery system and allows you to select custom orders through the touchscreen menu. Combining games, delicious sushi, and affordable prices, Kura Sushi is a great place to have dinner in Tokyo.
Go Crazy at the Electronics Stores in Akihabara Electric Town
Akihabara is a bustling district in central Tokyo, renowned for the countless electronic stores that line its streets, which gained it the nickname of Electric Town. It’s a hub for video games, anime, and electronics that attracts tech enthusiasts from all over the world.
The electronic-focused neighborhood started as a post-war black market that sold radio parts, and evolved into the technology paradise it is today.
The variety of gadgets, appliances, technology, and gaming options on offer is unparalleled, so make sure to check it out!
Some of the stores that stand out include Yodobashi Camera, a multi-story shop that sells everything from photography equipment to gaming consoles, computers, musical instruments, kitchen appliances, and smartphones.
Another famous chain store is Laox Akihabara Main Store, boasting a multilingual staff and tax-free shopping for tourists.
For audio and radio equipment stop by Chiyoda Musen, and head to Electric Parts Shops if you need special parts or wires for your DIY projects.
Super Potato is the store for gaming enthusiasts, displaying a wealth of retro games that will take you down memory lane, along with consoles and accessories. You’ll also find a good selection of electronics at Akky and Sofmap.
Become a Ninja or a Samurai for a Day
How about stepping back in time as you learn the the skills and philosophy of ancient warriors? Japan is renowned for its rich history and advanced martial arts techniques, so while you’re visiting, you might want to let your inner fighter out and try being a ninja, or a samurai, for a day.
Ninjas were covert agents that specialized in espionage, sabotage, and secret missions. The term refers to someone invisible, and they were hired to spy on rivals or carry out undercover assignments.
The Samurai, on the other hand, were a warrior caste who played a major role in the country’s political affairs. They were part of the aristocracy, and also fierce fighters.
▶️ The Tokyo: Samurai Ninja Museum Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the Samurai and the Ninja during a guided tour. You’ll enjoy the exhibits, get to throw ninja stars, and even try Samurai costumes complete with a sword. I went on this tour and really enjoyed it! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Tokyo: Authentic Samurai Experience and Training at a Dojo introduces you to the lifestyle and culture of the Samurai. During a practical workshop, you’ll get geared up in training clothes to practice attack and defense techniques, and how to handle a sword. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit an Ethical Pet Cafe
Pet Cafes may have started as a curiosity, but they’ve become incredibly popular not only in Japan, but around the world. They’re a paradise for animal lovers, offering the chance to interact with pets, such as cats and dogs, while enjoying a cup of coffee.
They’re a super fun experience, but please make sure the café you choose to visit is ethical and prioritizes the animals’ well-being.
➤ In Tokyo, you can check out the Mipig Cafe to hang out with adorable micro pigs as they go about their day, playing and napping. The cafe has several locations throughout the city. You should book your slot in advance if you’re visiting the most popular locations like the one in Harajuku.
➤ Inu Neko Cafe Lua is a grooming salon and pet hotel that also offers shelter to cats and dogs in need fo a new home. There’s a cats and dogs room where potential foster families can hang out with the animals while having a drink.
➤ There’s also Neko Republic, which works with rescue organizations and gives cats a foster home in a safe, fun environment while waiting for them to be adopted. They also run various events, and have a cat cafe area where you can interact with them, and potentially adopt one.
Attend a Sumo Tournament
Sumo is an ancient Japanese wrestling sport that dates back to the 2nd century BC, and is the most famous in the country. Japanese people love Sumo, and go crazy about it!
The sport is reserved for men, who have strict restrictions regarding their weight and height and follow intensive training for these fights that last, at most, one minute.
The wrestling takes place in an open ring, and there are multiple tournaments every year in Japan’s major cities, including Tokyo.
If you’re visiting during one of them, you can get tickets to enjoy the experience. We went to a Sumo tournament in Tokyo, and it was absolutely crazy!
▶️ This Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament Viewing Tour with Tickets starts with a comprehensive introduction to Sumo as you explore exhibitions and hear about the sport from a local guide. Learn the rules and techniques of the sport before sitting at the arena to witness the tournament. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The tournament happens a few times a year, so the tour might not be available off-season.
