As the summer months begin in earnest, Japan is brimming with exciting new openings to thrill visitors, including unique attractions that must be experienced to be believed.
Openings in Odaiba
The hottest emerging region in Tokyo has got to be Odaiba; typically known internationally for its DiverCity shopping centre and the giant Gundam statue that looms at its entrance. There are so many exciting new openings that make a visit here essential. Among them, a massive shopping mall has been converted into a theme park called Immersive Fort Tokyo. Inspired by London’s interactive theatre shows, visitors enter into the world of the story as it unfolds throughout the park. Visitors are invited to adventure through the murder mystery of The Sherlock – Baker Street Murder Case, the Jack the Ripper horror maze, and several Anime-themed escape rooms.
Since teamLab Planets in Odaiba won the World Travel Awards for “Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2023”, it has further opened multiple locations across Japan. This spellbinding confluence of art, science and technology can now be experienced in a variety of ethereal dreamscapes from Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka to A Forest Where Gods Live in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, and Future Park in Okinawa. A new location is also coming soon to Kyoto!
Art and Animation
Where all that glitters is goldfish, the Art Aquarium Museum has reopened as a permanent exhibit in Tokyo’s Ginza district. The concept here is that rare, unusual and common goldfish are all living pieces of art, mesmerizing the observer as they swim through all shapes and sizes of glass installations and corridors, illuminated by multi-coloured lights and projections.
Japanese animation enthusiasts know the works of Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation film studio. Ghibli Park in Nagoya has launched its latest attraction based on the beloved films “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Explore the spooky Valley of Witches and Howl’s Castle. Rides and flying machines, all inspired by Studio Ghibli animations, will delight the young and young at heart.
Nintendo’s Next Level
Construction is complete! The world’s first Nintendo Museum is set to open in Uji, Kyoto this fall. This highly-anticipated museum will showcase a dazzling display of its early playing card printers and everything from the Nintendo Switch to present-day video games. It’s on like Donkey Kong!
Not to be outdone, Super Nintendo World has now opened in Osaka. Power up in this life-sized Mushroom Kingdom of interactive games and adventures. Get adrenalized by racing on cutting-edge technology Mario Karts while challenging enemies with those pesky blue shells. Hop on Yoshi for a thrilling ride along Mount Beanpole in search of treasure. Dine on Mario-themed dishes like Green Shell Calzone Filled with Yakisoba & Cheese at Yoshi’s Snack Island. This is a dream-turned-reality for family fun and a can’t-miss for those who fondly remember jumping on goombas!
