Best New Things to Do in Japan 2024
Finally heading back to Japan since its border reopening to international travellers? Besides getting to enjoy your favourite ramen, beloved Universal Studios Japan, and other favourite must-dos - make sure to check out these new things to do in Japan too 😉
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New Things to Do in Tokyo
1. Immersive Fort Tokyo
Immersive Fort Tokyo touts itself to be the world's first immersive theme park, with a slew of immersive experiences and an immersive theatre where guests play a key role in the stories and narratives that unfold within. Grab your buddies and get your seluthing to the test with various mysteries and puzzles!
Check out the different games you can play - for instance, in The Sherlock – Baker Street Murder Case, guests will find themselves deeply embroiled in a murder mystery, and going around the park in search of clues and to apprehend the suspect!
There's also the Tokyo Revengers-themed escape room, a Japanese idol-themed anime ‘Oshi no Ko’ attraction, Jack the Ripper horror maze, and more!
📅 Immersive Fort Tokyo opens March 2024 - keep your eyes peeled, we'll update this article as soon as we start selling tickets!
More on what to expect here:
2. teamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills
For the uninitiated, teamLab attractions are known for their unique immersive (and sometimes interactive) light, sound and art installations. Set to replace teamLab Borderless in Odaiba, which closed down in 2022, teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills is a spanking new attraction that boasts a world of artworks without boundaries, and a museum without a map.
Artworks move out of rooms, communicate with other works, influence each other, and at times intermingle, without boundaries. Spend your afternoon slowly wandering and savouring the beauty of the various installations here, and of course make sure your phone is charged because you'll definitely be snapping a ton of pictures!
📅 teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills opens 9 February 2024
More on what to expect here:
3. Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen
Who says that you can't have a good hot spring soak in Tokyo? Just a 10-minute walk away from teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, new kid on the block Toyosu Manyo Club is the latest hot spring facility in Toyosu - one of Tokyo's hottest tourist destinations.
Hakone and Yugawara hot springs, known as Japan's best hot springs, are brought in daily by tanker truck, allowing guests to enjoy the high quality of hot spring water while in Tokyo - how amazing does that sound? Both outdoor and indoor baths are available, and there is also a roof top foot bath that gives you a gorgeous 360-degree view of the Tokyo skyline.
The bathhouse is open 24 hours a day, so you can pop in for a relaxing dip according to what suits you best.
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Address: 6-5-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
4. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
Calling all Harry Potter fans, you'll finally be able to step into iconic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ at the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter! Psst...this is the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world, and features exclusive sets only available in this location (omg)!
Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of the Wizarding World and enjoy lots of fun activities including becoming a Hogwarts portrait and stepping into the crowd of a Quidditch match. To complete the experience, visitors can stop for a refreshing Butterbeer in the world’s biggest Butterbeer bar or even enjoy a Professor Umbridge-inspired Afternoon Tea.
Address: 1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074, Japan
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter Premium Ticket including guided tour and lecture by Pierre Bohanna
For the die-hard fans, you might want to consider getting this premium ticket, which includes a guided tour and lecture by Pierre Bohanna, a prop designer for Warner Bros. His designs have been featured in films like Titanic, The Dark Knight and of course, the Harry Potter series!
You will join a captivating 2-hour guided tour in English/Chinese of the first half of the entire Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo, where you'll unravel the enchanting secrets behind the iconic sets, props, and costumes of the Harry Potter film series.
More on what to expect here:
5. teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Image credit: teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
Immerse yourself in an art experience like no other at teamLab Planets, an Instagram-worthy museum where boundaries between physical and digital dissolve, and where you can interact with the artworks and exhibits.
Wade through a rainbow-hued lake (with the brilliant help of visual projections on water), wander through gardens and even become one with flowers as you explore a floor-to-ceiling installation filled with dangling orchids.
Image credit: teamLab Planets Tokyo
At teamLab Planets, guests are invited to enter barefoot and immerse your body and senses in your surroundings - a refreshing museum experience that offers a fresh perspective on how we perceive the world around us.
📅 This exhibition has been extended till the end of 2027!
Address: 6-chōme-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan
More on what to expect here:
6. SHIBUYA SKY
Feel like you're on top of the world and savour sensational bird's eye views of Tokyo at Shibuya Sky, a 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Enjoy sweeping cityscape views at Sky Edge, a corner that's perfect for a cool #ootd too!
In addition to breathtaking views, there's also Sky Stage which features hammocks for daydreaming and cloud watching. There's also an indoor gallery, Sky Gallery, an indoor section which incorporates dazzling digital art displays to encourage you to see the city in a different way.