If that’s the case and you’d still like to have a discover the world of Sumo, you can book the Sumo Tournament Experience.
Shop for Plastic Food & Kitchen Utensils
Kappabashi-dori, also known as Kitchen Town, is a unique street in Tokyo famous for its great number of shops selling very realistic, fake restaurant food and kitchenware.
These food displays are shown outside restaurants to entice customers with their menu, but are also sold in the majority of shops, along with plastic utensils, pots, and pans. You can buy your fake food souvenir in the form of a keyring, phone straps, magnets, or a replica of your favorite meal.
There’s even a shop, Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya, that allows you to visit their workshop where you’ll see how the samples are made, and potentially make your own!
Spend a Magical Day at DisneySea
DisneySea is a fantastic theme park located inside the Tokyo Disney Resort, featuring ocean-themed activities and design.
The park caters to both children and adults with its wide array of entertainment options, and an astounding blend of culture and rich environments with a dash of Disney Magic.
DisneySea is divided into seven areas, called ‘‘ports of call’’, each inspired by iconic coastal cities from around the world, maritime adventures, and legends.
You can see Mt. Prometheus in Mysterious Island, stroll past gondolas and Italian architecture in Mediterranean Harbor, and discover the world of the Little Mermaid in Mermaid Lagoon. There are so many rides and photo-worthy locations, you’ll be in for a day of full entertainment!
There are also dining locations, souvenir shops, and storage to keep your valuables.
▶️ To spend a day at the park, you can book the DisneySea 1-Day Passport, which grants you access to all the activities and allows you to skip the lines. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ An alternative is booking the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea Ticket & Door to Door Transfer, which includes roundtrip transfers from your hotel as well as entrance to the park. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take Fun Purikura Pictures
Punikura is one of the most iconic photo booths in Japan, but they’re not the ones you’re probably used to.
The photos are customizable on the screen, so you can add all sorts of filters that will brighten your skin tone with face-whitening effects, smoothen your features, and even enlarge your eyes. They’ll surely make you look younger… and maybe a bit more Japanese?
Purikura is especially popular among the younger crowds, so you’ll find these iconic booths in malls, arcades, and districts where young people hang out, such as Shinuya and Harajuku.
Shop at Huge Japanese Department Stores
Japan likes to make statements, and having some of the largest stores in the world seems to be one of them.
Locals and visitors alike adore the massive department stores of the city, which are one of the top attractions in town for shopping lovers. You might want to keep your wallet in check as you explore them, though. Everything is so tempting!
These huge stores house everything from luxury items to affordable essentials, clothing, beauty products, homeware, and even gourmet food halls to refuel after shopping.
Two locations you shouldn’t miss in Tokyo are the biggest Muji and Uniqlo stores in the world, which are located in Ginza and boast 11 and 12 floors respectively.
Ginza is also home to Mitsukoshi, the flagship department store of an international chain that’s recognized for its sleek decor and wide range of shops, that go from stationary and wedding supplies to cosmetics and groceries.
Takashimaya in Shibuya, and Isetan in Shinjuku are two other grand stores worth checking out.
Eat Jiggly Pancakes
Oh, the jiggly pancakes! This staple of Japanese cuisine (well, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but they sure are iconic) is the popular soufflé pancake. They’re famous for their soft texture, which is fluffy and light as air.
Their airy consistency is given by adding whipped egg whites to the butter and properly mixing them, and it causes the pancakes to jiggle when served – hence their name!
You can have these pillowy soft pancakes for breakfast or brunch at Flipper’s, a hotspot in Tokyo. Their original recipe is topped with maple buttercream, but you can also have them with syrups, fruit, or cream. Expect long queues though, especially if it’s a weekend.
A Happy Pancake is a good alternative, also renowned for serving the fluffiest pancakes in town. They’re made without the use of baking powder and offer a great variety of toppings.
Have Fun at Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is a theme park in Tama City that’s dedicated to the most special characters of Sanrio, the entertainment company responsible for Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody.
The park is indoors, making it a great destination for rainy or especially cold days. There are many character-themed attractions, as well as parades, interactive shows, and life-size characters wandering around the park for photo ops.
Among the most popular activities are touring Hello Kitty’s house, driving in a small car through My Melody’s world, and enjoying a boat ride past the colorful scenery and characters.
