Our Top 7 Favorite Tokyo Fun Activities That Taps Your Inner Child
Tokyo is deliciously unknowable; a city where layers upon layers of flavors, tastes, and customs dance together, leaving you perpetually curious and wanting to explore more.
anthony bourdain
Japan is a country of wonder, where ancient traditions coexist seamlessly with cutting-edge technology. Its cultural landscape is rich and diverse, characterized by a deep respect for values and a hardworking nature that permeates every aspect of daily life. However, there is another side to the Japanese people that reveals itself when you dig deeper—their youthful spirit and joy for life. This city, with its dazzling lights and energetic atmosphere, offers a plethora of exciting activities that reveal the fun-loving nature of its residents.
During our time in Tokyo, we immersed ourselves in experiences that combined learning with laughter and adventure. From a Ninja Dinner to a sumo wrestling experience featuring traditional meals, go-karting through Shibuya, being a kid at Disneyland, and a samurai class, we discovered that Tokyo is not just a city of reverence for tradition but also a playground for those seeking fun and excitement. Join us as we explore the many delightful ways to experience Tokyo fun. Promising to leave you with memories to cherish.
1. A Culinary Adventure: Ninja Dinner
Our Tokyo adventure began with a unique dining experience—a Ninja Dinner at a Ninja Tokyo restaurant that perfectly blends entertainment and delicious food. We booked this directly with the restaurant. As we entered Ninja Tokyo, we were greeted by staff dressed in traditional ninja attire, who led us through a dimly lit corridor adorned with Japanese art and mysterious decor. The ambiance was a combination of silly and electric, setting the stage for an evening filled with intrigue and fun.
Once seated, we were treated to a multi-course meal that showcased the best of Japanese cuisine. We weren’t quite expecting a meal of this caliber. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Of course, they threw in surprising things like smoking dishes and dessert served on a sword. As we savored the delicious food, our ninja servers entertained us with tricks, illusions, and interactive performances that had us laughing and gasping in amazement. The humor in their antics, tied with clever ninja jokes, made the experience even more enjoyable.
This dining experience was not only about the food. It was a delightful journey into a world of fantasy and imagination, allowing us to feel like we were part of an epic adventure. It was the perfect way to kick off our exploration of Tokyo’s fun side.
2. Sumo Wrestling Experience
No visit to Tokyo would be complete without getting up close and personal with one of Japan’s most iconic sports—sumo wrestling. We booked a sumo wrestling experience via Viator called Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy a Meal in Tokyo. The experience provided an insightful glimpse into this ancient tradition while also allowing us to participate in some of the activities ourselves.
The experience began with a traditional meal that sumo wrestlers typically enjoy. This meal features hearty dishes that fuel their intense training, and they are fed it many times a day. As we feasted on this traditional diet, we learned the significance of the meal in a sumo wrestler’s daily routine. It revealed the importance of nutrition in their rigorous training regimen. They all participate in cooking the meal preparation in the “stables” in which they all co-reside.
As we finished eating, two retired wrestlers provided us with an engaging tutorial about the history of sumo wrestling. They shared fascinating stories about what life is like for a rikishi (the term used for sumo wrestlers). The rigorous training, discipline, and rituals that are integral to the sport.
The fascinating part of the experience was when the two wrestlers showed us how a sumo match works. They had incredible agility and strength and demonstrated the techniques involved in the fight. It provided us with a better understanding of the sport! It also reveals how difficult this is on their bodies.
Ryan joined in
For the grand finale, the event opened up to the audience. We were invited to step into the ring and compete with one of the retired wrestlers. The excitement in the room was tremendous, with everyone laughing as participants wore oversized suits to mimic the wrestlers’ outfits. People of all ages got in on the fun, even the kids. It turned into a hilarious and lighthearted wrestling match that had everyone cheering and enjoying themselves.
Ryan, not one to shy away from a challenge, jumped at the chance, while Joelle wisely chose to cheer from the sidelines. Ryan, clad in the bulky padded suit, squared off against one of the wrestlers, the crowd’s laughter and cheers filling the air as the match began. He pushed with all his might, but the wrestler rarely budged. Ryan struggled, his feet sliding in the sand and his arms straining, but the wrestler was like an immovable wall. The crowd cheered him on and laughed at the futile efforts. Every time Ryan exerted himself, the wrestler stayed perfectly still, redirecting him with ease and sending him stumbling backward out of the ring.
Despite the futility of it all, he couldn’t help but laugh along with the crowd. By the end, he had lasted 45 hilarious seconds in the ring, which made it feel like a win.
While we always approach tourist activities with some concern about exploitation or diminishing the authenticity of the experience, we found that this particular sumo wrestling event was different. Though the experience was more pricey than most, a significant portion of the funds went toward supporting retired wrestlers, many of whom struggle financially after leaving the ring. It was heartening to know that our participation was helping these retired athletes. This interactive event beautifully captured the spirit of sumo wrestling—strength, tradition, and fun, while contributing to a noble cause.
