Tokyo Layover Guide (NRT)

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

Tokyo: Disneyland

Everyone knows about Disneyland but this particular Disneyland offers a numerous types of entertainment with a Japanese twist. The world-famous theme parks is 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

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offer free views of the Tokyo city skyline. The North Tower especially gives the best views of Tokyo. skyscrapers and highways during the night. In the mornings you could spot Mount Fuji from the South Tower.

Time required: Set aside an hour or 2 to enjoy the view.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of an hour while public transport typically takes an hour and 40 minutes.

Kabuki-za

Kabuki-za is a rebuilt kabuki theatre and kabuki shows happen here and wow audiences. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance which has been developed for hundreds of years and retains its traditional charms. The dancers have elaborate costumes and make-up.

Time required: Set aside 2 or 3 hours to enjoy the dance shows and the theatre.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of an hour while public transport typically takes an hour and 40 minutes.

Meiji Shrine

This Shinto shrine was built in honour of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. It is one of the most popular shrines in the city. It has thick woods and skyscraping torii gates. It is very close to tourist spots such as Harajuku, Omotesandō and Shibuya.

Time required: Set aside 1 or 2 hours to explore the shrine.

Airport to here: Typically takes a taxi an hour and public transport takes an hour and 30 minutes.

Memory Lane

Memory Lane or Omoide Yokocho is known as Piss Alley. The name stems from its history after World War 2 when toilet facilities were not available. Though there are public toilets now, the area has an air of history and lives up to its name, taking you badly in time. Wander the narrow alleyways full of red lanterns and tiny yakitori restaurants.

Time required: Set aside 2 or 3 hours to explore the Memory Lane.

Airport to here: Typically takes a taxi an hour and public transport takes an hour and 40 minutes.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is a sacred Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s traditional area of Asakusa. The neighborhood is lined with traditional architecture and old wooden shops. The red temple is can get crowded but you can find a fortune teller and even incense for good luck. The gardens of the temple have quieter spaces and shrines to explore.

Time required: At least an hour would be the minimum.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour and public transport takes an hour and 30 minutes on average.

Robot Restaurant

The Robot Restaurant is not really a restaurant. In fact, there are few robots found inside. But it is a great experience to see waiters and people in wacky outfits that look like they came from a manga. Granted, it is one of the most unusual things to do in Tokyo. The shows are energetic and performances that feature anything from dragons to guitarists on swings, with many strobe lights and really loud music. There are drinks and food in between performances.

Time required: 2 hours to 3 hours.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of an hour while public transport takes 2 hours or more.

Ghibli Museum

This is the perfect place for anime fans but even if you’re not an anime fan, this whimsical museum is delightful. A lot of the exhibits are in Japanese but that does not rub you of the Experience. There are cool props and drawings from timeless movies like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The attention to detail in the museum is nothing but astounding.

Time required: You will need at least an hour to enjoy the museum.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of an hour while public transport typically takes 2 hours or more.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

This national garden is a beautiful park full of Japanese, French, and English gardens. It is a wonderful escape from a busy city. Spring picnics are lovely by the ponds or pagodas. Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully here and late summer strolls are enjoyable. During autumn the red leaves give the garden a different vibe. It is worth visiting no matter the season. There is even a teahouse nearby.

Time required: 2-3 hours.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour while public transport can take a little more than an hour.