You’ll also find shops and boutiques selling themed souvenirs, and a food court.
▶️ You can get your 1-Day Passport in advance. They often have discounts that make the entrance price cheaper than directly at the venue. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Walk Around Tokyo Character Street
In the underground mall of Tokyo Station is Tokyo Character Street, a shopping area entirely dedicated to the most popular Japanese characters and anime.
You’ll find colorful stores selling merchandise, souvenirs, figurines, key rings, and toys from the most iconic brands, including Ghibli, Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, Moomin, and even Winnie the Pooh.
Each shop revolves around one of these characters, forcing you to walk around and check out multiple stores to see everything they have.
If you’re a manga or anime enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Character Street. And if you’re not, it’s still quite an interesting place to immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture.
Watch the Tuna Auction in Toyosu Market
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Tokyo is witnessing the tuna auction that takes place every morning at Toyosu Market, the largest fish market in the world.
At around 5.30 AM, huge bluefin tuna are auctioned to the highest bidders, after an inspection of their quality and freshness. There’s a designated viewing area to watch the event, which is loud, very fast-paced…and in Japanese.
But while you may not understand their words, the scene itself doesn’t need translation, and it’s quite thrilling. If you were looking for unusual things to do on your holidays, I doubt anything can top this!
▶️ Join this Morning Market Adventure: Toyosu & Tsukiji with Tuna Auction to enjoy the experience with a private guide. You’ll understand the history and culture of the auction more in-depth, and explore the markets at your pace. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit the Harry Potter World in Akasaka
Harry Potter fan? You can’t miss the magical Harry Potter World in Akasaka Biz Tower, which revolves entirely around our favorite wizard.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was staged in a nearby theater, and the whole area received a makeover to look like a scene from the movie.
There’s a Harry Potter-themed café with beautiful decor that includes floating lights and Hogwarts memorabilia, and serves the most astounding dishes. The star of them might very well be the Hedwig-shaped dessert!
There’s also a shop that sells merchandise, and it’s the perfect place to get your wand and robe. The incredible staircase that connects Akasaka Biz Tower to the ACT Theater was redesigned to look like the moving staircases of Hogwarts and is lined with portraits of wizards and fantastic creatures. Your Instagram feed is about to get pretty magical.
P.S. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter recently opened in Tokyo, so if you want to dive deeper into the world of witchcraft and wizardry it’s a great addition to your itinerary.
Spend the Night at a 24/7 Onsen
You’ll need to stay in Tokyo for quite a few nights if you want to try all the hotel and accommodation options on this list!
One of the most authentic experiences is visiting a 24/7 Onsen, the famous hot spring facilities where, in a modern setting, you’ll discover the Japanese traditional spas.
An Onsen has several types of baths that include both indoor and outdoor pools, steam baths, and carbonated and herbal baths that promote wellness and relaxation.
The water is sourced from natural springs, so it’s rich in minerals and has countless health benefits, the main reason onsens became so popular in the beginning.
They also sell refreshments and light meals, and allow you to stay the night! Some of them offer private rooms, but most feature public relaxation areas where you can take a nap or sleep.
▶️ The Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen Experience in Tokyo grants you access to onsen baths and a spectacular rooftop foot bath with 360-degree views of Tokyo. You can opt to include extra activities, a buffet, and overnight stay. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Watch the Samurai Show
The Samurai Show is a mesmerizing performance that showcases the best moves, techniques, and strategies of the Samurai warriors embedded in a story.
The event takes place in its namesake restaurant, a spectacular venue that’s not so much for eating as it’s for enjoying a display of movement, costumes, and music.
The spectacle happens around you, offering a sensory immersion through live singing and dancing, swordplay, LED lights, and masks.
If you’re hungry, you can get a bento box or light bites, but Samurai Restaurant isn’t really a place to eat. Drinks are usually included with your ticket, which needs to be booked in advance.
▶️ The Tokyo: Samurai Show Ticket with 2 Drinks grants you access to the restaurant, where you’ll enjoy the spellbinding show with two drinks of your choice. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
It’s important to note that you have to be over 18 to access the restaurant, as the establishment is part of a cabaret club.
Visit the Fertility Temple
Kanayama Jinja Shrine, or the Fertility Temple, is a small shrine with the peculiarity that’s full of large penises statues, which poke out of the ground around it.
