10 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Tokyo
Explore Tokyo's Fun and Unusual Sights
There are several weird and quirky things to do in Tokyo that can only be found in this captivating city. Here you can encounter a wealth of fascinating obsessions found nowhere else in the world.
From themed cafes to the traditional Japanese incense ceremonies, Tokyo’s eclectic mix of activities promises an unforgettable experience. Feel the tingle of eating blowfish, check out Tokyo’s youth dressed up as cosplay characters, and head back in time to Edo Tokyo ryokan hotels with this guide to the city’s unique experiences.
1. Yanesen
An area celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and nostalgic charm
Categoría: Historia, Fotos
Be transported back to pre-war Tokyo amid the sliding wooden doors of old ryokan, historical bathhouses, and vintage pawnshops in the neighborhoods of Yanaka, Sendagi, and Nezu (collectively Yanesen). Located in Tokyo’s far north-east, these peaceful, cobblestone districts escaped bombing in the Second World War and remain home to artisans and craftspeople.
This area is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and retro charm. If you want a nostalgic tour of Tokyo, explore the narrow byways of Yanesen, lined with small shops, bars, and restaurants.
Yanesen
2. Fugu (blowfish)
Japan’s most daring delicacy
Categoría: Gastronomía, Viajes diferentes
A meal of fugu (blowfish) will leave your lips tingling from the neurotoxins found in the glands of Japan’s most dangerous delicacy. If you’re a daring culinary enthusiast, this unique sensation is not to be missed when visiting Tokyo.
An evening at Izakaya Fugutake restaurant showcases this intriguing fish in myriad tasty ways. You can sample it prepared in flavorful broth, marinated to perfection, served as delicate sushi slices, or even infused into sake (rice wine), each offering an unforgettable dining experience.
Ubicación: 3-4-6 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan
Horario: Daily from noon to 3 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)33-452-7009
Fugu (blowfish)
3. Toyosu Fish Market
Watching the famous tuna auction
Categoría: Compras, Viajes diferentes
Toyosu Fish Market opened in 2019 and replaced the 100-year-old Tsukiji Market. Visiting the fish market offers a glimpse into a unique part of Japanese culture: the famous tuna auction. Watching serious pounds of giant tuna being auctioned off at 5.30 am and then treating yourself to some fresh sushi for breakfast is an unforgettable experience.
The public can watch the auction from the lower deck or the upper deck. To access the lower deck, you need to apply at least a month in advance and wait to see if you win a ticket via a lottery system. However, the upper deck doesn’t require a booking. The auction runs from 5.30 am to 6.30 am.
Ubicación: 6 Chome-6-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
Teléfono: +81 (0)33-520-8205
Toyosu Fish Market
4. Sumo action at Arashio-Beya
Witnessing the morning practice of sumo wrestlers
Categoría: Fotos, Viajes diferentes
Witness the amazing sumo action at Arashio-Beya as powerful sumo wrestlers engage in intense bouts, maneuvering around an earthen ring in traditional loincloths during their morning practice. Typically, training sessions take place from 7.30 am to 9.30 am, but it’s good to check their online calendar before visiting.
If you’re fortunate, the sumo wrestlers may step outside after practice and be willing to pose for photos with you, but there’s no guarantee. For a deeper understanding of life within a beya (sumo stable), consider booking a special tour that provides unique insights into this fascinating world.
Ubicación: 2 Chome-47-2 Nihonbashihamacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0007, Japan
Sumo action at Arashio-Beya
5. Electric Town
The tech paradise
Categoría: Compras, Fotos
Take a stroll through Japan’s Electric Town in Akihabara, where entire streets are lined with shops brimming with the latest cameras, mobile phones, and digital technology. This bustling area is a heaven for tech lovers as you can interact with walking, talking robots or try out game consoles not available anywhere else in the world.
As you explore the streets, building after building buzzes with beeping and flashing lights inviting you to discover why this is the ultimate destination for electronics, gadgets, and video games.
Ubicación: 1 Chome-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Electric Town
6. Vampire Cafe
A mysterious dining adventure
Categoría: Gastronomía, Viajes diferentes
Japan loves themed restaurants and cafes, such as the Vampire Cafe, that offer unique dining experiences that cater to every imagination. With Gothic vampire waiters serving at coffin tables and dishes oozing with “blood,” Vampire Cafe takes themed dining to imaginative new heights.
While bats flutter around in the chandeliers, the restaurant serves creative Italian-based cuisine and unique original cocktails, all within a captivatingly mysterious atmosphere. If you dare, visit the Vampire Café in Ginza for an extraordinary culinary event.
Ubicación: La Paix Building, 6 Chome-7-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 5 pm to 11 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +81 (0)33-289-5360
Vampire Cafe
7. Incense Research Institute
Participating in the traditional Japanese incense ceremony
Categoría: Parejas, Lujo
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of aromatic bliss at the Incense Research Institute in Tokyo. Here, you can breathe in the heady, mysterious scents and experience the peace and calm of the rhythmic ritual of kodo, the traditional Japanese incense ceremony. This wellness center offers private group sessions by appointment, making it an exclusive and intimate experience.
In addition to participating in the ceremony, you have the unique opportunity to craft your own signature fragrance. Create bespoke incense, perfect as a luxurious gift for a loved one or as a cherished souvenir of this rejuvenating experience.
Ubicación: 301, 3 Chome-20-15, Tsurumaki, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0016, Japan
Teléfono: +81 (0)80-6552-4709
Incense Research Institute
8. Cosplay characters
Colorful costumes and otherworldly fashion
Categoría: Familias, Fotos, Viajes diferentes
Experience the vibrant youth culture of Tokyo by visiting Jingu Bridge in Harajuku on Sunday afternoons, where you’ll find Tokyo’s youth dressed as captivating cosplay characters. These young adults dress up in brightly colored wigs, capes, and gloves, transforming into their favorite characters in stunning detail. While the bridge’s popularity as a cosplay hangout has waned somewhat since the 2000s, you can still find enthusiasts gathering each weekend, with Sunday being the peak day for these gatherings.
For an even more immersive experience, don’t miss the annual AnimeJapan event (formerly known as Tokyo International Anime Fair) held in March.
Cosplay characters
9. Pachinko parlors
Traditional Japanese pastime
Categoría: Aventura, Viajes diferentes, Fotos
Experience the sensory overload of whirring noises, flashing lights, and amusement park music at Tokyo’s numerous pachinko parlors. These vibrant arcades are packed with people engrossed in Japan’s unique version of a pinball machine. Pachinko parlors are scattered all over the city, each offering a slice of this quintessentially Japanese pastime.
For a top-tier experience, head to Maruhan in Shinjuku, one of the largest and most popular pachinko chains in Japan. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of machines and a lively atmosphere.
Ubicación: 1 Chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Pachinko parlors
10. Street Kart
Traveling through Tokyo in style
Categoría: Viajes diferentes, Aventura
The various Street Kart companies in Tokyo offer you an experience of thrilling real-life go-karting through the streets of Tokyo. And what’s more, you get to do this dressed up in a costume. This unique adventure lets you see the city’s highlights in a fun and unconventional way.
No special license is needed but remember to bring your international driving permit to participate. So, put on your favorite character costume, zip through the bustling districts, and say hello to the iconic landmarks in style.
Street Kart
Este artículo incluye opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Hoteles.com compensa a los autores de los textos que aparecen en este sitio. Esta compensación podría incluir viajes y otros costos.