Explore Different Worlds with Interactive Art

teamLab Planets

📍teamLab Planets TOKYO, Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku

teamLab is an art collective that creates interactive museums designed to transport visitors into different worlds. We visited teamLab Planets, which is located in Toyosu, Tokyo, but there are other locations with different themes. teamLab Planets Tokyo is expected to continue through the end of 2027.

I highly recommend this exhibition because I have never experienced anything like it. It is unique in that each room offers a different experience, and the artwork even reacts differently depending on how many people are in the room. Some rooms feature physical elements that you can interact with, such as walking through warm water or jumping on a floor made of soft black pillows. There is even a room filled with orchids hanging from the ceiling (pictured above on the far right) that you can walk through and sit beneath. The orchids are all fresh, and their floral scent fills the air. Other rooms rely on illusion, such as one with floating lights and mirrors, which makes you feel as though you are walking through a galaxy full of stars. To view all of the different artworks, navigate to the official teamLab website.

We purchased our tickets in advance through the official website and selected a specific time to visit. Note that you will need to remove your shoes to enter the exhibits, and free lockers are provided for your belongings. I recommend wearing loose pants or a dress, as you will be stepping in water that comes up to the middle of your shins. Many people around us did not realize this beforehand and ended up getting wet or feeling uncomfortable while pulling up tight jeans. Aside from this, it was a very fun experience, and I definitely want to check out other teamLab exhibitions in the future.

Walk the Bustling Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing

📍2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya 150-0043

Shibuya Crossing is a famous crosswalk in Tokyo, located just outside Shibuya Station, and has been featured in shows, music videos, and films. Similar to New York’s Times Square, Shibuya Crossing is filled with lights, towers, advertisements, and people. It is estimated that as many as 3,000 pedestrians cross the intersection at a time, so it is no wonder it is often noted as the world’s busiest crossing.

Despite the crowds, the area was surprisingly well organized, making it far less overwhelming than expected. Honestly, I thought Times Square in New York City felt bigger and more chaotic compared to Shibuya Crossing, since most people in Tokyo are simply trying to reach their destination and do so efficiently. The walk through the intersection was quick, and I was impressed by just how effectively so many people can cross at once.

This location is a must-see due to its popularity, and there are other nearby attractions—such as Hachiko’s Memorial Statue—that you can visit as well. If you don’t want to deal with the crowds, there are also restaurants and cafés overlooking the crossing where you can easily people-watch from above.

Experience The Magic of Tokyo Disney Parks

Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea

📍Maihama 1-1, Urayasu City, Chiba Pref. 279-0031

If you are a Disney lover, you should check out Tokyo’s two amusement parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Both offer amazing experiences, so I recommend blocking out at least two days to spend at the parks. Tokyo Disney is far more technologically advanced than the Disney parks in California, making the rides truly top-tier. My favorite attractions included Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, and Aquatopia. There are also some fun restaurants to dine at, such as the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall (pictured above), where you can enjoy a delicious “Happy Unbirthday” cake.

Unlike Disneyland in California, park hopper passes are not available, so you will need to purchase tickets separately for each park. However, tickets are significantly less expensive than in the United States. I paid around $60 per park ticket, for a total of $120 over two days. We also stayed at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, which was elegant and conveniently located near the parks. We had an amazing time, but if you’re looking for more information on Tokyo Disney, check out its designated blog post here.

Find Tranquility on a Rooftop Garden

Ginza 6 Rooftop Garden

📍Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−10−11 14F

The city life of Tokyo can be overwhelming, so if you’re looking for a mini escape, I suggest checking out a rooftop garden. The one we visited was located at the top of the Ginza Six shopping center. We went around 5 p.m. in the middle of the week, and it was not busy at all. There was plenty of space to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Walkways line the outer edges of the garden, allowing visitors to peer out over the bustling city from above. The artwork featured in and around the mall at the time was The Big Cat Bang Exhibition by Kenji Yanobe, which includes a giant cat wearing an orange spacesuit. Benches are also scattered throughout the garden, making it a great place to bring snacks and a book to enjoy.

