Tokyo continues to be one of the top tourist destinations. And while you’re probably familiar with the shopping of Harajuku, the crowded streets of Shibuya and the delicious sashimi found on seemingly every corner of the city, there are lots of other things to see, do and try in this legendary city. Here are eight unique things to do in Tokyo during your next, or first, visit.
1) Bank vault farm
They say money doesn’t grow on trees, but apparently trees can grow where money once was. At least that’s the case at Pasona’s Tokyo headquarters. Located in the heart of Tokyo’s business district, the building was used as a bank vault until the agriculture firm took over. They enlisted Kona Designs to help transform it into an urban farm that doubles as a work space for its employees. With 100 varieties of roses decorating the exterior of the building, it’s hard to miss this office tower.
2) Ramen Museum
Situated just south of Tokyo in Yokohama, the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum is a tasty and educational experience. Billed as the world’s first food-themed amusement park, there is a museum as well as a chance to try the various types of ramen noodles served in Japan. It truly is a one-stop shop where you can enjoy the flavours of Japan’s national dish without needing to visit a bunch of different shops to make it happen.
3) Pro Wrestling
Sumo wrestling may be the most well known contact sport in Japan, but it can also get pretty boring after a while. Professional wrestling also has a long and storied history in Japan with it being the country’s most popular sport during the 80s and 90s. And it’s far more exciting than Sumo. These days, the most popular promotion is New Japan Pro Wrestling. The company regularly holds events in Tokyo and you can buy tickets online or at the venue. The crowd is a mix of families, couples and salarymen who are all there to cheer on their favourites. Best of all, it’s easy to follow the action even if you don’t know much about wrestlers or speak Japanese.
(Editor’s note: Of all the unique things to do in Tokyo, this is the one I recommend most.
4) Rooftop Aquarium
The Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district isn’t your ordinary place to see underwater creatures up close and personal. The aquarium can be found on the rooftop of a 40-metre tall building in the Sunshine City complex that also houses a number of restaurants, hotels and entertainment options. The star of Sunshine Aquarium is the aqua ring, a large see-through tank above the ground that hosts daily viewings of penguins and sea lions.
5) Three drinks, one price
Also in the Ikebukuro neighbourhood is Coffee Valley. The quaint shop offers your standard array of espresso beverages and some morning eats. However, what makes it unique is its signature drink, 3 Peaks. This is a sample platter featuring an espresso shot, a drip coffee and a latte that lets you savour the shop’s signature beans in multiple forms. If you like coffee but hate choosing between drinks, then Coffee Valley is the place for you.
6) Free sky view
Want to have a bird’s eye view of Tokyo, but don’t want to pay for the right to do so at Tokyo Tower? Head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku instead. It is one of the city’s tallest buildings and you can head up to the observation desks on the 45th floor free of charge. You’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the city and, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
7) Helen Keller tribute lofts
One of Tokyo’s most unique pieces of architecture is the Reversible Destiny Lofts MITAKA -In Memory of Helen Keller- built by architects/artists Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins. The project serves as a tribute to Helen Keller because the building provides lofts that have different uses for each individual according to their physical abilities. The lofts are currently used as residential, educational and cultural facilities and public tours are available.
8) Buy Socks
For whatever reason, buying socks is one of the unique things to do in Tokyo. Numerous socks are available including the traditional tabi style that resembles a duck foot. You’ll also find fluffy socks, five-toe socks and just about every other type of sock there is imaginable. You can pick them at the local JPY 100 store found on most streets while there are a number of sock boutiques in Tokyo selling more upscale offerings.
There are lots of other unique things to do in Tokyo. Whatever you do, be sure to try something outside of the usual tourist haunts. Seriously, there’s nothing fun about that nightmare crosswalk in Shibuya.
