Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /home2/thetoky7/public_html/wp-content/themes/acabado/functions.php on line 2119
You would hate to take a trip somewhere and (gasp) be bored. Tokyo’s at the top of your list of places to visit, but you have some questions. Namely, is it boring or overrated to visit this part of Japan?
No, Tokyo is neither boring nor overrated. You only have to look at places like the Tokyo Skytree, a 2,000+ foot tower hiding countless entertainment options. There’s also robot restaurants, theme parks, even digital art museums elsewhere in Tokyo. You just have to know where to look for them.
Check out this quick list: 15 Awesome Things Japan is Known for!
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo gets a lot of attention. I know that, you know that, we all know it. That doesn’t mean it’s boring or overrated to visit here, though. In this article, I’ll explain exactly why.
For Those Who Feel Tokyo Is Boring…
The Imperial Palace, the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Takeshita Gori…you know a lot about Tokyo, even if you haven’t ever gotten around to going yet. Through your research, you’ve deemed most of these places tourist traps.
You’d hate to spend your time and money going to Tokyo only to wait in line for hours to get into some attraction you deem boring, all the while surrounded by tourists. That’s certainly understandable.
What it sounds like you need is some excitement. The following places will surely deliver a memorable, amazing experience that’s anything but boring.
Tokyo Skytree
Let’s begin with a place I mentioned in the intro (as well as several times on this blog): the Tokyo Skytree. It stands at 2,080 feet, making it one of the biggest towers in the entire planet. You can marvel at its sprawling beauty by day and see it illuminated at night.
While it’s true parts of the Skytree get used for business (mostly TV broadcasting), it’s not all about work, work, work. Tokyo Skytree Town, which surrounds the tower, has just about all the entertainment and dining options you could ever want.
There’s floors and floors dedicated to souvenirs and fashion. When you get hungry, you can enjoy a fruit tart at Qu’il fait bon, Kyushu-style ramen at Ramen Express Hakata Ippudo, sushi at kaiten sushi toriton, or crepes at Marion Crepes.
Don’t miss the planetarium or aquarium either, both of which visitors call “world-class.” You can spend days here and never get bored.
Roppongi
Although it has a semi-rowdy reputation, especially at night, Roppongi gives you a little more breathing room from the sometimes-busy Tokyo streets. If you like art, check out the National Art Center or the Mori Art Museum. For the fashion-centric, there’s countless boutiques on Roppongi’s streets. Also, make it a point to get to the Roppongi Hills skyscraper. It may not stand as tall as the Skytree, but it’s certainly impressive nonetheless.
And yes, of course, if you want entertainment by night, Roppongi has an endless share of clubs and bars.
But is Tokyo safe at night? Check out this guide. Great for female solo travelers!
Tokyo DisneySea/Tokyo Disneyland
For a different take on Disney, book a trip to Tokyo DisneySea/Tokyo Disneyland. The park has seven thrilling areas for you to explore: American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, and Mediterranean Harbor. As you can tell, there’s a running nautical theme to the park.
With all your favorite Disney characters and countless rides and attractions, you might never want to leave!
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Tokyo has many, many museums. If none of them have jumped out at you until now, I implore you to give the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation a try.
Like any museum, exhibits change out often. That’s why I’ll focus on the permanent exhibits. These include showcases on the history of the earth, our cosmos, the solar system, and space. Also throughout the museum, you’ll find a myriad of educational activities meant to engage visitors. For instance, kids can participate in science workshops. You can even map out the future of our planet via the Geo-Cosmos Earth predictor tool and see a robot named ASIMO in action.
Gotokuji Temple
If you’re the type who feels like seeing one shrine in Tokyo is seeing them all, wait until you feast your eyes on the Gotokuji Temple. Aka the Cat Temple, the Gotokuji has thousands upon thousands of fortune cats or maneki-neko. I bet you’ve never seen a shrine like this before.
For Those Who Feel Tokyo Is Overrated…
Perhaps your issue with Tokyo isn’t boredom, but rather, you think the city is overrated. Just about every attraction feels stale and overdone. You’ve heard a lot of good things about Tokyo, but it’s not living up to expectations for you.
