Although these games might not be high stakes regarding rankings in the regular season, they’re a great chance to see the teams before the roaster is set. If you are a huge baseball fan, these games are a superb way to get close to your favourite players without breaking the bank!

Table Of Contents

1. About the Cactus League Phoenix Spring Training
2. Tickets
3. The Stadiums, Teams and the Food!
4. Goodyear Ballpark
5. Surprise Stadium
6. Peoria Sports Complex
7. Hohokam Stadium
8. Tempe Diablo Stadium
9. American Family Fields of Phoenix
10. Scottsdale Stadium
11. Camelback Ranch-Glendale
12. Salt River Fields
13. Sloan Park
14. Events & Activities
15. Where to Sit?
16. Merchandise
17. Tips

About the Cactus League Phoenix Spring Training

The first team to play an exhibition game in Arizona was the Chicago White Sox in 1909. It wasn’t until 1929 that the first teams held official training camps here in the desert. The warm, dry weather brought more and more teams to Phoenix to practice. And by the 1960s, the Cactus League had been established. The Phoenix Cactus League now features 15 major league teams. They play just over 200 games from February 22nd to March 22nd. See the Full schedule here.

Tickets

The best way to buy game tickets is online or from the stadium box office. Big-ticket games might sell out quickly, but if you’re not picky about where you want to sit, you can almost always find tickets on the day. Avoid buying from the scalpers right in front of the box office since you might actually pay more than face value. If you’re dead, set on seeing a certain team on a particular day with seats in the right spot to see your favourite player, buy tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.

The Stadiums, Teams and the Food!

If you’re like me and don’t mind which team you go and see, you are more just going for the experience; you might want to choose your game based on the stadium itself. The stadiums themselves are some interesting places to see. While baseball is entertaining, for me, a baseball game is all about food and drinks. That’s what I really come for! Every stadium will have all the American baseball classics like corndogs, hot dogs, nachos and beer. But the different stadiums also feature unique items, making them more popular for certain visitors. Some of the ballparks ensure the vendors sell classic dishes from their team’s home state. So if you’re missing a little taste of home, coming to these ballparks might have just what you’re looking for!

Goodyear Ballpark

The Goodyear Ballpark is my home park so it has a soft spot in my heart. It’s the home to the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. Goodyear Park has a homely charm with beautiful views of the mountains from the berm seats. Their special right-field pavillions offer lounge furniture and nine big-screen TVs to watch the game from cool comfort. You can buy a bunch of seats here with the group ticket option, which includes access to their ballpark buffet! This is a great option for families or big groups.

The Food

Goodyear ballpark has lots of new food options this year. Try the loaded corn dog nuggets, the parmesan waffle fries, or their half-pound cheeseburger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also get nachos served inside a souvenir plastic helmet with your team’s logo! Great for the kids. My favourite thing to get is the taquito dog. It’s a foot-long hot dog wrapped in a flour tortilla loaded with cheese. It then gets deep-fried and topped with queso, guacamole and pico de gallo. You’ll be full long past the 7th inner stretch.

Surprise Stadium

The Surprise Stadium is home to the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals. If it’s your first-time visit to the stadium, tell te upon entering with your ticket, and they’ll give you a complimentary “1st Visit” button! A great little free souvenir. The recently renovated stadium is sure to wow any visitor but seeing it at night makes it feel very professional. The stadium was designed to allow fans to move around and watch from not just their seats. There is even a special viewing area in the batting cages.

The Food

Surprise Stadium is a great place to come if you’re on a budget. Their value menu has food for just $3 which features all the staples like hot dogs, popcorn, soda, and nachos. One of their more unique options can be found at Saigon Kitchen. This Vietnamese restaurant features garlic noodles and lemongrass chicken. Who knew you could find this at a ballpark game?! If you’re looking to try something desert-inspired, get the AZ Dog. This ballpark dog is covered in chipotle mustard and topped with cactus pico da Gallo.

Peoria Sports Complex

The Peoria Sports Complex is home to the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. The stadium is made with sandstone-shaded concrete and blue steel, matching the team’s colours. This stadium was the first to install an outfield spanning berm and 360-degree concourse. These features allow fans to see the game from all angles. Peoria is the best place to bring your kids! Peoria park has a mini baseball field made just for kids. Here, the little ones can play like they’re in the big leagues. The kid’s zone also features a pirate ship-themed playground!

