Back to the future in Japan
Japan is famous for its well-preserved tradition, with some temples still intact from the 5th century. Japanese culture has managed to transcend time and continues to captivate people in the modern age.
Japan is also a progressive and forward-thinking country that is incredibly futuristic, especially in the world of entertainment, hospitality and pop culture. This is why Japan, particularly Tokyo City, is such a fantastic place to visit. Tokyo offers such a rich, culturally immersive experience but at the same time blows your mind with some of the zaniest and most revolutionary encounters on the planet makes it so special. Technology and tradition thrive side by side in this metropolis. The culture in Tokyo is all about the merging of the traditional and modern!
Here are our picks of the top activities you can do to see the best of traditional and modern Tokyo City:
- Traditional tofu tasting
- Geisha performance in Tokyo
- Origami folding
- Sumo show in Tokyo
- teamLab borderless
- teamLab Planets
- Manga drawing workshop
- Robot restaurant in Tokyo - closed permanently as of July 2020
- Japanese traditional Kintsugi experience
- Kimono and yukata rental
- Maid cafe experience
- Owl cafes
- Tea ceremony
- Wagyu kaiseki cooking course
- Comiket
- Bathing in an onsen
But wait! Before you hop on that plane to Japan, make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of Japanese culture:
1. Traditional tofu tasting
Have the best tofu of your life at Tokyo Ginza!
If you’re not the biggest fan of the usual supermarket variety tofu, you need to give tofu one more chance and try some specialty tofu in Tokyo.
Just as it is meant to be, a proper piece of handmade tofu will be silky, smooth and practically tasteless so that it can absorb all the flavours you choose to pair with it. When you visit this tofu restaurant in Tokyo, you will be offered various accompaniments from beef to vegetables and a range of ways for the tofu to be cooked, whether deep fried or in a hot pot. It’s a delicious treat you must eat in Tokyo City!
2. Geisha performance in Tokyo
Have a beautiful, enigmatic and perfect cultural outing by seeing Geisha performances in Tokyo.
Their mysterious and elusive nature has made the geisha an icon of Japanese culture that personifies beauty and charm. Possessing an innate grace and refined sophistication, geishas have been revered in popular culture for decades.
Watch geishas put on a mesmerizing song and dance performance for a wonderful cultural exchange. Credits: @moekokome on Instagram
Geisha performances are more than just immaculately put together women, their skills involve entertaining through song, dance and performances on traditional Japanese string instruments such as the koto and shamisen. Observing a geisha presenting this art form that has been perfected over hundreds of years will give you a deeper understanding of some of the more conservative parts of Japanese culture and an experience you simply won’t find outside Japan.
3. Origami folding
Create simple and intricate masterpieces in an origami workshop.
Origami’s probably not something you have attempted since you were a child, but the precise folding of paper into magnificent objects has stood the test of time and, hundreds of years later, is more creative than ever.
If your skill level is more paper plane than a paper crane, sign up for an origami workshop where you will be talked through the process of creating a special piece that you can take home in a protective box. Your teacher will ensure that you pick an item that matches your skill set so that you will leave feeling chuffed with what you’ve achieved and ready to step it up a notch.
4. Sumo show in Tokyo
Have a barrel of laughs and a barrel of history at a sumo show in Tokyo!
Watch all the action of Japan’s national sport by going to sumo tournaments in Tokyo! Missed out on a ticket to one of the sold-out shows? You can still get in on the action by watching a sumo wrestling experience in a smaller setting and enjoying a traditional Japanese meal on site.
Sumo wrestling began a whopping 1,500 years ago as entertainment and continues to amuse the masses in modern times, only now with a more competitive edge. Fans of the sports flock to tournaments held in Tokyo thrice yearly, with some people even paying a premium to sit in the dangerous ring-side seats where they risk being injured by wayward wrestlers.
