The 28 Best Things to Do in Tokyo
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Deciding on the best things to do in Tokyo depends how much time you have—and for your sake, we hope you have a month. The city’s streets can feel like a game of soccer that's being played at hyper speed; meanwhile calmer attractions range from temples, museums, and gardens to origami classes and bohemian sojourns. This megacity has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a word of advice: Arrive with a game plan, but give in to getting lost along the way (in a good way). These are the very best things to do in Tokyo, according to a local expert.
Read our complete Tokyo travel guide here, which includes:
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Kuramae
Once home to Edo-period rice granaries that drew wealthy merchants to its streets, Kuramae has evolved into Tokyo's newest creative hub. The riverside neighborhood maintains its craftsman spirit while welcoming a new generation of designers, distillers, and culinary innovators who are transforming former warehouses into buzzing creative spaces. The vibe is distinctly local and laid back, with narrow streets where traditional workshops sit comfortably alongside sleek, modern boutiques. Unlike Tokyo's more hectic districts, Kuramae moves at a gentler pace, perfect for leisurely browsing. Don't miss Tokyo Riverside Distillery, where innovative spirits like their "Revive" gin (distilled from leftover beer) can be sampled at the sophisticated upstairs bar, Stage, or from the street-side counter. This place is perfect for creative souls who prefer discovering emerging neighborhoods to checking off tourist destinations.
- Millie Tang/Tokyo Confidentialbar
Tokyo Confidential
A 300-year-old wooden bartop salvaged from a Nagano temple anchors the space, while a disco ball and panther-print Gucci wallpaper behind the banquettes set a playful tone. Colorful maneki-neko lucky cats stand guard among the bottles; a custom Godzilla sake dispenser looms above the antique bar. If these don't get you, the intimate balcony's stellar views of Tokyo Tower add yet another layer to this bar's multifaceted appeal. A baseball-themed cocktail menu draws inspiration from America's favorite pastime. Order the Only Fans for a tropical martini blending vanilla vodka with Okinawan shikuwasa citrus, passionfruit, sweet-potato shochu, and champagne. Or spring for the showstopping bourbon cocktail (it's served in an actual baseball glove) mixing sweet vermouth, strawberry Mistelle, Campari, and habanero. For something (somehow) even wilder, the Glizztini is a clever martini riff that captures the essence of a ballpark hot dog.
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Shibuya Crossing
Anyone remotely impressed that Tokyo is the most populated city in the world should visit the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing. Massive video screens flashing advertisements tower above every corner as black-suited salarymen, wide-eyed tourists, and bag-toting shoppers wait and cross in concert. The feeling is oddly soothing, a reminder that whatever our disparate paths in life, they all have a tendency to cross at one time or another. The best time to go is at dusk, one of the scramble’s peak times and in its most flattering light. The Shibuya Scramble Square tower above Shibuya station offers a birds’ eye view of the famous crossing, along with panoramic vistas of the city from the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory, perched 230 meters above street level.
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Tokyo Skytree
Topping off at 2,080 feet, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower (that's tower, not building) in the world. From the broadcast tower’s 360-degree observation decks, the whole city—its striking skyscrapers and neon intersections—looks like a magical circuit board. It’s a major tourist attraction and a ticket isn’t cheap (up to ¥3,400, or $25, for combo tickets), but even if you don’t pay to go inside, there’s no denying that the Tokyo Skytree brought the skyline to a whole new level. Depending on where you’re staying, it can be an out-of-the-way trip to eastern Tokyo (luckily, a train station gets you right near the entrance). Families with children will enjoy the experience—especially the speedy elevator rides—as will anyone that loves a jaw-dropping view.
