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?

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a bunch of psychedelic drugs in the year 2200? Well, wonder no more because the Robot Restaurant here in Tokyo is here to show you! The “restaurant” isn’t really a restaurant at all. What it is, is a futuristic, energetic, vibrant, exciting, surprising and overall insane display modern, Japanese cabaret.

Tickets and Prices

The show has become immensely popular over the years, and although you can sometimes get discounted tickets last minute outside the theatre, we opted to buy our tickets online in advance. This is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out! There are usually four shows a day. The first performance is at 4:00pm (doors open 3:00pm), the second performance is at 5:55pm (doors open 5:00pm), the third performance is at 7:50pm (doors open 7:00pm) and the fourth performance is at 9:45pm (doors open 9:00pm). The early performance is the cheapest option, the rest are all the same price. Although the early show might not be a raucous as the later ones, I would argue that it’s still the same show and if you’re looking to save a bit of money and free up your evening this is the one to pick!

There are several ways to buy your tickets from the show. One is through the official website, the other is through a myriad of discounted ticket sights. The most reliable I’ve found is govoyagin.com! They off 20%-30% off the listed ticket price on the official website depending when you book. And Voyagin customers receive a free souvenir bottle-opener! Prices are 5,248 yen ($48 USD) for the early show and 6,300 yen ($58 USD) for the other showtimes. Children under the age of 3 can enter free of charge. Children over the age of 3 must purchase a general admission ticket (same price as adults). Along with your general admission, you have the option of purchasing a seat upgrade for 1000 yen. This guarantees you a seat in the 2nd and 3rd row right in the centre. There are only three rows in the theatre and honestly, everything moves around throughout the show so I wouldn’t be concerned at all about where you’re seated. There is also a discount off popcorn and the bento box dinner. The food in the Robot Restaurant is far from anything I’d want to spend my money on so I would pass on this and save your yen for a drink at the bar before the show begins (more on that later!)

Access

The Robot Restaurant is a five minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit. To get to the JR Station East take the Chuo Line direct to Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku station is one of the busiest stations in the city, if not the world, so take your time to study the exit signs and find te East Exit. Taking the wrong exit might mean 30-minute detour to find your way to where you wanted to go. From the exit, head north along Kabukichō and you can’t miss the restaurant as it’s glowing neon lights and outdoor display robots attract a crowd 24 hours a day.

Arrival

If you didn’t purchase your ticket at the ticket counter in Shinjuku you need to bring your ticket confirmation, either from the official website or voyagin to the ticket counter across from the Roboto Restaurant entrance. Here you’ll exchange your voucher for an actual printed ticket with your seat number assignment. Once you have your ticket, you can head across the street and enter the theatre. The lounge opens an hour before showtime where you can sit, have a drink and relax while you wait for your show to begin. GET HERE EARLY! The bar area is one of the best parts of the experience! You are lead into the lounge through a giant set of golden doors and walk thru a light-encrusted hallway. It’s like entering a psychedelic dreamland and truly begins the adventure of being transported into another world.

The Lounge

As soon as you walk in the door, your brain may feel like it can’t even consume all the information being fed to it. There are patterns, colours, sparkles, jewels, gold and more covering the space from floor to ceilings. The building itself is reported to have cost over $10-million, and you can see why in this spectacle of a room. Gold shell swivel chairs surrounding the bar and stage area, crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the wall-to-wall mirrors, make it feel like the chamber is infinite.

Even the bathroom is adorned with the most intricate paintings set behind glass, backlight with rainbow LED lights. The carpet is a floral oriental rug design but is made from plexiglass and light from below to give it a brighter effect. There is a small bar towards the back of the room where you can order fancy alcoholic drinks and even non-alcoholic beers. Their sparkling sake is one of my favourite choices.

The Lounge Act

About a half and hour before you have to head into the theatre, you are treated to a musical lounge act by a man dressed in a silver robot costume. He alone comes out on stage to play one of a few instruments waiting for him. You’d expect him to play some loud, thumping dance music based on his look, but instead, he serenades you with 80’s pop ballads and Japan’s favourite – Michael Jackson. I loved this part and could have listened to this emotionless robot play us memorable songs all evenings.

