Alternative Experiences in Barcelona

1. Admire the View at the Bunkers del Carmel
2. Explore the Trendy Gracia Neighborhood
3. Tour Casa Vicens, Gaudi's First Masterpiece
4. Discover Hidden Secrets inside the Cementiri del Poblenou
5. Go on a Pintxos Crawl in Poble-Sec
6. A Feast for the Eyes (and the Mouth) at the Mercat de Sant Antoni
7. Admire the Lush Gardens on a Hike up Montjuïc Hill
8. Uncover Spain's Funerary Rituals inside the Museum of Funeral Carriages
9. Marvel at Modernisme inside the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site
10. Find Peace inside the Monastery of Pedralbes

Admire the View at the Bunkers del Carmel

Although the Bunkers del Carmel is definitely not a “hidden gem” anymore, its location far north of the touristy centre still makes a trip to the Bunkers del Carmel a unique experience. The Bunkers del Carmel, also known as Turó de la Rovira, was a former anti-aircraft battery from the Spanish Civil War. But after the war, the area was abandoned and taken over by graffiti artists and the rocks are all covered in vibrant street art. 

But what really makes this area so popular for tourists is the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From the top of the bunkers, you have an incredible elevated vantage point over the entire cityscape of Barcelona. From here, you can truly admire the awe-inspiring height and splendour of the Sagrada Família.

Despite its increasing popularity, Bunkers del Carmel maintains a relatively peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. Grab some snacks and a bottle of wine, and let the colours of the skyline and waterfront amaze you. Starting May 2nd, 2023, the bunkers close at 7:30 p.m. during the summer and 5:30 p.m. in the winter. So, this is no longer the best sunset spot in the city. Keep that in mind.

Explore the Trendy Gracia Neighborhood

The Gràcia neighbourhood in Barcelona is a charming and bohemian enclave known for its artistic spirit, lively atmosphere, and strong sense of community. Stroll through the colourful streets and immerse yourself in its multicultural charm. This neighbourhood is a captivating blend of cultures, art, food, vintage shops, and countless hidden gems. You’ll find everything from cool boutiques to tucked-away art galleries, making it perfect for the curious traveller seeking authentic local vibes.

The heart of the neighbourhood can be found in the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. This square is a bustling hub where locals and visitors converge. It features a lovely clock tower and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying a meal or a drink. Hit up News & Coffee for your morning brew if you come early. For some vermuth and tapas, stop in at Nou Candanchú.

Festa Major de Gràcia

Gràcia is famous for its annual neighbourhood festival, Festa Major de Gràcia, held in August. During this time, streets in the neighbourhood are adorned with imaginative and artistic decorations, and there are numerous cultural events, concerts, and activities to enjoy. You CANNOT miss this event if you’re in town during the festival.

Tour Casa Vicens, Gaudi’s First Masterpiece

Antoni Gaudí, the iconic Catalan architect, left an indelible mark on Barcelona. But his unique and imaginative architectural creations all started here at the Casa Vicens, his earliest and most extraordinary works. Most people who come to Barcelona see his penultimate work, the Sagrada Familia. But if, on the other hand, you tour his very first commission, you’ll get to see where his true genius was first unveiled.

Casa Vicens was originally built as a summer residence for Manuel Vicens i Montaner in 1885. Casa Vicens is a testament to Gaudí’s avant-garde vision and his ability to blend various architectural styles into a harmonious and visually stunning masterpiece, including Moorish, Gothic, and Art Nouveau. Every corner of Casa Vicens is adorned with meticulous attention to detail. From the ceramic tiles on the exterior to the intricately designed interiors, Gaudí’s artistic touch is evident throughout the building. Each room is a masterpiece, showcasing his fascination with natural forms and geometrical patterns.

While many of Gaudí’s other works in Barcelona draw large crowds, Casa Vicens offers a more intimate and personal experience. It’s a chance to appreciate Gaudí’s genius without the bustling tourist masses.