The Food

Street tacos are all the rage this year, and there is even a taco cart which wheels around the stadium so you can grab them whenever you’re craving them. Spice is the game’s name here in Peoria Park, and one of their most popular items is the spicy Foot-Long hot dog wrapped in jalapeno bacon. This park also has many craft beer brands on draft from the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. So whatever team you’re cheering for, you can have a beer to go alongside.

Hohokam Stadium

Hohokam Stadium is home to the Oakland Athletics. This stadium is perhaps one of the more overlooked parks. But recent renovations have made it a great place to watch the games. Over half of the seats in the stadium are shaded, and there are also covered patios for picnics. The fan speed pitch contest is held daily, broken up into age groups. This means fans can compete against each other to see who has the best arm!

The Food

At Hohokam, vegetarians will be in heaven with the option to order the new Impossible Burger! You can also find Polish hotdogs and other Ohio-themed concessions in honour of their home team. But the most amusing item to get here has got to be the Mustache Pretzel! A delicious salty pretzel in the shape of, you guessed it, a moustache.

Tempe Diablo Stadium

Tempe Diablo Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Angels. I think the Tempe Diablo Stadium has the best views from the seats. Sitting there, you can enjoy the amazing landscape and look at the famed Twin Buttes. Especially if you’re not a local, this is a great way to admire the desert. In Tempe Stadium, there are lots of shaded seats available. You can also get a $25 all-you-can-eat food package which makes dining so much fun!

The Food

Tempe Stadium is home to Arizona’s best corndog! You also can find brisket sandwiches, jalapeno cheese sausages in hoagie buns and humongous cheesesteaks. But the best of all is the Baked Bear ice cream sandwiches! You can get your ice cream scooped between two warm cookies and covered in sprinkles! One of the most beautiful things you’ll find anywhere in the city.

American Family Fields of Phoenix

American Family Fields of Phoenix is home to the Milwaukee Brewers. Renovations on this park finished in 2019, so the stadium feels brand new! It smells like a new car. As you walk through the parking lot to the stadium, you’ll see these huge marquees with the numbers of famous Brewers; these make for great photo-ops on your way in. There’s something about this park that feels so local and intimate. Like you’re just out watching your neighbourhood team play instead of a major league sports team.

The Food

The Wisconsin-inspired “bratchos” are kettle chips covered with bratwurst and nachos toppings! Their new item for this year is a Bernie Brat, a bratwurst dipped into a secret sauce and covered in bacon and onion straws! My favourite item has to be the fried cheese curds, which are very much Wisconsin themed! Pair that with a cold beer, and you’ve got yourself a real treat.

Scottsdale Stadium

The Scottsdale Stadium is home to the San Francisco Giants. Scottsdale is one of the fanciest neighbourhoods in Phoenix, and as such, they have quite an impressive stadium. This is the one place where tickets really do sell out, so don’t wait to buy your seats. The Scottsdale Stadium prides itself on blending old-school charm with modern amenities. Even parking is made surprisingly charming by the antique trollery, which brings guests from the parking complex across the street to the park.

The Food

The best item here by far is the smoked pulled pork brisket layered on top of garlic fries. Worth a trip just for that. There is also a large selection of specialty beers, including San Francisco’s own Anchor Steam. Since Mexican food is so popular in San Francisco, street tacos are also available at the park. They are available as one of the most delicious options.

Camelback Ranch-Glendale

The Camelback Ranch-Glendale is home to the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. Camelback is such a great area of town, and this stadium is nestled away in the heart of the desert. It has gorgeous views of the mountain ranges from the seats, so if the game is slow, you can sit back and enjoy the view. An interesting fact about this stadium is that the field is sunk 12 feet below ground, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house to watch the game. The grounds also feature picturesque walking trails, citrus groves, and a fully stocked five-acre lake filled with swans, geese and other animals.

The Food

Come hungry if you want to try their famous 18-inch slice of pizza! Whether you support it, you’ll have to choose between the Dodger Dogs or the Vienna Beef Chicago hotdogs to represent your team.

Salt River Fields

Salt River Fields is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. As the “hometown” team, the Diamondbacks draw a huge crowd. Salt River Fields was the first Major League Baseball property built on an Indian reservation. Tribal influences have been incorporated throughout the park to attempt to pay some respect to the original landowners. There are even placards around the stadium detailing the history of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Most of the signage throughout the stadium is written in Maricopa, Pima and English. Just a little touch which makes this stadium unique. The views from here are the most impressive featuring Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, Red Mountain, and the Superstition Mountains.

