Things to do in Japan – Tokyo Part 2

This is part 2 of things to do in Japan – Tokyo. So make sure to check out part 1 if you haven’t already. As a recap, there are a lot of things to do in Japan so it may be a little challenging to know what to do while you’re out there. This blog will help give you some fun ideas to add to your schedule.

teamLab Borderless – Mori Digital Art Museum

The Mori Digital Art Museum is on a whole other level! It’s a must on your list of things to do in Japan! So what is teamLab Borderless? It’s a digital art museum where you immerse yourself in 3D art that is ever changing and evolving. Artworks can move from room to room freely and are sometimes interactive. This 10,000 square meter world is designed for you to get lost in and explore. There are many amazing areas to explore so I will just go over a couple of my favorites.

Forest of Resonating Lamps – This area is an infinity room filled with hanging lamps that change colors. An infinity room is a room surrounded by mirrors, so it looks like the walls, the floor and the ceiling go on forever. In other words, while you are in the room, it looks like you’re in a massive field of colorful lamps. It gives off a certain ambience and provides good opportunities for some amazing photos. The only downside is that you are limited on time within the room and the line is usually long. You can hop back in line however.

En Tea House – This area is cool for some tea magic and perfect for a quick break. You get to make tea and then watch a digital flower bloom inside of it. Once you pick up the tea cup the flowers scatter and spread. The nice thing is that you have a couple of flavors of tea to pick from, so choose wisely.

Future Park – When you walk into this area it’s as if you’re walking into a digital jungle. The giant dark room comes to life with bright digital animals that move around on the floor, walls and ceiling. The crazy thing is that they also interact with each other. What’s even crazier than that is that all of the animals are drawn and colored by you! At the coloring station you get to pick an animal, color and digitize it with a scanning machine. After a few minutes you will see your animal out roaming about in the room.

teamLab Borderless – Mori Digital Art Museum Website: https://borderless.teamlab.art/

Meiji Jingu

Looking for peaceful scenic activity? Then I recommend Meiji Jingu. The Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo. It is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Emperor Meiji is known for transitioning Japan from its feudal era to its modern one. The shrine has some amazing architecture and is surrounded by lush forest and gardens. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding ceremony.

As per usual, I highly recommend participating in some of the cultural activities. The first one I recommend is called “Ema”. As you walk into the main shrine area, you will see a camphor tree surrounded by wooden walls. These walls will be filled with multiple rows of “Ema”, a votive tablet. For a small fee, you get to write down your wishes, aspirations or give thanks, on the ema and hang it up on the wall.

The second one I recommend is Kiganbun. A Kiganbun is a letter to the kami, or in other words, “god”, “lord” or “deity”. On the letter you can write words of gratitude or wishes, then you insert the letter into an envelope with a monetary offering of any amount. You then put the envelope into the offertory box where it will be offered up to the kami at one of the morning rites which is called Nikku-sai. Kiganbun is right next to the Ema wall so you won’t miss it.

The third one I recommend is fun if you like to collect things. Each major shrine will have a Goshuin, or a stamp with calligraphy as proof of your visit to the shrine. It can be a challenge to collect them all but it’s fun and totally worth it. There are even Goshuin collection books you can buy to keep them all in one place. So, don’t forget to get your Goshuin!

Meiji Jingu Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park/garden located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This is a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax for a bit. It also has a large number of cherry trees so it’s a great place to see the cherry blossoms, or Sakura, in the spring. You will find many paths to follow that will lead you to different gardens and ponds.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Website: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html

Maricar Street Kart

If you ever wanted to do real life Mario Kart, then this is it! Not only do you get to drive the streets of Tokyo in a go kart, but you get to drive them while wearing a costume! Of course, the most popular costumes are from Mario Kart but there are several other costumes from popular movies, tv shows and anime to choose from. 

The company I went through is called Maricar Street Kart. They have different courses you can take throughout the city that go to different areas of Tokyo. Some courses are shorter, 1.5 – 2 hours and some are longer, 2.5 to 3 hours. Some have longer lengths and higher speeds. You also have the option of doing the course during the day or at night.

Keep in mind that you are driving on actual streets with regular traffic. So, if high speeds aren’t your thing, then pick a course that’s a little slower and more relaxed. They offer you safety goggles and a helmet as an option as well. I didn’t take either but I regret not taking the safety goggles. Since we’re really low in traffic, you get a lot of exhaust and dirt blown into your face. My face felt really dirty and my eyes were stinging a little at the end.

You are usually grouped with other people and you get a tour guide to follow along the way. The tour guide will take pictures of you at some stops, but I recommend taking your own pictures as well. Just be careful while driving and don’t drop your phone or camera. The tour guide will take you though some amazing places and you get a break about halfway through.

Lastly, I want to mention that you need your International Driver’s Permit to participate in this experience. So make sure you get it in advance. I got mine through AAA and it cost me about $20. Update: Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Maricar Street Kart. Sadly, Maricar Street Kart can no longer use Mario Kart costumes. However, all other costumes are still available

Maricar Street Kart Website: https://kart.st/en/tokyobay.html#index

Robot Show

Want to watch a crazy show filled with props, costumes, neon lights and robots?! Then you don’t want to miss out on this show! The Robot Restaurant is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. From the outside it may look small, however, you quickly get led through a little neon light maze to an elevator. The elevator then goes down to the main bar/restaurant area where people are eating, drinking and waiting for the show, all while a guy in a shiny robot costume plays the piano. Once it’s your group’s turn to watch the show, you all head down several flights of stairs that go even further underground.

Eventually you get to the stage room where you get seated and have the option of buying more snacks or drinks. Once everyone is seated and good to go, the show begins! The show lasts about an hour and ranges from Japanese culture dance performances to robots with lasers to dinosaurs with machine guns. If you want to watch a unique show, then definitely check it out! Make sure to get tickets in advance because they do sell out! Tickets: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14133667-d4776370-Reviews-Robot_Restaurant-Kabukicho_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html