Discover Hidden Secrets inside the Cementiri del Poblenou

Tucked away in the Poblenou neighbourhood lies a hidden gem that often escapes the radar of mainstream tourism—the Cementiri del Poblenou, or Poblenou Cemetery. While visiting a cemetery might seem rather morbid, I always argue that cemeteries are such a wonderful historical fingerprint. As often, cemeteries tell us so much about the living when the residents were interred. Far from being just a burial ground, this cemetery is a testament to Barcelona’s rich history, artistry, and the deep reverence the city holds for its departed souls. 

Walking through the cemetery feels like strolling through an open-air museum. Elaborate and artistic tombs and mausoleums line the pathways, each telling a unique story about the individuals or families they commemorate. Intricate sculptures, delicate stonework, and beautiful mosaics adorn many graves.

Unlike some of Barcelona’s more crowded attractions, the Cementiri del Poblenou offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere. It’s a place for quiet reflection, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a sense of peace among the tombstones.

Go on a Pintxos Crawl in Poble-Sec

Dining on some Spanish tapas is one of the reasons many people come to Barcelona. Tapas encompasses many small dishes, including olives, cheese, chorizo, calamari, croquettes, patatas bravas and more. But one type of tapas that is unique is called pintxos. The term “pincho” comes from the Spanish verb “pinchar,” which means “to pierce” or “to stab.” This refers to skewering the ingredients onto a toothpick or small piece of bread, which serves as a base to hold the ingredients together. 

Pinchos are known for their artful and creative presentation. They are often displayed on the bar counter, and customers can choose the ones they want to enjoy. Common pinchos ingredients include cured meats (like chorizo or jamón), cheeses, olives, seafood (such as shrimp or anchovies), vegetables, and sometimes even small portions of hot dishes like tortilla española (Spanish omelette).

Since pinchos are so small, one of the most popular ways to eat them is hopping from bar to bar, trying out their unique creations along with a small beer or vermuth, and heading on to the next one. Career de Blai, a street in the Poble-Sec neighbourhood, is a hub of pinchos bars. Try Pincho.j, Blai 9, Koska Taberna or Blai Stop to try some pinchos for yourself!

A Feast for the Eyes (and the Mouth) at the Mercat de Sant Antoni

While the most popular tourist market in Barcelona is the Mercat de la Boqueria on La Rambla, if you’re looking for a market that is just as bustling but perhaps a little more off the tourist track, head to Mercat de Sant Antoni. Although a few locals might still shop at the Mercat de la Boqueria, few are willing to fight past the tourists. So, if you’re looking to shop where the locals shop, come here!

Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Sant Antoni, the Mercat de Sant Antoni offers a sensory explosion of colours, flavours, and aromas. This historic market, recently restored to its former glory, has been open since 1882. The market’s modernist architecture is a sight to behold. The building’s iron structure, stained glass windows, and ornate details are a testament to the architectural brilliance of the time. 

The market is a treasure trove of culinary delights. You’ll find many fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, and a kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables. Beyond the traditional market stalls, Mercat de Sant Antoni also hosts several Bar Cafeterias where you can sit at the counter and sample tapas, seafood, and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to indulge in Catalan cuisine and taste authentic flavours.

Sunday Book Market

If you’re lucky enough to come on a Sunday, you’ll find the market surrounded by a series of popup tents. Underneath hides a bustling secondhand book market. Book lovers can browse through stacks of vintage books, magazines, and collectibles, adding a literary touch to the market experience.

Admire the Lush Gardens on a Hike up Montjuïc Hill

For a touch of history and nature, consider a hike up Montjuïc Hill. Now, be aware that Barcelona can get very hot in the summer, so you’ll want to do this hike early in the day or after the sun goes down in those hot and humid summer months. While I call this a “hike,” I think it would merely be considered an uphill walk for many, but this just means it is an achievable endeavour for all fitness levels.

Montjuïc Hill, often called the “Jewel of Barcelona,” overlooks the city and the vast Mediterranean Sea. The best place to start the walk is the Jardines del Teatre Grec in the Poble-Sec neighbourhood. Continue along the path towards the Miró Foundation. You can walk through a series of Barcelona’s finest beautifully landscaped gardens!

