I’ve had the good fortune of traveling to Tokyo on two separate occasions these past few years and while I’ve had the pleasure of venturing out to some of the more bizarre spots in Tokyo, I still feel like this is just the beginning of what could very well be a lifelong romance with one of the most incredible places I have ever experienced.

When I visited Tokyo, Japan not too long ago, I gathered some travel suggestions and threw the post up on our friend’s travel blog: localadventurer.com <— CHECK THEM OUT. Well, now I have my own blog and I’m aching to get this thing up and running as quickly as possible, so here I am, pseudo plagiarizing myself in an effort to influence you to interact with me more as you learn about some of the coolest things you can do while visiting Tokyo. Hope you enjoy and please be sure to leave a comment below to let me know what you think! 🙂

Here is a quick list of the highlights that I have put together during my visits. I’m confident that this list can act as a foundation for you as you start you jump off the high-dive into a plethora of different options as you plan out your own personal, epic Tokyo adventure.

1. Get schooled at a Taito Game Station

They are scattered all over Tokyo and they all offer an electrifying (and often times smoke-filled) experience. I’d recommend trying one along Electric Avenue (in Akiba). Win an Attack on Titan anime figurine from a claw game or wow your travel buddies with your expert bipedal dancing skills. Just note that the locals are better gamers than you. You’ve been warned.

2. Shinjuku Robot Restaurant

Did you just drop acid? No, you just wandered into a Robot Restuarant. Witness Taiko Drumming, sharks with freaking laser beams, an abundance of flashing neon lights, and giant, radio-controlled, robots battling to the death. Basically, everything you would come to expect from a trip to Japan. The food is nothing to write home about but grab a couple of drinks and you’ll be surprised that it starts to taste like delicious ballpark food. Don’t lose sight of your travel companions when you leave.. some of the local street salespeople are uncomfortably aggressive.

3. Walk along the beach at night in Odaiba

With a view of Rainbow Bridge and no open container laws, you can get lost in the sand along the waterfront for a truly perfect date night (if that’s your sorta thing). It’s definitely a great spot for couples. There’s a nice trail just behind the beach that offers a relaxing walk. Grab a seat in the sand once you pick out your view of the bridge and watch the boats pass and the fog roll over Tokyo. This place is geared towards only the youngest at heart.

4. Write a prayer

While visiting Harajuku in the Shibuya District, be sure to save enough time after your shopping adventure to stop in at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine to write a quick prayer. This is by far the most tranquil setting in all of Tokyo. You’ll forget where you are as you hike through towering greenery along and wide gravel walking paths. You’re just a short distance away from the meticulously controlled chaotic urban landscape that surrounds it but I was fooled.

5. Go to Tokyo’s SkyTree

Are you ok with your ears popping? Cool. This is the second tallest building in the world and is probably my favorite spot to visit in all of Tokyo. It gives you more than just a lay of the land, it gives you an unmatched perspective on how we, as humans, behave like a massive ant colony. Lol. The elevator ride is a trip, too. Pay a little extra to go to the tippy top. It’s worth it. I’d also recommend that you go twice (once during the day and once during the night.. very different experiences). There is a restaurant near the top floor but it’ll cost you a pretty penny.. if you still want to go, you’ll want to be sure to make your reservation far in advance.

6. Grab Starbucks at Shibuya Crossing for an epic people watching experience

While I would prefer to plug a local coffee shop or a small eatery, if you make your way through one of the busy book and DVD stores to a Starbucks on the second floor at Shibuya crossing, you’ll have the opportunity to witness arguably one of the most heavily trafficked pedestrian areas in the world. Get your timelapse ready!

7. Check out a Maid Café in Akihabara

Ok, this stuff is a little weird and, occasionally, might not be appropriate for the whole family but if you’re looking for a quick dose of culture shock, try a Maid Café. Originally created to service the male otaku fetishes, it quickly expanded to attract a wide array of different customers. Finding one is a little seedy but the experience is much safer than I am making it sound. Just find one of the many girls on the street soliciting their services guide you down a seedy alleyway to an elevator that takes you up to one of the many different themed cafés. Sounds as weird as it is. And the experience is unforgettable.

8. Ride Go-Karts in Akiba

Not for the faint of heart: Race through the streets of Tokyo dressed as your favorite Mario Kart character and learn how to drive on the left-hand side of the road at the same time while dodging real-life traffic with actual consequences. It’s scarier than I am making it sound. If you’re still considering this, you’ll want to be sure to remember to stop in at your local AAA in The States to get a temporary International Driver’s Permit before you go. You won’t have a guide here.. or helmets. And it’s easy to get separated from the group (travel buddy, Ian, got all gung-ho and blitzed a yellow light headfirst into oncoming traffic. You may have heard that he survived but our group was definitely separated for a good 20 minutes as I parked my kart and sprinted around the neighborhood looking for him). No one said it was easy but this is probably one of the coolest things you can do in life (GPS not included). Bonus points for survival.

9. Enjoy an Onsen

Looking for a day in Tokyo where you can just unwind and do nothing? Head to the outskirts of Tokyo to find a traditional Onsen to enjoy natural volcanic hot spring water pumped from deep underground. Just make sure that you don’t have any visible tattoos or they won’t let you in. Sorry.

10. Karaoke in Shinjuku

Walk into something that looks like a fancy bank and you’ll have the opportunity to rent out a room with you and your buddies to sing the night away. They all appear to offer an extensive music selection. Confidence juice is extra. Sing as loud and for as long as you can (you’re gonna lose your voice, so maybe pick this adventure when you know you can take the next day off). We were up drinking and singing past 3AM. I’ve never done that in The States and it’s a damn shame our culture doesn’t embrace it because it is surely an awesome way to bond with your best buds.

11. Munch on a crêpe in Harajuku

While walking down the bustling, pedestrian-friendly, roads of Harajuku make sure to peek your head into one of the many colorful crêpe stands along the way. It’s an instant-energy-pick-me-up. Because sugar. There are also some interesting shops scattered along the walkway to get lost in.

12. Have a drink at the SkyBar in Shinjuku

It’s a special treat and a relaxing way to close out the night. Some of the best views (and service) in Tokyo. It closes pretty early (well, relative to the Karaoke Bars at least). Remember not to tip because it’s considered rude! Yup. Interestingly enough, employees have an honest pride in their work and consider tips as signaling that they are unsatisfied with the pay that their employers are offering.

13. Rely on vending machines and cafés for snacks

Tired of shopping in Shibuya or recovering from a late night out in Roppongi? It’s never too late (or early) Grab a Pocari Sweat from a vending machine and then hit up a café for some fancy drip coffee and a slice of pie. The vending machines really are pretty next-level in terms of quality, so don’t be afraid of plopping in a few coins to pick out a treat.

14. Use the smart toilet

It will change your outlook on life. And your sensitive parts will appreciate the experience. And then you will hardcore miss it when you come back to The States.

15. Check out the Pokémon Mega Center and the Aquarium in Ikebukuro

Remember to bring your Nintendo DS because everyone is maxing out their Street Pass. The aquarium (complete with sharks) is located on the roof of the Sunshine City mall. THE ROOF.

BONUS ACTIVITY: Get lost

Get lost. It is one of the smartest things you can do in Tokyo and always guaranteed to provide you and your travel companions with a memorable experience. So, what are you waiting for? A link to book your ticket? You can do it! Have you already been? Let me know if you agree with any of the recommendations I’ve made in this post and I’d also love to hear your travel recommendations as well. Enjoy the adventure and thanks for participating in this blog!

Did you enjoy this article? Check out the video associated with the trip we took and let me know your thoughts!