Skip the typical sightseeing—this Tokyo guide rounds up unusual things to do in Tokyo -the city’s most unusual attractions, including micro-bars, capsule hotels, head spas, and more hidden gems.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t limit yourself to the main streets
Explore the less frequented ones as well. Venture behind a fast food joint in Shinjuku and you might stumble upon a miniature temple with its own tiny cemetery and tranquil garden, alive with the sounds of chirping swallows.
READ ALSO: 15 Most Unique Places in Tokyo You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
2. Discover the serenity of the Taiwanese pavilion in Shinjuku-Gyoen Park
Located inside the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a quiet and quaint pavilion donated by the Japanese people in Taiwan to commemorate the marriage of the crown prince Hirohito.
3. Admire Tokyo’s diverse fashion scene
Amidst the punkettes of Shinjuku, the hipsters of Naka-Meguro, the “Dolly Key,” “Gosusori,” and Harajuku’s Lolitas, the elegantly dressed traditional kimono wearers of Ginza, and the “Otaku” cross-dressers of Akihabara, there’s something for everyone in Tokyo’s vibrant fashion scene.
4. Consider shopping as an art
Just wandering around the Omotesando neighborhood is enough to feast your eyes and fill your suitcase. It’s almost unnecessary to go inside the shops, as the facades themselves are eye-catching. Ron Arad, Tadao Ando, and Herzog … All the great architects of the world have been called upon to create full-fledged monuments.
5. Admire the collection of kites at the Kite Museum
The Kite Museum is a (very) small kite museum, but not to be missed during a trip to Tokyo with kids. Tucked above a restaurant (1-12-10 Nihonbashi, Chuoh-ku).
6. Get up a little early to cross the Nishiki fish market
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at Nishiki Market, also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”! This lively, five-block shopping street is home to over one hundred shops and restaurants, all dedicated to the wonderful world of food.
From fresh seafood and produce to knives and cookware, Nishiki Market has it all. This is the place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties like Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi – all locally sourced and produced.
The market is always bustling with a pleasant and lively atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore the culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for. You’ll find everything from tiny stalls selling one type of food to larger two-story shops with a wider variety. So come hungry, and get ready to taste your way through Nishiki Market!
7. Take a tour of the Tokyu Hands department stores
Step into the world of Tokyu Hands, where creativity meets urban chic. Unlike your average department store, Tokyu Hands is all about high-quality, functional products for your home, hobbies, and lifestyle. Sure, they’ve got the usual suspects like beauty products, stationery, and travel accessories – but they’ve also got some seriously cool finds.
Think coffee drippers that would make even the snobbiest barista jealous, sleek wooden bento boxes that will make your lunch look like a work of art and everything you need to live your best (and most Instagrammable) life.
8. Visit futuristic Odaiba, a hidden gem
Often overlooked by tourists, Odaiba is a hidden gem that offers a peek into how Tokyoites unwind on weekends. Set on an entirely man-made island, this futuristic district is a wonderland of shopping, entertainment, and eye-catching architecture.
One of the best ways to arrive in Odaiba is by hopping on the Yurikamome Line, an automated monorail that snakes between high-rise buildings and glides across the Rainbow Bridge. The panoramic views over Tokyo Bay and the city skyline feel like something out of a sci-fi movie—and honestly, the ride itself is worth the trip.
Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why locals love it. Odaiba feels like Tokyo’s answer to Las Vegas—with a playful twist. The architecture is bold and quirky, but the real stars are the attractions: themed malls, a colorful Ferris wheel, massive Toyota and Panasonic showrooms, interactive science museums, a ramen theme park, Legoland Discovery Center, and so much more.
9. Try unique ice cream flavors at John’s Ice Cream
Are you ready for an ice cream adventure that’s off the beaten path? Look no further than John’s Ice Cream! Tucked away in Kamimeguro, this quirky little shop shares space with a hair salon – so keep your eyes peeled!
