Location: Tokyo
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10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Tokyo That You Shouldn't Miss
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
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1. Mori Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,105 reviews
This museum, located in Roppongi Hills, is one of Asia's largest spaces for contemporary art.
Reviewed By warrenD190 - Vladivostok, Russia
You can find some great exhibitions here and couple a visit to the art museum with a visit to the observatory with a 360 degree panorama of Tokyo, as spectacular as or more spectacular than the view from the SkyTree and a lot shorter line. I brought professional camera gear and they let me go up on the roof, otherwise restricted. Fantastic
2. Edo-Tokyo Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,176 reviews
The Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum opened its doors in March 1993 as a space to reflect on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo and envision the city and life of the future. Housed in a unique building modeled after an elevated-floor type warehouse, the museum has been a landmark and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo since its opening. The permanent exhibition, showcasing original objects and replicas, offers visitors a journey through the 400-year history of Edo-Tokyo since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds special exhibitions at the first floor gallery five to six times a year and carries out various other events, including lectures and workshops on the history and culture of Edo-Tokyo. ※As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Edo Tokyo Museum will suspend or cancel museum-organized exhibitions and other events from April 25 (Sun) to May 31 (Tue).
Reviewed By stephanied623 - Milwaukee, United States
When we went, we chose a Saturday to see the live re-enactment of Edo-period music and dance. (Found those details on Peatix) and we were not disappointed! So beautiful! The museum itself was also very impressive. Loved the Bridge and Home Replicas, a few interactive exhibits to touch and try, and the audio guide fits on one ear and starts talking about the exhibit you are near by tapping it to the sign or walking near. Very wonderful sights and experiences here. Beautiful views and explanations and simply an amazing museum all around!
3. Ryogoku Kokugikan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Reviewed By larryb802 - Pattaya, Thailand
We attended the May basho in Tokyo. This was our second time at the Kokugikan for sumo. I encourage everyone to see a Grand Sumo Tournament! There are 6 such tournaments a year in Japan: 3 in Tokyo; 1 in Nagoya; 1 in Fukuoka; 1 in Osaka. I see on this site that some people have had difficulty buying sumo tickets from overseas. Others have paid way too much for their tickets. Both times, we bought our tickets through the same website (I am not allowed to state here the name of the site – I tried!). This site charges a modest fee for purchasing the tickets for you, then a small fee for international mailing you the tickets. (You can, alternately, chose to have the tickets sent to your hotel in Japan; we haven't tried this option.) Their customer service is amazing! For example, the cost for 4 people on a weekday, Arena A seats, would be: *per seat = 9,000Yen + 1,200 Service Charge = 10,200Yen *times 4 = 40,800Yen *plus 1,590 - 2,550 Yen for shipping (depending where you live) *TOTAL for 4 people = 42,390 - 43,350Yen (=about $387US) Andrew J's review on this site states that he paid $186 AUD per seat for a 3,800Yen seat (which would likely be an Arena C seat). At the site we used, he would have paid (by my calculation) 22,600 Yen total for 4 seats = about $70 AUD per seat. The site we used was not difficult to find on the Internet, so keep trying! PLEASE SEE SUMO! But, do it at a REASONABLE PRICE!
4. Ginza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,737 reviews
This large neighborhood is home to many stores and restaurants and is a favorite destination for the youth of Tokyo.
Reviewed By YairBarZohar - Qiryat Ata, Israel
This district, considered one of the most exclusive shopping areas in the world, has the largest concentration of Western brands in Japan, including Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and many others. You will also find huge stores of leading electronics companies, including Apple and Sony. Every Sunday and Saturday, from 12:00 to 17:00, the main street that passes through the Ginza district becomes a "pedestrian paradise" and is closed to vehicular traffic, so it's the best time to get there.
5. Odaiba District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,008 reviews
Another of Tokyo's entertainment districts, this man-made island in Tokyo Bay is home to restaurants, theme parks and interesting architecture.
