Tokyo is full of unique and unusual attractions that will leave you wanting more. It offers bucket list experiences that range from mild to wild. If you’re planning a visit to this incredible city, be sure to add these five unusual experiences to your Tokyo travel itinerary.
Cross at One of the Busiest Intersections in the World
In other destinations, encountering a packed intersection would make tourists turn the other way. However, in Tokyo, even more people flock to the famous Shibuya Crossing, rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. Grab a cup of coffee to watch the sea of people going by, or find other interesting vantage points nearby to snap a few photos of the crowds. There is a lot to do in the neighborhood since it’s a shopping and entertainment hub for Tokyo. Be sure to see the Hachiko statue that sits at one of Shibuya Station exits. Hachiko was the dog who returned to the station every day for almost 10 years waiting for his owner, Professor Ueno, to return from work. Unfortunately, Ueno had passed away suddenly while delivering a lecture.
Have Dinner at a Robot Restaurant
There are cabaret shows and then there are Japanese cabaret shows. Order tickets ahead of time and enjoy an unforgettable evening at Tokyo’s iconic Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. There is no end to the bizarre entertainment here as more than just robots will take the stage. Expect a battle between Godzilla and samurais, while other moments may include pandas and dinosaurs dancing about. Robot Restaurant has only been open since 2012, but it’s garnered an impressive following. This is why you need to purchase tickets ahead of time, as it’s common for shows to sell out.
Explore the First Digital Art Museum
Another one-of-a-kind experience in Tokyo is a visit to the world’s first digital art museum. The Mori Building Digital Art Museum opened its doors in mid-2018 and is 10,000 square meters of endless artwork that extend beyond rooms, intertwining with other pieces. Stand there for a few minutes and the pieces change. Not surprisingly, this has been a huge hit with Instagrammers around the globe. Purchasing tickets ahead of time is a must as the museum can be sold out 30 or more days in advance.
Try the Largest Selection of Flavored Popcorn at Any Disney Park
If you are a fan of Disney theme parks and love flavored popcorn, you need to head to the Tokyo Disney Resort. Between Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, you can try a myriad of flavors, some sweet and some savory. Options may vary, but there are usually at least 10 flavors available. Some offerings have included flavors like herb tomato, garlic shrimp, curry, soy sauce, barbecue, blueberry, milk tea and more. Consider purchasing a souvenir Disney popcorn bucket as you’ll get cheaper refills and fit in with the other hardcore Disney fans who frequent the parks.
Be Your Favorite Mario Kart Character
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be your favorite Nintendo Mario Kart character for a day? Not surprisingly, in Tokyo you can! There are several rental companies that will let you explore the city on a guided go-kart tour. Just like the beloved Nintendo game, you can choose from different routes. Dressing up as Yoshi or Peach will set you back some more Yen, but it’s worth it to cruise around the streets of Tokyo dodging imaginary green shells.