The temple is a place of worship, and it’s especially known for its annual Kanamara Festival – or Penis Festival – in which people bring phallus offerings and pray for safe childbirth, harmony in the marriage, fertility, and against sexually-transmitted diseases.
Check Out these Themed Cafes
How about getting your afternoon pick-me-up in a themed café? Tokyo is home to countless creative, themed cafes that immerse you in the world of famous anime characters and pop icons. It makes going out for coffee such a fun experience!
You’ll find that the decor revolves around the theme, but so do the food and drinks.
▶️ Pokemon Cafe is one of the most popular ones, boasting Pokemon designs all over the place, serving food that’s inspired by some of its characters. These include Eevee parfaits, curries with Pikachu-shaped rice, and themed drinks. The characters even make an appearance sometimes!
▶️The Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe has a very interesting concept, mixing technology with social inclusion as it features super cute robot waiters that are controlled remotely by people with physical disabilities.
Diners can interact with these robots, offering the individuals behind them the chance to socialize and, more importantly, to have a job.
▶️ The Vampire Cafe is a scary, and quite thrilling, option. You’ll enter a dimly lit dining room covered in red velvet and full of Gothic elements in the decor.
The menu fits the vampire theme to a tee, featuring blood-soaked treats, cocktails served in chalices, red sauces and soups, and other spooky-shaped meals from Japanese and Western cuisine.
▶️ Then there’s Peanuts Cafe, a very cute eatery dedicated to the beloved characters of the Peanuts comic strip. The decoration is on point with drawings on the walls and furnishings, plushies, and colors. You can enjoy Snoopy-shaped cookies, burgers or sandwiches with characters imprinted on them, and a variety of other themed food.
▶️ Planetaria Tokyo is one of the most iconic locations in the city to experience the sky and the galaxies through high-end technology. The planetarium has an on-site café that serves cosmic-inspired meals, desserts, and shimmering drinks. The decor is well aligned with the theme as well.
Tour the Meguro Parasitological Museum
A fascinating though rather shocking activity is touring the Meguro Parasitological Museum. This museum is the only one in the world that focuses entirely on parasitology, and it has around 300 parasite samples on display at all times.
You’ll learn about the different parasites, their life cycles, and their effect on our health as you tour the facilities, taking in the rather unpleasant sights.
The most famous display in the museum is a giant tapeworm that’s 29 feet (8.8 meters) long, and it was removed from a patient’s body.
At the on-site shop, you can buy parasite-themed t-shirts and souvenirs.
Indulge in All-You-Can-Eat KFC
Japanese people are crazy about fried chicken, and it won’t take you long to notice with the sheer number of chicken eateries in the city. The most astounding one is an all-you-can-eat KFC, which I’d never seen before.
The KFC restaurant is located at Minami-Machida Grandberry Park, and it offers an unlimited buffet boasting a great variety of delicious dishes. Prepare to be absolutely stuffed!
The spread includes the franchise’s signature fried chicken, fries, pasta dishes, curries, chicken sandwiches and salads, desserts, and drinks. Customers have 90 minutes to enjoy as much food as they manage to eat.
Sing Karaoke on a Ferris Wheel
Singing karaoke is a big Asian pastime, especially for Korean and Japanese people. But singing karaoke on a Ferris wheel? A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Big–O Ferris Wheel is located in Tokyo Dome City, and offers special karaoke gondolas in which you can sing to the top of your lungs while enjoying the great views of Tokyo.
These cabins are soundproof, allowing you to freely sing your heart out without disturbing others, and are equipped with a small selection of songs and microphones. They accommodate groups of up to 4 people.
On top of offering a karaoke session, Big-O is the first centerless ferris wheel in the world, which adds to the excitement.
Visit the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama
Are you an instant ramen fan? The Cup Noodle Museum is an interactive location that follows the history of this food sensation, from its conception in the 1950s to becoming world-famous.
The museum has a noodles factory where you can personalize a Cup Noodle with soup flavors and toppings, and design the packaging. You can also learn to make instant noodles from scratch at the Chicken Ramen Factory.
Besides the hands-on experiences, there are exhibits, packaging displays, and a food court. This experience is not technically in Tokyo, but in Yokohama, but it’s a 25-minute train ride from Tokyo so it’s still easily accessible.