The Food

The Sonoran BBQ is one of the most popular items at Salt River Fields. This place is my first stop once I get inside to get my hands on their delicious shredded adobo pork. This then gets covered in lime cabbage and pickled red onions, the perfect balance to the fatty pork. 101 Cattle-Co is a new vendor this year with its half-pound grilled burger with peanut butter, cheddar cheese, bacon and sweet chilli jam. If, on the other hand, you aren’t a meat-eater, meatless options can be found here with the Beyond meat burger being sold at Home Plate Hot Dogs.

Sloan Park

Sloan Park is home to the Chicago Cubs. Since this stadium is home to the Wrigley Field players, aspects of that famous park are woven into the design of Sloan Park. You’ll see brick patterns, a cantilevered roof and even the scoreboard was designed to look like the one in Chicago. It’s like travelling across the USA in one place! The bleachers here are covered in a huge trellis, allowing shade in most of the seats. This park also features a 300-foot tall rock climbing wall for kids to enjoy.

The Food

The food at Sloan Park feels more gourmet than just a regular ol’ ballpark. Here you can sample their famous Street Corn, grilled corn off the cob covered in chipotle mayo, parmesan cheese, lime and Valentina sauce. You can also indulge in their Carved Pork sandwich, an herb-encrusted honey mustard glazed pork loin topped with horseradish aioli and pineapple coleslaw! For a twist on the tradition, try the hot Cheetos Cheesesteak, filled with Philly beef steak, sauteed peppers and onions and covered in hot cheese for an extra bite! For a traditional Chicago ballpark treat, you must head to A Taste of Chicago, which has all the traditional Chicago specialties.

Events & Activities

Spring Training games are almost always full of additional events. We were lucky enough to come to a game where we were greeted by the Budweiser Wagon and their line of Clydesdales. So neat! There are also special fan experiences you can buy. These include a meet & greet with the players on the field! Check the schedule for fan appreciation days when stadiums give out free memorabilia for attendees, such as player bobbleheads. You also should check the schedule at each stadium to see what time batting practice starts, as that is always a good opportunity for a potential autograph. Ask politely, and don’t expect them to sign, but you’ll have a truly amazing souvenir if they do.

Where to Sit?

Even though the games take place in February and March, they can still get hot. So if you’re sensitive to the heat, you should book a seat under the shaded area. If you’re worried about being too hot, try to find a night game. Since all the stadiums at Spring Training games are a fraction of the size of regular season stadiums, you’re hard-pressed to find a bad seat. They’re all pretty close to the action too. But the seats on the lawn are where the fun is at! People bring huge picnics, layout on the grass and treat the game as almost secondary to hanging out. Plus, they cost almost less than a fast-food combo meal for a whole afternoon of fun!

Merchandise

Spring Training is a great time to buy limited-edition merchandise from your favourite teams or exclusive to the Cactus League. If you’re a collector, a fan, or know someone who loves their team, this is a great place to buy some unique merch.

Tips

• Hydration is key. Remember to offset it with lots of water if you’re drinking beer.
•  Lawn or berm seats have no shade, so bring a large-brimmed hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and wear lightweight clothing.
•  Bring lots of sunscreens and reapply every few hours.
•  Book your tickets in advance if you are keen on seeing a particular team in good seats since the stadiums are much smaller than during the regular season.
• Parking is not free at all stadiums, so check the prices before you leave if that’s important to your budget.

If you are in Phoenix over the Spring Training season, I encourage you to go and check out a game. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, many additional aspects to Cactus League games make a trip out to the ballpark the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Let me know which team you’re cheering for this season and your favourite park in Phoenix!

Happy Travels Adventurers.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Cactus League Baseball Phoenix Spring Training [UPDATE 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. #1. Spend a Night in a Space Age Capsule Hotels
2. #2. Explore a Dream World in TeamLab Planet Tokyo
3. #3. Get Spooked By Godzilla
4. #4. Explore the Strange World of Love Hotels
5. #5. Act like a Kid Again at Tokyo DisneySea
6. #6. Explore the Walled City inside Kawasaki Warehouse
7. #7. Get Grossed out at the Parasite Museum
8. #8. Try Cream Puffs too Cute to Eat!
9. #9. Experience Cuteness Overload at a Maid Cafe
10. #10. Dine at Ramen Restaurant from around Japan in Yokohama
11. #11. Dine on Sushi around a Conveyor Belt
12. #12. Cheer, Scream and Sing-a-long at a Baseball Game
13. #13. See a Professional Sumo Match
14. #14. Catch some Kabuki
15. #15. Fish for your Dinner
16. #16. Soak in the Healing Waters at Onsen

#1. Spend a Night in a Space Age Capsule Hotels

Capsule Hotels are one of the most unique forms of accommodation and are only available in Japan (although it’s slowly starting to catch on elsewhere). Capsule hotels are not just a super cool thing to experience but also a great way to save money! They’re a great place to stay the first night you arrive since you’re bound to crash hard, and there’s no point shelling out for a luxury hotel you won’t even notice until you’ve had a good night’s sleep.