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Fancy a stroll in a Japanese garden? Get that and more at Shinjuku Gyoen. In addition to native, traditional gardens, the 144-acre park pockets French Formal and English Landscape gardens, all of which are worth the modest entrance fee. Formerly an imperial garden (on land once home to a feudal lord’s mansion), it became a national garden after World War II—trust that this precious plot remains beautifully maintained. Time it right, and you’ll see why these gardens are considered among Tokyo’s best places to see cherry blossoms in March and April. In the Japanese Traditional Garden, a manicured lawn is a prim setting for a picnic (convenient, too, considering bento boxes and other treats can be scooped in Shinjuku before entering), paths meander along ponds, over bridges, and past charming tea houses.
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Sakurai Tea Experience
$$Copper and wood greet you inside this minimalist sanctuary dedicated to sado, the Japanese “way of tea.” A small retail space filled with glass jars containing 30 varieties of green tea conceals an intimate eight-seat cafe. Founder Shinya Sakurai studied for 14 years to become a master, and his modern take on tea ceremony is meditative and illuminating. As Sakurai prepares the infusions behind an L-shaped wooden counter, a continuous stream of water flows from a copper tap—a symbol of purification. Gyokuro, a luxurious variety of green tea grown in the shade, is the specialty here. Sakurai travels the country to select the leaves, which he roasts daily in-house. The tasting flight for ¥4,800 (about $35) is the best introduction to the range of teas on offer.
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Senso-ji
Tokyo may not have as many temples as Kyoto, but Senso-ji isn’t the city’s most popular just by default. In the year 628—according to legend—two brothers fished a statue of the goddess of mercy, Kannon, from the Sumida River. Senso-ji was built in Asakusa as tribute, although the Buddhist statue has never been on public display. Travelers first enter the complex by passing through Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate), where a massive red lantern hangs above. Beyond the gate, a chockablock shopping street, Nakamise-dōri, bustles with stalls selling trinkets and treats, from Edo-style handicrafts to pancake-like sweets filled with red bean paste. Oh, and the temple? You’ll get to that later. Travelers keen to avoid crowds should arrive early, but even tourists that are remotely interested in Japanese culture can find something to appreciate—even if it is a sweet taste of fresh snacks.
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Harmonica Yokocho
This clutch of narrow alleys, a short walk from the north exit of Tokyo's JR Kichijoji station, is stuffed to the gills with hole-in-the wall eateries. A yellow sign marks the entrance to Harmonica Yokocho, which takes its name from the layout of the vendors, slotted cheek-to-jowl along the passageways like the reeds in a harmonica. The atmospheric network of lanes started out as a post-war flea market in the 1940s, but the area underwent a transformation in the 90s when bustling bars and restaurants made their entrance onto the scene. The best way to experience Harmonica Yokocho is to hop from place to place, rather than lingering over dinner at a single establishment. Start with a flask of sake, a few pieces of sushi, and the deliciously funky narazuke pickles at Katakuchi, a charming open-fronted restaurant marked by a white noren curtain separating it from the street. Move on to Minmin, a retro gyoza specialist where you can get a plate of succulent homemade dumplings for ¥580.
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Torahebi Coffee Stand
Come to discover how a former virus researcher is redefining coffee's potential through science, one meticulously crafted cup at a time. Tucked into an elusive corner of the Parco shopping complex, Torahebi Coffee's compact space makes a striking first impression. The black marble counter is backdropped by distinctive red shelving showcasing their stylishly packaged beans. While intimate in size—more coffee stand than cafe—the space makes clever use of its dimensions with two cozy two-top tables and bench seating. Founded in 2020 by scientist-turned-master-roaster Junto Imai, Torahebi Coffee brings scientific precision to the art of coffee. Beyond their light and dark roast blends, the menu features vivid aromatic specialties, like their Aged Blend with strawberry notes and a Sake Blend that tastes uncannily similar to Japan's national tipple, alongside lattes and smoothies.
