Exploring Tokyo, Japan: From Tokyo Tower to teamLab Planets
- That's How We Travel
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Summary: We filled our day in Tokyo with a variety of Japanese experiences. We began at a 14th-century temple, then ascended 820 feet to the observation deck of Tokyo Tower. Our visit to the Kabukiza theatre was underwhelming, but we made up for it at the Toyosu fish market by enjoying fresh sushi directly from the source. In the latter part of the day, we visited the Mirakan Museum, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, before experiencing the highlight of the day: teamLab Planets, an art installation featuring stunning visuals.
[This blog is part of a 15-days in Japan series].
Zojoji Temple. The first stop of the day was at this 14th century temple that was relocated to the present location in 1598. Having visited many temples by this point, we decide just walk through the temple area fairly quickly and make our way to Tokyo Tower.
Tokyo Tower. Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower stands 1,092 feet tall with a two-story observation deck. For about $25 (depending on the then exchange rate), you can take the elevators to both observation decks to catch a great view of the City below.
Near the entrance to Tokyo Tower, there was a crepe vendor offering unique filling choices. We chose a cheesecake and ice cream combination and an apples and cream combination.
Heading back to the subway, we walked by the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shōguns.
Kabukiza Theatre. In short, SKIP this! Looking back, it's a funny story, but at the time, it felt like one of those experiences where you think, "I'm never getting that time back." We understood that Kabuki (Japanese theatre) was a cultural experience, and we generally enjoy trying new things and learning about different cultures. However, this particular show was dreadful, even though we opted for the shorter, single-act version (we can only imagine what 4 hours of this would have been like!). In summary, the show involved nearly 90 minutes of a single person loudly wailing, while the ushers disapprovingly shook their heads at us as two out of three young adults in our group dozed off! [photos during the performance was not permitted].
Next, we traveled across the City to the Toyosu fish market area where the unexpectedly long Kabuki experience, kept us from arriving in time to see the markets while they were still open. We did, however, get to catch some lunch with SUPER fresh fish, and also walk through the neighboring Tsukiji market where we tried Tanghulu, a Japanese desert consisting of candied fresh fruit on a skewer.
Mirakan Museum. After the market, we walked over to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, where entrance fees are just a few dollars per person. One amusing exhibit that felt very Japanese for some reason, was an display dedicated to getting old and all the things that go wrong with your body as you age (!)
With some time to spare before our entrance to Team Lab Planets, we headed to a nearby coffee shop. I was always amazed at how, in seemingly unremarkable areas, enormous building complexes like the one below were simply a normal part of the scenery.
Team Lab Planets. This somewhat temporary exhibit may not be available by the time you visit, but if it is, you'll want to add this visual spectacle to your itinerary. Opening in 2018, this popular art exhibition has been extended several times, with the latest announcement extending the show into 2027. Lab Planets is one of two different shows in Tokyo and consists of a series of rooms filled with different visual stimuli. Entry times are timed and buying tickets in advance is recommended. Once you enter, you are given a locker and key to lock away bags, shoes, and socks. Since some of the displays require you to walk through water, keeping your shoes on is not an option.
Each room has unique features; some with water, others using lights and mirrors, or both.
The most photogenic room is the last room consisting of hanging live flowers and mirrored floors.
This visually entertaining experience costs about $30 per person. Although it's somewhat expensive compared to other Japanese activities, we found it to be worth the price for its uniqueness and overall creativity.
#travel #travelblog #Japan #vacation #Familytravel #familyvacation #Tokyo #TeamLabPlanets #TokyoTower #Mirakan #Zojoji
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