10 Unique Attractions in Tokyo [+Online Booking Links]

Tokyo is a city of endless surprises, where cutting-edge innovation meets deep-rooted traditions. Beyond its famous landmarks, the city offers truly unique experiences, from singing karaoke in a Ferris wheel to watching sumo wrestlers up close. 

Whether you want to sip coffee with a capybara, race through the streets in a go-kart, or unwind with a Zen meditation session, Tokyo has something extraordinary for every traveler. Get ready to explore the city in ways you never imagined with our list of 10 unique attractions in Tokyo!

1. Race Through Tokyo with a Street Go-Kart Adventure in Costume 

Feel like a real-life video game character as you zip through Tokyo’s streets in a go-kart—dressed in costume! This thrilling, street-legal experience takes you past iconic spots while turning heads and making memories. 

Whether you dress as your favorite anime hero or something wild, it’s the perfect mix of adrenaline, cosplay, and sightseeing, all rolled into one unforgettable Tokyo adventure.

• Insider tips: An international driving permit is required. Choose costumes in advance and bring a GoPro!
• Best time to visit: Daytime for best sightseeing visibility; avoid rush hour traffic for smoother rides
• Online Ticket: Book your Street Go-Kart ticket here!
• See more information about this activity

2. Watch Japanese Dance Cabaret Theater at Asakusa-Kaguwa

Dive into Tokyo’s dazzling nightlife with a ticket to the Japanese Dance Cabaret Theater at Asakusa-Kaguwa. Featuring a fusion of traditional Japanese dance, modern cabaret, colorful costumes, and high-energy choreography, this show is unlike anything else. 

Paired with a drink, it offers an unforgettable blend of culture and entertainment—perfect for a bold, offbeat night out in the heart of old Tokyo.

• Address: Asakusa Kaguwa Theater, 1-1-10 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
• Who is it for: Nightlife seekers, art lovers, adult travelers looking for a bold cultural show
• Insider tips: Arrive early for better seating. Photography may not be allowed—check beforehand.
• Online Ticket: Book your Japanese Dance Cabaret ticket here!

3. Meditate with a Monk at a Tokyo Temple

Step away from the neon lights and find calm with a monk-led Zen meditation session at a private Tokyo temple. In this intimate experience, you’ll learn proper breathing, posture, and focus techniques used by monks for centuries. 

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and incense-scented air, it’s a rare opportunity to ground yourself spiritually in one of the world’s busiest cities.

• Who is it for: Mindfulness seekers, solo travelers, spiritual and cultural explorers
• Insider tips: Wear modest, comfortable clothes. Silence your phone and arrive a bit early to settle in.
• Best time to visit: Morning sessions are best for clarity and peaceful surroundings
• Online Ticket: Book your meditation experience ticket here!

4. Watch a Sumo Tournament or Sumo Show Experience

Sumo is more than a sport—it’s a centuries-old tradition, and watching it live is a powerful cultural experience. Attend an official tournament in January, May, or September, and feel the crowd’s energy as wrestlers crash in intense bouts. 

Or, watch a sumo practice show, where retired wrestlers demonstrate techniques and share their stories. Afterward, enjoy a traditional chanko nabe hot pot, once a staple of sumo wrestlers’ diets.

• Address: Ryogoku Kokugikan (for tournaments), Japan, 111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 2 Chome−10−12 1F
• Insider tips: Tournament tickets sell fast—book early! For morning practice, be silent and respectful—no flash photography.
• Online Ticket: Click to book a Sumo Tournament ticket or a Sumo Show Experience
• See more information about Sumo Show Experience

5. Take a Rickshaw Tour in Asakusa

Travel back in time with a traditional rickshaw ride through the atmospheric streets of Asakusa. Pulled by a friendly guide in traditional attire, you'll pass by historic temples, hidden alleys, and vibrant markets—all while learning fun facts about the area. 

It’s a stylish and immersive way to explore Tokyo’s old-town charm and get local insights, all at a leisurely and photo-friendly pace.