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Kappabashi Street
Kappabashi Street, a district in between Ueno and Asakusa, isn’t so much a food destination as it is a food adjacent destination: While it’s devoted to the restaurant industry, fresh food isn’t why folks come. Instead, the street is a chef’s dream of restaurant supply stores that are known best for sampuru, replicas of food dishes that are part of a century-old craft—and are up for grabs. And, because it’s more trade-focused than tourist-focused, the prices can be somewhat economical. Have any curious cooks in the family? This district is their souvenir heaven. It’s an interesting detour if there’s time in your itinerary to rummage. Have any curious cooks in the family? This district is their souvenir heaven. Better yet, it’s more trade-focused than tourist-focused, so the prices can be somewhat economical.
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Azuki to Kouri
$The clean-lined, slate-grey interior of this kakigori ice specialist sets off the ebullient shaved ice creations of pâtissier Miho Horio. Formerly of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Florilege, Horio is one of the young chefs elevating the sweet treat to new heights of refinement. She carefully adjusts the blade of her ice machine to shave blocks of ice—made with spring water from Nikko, north of Tokyo—into fluffy, feathery flakes. Shaping the shavings into a delicate mound, she adds fresh fruit and toppings such as homemade syrups, compotes, and foams. Her signature parfait showcases sweet azuki red beans—the classic kakigori topping for which the café is named—paired with cream and flecks of meringue. Seasonal offerings include salted cherry blossoms with fresh strawberries in spring, and blood orange dusted with grated Amazonian cacao in early summer.
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Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is one of the most amusing parks in Tokyo. Its 134 acres sprawl right in Shibuya, a short skip from Harajuku, and bustle with picnics and performers. The northern side is lush, with clean walkways along expansive, grassy lawns where locals and tourists spread under the shade of Japanese Zelkova trees, and gather around a large pond. Spot impromptu badminton team swinging racquets, a drum circle tapping away at the bongo, or amateur dancers following along to the beat. It’s hard to get lost in such an orderly landscape. Accessibility is a breeze, as Harajuku Station is right near one of the entrances (along with Meiji Shrine which runs adjacent to the park). During cherry blossom season, fields are covered with cheery locals and a patchwork of blue tarps and picnic blankets (other parks have more sakura trees, but Yoyogi has its fair share), while fall brings colorful foliage.
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Yayoi Kusama Museum
In a suburban part of Shinjuku, a smooth white building rises five stories high—a museum completely devoted to the works of Yayoi Kusama. The building looks slim, but it houses a bulk of the larger-than-life and avant-garde artist’s pieces, including an installation of her “infinity room” series (an Instagram sensation which, in the past, drew hundreds of thousands of visitors in stateside exhibitions) to polka-dotted paintings and sculptures. Kusama’s signature expressions are on full display. A rooftop gallery showcases a sparkling, new golden pumpkin, covered in tiles and red polka-dots. That same motif is carried through to an “infinity room” installation (mirrored walls reflect glowing pumpkins as far as the eye can see), while a series of paintings are just as colorful, splashy, and psychedelic. The museum changes its exhibition two times a year, and as it’s still relatively new, it’s only cracked the surface of the prolific artist’s work.
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Azabudai Hills
The undulating structures of this ambitious eight-hectare megaplex blend architecture with nature through cascading terraces and verdant rooftops. The development's scale is breathtaking, yet its meandering pathways and thoughtfully designed spaces create an intimate, discovery-driven experience. This crown jewel by Teamlab Borderless delivers mind-bending digital art experiences; meanwhile, galleries including Pace and the Shueisha Manga Art Heritage showcase works ranging from contemporary masterpieces to graphic art. The dining scene is equally impressive, anchored by heavyweights like an outpost of Sushi Saito and two-starred Florilege. Below ground, the 4,000-square-meter Azabudai Hills Market dazzles with Art Deco-inspired arches housing 31 artisanal vendors—including centenarian establishments like Hiiyama butcher and The Rice Shop Sumida, as well as prepared foods from acclaimed spots like Torishiki yakitori.
