10 Weird and Quirky Things to Do in Tokyo

Be transported back to pre-war Tokyo amid the sliding wooden doors of old ryokan, historical bathhouses and vintage pawnshops in the neighbourhoods of Yanaka, Sendagi and Nezu (collectively Yanesen). Located in Tokyo’s far north-east, these peaceful, cobblestone districts escaped bombing in the Second World War and remain home to artisans and craftspeople.

This area is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and retro charm. If you want a nostalgic tour of Tokyo, explore the narrow byways of Yanesen, lined with small shops, bars and restaurants.

A meal of fugu (blowfish) will leave your lips tingling from the neurotoxins found in the glands of Japan’s most dangerous delicacy. If you’re a daring culinary enthusiast, this unique sensation is not to be missed when visiting Tokyo.

An evening at Izakaya Fugutake restaurant showcases this intriguing fish in myriad tasty ways. You can sample it prepared in flavourful broth, marinated to perfection, served as delicate sushi slices or even infused into sake (rice wine), each offering an unforgettable dining experience.

Toyosu Fish Market opened in 2019 and replaced the 100-year-old Tsukiji Market. Visiting the fish market offers a glimpse into a unique part of Japanese culture: the famous tuna auction. Watching serious pounds of giant tuna being auctioned off at 5.30 am and then treating yourself to some fresh sushi for breakfast is an unforgettable experience.

The public can watch the auction from the lower deck or the upper deck. To access the lower deck, you need to apply at least a month in advance and wait to see if you win a ticket via a lottery system. However, the upper deck doesn’t require a booking. The auction runs from 5.30 am to 6.30 am.

Witness the amazing sumo action at Arashio-Beya as powerful sumo wrestlers engage in intense bouts, manoeuvring around an earthen ring in traditional loincloths during their morning practice. Typically, training sessions take place from 7.30 am to 9.30 am, but it’s good to check their online calendar before visiting.

If you're fortunate, the sumo wrestlers may step outside after practice and be willing to pose for photos with you, but there’s no guarantee. For a deeper understanding of life within a beya (sumo stable), consider booking a special tour that provides unique insights into this fascinating world.

Take a stroll through Japan's Electric Town in Akihabara, where entire streets are lined with shops brimming with the latest cameras, mobile phones and digital technology. This bustling area is a heaven for tech lovers as you can interact with walking, talking robots or try out game consoles not available anywhere else in the world.

As you explore the streets, building after building buzzes with beeping and flashing lights inviting you to discover why this is the ultimate destination for electronics, gadgets and video games.

Japan loves themed restaurants and cafes, such as the Vampire Cafe, that offer unique dining experiences that cater to every imagination. With Gothic vampire waiters serving at coffin tables and dishes oozing with 'blood', Vampire Cafe takes themed dining to imaginative new heights.

While bats flutter around in the chandeliers, the restaurant serves creative Italian-based cuisine and unique original cocktails, all within a captivatingly mysterious atmosphere. If you dare, visit the Vampire Café in Ginza for an extraordinary culinary event.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of aromatic bliss at the Incense Research Institute in Tokyo. Here, you can breathe in the heady, mysterious scents and experience the peace and calm of the rhythmic ritual of kodo, the traditional Japanese incense ceremony. This wellness centre offers private group sessions by appointment, making it an exclusive and intimate experience.

In addition to participating in the ceremony, you have the unique opportunity to craft your own signature fragrance. Create bespoke incense, perfect as a luxurious gift for a loved one or as a cherished souvenir of this rejuvenating experience. 

Experience the vibrant youth culture of Tokyo by visiting Jingu Bridge in Harajuku on Sunday afternoons, where you'll find Tokyo’s youth dressed as captivating cosplay characters. These young adults dress up in brightly coloured wigs, capes and gloves, transforming into their favourite characters in stunning detail. While the bridge's popularity as a cosplay hangout has waned somewhat since the 2000s, you can still find enthusiasts gathering each weekend, with Sunday being the peak day for these gatherings.

For an even more immersive experience, don’t miss the annual AnimeJapan event (formerly known as Tokyo International Anime Fair) held in March. 

Experience the sensory overload of whirring noises, flashing lights and amusement park music at Tokyo’s numerous pachinko parlours. These vibrant arcades are packed with people engrossed in Japan’s unique version of a pinball machine. Pachinko parlours are scattered all over the city, each offering a slice of this quintessentially Japanese pastime.

For a top-tier experience, head to Maruhan in Shinjuku, one of the largest and most popular pachinko chains in Japan. Here, you'll find a wide variety of machines and a lively atmosphere.