In the safety of a restaurant, and without the throng of the crowds, you can witness this oh-so-Japanese event and even have the opportunity to learn some moves yourself and try on a ‘sumo suit’. This experience is particularly great for small children or those with sensory issues who may be overwhelmed by the stadium atmosphere that a tournament brings but still want to satisfy their appetite for supersized fun!
5. teamLab borderless
Have an experience you won’t forget at teamLab borderless’ ultramodern exhibits!
You’ve explored the more traditional and sometimes modest side of Japan, and now is the time to discover the complete opposite end of the spectrum with this ultra-modern, extremely insta-worthy installation, teamLab borderless.
In this digital art museum (which is 10,000sqm in size), you will become a part of the art as light displays swirl and shapeshift around you, creating new works of art as they move across rooms and communicate with one another.
teamLab borderless regularly sells out, so it is highly recommended that you pre-book your ticket to this extraordinarily creative world to avoid disappointment.
6. teamLab Planets
Immerse yourself in surreal installations like "Floating Flower Garden.”
Immerse yourself in surreal installations like "Floating Flower Garden.”
After exploring teamLab borderless, head over to its equally modern and IG-worthy sibling: teamLab Planets. It also has an array of larger-than-life light displays and art that will definitely wow your IG followers!
What sets teamLab Planets apart: its “body immersive concept”! You can enter the exhibits barefoot and touch the displays to feel the textures. This way, you won’t just see the art, you can physically feel them, too!
We also highly recommend pre-booking your tickets because it’s as in-demand as teamLab borderless!
7. Manga drawing workshop
Learn the step-by-step of creating your own manga in the art form’s birthplace!
If you would prefer to make modern art, a Manga drawing workshop might suit you – no matter what your level of skill is. Manga is arguably a part of traditional Japanese culture, albeit it has taken a conventional form. Although very popular for the last 50-odd years, the past two decades have seen the industry boom, and it is now estimated to be worth around USD 4 billion.
In a Manga drawing workshop, you will be provided with a brief history of its origins and how it became so popular before trying your hand at recreating some of the most famous Manga characters in a step-by-step tutorial. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can try inventing your own!
During the class, you will be exposed to the techniques used by professionals, including using different drawing tools and screen tones.
The best part? You get to take your work home, so you will always have a memento from your own adventure in Tokyo.
8. Robot restaurant in Tokyo - closed permanently as of July 2020
Dinner at this robot resto is the most fun meal you’ll ever have.
The internet is swarming with listicles featuring obscure and unusual things to do and see in Tokyo that are so mind-boggling you need to experience them for yourself to understand how bizarre they are. Robot Restaurant is a regular on many of those lists.
A visit to this kooky restaurant will leave you saying, “what did I just watch?” but in the best possible way, and if you love colour and frivolity, you will have the time of your life!
Robot Restaurant is as far from traditional Japan as you could get, but the main performance does contain elements of Japanese culture in the form of ninjas, dragons and Taiko drums.
As you would expect from a restaurant, there are food and drinks available, and fortunately, these are not as out-there as the décor or performers. Delicious bento boxes are available as well as popcorn snacks that you can munch on throughout the entertainment.
Robot Restaurant is definitely a must-visit on your trip to Tokyo, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!
9. Japanese traditional Kintsugi experience
Kinstugi reminds us that even when things are broken, they can be put back together and become better than before!
During the traditional Kintsugi experience in Tokyo City, you’ll realize that even broken things can be beautiful. This art form turns broken ceramics into new pieces, but it’s more than just fixing—it’s transforming! You’ll stick the pieces back together using stunning gold dust, which creates a stunning end product that’s better than the original!
To fully immerse in the experience, you’ll wear a samue or a traditional Japanese craftsman’s uniform during the workshop. You’ll also bring home your creation with you as a souvenir!
10. Kimono and yukata rental
Experience Japanese culture beautifully and exquisitely by wearing kimonos and yukatas.