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Kuge Crafts
The traditional technique of mending pottery with lacquer sprinkled with gold dust, kintsugi is an art form unto itself. The practice, which dates back to the 15th century, is alive and well at Kuge Crafts, a ceramics studio in the quiet Shin-Koenji neighborhood of western Tokyo. Run by a family of artisans—Yoshiichiro and Yoshiko Kuge, together with their son, Shu—the atelier transforms broken cups and dishes into singular works of art and offers two-hour kintsugi lessons (¥8,000, or about $59) for learners of all levels. The Kuges walk you through every step of the process: applying epoxy to the fragments, sanding the edges, painting the seams with lacquer, and making them gleam with gold dust. Instead of the highly toxic urushi lacquer used in ancient times, they work with allergen-free cashew lacquer that won’t irritate your skin. The workshop will provide all the materials; you can bring your own damaged vessel for repair or ask them to prepare a piece for you to work on.
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Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Only three of six official grand sumo tournaments happen in Tokyo, all at Ryogoku Kokugikan. The stadium houses over 11,000 eager fans under its green, pavilion-style roof. Official tournaments last just over two weeks each, which means Ryogoku Kokugikan sometimes hosts other events (boxing, for example). But sumo is the arena’s feature attraction, and if you’re hoping to see sumo in Tokyo, this is where to find it. Tamari seats, which are those immediately surrounding the ring, are the most coveted—and virtually impossible to score. But the next series of rows, box seats, are as close as you can get. Box seats are top-dollar, but little more than rows of tatami mats lined with red square cushions (with no backs) sold in groups of four—so cozy up, and pay up (¥380,00, or about $279, for a box). There are proper stadium seats along the second-floor mezzanine, but the thrill of witnessing this traditional Japanese sport up close is all about getting comfortable with the floor.
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Koffee Mameya Kakeru
Don't expect your average cup of joe at Koffee Mameya Kakeru, housed in a renovated warehouse in the Shirakawa coffee district in eastern Tokyo. Beyond the sleek glass facade, the interior designed by art director Tomohiro Kato and architect Yosuke Hayashi features a massive oak structure built around the artfully arranged coffee shelves. A rectangular wooden frame encases a three-sided stone counter built around three black tables where the baristas display their skills. Coffee maestro and founder Eiichi Kumimoto launched Koffee Mameya Kakeru to go deep into the world of the brew and push the boundaries of the drink's potential. The menu showcases seasonal varieties, but the omakase-style coffee tasting courses (including a range of cold and milk brews, mocktails, and lattes) take center stage, offering a fascinating journey through the diverse flavors and artistry of coffee. Coffee cocktail champion Akira Zushi dazzles with flair bartending skills and innovative cocktails like the milk brew blended with hop-accented jasmine tea and lemon, finished with a spritz of prickly ash water.
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Oedo Antique Market
Oedo Antique Market is a marvelous outdoor fair held near Tokyo Station twice a month, with stalls selling wonderful antique and vintage wares. Hundreds of independent stallholders set up shop to sell their one-of-a-kind objects. There isn’t a huge number of antique or vintage homeware shops in Tokyo, so if you’re looking for old, interesting, and unique Japanese items for your home, this is the place to come. Browse from a choice of 250 stalls selling everything from red-painted kokeshi dolls, antique masks, vintage ceramics, and all sorts of curiosities and trinkets collected by local sellers. Stop by the Japanese print stall, which sells original, brightly colored ukiyo-e woodblock prints that are hundreds of years old. These are hard to find in Tokyo, so snap them up when you see them. The larger, more colorful prints demand a higher price point.