Planning a trip to Japan? Check out our Japan Travel Guide
3. Go-Karting Through Shibuya
For a taste of adrenaline and a unique perspective of Tokyo, we took to the streets in go-karts! We booked this activity through Viator, which is named the Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya. This exhilarating activity allowed us to drive through the bustling streets of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, while dressed as our favorite characters. Think of Mario Kart meets real life! Ok, no drifting or throwing banana peals were allowed.
After a brief safety briefing and getting fitted for costumes, we hopped into our go-karts and hit the road. Zooming through the lively streets with the famous Shibuya Crossing behind us was such an incredible rush. We flew past bright neon lights, huge buildings, and crowds of people while just enjoying the freedom of the ride.
Cruising through the crazy Tokyo traffic was quite the adventure! The honks, the hustle, and the wild energy of the city made every moment unforgettable. It was hilarious how ridiculous we looked, dressed as cartoon characters and zipping around one of the busiest places on Earth. It was such a fun experience that perfectly captured the playful vibe of Tokyo.
4. Samurai Class
To further immerse ourselves in Japan’s rich cultural heritage, we signed up for a samurai class. Ryan was especially excited by this one. We booked this experience through Viator, which is called “Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo.” This experience was both educational and entertaining, allowing us to learn about the history of the samurai and the techniques of swordsmanship.
The class kicked off with a quick overview of the samurai code, Bushido, which focuses on values like honor, loyalty, and discipline. Our instructors then showed us different techniques and forms, helping us with patience and enthusiasm.
We dressed in traditional samurai attire and learned how to handle a katana by practicing some basic stances and strikes. It was such a thrill to hold a sword and try out the moves—it really made us appreciate the skill and discipline that come with this ancient art. We were filled with laughter as we tried (and sometimes struggled) to nail the techniques, making for a fun and laid-back vibe. Ryan got it down, but Joelle did not.
We wrapped up our samurai training feeling connected to Japan’s rich history and Ryan feeling accomplished. It was such a fantastic experience that it really captured the incredible mix of history and fun that Tokyo has to offer.
5. Visiting Tokyo Disney
If you’re looking for a day of fun and adventure, you have to check out Tokyo Disneyland! It combines real Disney magic with a fantastic Japanese twist, making it an excellent spot for everyone.
Once we stepped into Tokyo Disney, it felt magical, like all the parks do. Classic rides and beloved characters came to life all around us. The detail they put into the park is impressive, from the themed areas to the super friendly staff who really bring the magic to life. We had a blast on the rides, enjoyed some awesome shows, and, of course, got to meet some of our favorite Disney characters.
We didn’t make it to Tokyo DisneySea this time, but both parks are full of joy and excitement, making them perfect places for families, friends, or anyone who wants to relive those childhood memories.
6. Exploring Harajuku and Akihabara
A visit to Harajuku and Akihabara is essential to genuinely embracing Tokyo’s youthful spirit. These neighborhoods are famous for their vibrant street culture, fashion, and pop culture.
In Harajuku, we wandered down Takeshita Street, which was buzzing with life and full of quirky shops, boutiques, and cafés. The fashion scene here is pretty bold and all about self-expression, displaying Tokyo’s vibrant youth culture. We couldn’t resist trying some tasty crepes, checking out fantastic clothing stores, and just people-watching.
Then, we headed to Akihabara, the best spot for anime and gaming lovers. This place is like a treasure chest filled with shops selling manga, figurines, and video games, along with themed cafés that cater to fans of all kinds. We roamed through the stores, checked out some of the anime and gaming world, and picked up on some of the latest pop culture trends.
Both neighborhoods are just celebrations of youth and creativity, packed with endless chances for fun and exploration.
7. Visiting the Tokyo Skytree
No trip to Tokyo would be complete without a visit to the iconic Tokyo Skytree. Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Sadly, we did not expect to face hours-long lines, so we had to pass on this experience. We strongly suggest booking your tickets in advance.
The tower has stunning views that go on for miles, showing off Tokyo’s colossal cityscape. If the weather’s nice, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance. If we could have gone up, it would have been the perfect weather. The observation deck has glass floors that give you a wild view straight down—ideal for snapping photos and getting a little rush! Honestly, Joelle didn’t mind that we missed that part.
We did take the time to explore the shopping and dining options available at the base of the Skytree. The surrounding area, known as Tokyo Solamachi, boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a great place to spend an entire day.
Where to rest your head when visiting Tokyo
There are endless accommodation options in Tokyo. From luxury hotels to sleep pods, there is an array of places to stay.
It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Parting thoughts
Tokyo is a city that perfectly blends tradition with modern life. It offers tons of experiences that highlight its rich culture and lively energy. You can get your adrenaline pumping by go-karting through the streets or diving into some excellent cultural activities like sumo wrestling and samurai classes. There’s definitely no shortage of fun and excitement here!
Looking back on our time in Tokyo, it’s clear that this city isn’t just about its more serious side; it’s also a place where laughter and adventure are everywhere. From dining with ninjas to enjoying thrilling rides at Tokyo Disney or stepping into the world of samurai, Tokyo experiences invite you to have fun and make some unforgettable memories. So grab your bags, get ready for a fantastic adventure, and soak up all the joy and uniqueness that Tokyo has to offer!
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