On the 46th floor, there is Paradise Lounge, a café and bar where you can sit back and enjoy a drink while admiring the view.
Address: Shibuya Scramble Square 14F, 45F, 46F & rooftop, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Tokyo
7. Art Aquarium
Have your mind blown at Art Aquarium, a one-of-a-kind museum-cum-aquarium where space, light, life, and Japanese culture blend to create an unrealistic environment that will make you forget that you are in the heart of Tokyo.
Lustrous goldfish are illuminated by specially made aquariums and lighting, and the displays using cultural assets of historical value from around Japan stimulate all five senses. The best part? You get to see something new with each visit because the museum changes its displays each season to show the beauty of Japan.
Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8212
8. Miyashita Park
Image credit: Miyashita Park
While we've been away, one of the coolest mammoth malls opened up in Shibuya! Miyashita Park is a three-in-one facility, made up of a hotel, shopping centre and outdoor park. It's home to a wide variety of bustling cafes and restaurants, and there is even a Kit Kat Chocolatory where you can actually customise your own candy bar - sweet!
Check out the spacious rooftop park with sports facilities, including a skate park and rock climbing wall, as well as an open lawn area perfect for chilling.
Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-kuTokyo
9. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast
Tokyo Disneyland's Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast opened 28 September 2020 during the Covid pandemic, so while the ride itself is not super new, it will definitely be our first time getting a chance to enjoy it!
On this ride, guests board magical cups that “dance” to the well-known music from the animated film Beauty and the Beast and follow Belle on a romantic musical adventure inside the enchanted castle where she breaks the curse on the Beast.
Tokyo Disneyland tips and tricks:
10. The Happy Ride with Baymax
Another attraction that opened in Tokyo Disneyland's Tomorrowland in September 2020 is The Happy Ride with Baymax, which will surely be a huge hit for all the Big Hero 6 fans out there!
Join the adorable Baymax on an exciting musical "whip ride" that will swing you round and round (think a teacups-type like ride but wayyyy cuter).
11. Toy Story Hotel
Image credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Inspired by the iconic Disney and Pixar Toy Story films, Tokyo Disneyland’s newest Toy Story Hotel will have you spending the night in Andy’s bedroom, which comes furnished with the iconic blue sky and white cloud wallpaper. The themed room includes an Etch-a-sketch television, Pixar lamp, and of course a poster of Buzz Lightyear too!
Other hotel facilities include Slinky Dog Park, a giant game board in front of the hotel entrance, Pizza Planet-themed gift shop, Gift Planet, selling hotel-exclusive merchandise and Lotso Garden Cafe where you can grab delicious Toy Story-themed eats.
12. Kirby Cafe Petit
Fans of the adorable Kirby have much to rejoice about - there are now two new Kirby Cafe Petits located in both Tokyo and Osaka where you can get your hands on the cutest Kirby-themed pastries and sweets! Check out the adorable Kirby's Strawberry Pudding - a strawberry pudding with a cute Kirby face with pudding, sweet and sour jelly, and strawberries, or get the Kirby Cafe Petit loaf, a loaf of bread that looks like a warp star!
You can also grab cute Kirby merch here too including stuffed toys and keychains!
Tokyo Outlet Address: Kirby Cafe PETIT Tokyo Station Store Character Street
Osaka Outlet Address: Kirby Cafe PETIT Tennoji Store Tennoji Mio 6F
13. Kujira Entertainment Futuristic Bar
Looking for a buzzing bar to end your last night in Tokyo or just for a unique bar to hang out with friends? Check out Kujira Entertainment, a new futuristic bar in Tokyo that incorporates VR and computer graphics to make you feel like you've stepped right into the future! With state-of-the-art digital equipment and different themed events and shows every night - here's where to be for a party like no other!
Address: Basement 2F Furin Kaikan, 2-23-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
New Things to Do in Osaka
14. Super Nintendo World
Universal Studios Japan is a world-renowned theme park in Osaka, offering a thrilling and immersive entertainment experience for visitors of all ages. Image credit: ©Nintendo TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Join Mario and the gang at Universal Studios Japan's newest attraction, Super Nintendo World! Meet up with Princess Peach, Toad and Luigi and head out on your adventures at attractions like Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge where you can launch turtle shells at your enemy while aiming to be the first to finish the race! There's also Yoshi’s Adventure, a cute family-friendly rollercoaster ride with Yoshi!