Montjuïc Castle

Go through the Jardins de Joan Brossa towards the Jardins del Mirador. Each little vignette features a variety of plants, sculptures, and fountains. You have an incredible look out over the city from the Jardins del Mirador. Then, you make your way west along the pathway towards Montjuïc Castle. This historic fortress dates back to the 17th century. It was initially built as a military stronghold and has served as a prison at various historical points. 

For a scenic ride back down the mountain, take the Montjuïc Cable Car. This aerial tramway connects the hill to the Barcelona waterfront. You can take in some breathtaking views of the city, the sea, and the hill as you look back towards it. It’s a nice relaxing reward after an afternoon of exercise.

Uncover Spain’s Funerary Rituals inside the Museum of Funeral Carriages

The Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres (Museum of Funeral Carriages) is one of the most unconventional museum in Barcelona! The Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres provides a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into the city’s funerary history. You will walk through the evolution of funeral customs over the centuries. It’s a place where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social aspects of Barcelona’s past. And explore an aspect of history that is often overlooked but undeniably significant.

The museum houses a collection of historic funeral carriages and hearses in Barcelona and the surrounding region. These carriages, some of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are beautifully preserved. The carriages on display are often works of art in their own right. They feature intricate details, ornate decorations, and craftsmanship that reflect the artistic styles of their respective eras. I truly wish we still had this beautiful carriage at funerals today! What a beautiful way to honour the dead.

Marvel at Modernisme inside the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, also known as the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, was my absolute favourite thing I saw the first time I came to Barcelona. And I’ve spent the last five years encouraging every single person I know to make their way there! The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site was designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. And today it is considered a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. Originally built for the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in 1930, the design of the complex was meant to make patients feel at peace in this beautiful, uplifting and serene environment. While also being surrounded by state-of-the-art medical care. It was the first of its kind and remains a unique concept for medical care facilities.

The complex is adorned with exquisite Art Nouveau details, including intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, colourful ceramics, and sculpted figures. Curved lines and decorative elements cover every surface, a departure from traditional architectural styles. 

The complex’s architecture incorporates various themes and symbols, such as floral motifs, religious symbolism, and references to nature. Each pavilion and building within the site has its own unique character and design, contributing to the overall grandeur of the complex. This place is not to be missed, but time and time again, I see people overlooking this spot in favour of the nearby Park Guell or less impressive Gaudi residences. Trust me, this one is well worth your time and money.

Find Peace inside the Monastery of Pedralbes

The Monastery of Pedralbes is hidden in Barcelona’s residential Les Corts neighbourhood. Even in the dense tourist summer months, when I visited the monastery, it felt like I was the only one there. There were probably a few dozen people in reality, but it is such a grand place that you always had parts of it to yourself!

The Monastery of Pedralbes was built between 1294 and 1326! And yet, it had been so magnificently preserved that in no way does it feel like it could be that old but in that great shape. The building is an outstanding example of the Catalan Gothic style, characterized by its graceful arches, pointed vaults, and intricate stonework.

The monastery was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1326 as a place for the Order of Saint Clare, also known as the Poor Clares. When Queen Elisenda commissioned the monastery, she also had a small palace built nearby as her husband was in failing health, and she wanted a place to live after she became a widow. One of her favourite places to come, pray and even perhaps live was the serene monastery courtyard and gardens. The courtyard features a picturesque central fountain, surrounded by medicinal plants that were used to help treat many illnesses in medieval times.

Hopefully, these less frequented experiences allow you to sere a different side of the city! Venture off the beaten path, explore the city’s lesser-known wonders, and make unforgettable memories. Barcelona’s alternative charms are waiting to be uncovered, so what are you waiting for? ¡Vamos!

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Best Alternative Experiences in Barcelona 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.

The Best Yokohama City Guide

1. Access
2. History
3. #1. Take a Walk Along Osanbashi Pier
4. #2. Yokohama Marine Tower
5. #3. Harbour View Park
6. #4. Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature
7. #5. Minato Mirai 21
8. #6. Sample Bashamichi Ice
9. #7. Landmark Tower
10. #8. Yokohama Cosmo World
11. #9. Red Brick Warehouse
12. #10. Explore Chinatown
13. #11. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
14. #12. See a Baseball Game
15. #13. Cup Noodles Museum
16. #14. Sankeien Garden

Access

To get to Yokohama, you simply need to take a train from Tokyo on the Tokyu-Tohoku Line, JR Tokaido Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line. It can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to arrive, depending on where you are leaving from, but no matter the departure point, Yokohama is less than an hour away.