Kimonos are recognised worldwide as the national costume of Japan. A wonderful way to embrace traditional Japanese culture while in Tokyo is to rent a kimono or yukata. Now you might wonder, what’s the difference between kimonos and yukatas? While the overall structure looks the same, the materials used are different. Kimonos are often made of soft silk, while yukatas are a kind of kimono made of lighter fabrics such as cotton and linen, making them perfect for summer.
You can take it up a notch and opt for hairstyling and makeup services or book packages for couples, families, and groups. To make your photos absolutely dazzling, you can also book the group package with an included photoshoot!
11. Maid cafe experience
The lovely waitresses dressed in maid costumes are happy to serve!
If you’re privy to modern Japanese culture, you’ve probably heard of maid cafes. These cafes grew in popularity thanks to the global appeal of anime and cosplay. You’ll get excellent service from waitresses dressed in maid costumes, and you can indulge in delicious treats. Don’t forget to snap photos with the waitresses!
12. Owl cafes
Relax in the presence of friendly owls at this cafe! Credits: @hmgeibel on Instagram
Aside from maid cafes, Tokyo is a city filled with themed cafes. Among the most popular are owl cafes. Hear us out—they’re wide-eyed, fluffy, and adorable! Relax as you listen to Mozart as these majestic creatures flutter about the cafe, the cafe is all about creating a soothing atmosphere.
The owls are also very friendly, so you can definitely take pictures with them. Take note, however, that the cafe only allows small groups to maintain the welfare of the owls. Make sure to book in advance!
13. Tea ceremony
Learn all the steps of preparing tea in a Japanese tea ceremony. Credits: Roméo A. on Unsplash
In Japan, tea is not just tea, and you don’t just dunk a bag in hot water. In fact, they have a full traditional tea ceremony where you prepare the tea using a distinct technique. The entire process symbolises harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity. During the ceremony, the tea master will serve usucha or ‘thin tea’ alongside Japanese confectionery.
14. Wagyu kaiseki cooking course
Treat yourself to a fancy kaiseki meal you’ve made yourself!
On this wagyu kaiseki cooking course, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds and tummies, but you’ll also learn how to prepare kaiseki or a multi-course meal. This multi-course meal includes fancy authentic food, including a scrumptious wagyu steak! Overall, you’ll prepare eight different dishes throughout the class, including entrees and yummy desserts.
The best part? You can use your newfound knowledge to recreate the dishes at home!
15. Comiket
Catch your favourite anime or manga characters at Comiket! Credits: @shamanrenji on Instagram
Comiket, which is a portmanteau of comic market, is a well-loved event held every August and December for manga and dojin. Dojin are non-profit, self-published works you can get from talented creators during the event. Thousands of creators and enthusiasts alike flock to the convention to celebrate the art of dojin.
If you love cosplay, you’ll be glad to hear that you’ll spot several cosplayers during the event. Heck, you can even attend cosplaying yourself!
16. Bathing in an onsen
Take a dip in an onsen to renew your body during your Japan trip! Credits: @coco.icotto on Instagram
Need to refresh and rejuvenate yourself after touring Tokyo? Then a visit to an onsen is just what the doctor ordered! Traditionally, onsens have waters heated by the earth itself, but there are also indoor sento with heated tap water. Onsens also have certain mineral levels that are good for your body. A soak there will turn you into a new person!
Want to see more of the city, particularly its gorgeous Metropolitan skyline? Check out our top picks of places to get the best views of the Tokyo city skyline!
Experience all that Tokyo has to offer!
Tokyo has expertly intertwined the traditional vs modern and the old vs new. It creates a cultural, fun, quirky and even educational holiday. It’s a city with a touch of everything - moving into the future while still remembering the past. Try traditional and modern activities on your trip to Tokyo to get a true feel of the city.
Aside from the experienced mentioned above, here are other things to do in Tokyo that you can’t miss:
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