• Who is it for: First-time Tokyo visitors, couples, cultural travelers, history lovers
• Insider tips: Ask your rickshaw guide to tailor the route to your interests. Bring cash for payment and tips.
• Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for softer lighting and cooler weather
• Online Ticket: Book your Rickshaw Tour ticket here!

6. Dine at Dawn Avatar Robot Café

Experience Tokyo’s futuristic hospitality at Dawn Avatar Robot Café, where robot waiters are operated remotely by individuals with disabilities. More than just high-tech gimmicks, this café champions inclusivity and human connection. 

Watch your drink glide to your table via a robot while knowing there’s a real person behind the screen. It’s heartwarming, innovative, and unlike any dining experience you’ll find elsewhere in the world.

• Address: 1F Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
• Who is it for: Tech lovers, curious travelers, families
• Insider tips: Book in advance, especially on weekends. Ask staff about the robot operators' stories—they love sharing.

7. Stay in a Capsule Hotel

Spending the night in a capsule hotel is a must for anyone curious about Japan’s space-efficient lifestyle. These high-tech sleeping pods offer a clean, minimalist retreat complete with soft lighting, charging stations, and privacy screens. 

It’s affordable, futuristic, and surprisingly comfortable. Whether you’re a budget traveler or a novelty-seeker, this is one uniquely Japanese experience—try it at places like Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa for added style and comfort.

• Who is it for: Solo travelers, digital nomads, budget tourists, novelty-seekers
• Insider tips: Choose a capsule hotel with amenities like lounges or women-only floors. Bring earplugs for better sleep.
• Book a room at the Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa
• See our list of recommended hotels near Tokyo Station

8. Visit the Cafe Capyba (or Another Animal Cafe)

In Tokyo, you can drink coffee while petting a capybara—or a hedgehog, or even an owl. These animal cafés are quirky, relaxing, and totally unforgettable. 

Guests get up-close with creatures rarely seen outside nature documentaries, all in a cozy café setting. Whether you're looking for comfort, cuteness, or just a good Instagram shot, it’s a whimsical escape from Tokyo’s buzzing streets you shouldn’t miss.

• Address: 1 Chome-31-3 Higashimukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0032, Japan
• Who is it for: Animal lovers, couples, families, those seeking unusual experiences
• Insider tips: Make a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. Be gentle and follow staff instructions—some animals don’t like loud noises

9. Sing Karaoke at Big-O Ferris Wheel (Tokyo Dome)

Take karaoke to new heights—literally—by belting out your favorite songs inside a private cabin on the Big-O Ferris Wheel. Located at Tokyo Dome City, this one-of-a-kind experience lets you sing as the skyline slowly unfolds around you. 

With the city lights below and music all around, it's a surreal and thrilling twist on Japan’s most beloved pastime.

• Address: 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan (Tokyo Dome City)
• Who is it for: Karaoke lovers, couples, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a fun, unique Tokyo experience with stunning views.
• Best time to visit: After sunset for a magical city lights experience

10. See the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku 

Peer up at the towering Godzilla head peeking out from Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku, a tribute to Japan’s iconic movie monster. Every few minutes, it growls and flashes its eyes—drawing fans and photographers alike. 

Accessible via the hotel’s terrace for a closer look, it’s a quirky pop culture pilgrimage and a great photo op nestled in Tokyo’s buzzing entertainment district. Don’t miss it if you're a kaiju fan!

• Address: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
• Insider tips: If you’re a guest of the hotel, visit the hotel’s 8th-floor terrace for the best view
• Best time to visit: Stop by during roar times (between noon & 8 PM)

Whether you’re looking for thrills, relaxation, or a glimpse into Japan’s traditions, these activities promise something unforgettable. 

To make the most of your trip, don’t forget to check out the top things to do in Tokyo and browse our ticket shop, so that you don’t miss out on Tokyo’s most exciting experiences.