Capsule hotels are found all over the city and are great since they’re most often in fantastic locations outside train stations. Capsule hotels are divided into male and female floors where you’ll get a single capsule to sleep inside. While the capsule is little more than a person-shaped rectangular cube, most are more spacious than you’d imagine and come with your own personal light, tv, bedding, place to plug in all your devices and even air conditioning. It feels like sleeping in a spaceship in your own little pod. Outside your capsule, you can use all the amenities in the hotel. They are complete with spotless showers, places to sit and eat (always filled with lots of vending machines), and some even have massage chair floors where you can relax and read.

#2. Explore a Dream World in TeamLab Planet Tokyo

The TeamLab Planets exhibition in Tokyo is a truly unique and immersive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. This digital art museum features a wide range of interactive installations that use cutting-edge technology to create mesmerizing displays of light, sound, and movement.

One of the standout exhibits is the Forest of Lamps, which is a room filled with thousands of glowing lanterns that respond to your movements. As you walk through the room, the lanterns change color and shape, creating an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. Another must-see exhibit is the Crystal World, a cavern-like space filled with crystal-like structures that seem to grow and change as you move through the space. The installation uses light and sound to create an immersive and sensory experience that is truly unlike anything else.

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#3. Get Spooked By Godzilla

In amongst the neon jungle, which is Shinjuku, keep your eyes peeled for a monster poking his head out. Don’t think it’s the jet lag that is indeed Godzilla himself towering above you. Hotel Gracery plays host to the beast, and if you want to see what it’s like to be in Godzilla’s head, you can visit the Bonjour cafe on the 8th floor. This cafe has a small menu but does offer a great view from outside Godzilla’s head across Shinjuku. Godzilla is such an iconic part of Japanese entertainment, so seeing him in the “flesh” here in Shinjuku makes you feel like you’re in Japan!

#4. Explore the Strange World of Love Hotels

If capsule hotels seem a little claustrophobic, you can check out a “Love Hotel.” These Love Hotels aren’t for the faint of heart, but you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All over Tokyo and other parts of Japan, you’ll see these types of hotels on various corners of the city. The rooms are rented by the hour and per night, so you can imagine what kind of clientele they are geared towards…But does that mean you can’t go as a tourist to fulfil your curiosity? Absolutely not! These hotels aren’t as seedy as you might imagine. They’re actually pretty incredible or at least incredibly weird.

Each room is themed for a different interest; some have rotating beds, others are covered floor to ceiling in Hello Kitty paraphernalia, and others even have heart-shaped jacuzzis! These hotel rooms are so cutesy because around 90% of love hotels in Japan are designed by women. Being developed by women means that they are more likely to come inside than be weirded out by a sketchy-looking hotel. Also, for this reason, the hotels are always super clean and extremely private. Some check-in desks are entirely run by touch screens, so you don’t even need to interact with a real human on your way in! Definitely a unique experience.

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#5. Act like a Kid Again at Tokyo DisneySea

One of my favourite parts of Tokyo is DisneySea, and while visiting what might on paper feel like an American theme park seems odd on a list of uniquely JAPANESE adventures, DisneySea is unlike any of its North American counterparts. The influence of Japan’s creative culture made this park so wondrous. It is famously known as the best theme park in the world. Unlike Disneyland, which has been replicated almost brick for brick worldwide (even in Japan), DisneySea is one of a kind. Here you’ll be able to ride the most immersive and original rides in all of Disney and visit the seven ports inspired by fictional and historical seaside locations. You can visit Ariel’s Kingdom or Aladdin’s Castle. DisneySea is also home to Duffy the Bear, a character you’ll only find here in Tokyo!

#6. Explore the Walled City inside Kawasaki Warehouse

I am a HUGE fan of the arcades in Japan! I have sunk way more money than I’m proud of trying to win a stuffed Pokemon character. All arcades in Japan are worth checking out for a great night out, but none are as weird as Kawasaki Warehouse. The warehouse arcade is located about 30 minutes outside the city but is well worth the trip. Inside what looks like an old, rusted-over building, you’ll find the almost picture-perfect recreation of the gritty streets of Kowloon.