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Kyu Asakura House
Built in 1919, the former residence of government official Torajiro Asakura is a marvelously preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture tucked into Tokyo’s bustling Daikanyama district. For ¥100 (¥50 for students, free for seniors over 60 and people with disabilities), you can wander through the building’s stately wooden corridors, tatami-floored rooms, and beautifully manicured grounds. The suginoma (cedar rooms) on the west side of the structure offer postcard-perfect views of the Japanese garden—particularly in the autumn, when the maple trees blaze with color. Having survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the bombing during World War II, the structure was designated an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2004. If you need a break from the urban intensity of the Japanese capital, this is the place. You’ll have to take off your shoes to enter the building, so be sure to bring socks (alternatively, you can purchase a pair at the entrance).
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Nakano Broadway
A Tokyo mecca for anime- and manga-loving otaku subculture fans, the Nakano Broadway is a multi-story shopping arcade that has become a hub for niche collectors of all stripes. When it first opened in 1966, the complex epitomized the spirit of future-perfect economic optimism sparked by the Tokyo Olympics. Competition from newer shopping malls emptied its corridors of fancy boutiques in the 80s, before the Broadway reinvented itself as a center for used manga and anime models in the 90s. More than 300 tiny outlets are crammed into the aging edifice’s bottom five floors, offering everything from vintage Godzilla and Astroboy figurines to designer watches and creepy dolls galore. Hardcore manga subculture geeks from around the world make up the bulk of visitors. In recent years, however, the Broadway has also become a destination for curious tourists, thanks in part to the addition of small galleries and shops run by pop artist Takashi Murakami.
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Nakameguro
It’s okay to visit the artsy neighborhood, Nakameguro, just to see its seasonal appeal as one of the most picture-perfect spots for cherry blossoms in spring. However, stick around these charming streets and you’ll find a hip collection of independent cafes and boutiques that offer a laid-back alternative to the city’s buzzing hubs. Sakura trees hug the Meguro River in Nakameguro’s center, blossoming as they lean over the sloped, canal-like walls surrounding the water. Once you’ve taken a moment to smell the blossoms (and fill your phone with pictures), you’ll find an array of independent boutiques and cafes branching off along narrow streets in either direction. Head to the corner-side Onibus Coffee, which serves single-origin espresso, and stop at SML, a boutique stocking delightful crafts (especially ceramics) made by Japanese artists.
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Isetan
Isetan is Tokyo’s best, and most famous, department store; its history dates back to 1886, when it started as a kimono shop. The sprawling flagship in Shinjuku is spread out over nine floors, each offering something special. There’s a big fashion focus, with local Japanese brands sitting beside international names. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful food hall on B1, which sells a variety of Japanese snacks and goodies, including beautifully prepared bento boxes for lunch. Isetan is a dynamic and vibrant department store with ever-changing stock and a carousel of designers. Throughout the year, there are exclusive events, pop-ups from brands, and interesting art exhibitions and talks. Don’t miss a visit to the 7th floor to see the kimono salon, as well as the lesser-known rooftop garden where you can eat your bento box lunch.
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Kosugiyu Harajuku Harakado
A sento (public bath) hidden in the basement of Tokyu Plaza Harajuku's Harakado complex, Kosugiyu brings authentic Showa-retro charm to one of Tokyo's buzziest neighborhoods. This offshoot of the beloved Koenji bathhouse stays true to sento tradition while embracing modern city life. While Japan's public bathhouses have plummeted from 18,000 in 1968 to just 2,000 today, Kosugiyu shows how these social spaces can thrive in contemporary Tokyo. Split evenly between men's and women's sections, each side features the quintessential Mount Fuji mural stretching across the wall. You'll find three distinct baths: a silky milk bath, a steaming hot soak (107°F), and an invigorating cold plunge. With nine washing stations, it's cozier than Tokyo's larger bathhouses, and entry won't break the bank at ¥550 ($3.50 at the moment) for adults. Need extras? Bath and face towels and timed hairdryers are available for small fees, too.