But trust us, it’s worth the hunt. John’s offers inventive and unusual flavors that you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo. Get ready for mind-bending combos like amanatsu orange with black pepper and olive oil, or black chocolate bamboo charcoal.
But the fun doesn’t stop there – John’s is also known for its over-the-top ice cream creations, piled high with sprinkles and sugar cookies courtesy of the one and only Cookie Boy.
10. Treat yourself to a crazy night in Shibuya between rock, pop, and karaoke clubs.
Karaoke is a typically Asian activity where conventions are thrown out the window. Try Karaoke Kan, it is an affordable chain recognized by its red neon letter sign with a blue border. It’s one of the most popular karaoke chains in Tokyo and offers a variety of English and Japanese music.
11. In Kishimojin Temple, stock up on “dagashi” sweets at Kamikawaguchiya
Sweets sold individually at Kishimojin Temple 10 yen each, have been delighting schoolchildren since 1781. Do you fancy starch-coated squid, Sumitomo plums, or grilled soybean powder sweets?
12. Watching NHK’s morning series on TV, an institution since 1961
You can for example learn Japanese with the “Reading Japan” series with the following short stories! Follow their morning schedule here.
13. Discover cat bars
These unique establishments allow you to cuddle up with some furry felines while sipping on your favorite latte. But be warned, these cafes can be a bit elusive – you might have to climb a few flights of stairs to find them!
Cat cafes have taken off in Japan, and it’s no wonder why. With tiny apartments and hectic schedules, it can be tough for city dwellers to own pets. But fear not, the Neko cafe is here to save the day. The Neko is a real institution in Tokyo!
14. Go into any boui-boui and learn to eat ramen, with chopsticks
Visit a local spot and experience the joy of slurping ramen noodles with chopsticks. Dive into the world of a delightful ramen adventure!
15. Eat in a kawaii cafe
Tokyo is full of unique themed spots, which you visit as much for the atmosphere as for what’s on the plate (or glass). Many of these themed cafes are linked to the worlds of famous cartoon, manga, or anime characters, including Pokémon or Sanrio. Everything is cute (“kawaii”), including the presentation of the dishes! Here are a few examples:
- Pompompurin Café in Harajuku (Pompompurin is Sanrio’s little dog)
- Cinnamoroll Café in Shinjuku (another Sanrio character)
- Sanrio Characters Garden Café in Ueno (Hello Kitty and Friends)
- Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory in Shimokitazawa (a cafe and pastry shop known for its Totoro-shaped cream puffs – Studio Ghibli universe)
- Kirby Café in Tokyo Solamachi (Nintendo universe)
- Pokemon Cafe Tokyo Nihonbashi near Tokyo Station (reservation required)
- Reissue (for 3D latte art)
16. Unlimited sake evening at Sake Market
If you love sake, Sake Market in Shinjuku is basically a dream come true. The concept is simple: pay a fixed fee and enjoy unlimited access to a huge self-serve selection of sake and other Japanese spirits. You’ll find everything from smooth, easy-drinking varieties to bold, complex flavors—perfect for curious beginners and seasoned sake fans alike.
The vibe is relaxed and social, with locals and travelers often clinking glasses and sharing discoveries. You can even bring your own snacks to pair with your tastings. For a fun, unique night out in Tokyo, this all-you-can-taste sake experience is one I highly recommend. Just don’t forget to pace yourself—there’s a lot to try!
17. Do a Head Spa
One of Japan’s most relaxing (and underrated) experiences is the head spa. It all starts with a fascinating scalp analysis under a microscope—yes, seriously—followed by a deep, targeted scalp massage and rejuvenating treatments that leave you floating. I walked out feeling like my hair had its own halo. If you love a good pampering session, this is for you. I tried Belle Cheveu—a cozy spot with an English menu—and highly recommend it.