On your way out of Ginza Six, be sure to stop by Tsutaya Books, which features art books from all over the world in both Japanese and English. For more shopping recommendations, be sure to check out my blog post featuring unique places to shop here.

Shop in Ginza

Chuo-Dori Street

📍Ginza, Cho-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061

Chuo-Dori Street is a long stretch in Ginza filled with designer and specialty stores. Ginza is known for its luxury shopping, and this street is truly the heart of the district. Even if you’re not into designer brands, it’s fun to window-shop and experience the energy of the area. We visited Ginza around Christmastime, so many of the stores were decorated with beautiful and festive displays.

In addition, the Seiko Clock Tower is located on this street, making it an iconic landmark that has been featured in many movies and television shows. Visit this area for upscale shopping and chic vibes. If you’re looking for specific store recommendations, check out my blog post on shopping in Ginza and Shibuya here.

Sake Taste with AI

Mirai Nihonshuten Kubota Sake Bar

📍15-1 B1F Udagawacho, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo Met. 150-0042

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. If you are new to drinking sake or want to broaden your taste preferences, I suggest doing a sake tasting at Kubota Sake Bar. The experience is unique in that it uses AI to help you discover which types of sake you enjoy most. First, you are given 10 samples of sake (yes, you will be drinking a lot!) and rank them according to your preference on a tablet. Once you finish the tasting, AI will recommend different types, and the bartender will present you with additional glasses of sake that you are likely to enjoy. I think we received around three to four large pours, and each one was delicious. We were also served snacks, including salmon sashimi and matcha-coated walnuts. The server did not speak much English, but he was very friendly and guided us throughout the experience.

After the session concluded, we received souvenir sake glasses to take home. We had a great time but just know that you will be drinking quite a bit! Luckily, the bar is located within a modern food court in a shopping center, so there are plenty of food options nearby if you need to soak up the alcohol. We made our reservation through Klook, a travel website that offers a variety of experiences in Japan. If you are interested in reading more on great restaurants and bars in Tokyo, then check out my blog post on food and drinks here.

Visit The Hachikō Memorial Statue

Hachikō Statue

📍1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo Met. 150-0043

Hachikō was a Japanese Akita with a deeply heartfelt story. Born in 1923 and later adopted by Professor Hidesaburō Ueno, Hachikō became a loving and loyal companion. Every day, he would greet his owner at Shibuya Station after a long workday. Sadly, Ueno passed away in 1925 from an aneurysm while at work. Despite his owner’s death, Hachikō continued to wait patiently at the station for the next 10 years. The beloved dog traveled there almost daily, hoping to see his owner return.

Hachikō passed away in 1935, but his legacy lives on through the memorial statue located just outside Shibuya Station. Numerous films and books have also been created to commemorate the loyal dog.

As a big animal lover, this location was a must-see for me while visiting Tokyo. It was heartwarming to see other Akitas and their owners spending time in the area, and many nearby souvenir shops carry merchandise featuring the dog breed. This is a popular spot among tourists, so you will likely need to wait in line to get a good photo with the statue. However, there is no fee to take pictures, making this a great free activity to enjoy in the city.

Enjoy a Panoramic View of Tokyo

Roppongi Hills: Mori Tower Observatory Deck

📍6Chome10-1 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo Met. 〒106-0032

Situated on the 52nd floor, the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Observatory Deck stands 250 meters above sea level and offers sweeping views of Tokyo. Large glass walls provide unobstructed sightlines, making it an excellent space for photography. From here, you can spot landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Rainbow Bridge. It is truly a breathtaking sight, and we visited at night to experience the city illuminated by countless lights.

There is also an on-site restaurant called THE SUN & THE MOON, which offers afternoon tea and meals paired with spectacular views. The décor features a wide variety of plants, which add to the serene atmosphere.

The Observatory Deck requires a ticket, which costs around $15 USD, and we purchased ours in advance through the official website here. Because entry is ticketed, the flow of visitors felt well controlled, and it was not overly crowded during our visit. The tower is surrounded by a luxury shopping center, providing plenty of nearby options for shopping and dining. If you’re not afraid of heights, I highly recommend adding this spot to your itinerary for unforgettable views of the city.