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan
Feeling hungry? Grab a bite at Kinopio's Cafe, which serves up fun Mario-themed gourmet dishes crafted by the cheerful and hard-working Chef Toad. Cute dishes include Princess Peach's Cake, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger and Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl!
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
P/S: Did you hear? There will be a new Donkey Kong extension coming to Universal Studios Japan in Spring 2024!
Universal Studios Japan tips and tricks:
15. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
If you loved the experience at teamLab Planet TOKYO, do check out the equally gorgeous teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, an outdoor exhibition that transforms Nagai Botanical Garden into an immersive, experiential art space! Come enter a magical world like no other where you can enjoy nature, watch it transform into art, and more!
Address: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Other parts of Japan
16. Ghibli Park
Photo Credit: ©Studio Ghibli
Fans of Studio Ghibli films, rejoice ✨ Here's another thing to add to your Japan itinerary - the world's first Ghibli Park!
Image credit: Studio Ghibli
Ghibli Park will have five zones - Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Large Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest.
These areas are inspired by the films My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service and more!
Address: Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1342, Japan
17. Kato Farm Agricultural Experience & Grilled Vegetables in Hamamatsu
Japan is known for its towering cityscapes and amazing theme parks, but if you want to escape them all and embark on a nature escape - here's something interesting to try! This Kato Farm Agricultural & Grilled Vegetables in Hamamatsu Experience in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is where you can experience a farmhouse away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Get to try your hand at harvesting fresh vegetables, and enjoy the fruit of your labour by grilling the veggies up on a barbecue while admiring the boundless pastoral scenery. Warning: You may or may not want to move here to become a farmer after this activity!
Address: 8611 Toda-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
18. teamLab Future Park Okinawa
If you're not heading to Tokyo or Osaka, fret not! You can still enjoy a visit to a teamLab attraction at teamLab Future Park Okinawa, which just opened in December 2023. Like its sister attractions, step into a colourful world and immerse in the various light and art installations galore.
If you're travelling with little ones in tow, teamLab Future Park Okinawa is perfect - with plenty of kid-friendly spaces that include slides, hopscotch and even a sketch aquarium in which you can see the fish you have drawn swimming in a giant aquarium right in front of you!
Address: T Galleria Okinawa by DFS 3F, 4-1 Omoromachi, Naha City, Okinawa, Japan
19. Gundam Park and Statue
Step into the world of Gundam at the newest Gundam Park in Fukuoka! Sporting three areas, Gundam Park Fukuoka has VS Park with G (sports entertainment area where you can enjoy hands-on activities in collaboration with Gundam), Gundam Side-F (area that sells merch) and Namco (where you can play arcade games and claw machines!).
The highlight of this whole place has got to be the life-size RX-93ffν Gundam statue though - a perfect photo op for sure!
Address: 6 Chome-23-1 Naka, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0893, Japan
20. Kadokawa Culture Museum
Image credit: Kadokawa Musashino Museum
The Kadokawa Musashino Museum opened in 2020 when Japan had already closed its borders to international tourists, so while it's not a brand new attraction per se - it's definitely a new spot to check out on your next holiday!
The towering 40-metre-tall museum is designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and its facade is built with 20,000 granite stones. Venture within and you will find various displays and features, such as the Bookshelf Theatre, Manga Library, and other rotating exhibitions.
Address: 3-31-3 Higashi-Tokorozawa Wada, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama 359-0023, Japan
21. NAKED Nijo Castle Spring Exhibition in Kyoto
If you're heading to Japan to see the cherry blossoms this Spring, this NAKED Nijo Castle Spring Exhibition in Kyoto is a seasonal festival you simply cannot miss! Enjoy the night illuminations of the cherry blossoms from over 300 cherry tress and the Nijo Castle, as well as digital art installations - a whole new IG-worthy experience for sure!
📅 Limited exhibition from 8 March - 7 April 2024
Address: 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
22. AQUARIUM PARK AOAO SAPPORO Hokkaido
Newly opened in Summer 2023, AQUARIUM PARK AOAO SAPPORO in Hokkaido is an aquarium that touts itself to be a 'gateway to nature in the city'. Perfect for all ages, there are plenty of things to see and do here!
The museum is made up of three zones, and in addition to getting to see animals like cute penguins, the backyard behind the aquarium is open to the public. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the digital art and strolling through the mini botanical garden filled with lush greenery.
Address: 3 Chome-20 Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0062, Japan
More Inspo for your Japan Holiday
Japan Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a Japan holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🚅 For starters, the Whole Japan JR Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities! However, if you are only spending time in one particular city or region, then a Regional JR Pass might be a better choice.
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