Reviewed By unescotravelbug - Wooster, United States
I have been to Japan 8 times in the past but never made an effort to visit Odaiba till this trip since we were to depart from Haneda back to USA and stayed in Shinagawa for a night. It’s truly a fun place for all ages. Odaiba is a city of its own with amusement park, waterfront marine park where you will find a small replica of Statue of Liberty standing on the edge of the park with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay on the background. It’s the most visited site on the island. Kids love the fun activities; young adults love shopping for fashion ware, while some prefers visiting the science museums. Ferris wheel and Fuji TV headquarter’s sliver globe observatory are considered the iconic landmarks, along with Rainbow Bridge, all can be seen from the other side of Tokyo Bay by Hamamatsucho. At the waterfront by Aqua City you can include Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge and a tiny needle look of Tokyo Tower all three in one shot of picture, along with Tokyo’s skyscrapers in distance. There are varieties of international cuisines for your hungry appetite or snack shops for midday break. Marine Park is a great location to watch sunset. Night views from the waterfront are exceptional impressive when lighted Rainbow Bridge and small tourist boats shine the darkness of sky. Free shuttle provided by Tokyo Bay bus that loop around the popular sites from The Nation Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to the waterfront marine park. It runs every 20 minutes till 7pm. There is Rainbow Bus company from Shinagawa Station to Odaiba, runs every so often hourly from East Exit(Konan Exit); turn right you will see a sign directing you to the bus waiting stop. It takes 17 minutes, 210 yens each ride, the last hour of bus return is 9:57 pm., if you miss it there are taxis available to get back to Shinagawa. You can also take a private rail Yurikamome Line from Shinbashi station. If you are making a stop-over there is a manned booth for luggage stored by the west exit( near the Keikyu Rail elevator access) inside of the JR station or just rent a locker.
6. Tokyo National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,192 reviews
This famous museum houses the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. With over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000, exhibits are rotated constantly
Reviewed By E9706FNpaulo - County Monaghan, Ireland
Located at the top of Ueno Park this is a very large museum and is worth a visit to get a real appreciation of Japanese history and culture. My time was limited so only got to see a portion of worth I wanted to see but would definitely return if back in Tokyo.
7. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,558 reviews
The tallest building in Shinjuku, TMG No. 1 offers sweeping views of Tokyo -- all the way to Mt. Fuji on a clear day -- from the 45th floor observatory.
Reviewed By kc3302 - Riverwood, Australia
Fantastic views of the Tokyo City and suburbs. Free entry. There are two observation towers - one in each of the building's two towers. It is located above Tochomae Station (on the Toei Oedo line), or is a comfortable 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station (all other train lines including JR, Keio, Seibu, Odakyu and other subway lines).
8. National Museum of Nature and Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,229 reviews
Reviewed By bgood098
We had three hours to spend and were looking for something to keep our 8 year old occupied. When we asked what she was looking for, she said, “something with fossils, dinosaurs, early humans.” Hmmmm...check, check, and check. There was something for all of us to enjoy. Some exhibits were only in Japanese but many had English translations or were self explanatory. Kids had free admission. Worth a stop!
9. Nezu Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
To cooperate with extended measures to prevent further expansion of COVID-19, Nezu Museum, including the garden and NEZUCAFÉ, will remain closed,at least until May 31, 2021, and “The Allure of Color” exhibition will not reopen. For the refund of already purchased timed-entry tickets for the above exhibition, please see here. We apologize for any inconvenience caused, but look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Reviewed By RoomReport - Sydney, Australia
The Nezu Museum is an oasis in Aoyama, with a beautiful museum building, a large and lovely garden to wander around and an excellent cafe in a glass box at the top of the garden with great views over the greenery
10. National Museum of Western Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
Reviewed By PatrickLLLL - Hong Kong, China
One of the few western arts museums in the world which features a great collection of paintings by masters such as Renoir, Manet, Monet, Gaugin and more than a dozen sculptures by Rodin, and offers free admission to the public (on Saturdays). Seniors over 65 can enter free on all days. The Museum itself was the work of Le Corbusier and part of the UNESCO world heritage sites collectively designated under his name. Highly recommended. The annotations are in multiple languages including English. Allow 2 hours at least for a visit.
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