Tips Before the Show

When it’s finally time to descend into the basement to watch the show you are allowed to gather up any drinks you’d purchased and bring them down with you. This is also the best time to use the bathroom since the one in the lounge is much better than the one in the basement. Which yes, is where you’re going.

You descend floor and after floor, feeling like you’re never going to get to the bottom. Luckily, each staircase is decorated with the same fanciful (and sometimes scary) decor as the rest of the place and makes even this walk a gallery tour in itself.

Being Seating

Once you get to the bottom, you find search to find your assigned spots and take a seat in the tiny, desk-like seats. You also have a few minutes to purchase some more refreshments or light snacks from the giant robotic snack cart. They had a variety of exotic popcorn flavours to try and were the best treats on offer.

The Show Experience

Once everyone is seated the show begins….with a literal bang! Taiko drummers are wheeled out on stage, atop a moving robotic platform to perform a traditional Japanese drum song in unison with some modern music which played the background. The power these drummers made with their movements was so intense, and the room felt like it was shaking with their energy.

As they moved around the stage, their drum bases would periodically light up with neon lights. The robotic platform was covered in bright Japanese shapes and figures, which all also lit up from within and moved to the time of the music.

In addition to the drummers, a few lone guitarists on separate robotic platforms running around the stage. Each of them is playing along on their guitars, all the while wearing Japanese Oni masks, which are meant to be representations of demons or ogres. It’s quite the site to see, a terrifying monster, playing (very well at that) some killer guitar riffs.

After their performance, a set of ribbon dancers came onstage. Swirling their brightly coloured sheets of satin in mesmerizing motions, all the while light up by the bright stage lights.  After the dancers finish (they are just there to entertain you while the next set of robots gets ready to come onstage) large bars with chains were set up in front of the audience…this is when the battle was about to being.

This second act was something out of a sci-fi movie. The concept was a Jungle-like world was invaded by robotic monsters, and the animals had to fight back to survive. Honestly, the plot doesn’t matter very much, but it’s entertaining to see them trying to make sense of what really is a nonsensical show.

Two sets of monsters vs. animals would face off, being controlled by their bikini clad female commanders. They shot fire, where hit with explosions and it was all finished when the giant shark came onstage and each one of the robots leaders.

It sounds insane, and that’s most likely because it is. There really is no use explaining these scenes, but take a look at the video to see for yourself.

Because it was Halloween the last act was appropriately called Happy Halloween. This act started out with scary, monster-costumed dancers coming on stage to scare the audience. But, soon enough, the monsters transformed into Kawaii clad attractive women dressed as cupcakes, mermaids and other “happy” Halloween costumes. It was a very cute take on the subject matter which felt entirely appropriate in this atmosphere.

Dancers ran about the stage in the most fanciful and psychedelic costumes.

This part of the show didn’t really contain too many “robots”, but it was so much fun no one seemed to mind very much.

Although, the Halloween dance looked like the finale we were in for one last surprise. Glowsticks! We were each handed a glowing stick which changed colour by staff members which we would way and move to the music and as for as cheer on your favourite robot during their last hurrah!

During the last scenes, more and more robots come on stage mixed with dancers, drummers and musicians. There was no rhyme or reason to these machines, they each seemed stranger than the last. Like a line up of discarded creations made by a mad scientist. There was drum playing robo-cats, live women sitting inside giant robotic fembots which tramped around the stage, a robot with a massive armature which flung around a girl playing the guitar and robots who looked like old prototypes for an episode of Doctor Who! They shot smoke from their eyes, hands and feet as lasers danced all over the floor. My favourite robot had to be the toy horses covered in light ropes. They would rise up on their back legs and almost hurl their riders off in their quick, jerky moments. 

We had been in Japan for a few days, but it wasn’t until the end of this show, when we looked at each other, that we said: “now, I feel like I’m in Japan!” There is no question in my mind if you should come and see this show. You NEED to see this show. And if you do, please tell me about it. The whole thing was so crazy sometimes I think I dreamed it all up….

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