History

Yokohama is most notable for its large, international seaport but it was not always such a hub. Before 1859 it was no more than a small fishing village. For years and years, Yokohama remained isolated until the port was built and with it came foreign trade and a great economic surge.

The port was officially opened on June 2nd, 1859, and immediately became the centre of international trade in Japan. Asian immigrants and Japanese settlers began occupying the low-lying districts of the city while the English residents took up in areas overlooking the city, an district now dubbed “The Bluffs”.

The biggest trade industry in the port was silk, and their largest trading partner was Great Britain. With westerners coming into port more and more, they brought with them, Western technology. In the 1870s Yokohama saw the construction of their first newspaper press, the installation of gas powered street lamps and even their first railway – connecting Yokohama to bigger cities like Tokyo and Shinagawa. Jules Verne famously wrote about the city of Yokohama in his book, “Around the World in Eighty Days” despite never actually visiting. He described the city as a fast-developing and international landscape with flourishes of Japanese flare.

#1. Take a Walk Along Osanbashi Pier

A walk along the waterfront is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the city. The Osanbashi Pier is a modern piece of urban design made from wood and grass but despite its contemporary appearance it still feels like an old fashioned boardwalk. From here you can view all the different boats and ferries coming into the port. Parked right out front on the water is the museum ship Hikawa Maru. The Hikawa Maru first set sail in 1929 and made the journey from Kobe to Seattle. After years of wartime service, the ship was permanently berthed in 1961 and turned into a floating museum, hotel and restaurant.

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#2. Yokohama Marine Tower

Yokohama Marine Tower is the tallest inland lighthouse in the world, standing 106 meters-tall. On a clear day, visitors in the tower can see all the way to Mount Fuji from the observation deck. Currently the Tower is closed for renovation, set to reopen in 2022. It’s still an iconic piece of the skyline and great to view even from the ground.

#3. Harbour View Park

As you walk along the waterfront, you are in the middle of Minato no mieru oka kōen, or Harbour View Park. The park houses a beautiful rose garden whose flowers bloom throughout the Summer and well into the Fall. Benches are located all along the waterfront gardens and are the picture-perfect place to sit and enjoy the view.

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#4. Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature

Near the end of the park, you’ll find the Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature. The museum is a quiet place to views some insightful exhibitions about impactful Japanese writers. Their notebook, diary, manuscripts, favourite items, and first editions of early-modern literature are displayed for exhibition.

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#5. Minato Mirai 21

Minato Mirai 21, or the central district, creates Yokohama’s iconic skyline. The Minato Mirai is much like the urban utopia that Jules Verne wrote about in his book, although built years after the fact. An old shipyard was transformed into an area for metropolitan development in 1980 to create the Minato Mirai. This district offers up shopping centres, an amusement park, a relaxation centre with traditional hot spring as well as popular museums and park space.

#6. Sample Bashamichi Ice

Yokohama was the birthplace of ice cream in Japan, and to this day Bashamichi Ice is still making this unique, original recipe made from eggs, milk, and sugar topped with a cookie shell which you have to break to get to the ice cream. Kind of like an ice cream Crème brûlée.

#7. Landmark Tower

Landmark Tower, located in the Minato Mirai, is 296 meters tall, and from 1993 until 2014 it was the tallest building in Japan. On the 69th floor, there is an observatory Sky Garden, where you have a 360 view of the city and on clear days you can even see Mount Fuji!

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#8. Yokohama Cosmo World

On the man-made island in the centre of Minato Mirai is Yokohama Cosmo World. Cosmo World is a modest amusement park where people of all ages can go to enjoy a few carefree hours of fun. In the midst of the park is the main feature, the Cosmo Clock. The Cosmo Clock is a giant Ferris wheel, which when it opened, was the largest Ferris wheel in the world standing at 108-meters tall. The wheel’s 60 passenger cars can carry up to eight people, and the full rotation takes about 15 minutes. If it’s a clear day, the views of the surrounding mountains, ocean and city are excellent!