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Tsukiji Market
In October 2018, the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji, shut down after 83 years. The market was previously divided into two sections: jogai, home to street vendors, and jonai, where auctions were held. It’s that latter part that has ceased operations; the auctions are now housed a few miles south at Toyosu Market at 6 Chome-3 Toyosu which holds many of the same restaurants once found in Tsukiji—inside a more formal, mall-like setting. At the vendor space, it’s pretty much business as usual, with street-food stalls serving up everything from seared tuna to uni sandwiches in squid-ink sticky buns. You can also tour tour a large green space on the rooftop, which affords views of the Tokyo skyline. This is a great way to sample the many flavors of Japan on a limited budget.
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Nezu Museum
$This serene museum in Tokyo's Aoyama district, redesigned by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, is a contemporary temple for traditional art. A long, covered outdoor path alongside bamboo-clad walls serves as a minimalist entrance, but once inside, double-height interiors and glass walls stretch over 40,000 square feet while keeping the experience intimate. And while the museum mixes contemporary design and traditional art on the inside, the outside counts, too: The property is home to a stunning private garden that’s worth the visit all on its own. Throughout six exhibition spaces, the artwork is evenly spaced to maintain low-key, no-rush vibes. Ample seating is available, especially in the popular cafe (which overlooks the gardens). Truthfully, you can get through the museum rather quickly, because you’ll likely spend your time meandering the gardens; stone pathways lead through lush, hilly grounds peppered with Buddhist statues and traditional teahouses alongside tranquil ponds. They call it a “secret” garden, but don’t blame us for shouting it from the rooftops.
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Bohemian Tokyo in Shimokitazawa
Only one express stop away from the brighter-than-bright energy of Shibuya, Shimokita (what locals call Shimokitazawa) is like turning down the volume and switching to an acoustic track. The area might embrace its bohemian style—with vintage stores on seemingly every block—but it doesn’t lose that unmistakable, sophisticated Japanese style in the process. Shimokitazawa, thanks to savvy building-height regulations, has remained relatively low to the ground throughout its history, and draws an alternative crowd to its outskirts—the neighborhood’s low-key vibe is a lifestyle, and visitors follow suit. Sift through secondhand shops, sip coffee, and repeat. Most afternoons in Shimokitazawa, whether it's a Tuesday or a Friday, look and feel quite like Sunday. The selection of vintage shops might floor you. Recent developments have transformed the area, with new shopping facilities like Bonus Track and the latest arrival, Mikan Shimokitazawa—a retail and dining complex nestled under the Keio Line tracks.
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Monzen-Nakacho
The old-school neighborhood of Monzen-Nakacho—known as “Mon-Naka” among locals—has retained its colorful, salt-of-the-earth shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere since the Edo era (1603-1868). Two main draws are the stately Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and the Fukagawa Fududo temple, where you can hear the sounds of drumming and chanting from the temple’s fire ceremony, held five times a day. These days, hipster coffee shops and natural wine boîtes nestle against traditional shops selling pickles, Japanese confections, and old-timey delicacies like tsukudani—bits of seafood long-simmered in soy sauce and sugar. It’s a terrific place to spend a lazy afternoon wandering the cobbled streets and alleyways en route to the Museum of Contemporary Art in neighboring Kiba. But at night, the neighborhood comes alive with an array of reasonably priced eating and drinking spots.
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teamLab Borderless
With the first iteration of Borderless in Odaiba, the art collective Teamlab created an endlessly Instagrammable, sumptuous and surreal museum dedicated to multi-sensory digital art. Opened in 2018, the facility, which set the world record for the most visited museum dedicated to a single artist, closed its doors in 2022. However, Borderless 2.0 is set to relocate to a permanent location in the soon-to-open Azabudai Hills mixed-use complex in central Tokyo in early 2024. Boderless consists of installations that feature constantly morphing patterns and designs that seem to flow seamlessly from room to room in a maze-like space. Updated versions of some of the museum’s previous works will be on display, as well as several new installations: a room filled with hundreds of multicolored lights that run along tracks continuously and a series of interactive “light sculptures,” to name a few.
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