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Kowloon is the famous crime-filled, walled city of China that has been the inspiration for apocalyptic environments for years. Spread out over multiple floors, this place, made to look like a crumbling city, is actually an arcade. Set amongst the rotting walls, dirty clothing lines, and shady retail signage are real arcade games you can play in this haunting setting. Don’t worry; nothing is dirty; it’s all for the show! Every inch of this place is themed and decorated to ensure an eerier atmosphere permeates the entire place; even the men’s bathroom is made to look covered in filth (although the women’s washroom was spared this treatment).

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#7. Get Grossed out at the Parasite Museum

Located in the suburb of Meguro, you’ll find one of the weirdest museums in the world. In this museum, you’ll be introduced to the world of parasites. And trust me, after visiting, you’ll wonder how many of them might be living inside you right now! The museum is the only one of its kind, and a few minutes into the exhibits, you might be able to imagine why. The museum has collected over 45,000 parasites, now displayed in jars along the walls. They even have an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm which proves the resiliency of these parasites. While this might not be for everyone, the uniqueness of the subject matter is something to be amazed at. And for those of you with a strong stomach, you might be pretty surprised by these creatures. I found it interesting and enjoyed the curator’s dedication to the subjects.

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#8. Try Cream Puffs too Cute to Eat!

If you’re looking for something a little more fun and carefree, go to this dreamy little cafe which serves up some of the most delicious and, perhaps, too-good-to-eat pastries. If you’re a fan of anime, specifically Studio Ghibli, visiting Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is almost a requirement for your trip to Japan.

This cafe is run by a Ghibli family member, and her creations are therefore deemed “official” Ghibli products. Walking up to the shop is like stepping into a Ghibli film; the street looks almost picture-perfect, just like the animes. Each cream puff is made to look like the popular character “Totoro” and is filled with either custard, chocolate or caramel banana. You can make reservations here, but if you feel like the reservations system online is too complicated without being able to speak or read Japanese, you can also show up when they open and get in line to nab one of these delicious treats.

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#9. Experience Cuteness Overload at a Maid Cafe

As soon as you get into Tokyo and start walking around the streets at night, you’ll immediately see dozens of maids on the road handing out flyers. If you’ve never heard of a ‘Maid Cafe‘ before, this sight might be a little strange and shocking. But the reality of these Maid Cafes is a lot less lurid than you might expect. In Japan, Maid Cafes are popular restaurants where the waitresses dress up in cute maid costumes and act as “servants” to their customers or “masters.”

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Although these cafes were originally introduced for the amusement of the men in Japan, these days, they have become more of a tourist attraction. And, therefore, a little less salacious. Inside you’ll be doted on by a given maid. You’ll also eat food in adorable shapes and designs, learn cutesy songs and even take a kawaii (cute) picture with your maid as a commemorative souvenir. It’s weird, it’s cute, and it’s worth checking out for a unique experience.

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#10. Dine at Ramen Restaurant from around Japan in Yokohama

Although it’s dubbed a “museum”, the experience you’ll have at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is more in line with a trip to Epcot. The museum is almost like visiting a food-themed amusement park which sends you back in time in tastes and visuals. The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum was first opened in 1994 as a one-stop shop for people to sample all different varieties of Ramen. The interior of the museum is designed to replicate the streets of Japan in 1958. There are nine different restaurants open throughout the two lower floors serving up all sorts of different variations of ramen. Each one specializes in a regional flavour profile. Like travelling all across the country in one day!

#11. Dine on Sushi around a Conveyor Belt

While conveyor belt sushi restaurants have started popping up in other locations around the world, they got their start here in Japan, and if you’ve never visited one before, then this is the best place to start! Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are all over Tokyo, and you can’t go wrong with them. If there is a lineup outside the door, that is always a good sign that it’s going to be delicious! Lines move quickly since diners usually don’t spend an enormous amount of time here, so don’t be afraid of waiting.

Once you get inside, you’ll be seated around an actual moving conveyor belt. On the belt are dozens of plates with pieces of sushi on top. Each of the plates is a different colour and/or pattern. Those colours or patterns denote the cost of the sushi. Just grab what you want and keep the empty plates. The plates are used to calculate your bill at the end of the meal. The sushi is cheap and delicious, and you’ll often be more enticed into trying something new. It’s hard not to be curious when you see it right there in front of you.