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#9. Red Brick Warehouse

Beside the Cosmo World is Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse. The building was constructed from old government-funded warehouses which were built in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Now the buildings house a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops. If you’re lucky, see if you can catch a musical performance in the event plaza located between the two buildings. We stopped into one of the buildings along the water for a quick cup of coffee to help warm us up and performing inside the cafe was a classical musical group rehearsing for their performance at a concert hall later that week! You never know what you’re going to find when you explore.

#10. Explore Chinatown

Yokohama’s proximity to the port meant that it became a popular destination for expats and became home to many Chinese immigrants who settled in, what is now, the world’s largest Chinatown. To learn more about Yokohama’s Chinatown, you can review my full guide!

#11. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

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, which has been dubbed the national dish of Japan. 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 specializing in a regional flavour profile.

#12. See a Baseball Game

Baseball in Japan is a national pastime, more popular than it is in North America. Attending a game for yourself is absolutely unmissable if you’re there during the season. The Yokohama BayStars play regularly at Yokohama Stadium and if you have the chance to see them play their rivals, the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, you’re in for a real treat! Yokohama Stadium is an outdoor stadium so just be sure to check the weather before heading to the game. That being said, outdoor baseball is truly spectacular and this stadium is arguably better than the one in Tokyo so it’s well worth the trip to Yokohama.

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#13. Cup Noodles Museum

If you didn’t get enough information about the history of noodle in Japan from the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, head down to the Cup Noodles Museum. You even get to design your own cup noodles at the end of the tour. It’s a great place to take the kids if you’re travelling with the family.

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#14. Sankeien Garden

The traditional Japanese Sankeien Gardens are one of the largest I’d visited in Japan. It is over 175,000 square meters and is dotted with 17 different historic buildings throughout. Admission is 500 yen to enter where you can explore the classical Japanese zen gardens, koi ponds, calming streams which weave themselves around relaxing pathways surrounded by incredible architecture.

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If there is anything else I can say about Yokohama is that it is the perfect escape for anyone who feels overwhelmed with the big city. Despite Yokohama itself being a huge city with a large population, it doesn’t feel that way. If you steer clear of the central district and just spend the day walking along the boardwalk or exploring side streets, you’re going to find so much more than you expect. Unlike Tokyo, which has been overly modernised in the last few decades, Yokohama’s boom time has long past and the relics of those times are still standing, and have not been replaced with newer, more modern edifices. Take the journey out here and see what treasure you come across.

The post The Best Yokohama City Guide: 14 Things You Must See and Do first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Before we left for Japan, we decided that we wanted to have at least one big, blow-out meal. A dinner that would be as much of an experience as it was a culinary delicacy There are so many bucket-list sushi shops in Tokyo but based on looking thru a myriad of reviews, prices, location and availability, we decided on “Sushi Yasuda”.

Chef Naomichi Yasuda is somewhat of a household name in the industry due to his relationship with renown chef Anthony Bourdain and his feature in season 2 of the show “Parts Unknown”. But despite the notoriety, he hasn’t changed his menu, prices or the way he serves his customers in the six years he’s been back in Japan.

We made our reservations a few months in advance to ensure we were able to secure a table. We decided on a late evening reservation since it opened the rest of the day up for us and felt like the perfect way to end an evening. You only have two meal options here; the “Yasuda style Omakase” and the “14 piece sushi assortment”. Omakase means “a meal consisting of dishes selected by the chef”. With Omakase, chef Yasuda will prepare you a daily selection based on your preferences and seasonal items. He asks you both before your arrival and at dinner if you have any allergies or food aversions. Most chefs would never ask about preferences, preferring to serve what they see as the best of their cuisine but Yasuda values people individual tastes and wants each and every person, no matter how big of a savant or newbie, to have the best culinary experience possible.