18. A Wild Night in Kabukicho: Samurai Show, Night Baseball & Micro-Bars
If there’s one place where Tokyo gets absolutely wild, it’s Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Kick off your night with the over-the-top Samurai Show, once known as the Robot Show—possibly the kitschiest (and most unforgettable) spectacle I’ve ever witnessed. Then head to the Shinjuku Batting Center for a fun round of nighttime baseball, before ending your adventure bar-hopping through the famous micro-bars of Golden Gai. Just a heads-up: you’ll definitely want a slow morning after.
19. Experience a Maid Café
You can’t visit Tokyo without stepping into the whimsical world of a maid café. In these spots, servers dressed as maids welcome you with cute songs, games, and smiles. The food is styled in an ultra-kawaii way, and while the whole thing is a bit surreal, it’s definitely one for the bucket list. Just remember, no photos of the staff allowed! Visit Home Café in Akihabara, or Maidreamin is another fun option.
20. Sleep in a Capsule Hotel
Want a truly local experience? Spend a night in a capsule hotel. These compact pods are a uniquely Japanese twist on budget travel. Each capsule is private, quiet, and clean—perfect for solo travelers or anyone curious about this minimalist trend. You’ll feel like a true Tokyoite for the night. Find best capsule hotels in Tokyo here.
21. Do a Purikura Session
Purikura are not your average photo booths. They’re next-level: filled with wild filters, stickers, and effects that transform your selfies into something totally out there. It’s the ultimate Tokyo souvenir. You will love Purikura Land Noa on Takeshita Street in Harajuku—there are so many machines, it’s almost overwhelming (in a good way).
22. Collect Gashapon Surprises
You’ll spot gashapon machines everywhere in Tokyo, from shopping malls to train stations. These capsule toy dispensers are full of quirky, often useless (but somehow irresistible) items—from Pokémon keychains to mini ramen bowls to tiny leek plushies. Top spots include Gashapon Ikebukuro, Akihabara, and stores in Shibuya and Harajuku. Warning: it’s very addictive.
23. Find the Most Useless (and Essential) Things in 100 Yen Shops
Don’t skip the 100-Yen Shops—they’re pure magic. Think of it as Japan’s version of a dollar store, but way more stylish. You can score everything from beautiful sakura-print dishes to surprisingly high-quality bath bombs and stationery. My go-to chains are Daiso and Seria, and yes, I always stock up on seasonal items. They make perfect, budget-friendly souvenirs!
24. See the Gotoku-ji Cat Temple
Calling all cat lovers! Gotoku-ji Temple is a peaceful, charming spot filled with hundreds of maneki-neko—those cute beckoning cats believed to bring good luck. It’s like a sea of paws and purrs, and you’ll walk away feeling charmed to the core.
25. Feel Like Mario Kart in the Streets of Tokyo
Live your anime dreams with a wild go-kart ride through Tokyo dressed like your favorite character—yes, even Mario Kart-style. You’ll need an international driver’s license translated into Japanese, but it’s totally worth it. Zooming past landmarks in costume? Peak Tokyo.
26. Attend a Sumo Fight
If your visit lines up with a sumo tournament (January, May, or September), don’t miss it! The matches at Ryogoku Kokugikan are epic. Outside of tournament season, you can still catch training sessions or demos, often paired with a hearty sumo stew called chanko-nabe.
27. Have a Manga-Style Ema Drawn at Kanda Myojin Temple
At Kanda Myojin Temple in Akihabara, you’ll find ema (wooden prayer plaques) unlike anywhere else—they’re covered in manga illustrations! You can design your own or ask one of the live artists on site to customize one for you. Either way, it’s a spiritual keepsake with an otaku twist.
28. See TeamLabs’ Immersive Art Installations
If you love tech and art, TeamLabs is your dream. Their digital art museums create otherworldly, interactive spaces that feel like walking through a dream. In Tokyo, you can visit:
- TeamLab Planets – in Odaiba, featuring barefoot, sensory experiences with water and space
- TeamLab Borderless – the latest opening in Roppongi
They get booked out fast, so plan ahead!
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