Tokyo boasts numerous erotic massage parlors known as soaplands that specialize in sexual services, which are particularly popular with foreigners (Gaijin). Men engage in sexual acts on stage at some Tokyo strip clubs – an unusual spectacle indeed! One of the more unusual activities available here.
1. Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, has been featured in movies and TV shows as well as by travel bloggers and photographers. Situated near Hachiko station exit, this intersection often exhibits manic chaos while simultaneously remaining perfectly coordinated; making it an excellent way to witness Japan’s diverse mix of people and culture first-hand.
At peak hours, this intersection attracts as many as 2,500 pedestrians every couple minutes at each light change. To avoid crowds and take full advantage of all that the area has to offer, I advise visiting in the evening or on weekends when its vibrancy really comes alive with street performers, dance groups and various small bars and Izakaya (Japanese style pubs).
If you prefer taking a more relaxing approach, there are numerous cafes offering spectacular views of Shibuya Crossing such as Starbucks on Tsutaya Street operated by L’Occitane with floor to ceiling windows looking onto this busy intersection. Another excellent spot is Magent by Shibuya 109 building’s rooftop MAG’s PARK where you can sip coffee or cocktails while taking in stunning vistas of this intersection.
Shibuya’s nightlife scene can be found along Center Gai Street with an abundance of bars, Izakayas and clubs to choose from. Additionally, shopping can be enjoyed at malls or the popular and young fashion complex called Magnet by Shibuya 109 which houses over 100 boutique stores for both women and men.
2. Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling has long been revered for its brutality and grimy realism, and while recent scandals may have dimmed some of its appeal, watching these powerful warriors go head-to-head live is always a remarkable experience. Classic and timeless in its appeal, sumo features throws, spins and near misses to keep fans of all kinds engaged with its classic sport format.
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, and one of the best ways to experience its centuries-old traditions is attending an official tournament. Each year, six basho are held across Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka spanning 15 days of bouts and featuring top wrestlers known as rikishi earning ranks (called banzuke) that determine their prize money potential in future matches.
Wrestlers live together in “stables,” similar to dorms, that are tightly managed by stable masters and overseers. While it is impossible for most visitors to visit an actual stable directly, tours exist that provide the chance for viewers to witness morning training sessions at Ryogoku.
Tickets may be purchased either on-site or online ahead of time and come in various seating arrangements; box seats offer closer action but are more costly; balcony seats are an affordable choice and ringside “tamari” seats were once only accessible to sumo association members and sponsors, but are now open to the general public as well. Ticket prices typically range from around 2,000 yen for section C seating up to approximately 10,000 yen for top seats in the house.
3. M’s
M’s Adult Department Store in Tokyo is the largest adult department store, boasting seven floors of shopping that will bring your fetish fantasies to life. They stock everything from condoms and erection enhancers, to some of Japan’s strangest foods – Mos Burger offers fast-food burgers served on rice buns!
On a visit to M’s, it quickly becomes evident that Japan remains male-dominated; for every device designed to enhance female pleasure there appear to be 10 onahole devices aimed at men. When visiting Tokyo’s “mizu shobai” – soaplands and pink salons – remember to always rely on your instincts and use common sense when visiting to avoid any potential trouble or injury.
Tokyo boasts a vibrant fetish scene, including unique Japanese sexual fetishes such as furry porn, tentacle erotica and BDSM (Body Dysmorphic Spectrum Malformation), which are at the core of popular videogame-based film franchise “Final Fantasy.” You’ll find many such stores and bars for newhalfs/ladyboys such as Swan’s Dream Bar and K’s Bar in Shinjuku Ni-chome – where many other gay people gather as well.
4. Akihabara
Akihabara, commonly referred to as Akiba Denki Gai (“Electric Town”) is an exciting shopping district filled with electronic goods and anime merchandise stores that is popular with young people looking for geek-tastic goods – and has grown ever more so among foreign tourists who discover Japanese pop culture.
Find yourself lost among an abundance of video game stores, manga cafes, hotels and capsule hotels? Akihabara and its surrounding neighborhoods offers plenty of opportunities for exploration!
Akihabara offers many unique experiences, and one such activity is to visit a maid cafe – cafes where employees dress in maid outfits to simulate a maid service experience for customers. Maid cafes have become quite a phenomenon in Japan and their concept can be likened to that of AKB48 group (Japanese idol group widely popular overseas). Servers at these maid cafes tend to be very adorable and friendly while sometimes offering additional services such as playing video games or reading books aloud for their customers!
Akihabara offers the perfect experience for anyone interested in otaku culture; for those with an affinity towards manga and anime stores the best thing to do would be checking them out. These stores tend to attract an eclectic mix of men and women passionately engaged with their chosen genre, browsing titles or purchasing rare editions of older manga from them – some stores even feature their own in-house manga artist who draws exclusively for them!
Akihabara offers many adult stores specializing in adult toys and other pron kinky items, as well as stores selling adult entertainment such as sex toys. One noteworthy stop to visit in Akihabara is Radio Kaikan, once Akihabara’s main radio station that now houses shops offering everything from high-end audio equipment to hard-core otaku hobby items.
5. Ueno Park
Ueno Park, Tokyo’s largest public park, offers visitors a cultural destination full of activities to suit any interest. Visitors can explore world-class museums like Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Western Art; take a walk around lush grounds to visit various shrines and temples (Kaneiji Temple, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple and Toshogu Shrine among many), admire cherry blossom trees during spring, or watch one of many street performers performing within its grounds.
Shinobazu Pond, with its sea of lotus flowers from mid-July to mid-August, is one of the highlights of Shinobazu Park and one of Tokyo’s premier spots for flower viewing (hanami). Over one thousand cherry blossom trees can be seen scattered throughout its grounds – drawing thousands of visitors who come here each springtime just for this reason alone!
For those seeking a peaceful experience, there are benches conveniently placed around the pond. Furthermore, rent a foot-paddle boat to fully immerse themselves into this tranquil landscape and when night falls over 1,000 lanterns are lit to continue celebrating hanami into the evening hours.
Gotanda may not be as well known or large as Kabukicho’s more well-known red light district, but it still provides its own special flavor. Home to several brothels and often considered Tokyo’s second red light district. Foreign visitors looking for more intimate and discreet experiences frequently visit Gotanda.