The Omakase will cost you ¥12,000-¥15,000, which is rough $120, and the assortment runs ¥7800, which is around $70. One word of warning, the Omakase’s price will depend on how many pieces of sushi you eat and which fish he serves. The bigger your appetite, the rarer the fish, the bigger the bill. That being said, most people will only have a meal like this once. I held back on eating towards the end of the meal as I was afraid of the price as we ate more than was original allotted, whereas Dan ate a few more pieces and the difference on the bill was extremely minimal. If you’re there, just eat your heart out! You might spend an extra 50$ or so, but you’ll walk away feeling like you truly had an enjoyable experience. I regret holding back…but I guess that means I’ll just have to find my way back.

Being the intensely apprehensive Capricorn that I am, we arrived at least 20 minutes before our reservations. The restaurant is located in the basement of a narrow building down from the subway station. As you descend the stairs you pass by a variety of candles, incense and flowers left on each step. These are commonly seen on the front steps of houses we passed on the way in and putting them here makes you feel like you’re entering someone’s home. The restaurant itself is a modest, zen-like space, covered in blonde wood set against soft, white walls. A few small tables encircle a large counter with seats surrounding it. There was an air of calm and quiet when we arrived, and we whispered kindly to the waitresses who took our coats and asked if we’d like a cup of tea while we waited. A few people were finishing up their meal and bowed deeply to the chefs, full of smiles as they left.

Chef Yasuda greeted us with a smile as we set down and began to explain what we were in for. He asked again for our preferences, where we were front and introduced us to the other guests. It felt like a family dinner.

Chef Yasuda speaks perfect English despite growing up in Japan. In 1984 he moved to NYC to start a sushi restaurant but moved back to Japan in 2011. In NYC he owned a large restaurant and with that came a lot of responsibilities. He moved back to Japan not only to escape those duties but to start up a small, sushi restaurant where things could be simpler and made the way sushi was once served.

Before starting on dinner, we were offered drinks from the cocktail menu. Everything served here (aside from the cans of soda) are drinks favoured by Yasuda using ingredients from his hometown of Chiba. Yasuda is very proud of where he is from and showing off their produce is an important part of the restaurant. Dan chose Yasuda favourite sake, and I decided on a glass of cold green tea. A sweet-faced waitress came up to Dan with a tray full of brightly coloured glasses for his sake. They were each hand blown glass, and not one was the same as the other. Choosing your sake cup’s design and shape is as important to the drinking of sake as the elixir itself.

Yasuda starts each piece of sushi off the same way. By forming the rice. His hands work with artful precision to make each one the perfect size for the fish placed atop it. Many sushi chefs and experts will tell you that rice is 90% of what makes good sushi. Therefore finding and perfecting your rice recipe are imperative to making good sushi. Yasuda’s rice is both fluffy and textured, it has a tangy bite to it from the vinegar and alone is something truly delicious. The acidity from the rice against the creamy nature of most of the fish is the perfect combo.

Once Yasuda had prepared the sushi for each guest, he would place it on our plate and proceed to tell us about the piece of fish. He would details where it was caught, the history of this kind of sushi and even sometimes how the environment the fish was raised in would change the way the food would taste. Once he was done talking all that was left to do was eat it. You picked up the piece of sushi with your hands (no need for chopsticks) and have the option of dipping it in some soy sauce, but each piece is flavourful enough on its own that I don’t think you need it.

Yasuda loves to talk. He loves to interact with his guests and encourage people to ask questions. I asked him about his thoughts on sushi making in Japan and he talked at length about his opinions, his technique and why he left New York. He is alone behind the counter. There are no assistants, no sue chefs, no cleaners. Just him alone working on his craft. This makes his creations all the more impressive. Most other sushi restaurants have a huge staff who shops, preps and helps make the actual sushi for the customer. Here, it’s Yasuda alone.

