Tokyo Layover Guide (HND)

Tokyo: Disneyland

Everyone knows about Disneyland but this particular Disneyland offers numerous types of entertainment with a Japanese twist. The world-famous theme parks are full of the classic Disney characters and well-known experiences. Immerse yourself in the beaming atmosphere as you enjoy the shows, attractions, parades and rides of Disneyland, that are full of adventures for the whole family to explore. » book this tour

Tokyo Skytree

This is the tallest structure in Japan and it offers 360-degree views of Tokyo from the Tembo Deck and Galleria. The deck is bolstered with state-of-the-art interactive displays that assist in finding points of interest. On floor 340, there is a complete glass flooring that lets you look straight down at Tokyo which can be a dizzying but exciting experience. » book this tour

Digital Art Museum teamLab

This is the only digital art museum of its kind in the entire world! The TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum is powered by 520 computers and 470 projectors. These create a three-dimensional art experience in a 10,000 square-meter space. These animated artworks are both mobile and responsive. They interact with visitors. The artworks are boundless and seem to be alive. Every room or space within this digital playground is a new experience full of vibrant colors where reality and augmented reality merge. » book this tour

Yayoi Kusama Museum

The infamous ‘Infinity Room’ installation has become a social media sensation but there’s more to this exemplary artist than spoken about. At a young age, Yayoi Kusama reported a sudden impairment of her sight with polka dots and employed the use of them in all her artworks. Her avant-garde pieces and sculptures are all heavily polka-dotted which have since become a signature for the artist. This museum is solely dedicated to the works of the legendary artist and draws thousands of visitors each year

Time required: 1-2 hours.

Airport to here: 26 minutes via taxi and 2 hours via public transport.

Tokyo Skytree

Experience the tallest tower in the world and see the enchanting view of the city of Tokyo from above. The base of the tower is occupied by an aquarium, planetarium, restaurants, and various shops that are accessible to visitors but the main attraction is the view of the city from the tower which is equipped with seismic proofing as a comfort measure for visitors. Inside the tower is also a restaurant, cafe, and shops which visitors have access to. The primary use of the tower is a broadcasting tower but has since become a tourist phenomenon. The best views are at night when the city lights come on. On foggy days a VR experience is employed to make up for the fog covered view.

Time required: An hour.

Airport to here: 30 minutes via taxi and 3 hours via public transport.

New York Bar

Famous for being used in the Sofia Coppola Lost In Translation film, the sophisticated sky-high bar holds dazzling views of the city and the best of classic jazz music. It’s decorated to suit the classic American aesthetic with a range of American champagnes and wine. It’s frequented by stars and features several Hollywood pictures. A view of the sunset from the bar is the most beautiful view, make sure to catch it.

Time required: 2-3 hours.

Airport to here: 20 minutes via taxi and an hour via public transport.

Robot Restaurant

Where else but in Tokyo? Witness an awesome performance by robots over dinner at the spot filled with multicolored lights, lasers, flash dancers, and an array of robotic figures that put on a crazy show for your amusement! An energetic experience you can’t miss out on.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 30 minutes via taxi and 56 minutes via public transport.

Tokyo DisneySea

Enjoy the amazing wonder of the fantasy theme park inspired by legends of the sea, it’s the only Disney Sea in the world. It’s divided into seven ports, the Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and American Waterfront theme ports, where you go on a magical tour from place to place. All ages are accommodated and consist of endless wonder and fun.

Time required: 3-4 hours.

Airport to here: 30 minutes via taxi and 1 hour 30 minutes via public transport.

The Imperial Palace

Very well known that this is one of the most important monuments in Japan and as a result of that it has registered as a top tourist attraction. It is a large site that’s populated by the Imperial Family, an archive, museums, and administrative offices that has 20% of Tokyo’s tree species as the late Emperor is said to have been very fond of nature. Tourists are allowed a free tour of the palace with a filmed introduction detailing the history of the complex and parts that are allowed to be visited. Within the complex are the Imperial gardens and shrines where private ceremonies are conducted. The Royal Residence only allows entry on December 23rd and January 2nd at the start of the new year where the Royal Family makes an appearance at the balcony.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 21 minutes via taxi and 48 minutes via public transport.

MORI Building Digital Art Museum

This stands out as one of the best art exhibitions to experience, curated by an interdisciplinary group of artists and scientists employing the use of 520 computers and 470 projectors to create a dynamic art experience that stimulates all senses that stays in constant motion and changes scenery after a set time throughout the experience. As the tour progresses you are joined by a procession of performers that come in and fade out as it goes. Words wouldn’t do the experience justice as a real-time experience will. Definitely, one to put on your to-do list.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 15 minutes via taxi and 39 minutes via public transport.