#12. Cheer, Scream and Sing-a-long at a Baseball Game

Are you thinking of baseball? C’mon, now we have that in North America too! That’s not something we want to do when we’re halfway across the world. Well, trust me, this isn’t baseball as you know it. I mean, sure, yes, the rules are the same. And in essence, the game itself is pretty similar, but the experience surrounding the game is worth your time! Baseball games in Japan are like a huge party. Everyone sings a different anthem when each player comes to the plate. There are designated cheering sections where the entire group will stand, dance and cheer.

Not only are there special themed foods you can buy in the stadium, but you’re also allowed to bring any food or drink you want. That’s right, you can even bring your own alcohol! Before you arrive at the stadium, dozens of street vendors sell freshly cooked yakisoba, sushi and more to take inside with you! It’s so much fun, and you don’t need to be able to speak Japanese to be able to follow the action!

#13. See a Professional Sumo Match

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport. And if you’re visiting Tokyo during the season these matches take place, it’s your duty as a traveller to make your way to see a game. Sumo is one of those things that seem not to exist outside Japan. Its traditional roots and cultural importance are so strong that it never took off anywhere else. The matches are surprisingly exciting. And the crowd is so passionate that you’ll cheer with them even if you’ve never seen a game before or understand the rules. Tickets sometimes sell out during busy times of the year, so it’s worth buying tickets in advance.

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#14. Catch some Kabuki

Another very traditional thing to do in Japan is to see a Kabuki performance. Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performance and elaborate make-up. Despite the show being in Japanese, much like Opera, you can get a program where there will usually be a translation in English. That way you can understand a bit of the plot. But the expressions and performances are so strong and evocative that you’ll be able to follow along without it.

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#15. Fish for your Dinner

Walking into Zauo restaurant, you’ll think you’ve stepped onto a fishing boat. A giant wooden ship is installed over the top of dozens of tanks of water. Guests stand excitedly with a fishing rod on the boat’s edge, ready to nab their dinner. That’s right, here at Zauo, you eat what you catch! Be warned that if you catch something, you must eat it; there’s no throwing it back. But that’s half the fun! Just don’t come in with a specific meal in mind, be open to trying something new. Once you catch your fish, you get to choose how it’s cooked and seasoned. Then it will be served at your table. The cost is probably a little inflated compared to a typical seafood restaurant, but the novelty value is real. And it’s definitely a memorable meal.

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#16. Soak in the Healing Waters at Onsen

Odaiba Oedo Onsen combines a traditional Japanese onsen spa and a journey back in time. Designed to look like the Edo period, this onsen is the perfect place to unwind. Especially after your long flight! An ‘onsen’ is a Japanese hot spring and bathing facility. Here, men and women are divided into two separate areas, where they can soak in a giant, naturally heated hot spring completely in the nude. No bathing suits allowed (hence the gender separation.) You can use these small towels provided to cover your private parts. But the atmosphere is so relaxed, and no one is looking, so it feels totally normal, and you’d be surprised how freeing it feels!

The Odaiba Oedo Onsen also has a zen-like garden where you’ll find a long foot bath. To use the outdoor foot bath and gardens, you’ll put on your traditional Yukata. This part of the spa is clothed, so both men and women can use it together. Onsens are such a special part of Japanese culture. And while it seems intimidating, it’s immensely calming and a must-do for anyone visiting Japan.

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*A Note about Animal Cafes

While I will readily admit that animal cafes look UBER adorable and are found on many lists of “things to do in Japan,” I see them as wildly conflicting. On my first trip to Japan, I visited an owl cafe in Asakusa, which was well-reviewed as to how they treated their animals, but after visiting, I felt awful. I had gone for a weird experience, and while it was that, I just felt so sad for the animals.

Even though I did see how loved they were by the carers, owls are nocturnal, and to have them out during the day and trapped inside felt so cruel. Various other types of animal cafes suffer from the same kind of thing, and while I know, they feel like something you NEED to do while in Japan, I would ask you to heavily consider the welfare of the animals before you think about spending time there. You can get so many weird experiences in Japan that shouldn’t be your primary destination.

Whether you’re a fan of art, culture, or technology, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and eclectic city. From visiting the ancient temples and shrines to experiencing the latest advancements in technology, these 16 unique and amazing experiences are a must-see for anyone visiting Tokyo. So why not start planning your trip today and experience all that this incredible city has to offer?

The post 16 Unique and Amazing Experiences You Can’t-Miss in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.