For my Omakase, it started off with Bluefin tuna. The perfect introductory piece of sushi. Clean and simple. Next, it was onto Norwegian Sea Bass. Yasuda makes sure to use both internationally caught fish as well as local since he wants to offer his customers the best of the best, no matter where it has been caught. After the sea bass, we moved onto the Fatty Tuna. Fatty tuna is known as being one of the most chased after types of sushi. The tuna comes in more than five different levels of fattiness. The chef’s skill is shown in his preparation of the whole piece of tuna and separating it into the different cuts. “Akami” is lean part of the tuna, “chutoro” is the medium-fatty part, and the “otoro” is the highest fat cut. But even the otoro has levels of fat. There is the “kama toro” taken from the cheek and “hagashi toro” the super high-fatty tuna taken mainly from the top of the tail. Toro means “to melt”, and that is exactly what this fatty part of the tuna does. Melts in your mouth.

The raw shrimp was next. It was soft and rich, with a lemony finish.

Horse Mackeral sushi is known to be slightly bitter and often passed over by many eaters, but Yasuda freezes the fish to “cure” it, allowing the fish to become much more enjoyable. I thought it was delightfully pleasant.

Octopus has always been one of my favourite types of sushi and the one we had here was incredible. It was flavoured with lemon and topped with a splash of soy sauce. Softer and not tough or rubbery at all. A choice piece of fish.

Yellowtail and needlefish were next. The needlefish was very similar to the anago (eel) we were going to have later on in the meal. It was great to try it before having the Japanese anago to compare the two. Next up was Uni – the kind of fish I was looking forward to the most. Uni is the Japanese name for the edible part of a Sea Urchin. We told Yasuda hadn’t tried uni ever before but were excited to try a few varieties. Uni can come in a variety of colours, from deep gold to light yellow. The first type of uni was caught in California. It was light, sweet and briny and was intensely creamy. I was worried after all the hype, uni wouldn’t live up to it all but it surpassed my expectations by a landslide.

The second one we had was from Japan and Yasuda told us stories of how we went to the Tsukiji fish market every morning to make sure he found the best uni for his restaurant. This one had a much deeper flavour profile and impossibly creamy. I couldn’t believe there even was anything in the world that could taste like that. It was a revelation.

The woman beside us was genuinely afraid of the next dish that was served. But to me, it was absolute heaven. Salmon eggs, known as ikura in Japan, were cured by Yasuda himself and busted inside your mouth once you bit down. The ocean flavour explodes out and fills your entire mouth with the taste of the sea. It was surprisingly refreshing and perfectly salted.

The Hokkaido oysters served next were unique. Hokkaido’s water is freezing, resulting in a wealth of minerals deep in the ocean which is absorbed into the oysters giving them a delicious, sweet, savoury taste right out of the water. The taste was creamy and briny, these oysters we huge and every inch full of flavour.

The sweet shrimp was one of the most magnificent parts of the meal and my second favourite piece of sushi of the night. The shrimp was lightly cooked giving it a slightly firm texture which brought out the bright and sweet aroma of the shellfish.

Anago is the Japanese word for salt-water eels. If you get these in markets or other restaurants, they are usually doused in a sweet, cheap sauce, but here Yasuda cooked them atop a fire grill to give them a rich, smoky flavour and only lightly seasons them with sea salt, so you taste the trueness of the fish itself.

We finished the meal off with salmon rolls, and snow crab and Dan had one last piece (which I regret not getting) – the sea clam. Dan said the clams were one of the most outstanding pieces of the meal. With the addition of a touch of lemon and sea salt flakes, the natural flavours of the fish were brought to the surface and was the ideal way to end the night.

Although he offers us more, we couldn’t eat another bite and gave in to our full bellies. Yasuda seemed satisfied with himself as we sat there, full of his excellent cooking. We thanked him kindly for such an enjoyable evening full of stories and laughter. Yasuda was kind enough to take a photo with us before we left to commemorate the evening. He flexed his biceps, he was once a famous boxer and still to this day retains those impressive muscles – which he is very proud of as well. His smile was beaming, and you can see by the look on his face how much joy that feeding us gives him. Some people have been known to be put off by Yasuda’s attitude, he can be a bit cocky and judgemental of other sushi places, but he is truly a beautiful soul and cares deeply about the history and craft of Japanese sushi making. We were touched to have been able to taste a piece of his artistry and take with us the memories of those impeccable piece of sushi.

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