Your issue sounds like you need something fresh. If you always go to the tourist traps and major landmarks in the city, then of course you might feel Tokyo is overrated. By venturing off the beaten path, you’ll quickly change your mind.
Here are some great suggestions to get you started.
Harajuku
Few places call to mind fashion more readily than Harajuku. If you’re an avid shopper or just want to experience the younger cultural side of Tokyo, then spend an afternoon here visiting
- National Yoyogi Stadium, which was designed for Olympic competition
- Louis Vuittion Ometosando store, which needs no explanation
- Kiddy Land, a five-floor store ideal for children
- Oriental Bazaar, where you can get your hands on just about any souvenir you want, including samurai swords, furniture, dolls, kimonos, and more
- Daiso Harajuku – 100 Yen Shop, where everything costs about 100 yen each
- Tokyo Plaza Ometosando Harajuku, a retail spot that has stores and a terrace garden on the roof
- LaForet Harajuku, which boasts seven floors for shopping
- Takeshita Dori, a 400-meter street that’s one of the most popular in Harajuku
Inokashira Park
At first glance, Inokashira Park just looks like another picturesque Tokyo park. There’s a lot more than what meets the eye, though. For instance, the park borders Kichijoji, a Tokyo neighborhood full of eateries and fashionable spots.
Inokashira Park also houses the Ghibli Museum. Yes, that’s right, Ghibli as in Studio Ghibli. Whether you’re a fan of My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away, you won’t want to miss this museum.
Also in the park, you can find an aquarium and a petting zoo. When springtime arrives and the cherry blossoms spread, Inokashira Park does get busy, so be forewarned.
Yayoi Kusama Museum
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama makes fun, bright pop art that’s like a meeting of the minds between Andy Warhol and Lisa Frank. The artist and her bright red bob haircut have become so beloved that today, she has her own museum.
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a newer establishment, founded in 2017. It features all Kusama’s many unique, off-the-wall artworks, from paintings to sculptures. If you’re lucky, you might even arrive in time for a gallery talk!
Hiroo
Admittedly, Tokyo can get crowded. This becomes especially true once the weather gets warmer and more tourists converge upon the city. If you’re feeling a little claustrophobic, then give Hiroo a chance.
In Shibuya, Hiroo’s like a smaller version of Tokyo that’s less cramped. I will say it’s not cheap to shop or eat here by any means, as this is a more upscale part of Tokyo. Still, you can at least pass through.
You can find the following attractions and activities in Hiroo:
- Tengenji Bridge, under which you can see the Kogai River
- Hirro 5-chrome Shopping Street Town, which endured the 1944 Bombing of Tokyo
- New Sanno Hotel, a U.S. Navy-run hotel with beautiful exterior architecture
- Arisugawa Park, which has its own manmade waterfall
Robot Restaurant
The eponymous Robot Restaurant is also a newer option, having opened in 2012. Not for the faint of heart, the Robot Restaurant has a combination of real robots and women dressed in robot costumes (partly, since they’re also wearing bikinis). The entire establishment is kept dark so neon day-glo lights can swirl and mystify. The loud music that blasts throughout also adds to the atmosphere.
Many who visit say it’s better to eat dinner or a snack before arriving since there’s a rather limited menu. You’re better off thinking of the Robot Restaurant as a bar or café than a restaurant, despite its name.
Also, don’t expect to just walk in and get a spot. The Robot Restaurant has become quite a trendy spot since first opening, and tickets for the limited daily performances disappear in the blink of an eye.
Conclusion
Tokyo is not boring or overrated. If you think either’s true, then I suggest you check out the places I listed in this article. These creative, one-of-a-kind spots aren’t the same temples and museums you may have heard or read about. Whether hidden gems or just places off the beaten path, you can’t go wrong at the Robot Museum, Tokyo Skytree, Harajuku, or the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
The next time you plan your trip to Tokyo, make sure you add some of the above places to your itinerary. You’ll have a special experience unlike most, that’s for sure!