Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Japan

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Japan
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Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Makuhari Messe

3.5

449 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Chiba Pref. Chibashi Mihama-ku Nakase 2-1

A convention center capable of hosting domestic and international trade fairs, product fairs, exhibitions, events, and meetings. There’s always a host of fun programs being conducted at Makuhari Messe. In addition to 11 exhibition halls, there’s also numerous conference rooms, restaurants, and other facilities; the size of the structure will astound you. The shortest access routes for international exhibition halls 1-8 and 9-11, the Makuhari Event Hall, and the international conference rooms all differ, so be sure to check where the event you’re interested in is before heading out.

Makuhari Messe looked a little shabby compared to Tokyo Big Site. The site was big enough but it looked so much outdated.
Ashikaga Flower Park

4.5

1008 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tochigi Pref. Ashikagashi Hasamachou 607

A full spectrum of flowers bloom in this flower park, located in Tochigi Prefecture. One particularly famous specimen is the wisteria said to be over 140 years old, and designated as a Prefectural Natural Monument. Many visitors come from all over the country during peak season when Japan’s largest wisteria and white Japanese wisteria bloom and form a tunnel. In winter, you’ll find one of the largest illumination displays in Kanto, with four million light bulbs.

I think it is better to visit maybe end of April. Even though we enjoyed the garden very much but most of the flowers already bloomed and maybe some with leftover late bloomers.
Tokyo Dome City

4.0

761 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Bunkyou-ku Kouraku 1-3-61

This is a general entertainment area that is centered around Tokyo Dome, the baseball stadium that is home to the Yomiuri Giants. Facilities include Tokyo Dome Attractions (the old Korakuen Amusement Park) where guests can enjoy attractions such as thrill rides and a Ferris Wheel, LaQua with its spa facilities, Korakuen Hall which is known as a holy land for martial arts, and the Tokyo Dome Hotel.

Went here on our last day of 3 weeks in Japan. For lunch After visiting the beautiful gardens near by. There the huge stadium and two huge shopping malls that surround some open plaza space and an...
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

4.0

1400 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nagano Pref. Kitasakugunkaruizawamachi Karuizawa

A gigantic shopping mall and virtual landmark in Karuizawa. With a total of seven parking areas, shoppers visiting by car are encouraged to look up which stores they are most interested in before choosing where to park. In addition to fashion brands, the mall also contains a shop selling Karuizawa sweets and jams, making it the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs as well. Children can play to their hearts’ content in the spacious outdoor kids park.

This outlet mall is situated just in front of shinkansen station and very accesible. The mall is very huge with many brand stores selling outlet items. The price is very reasonable for some brands...
Tokyo International Forum

4.0

943 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Marunouchi 3-5-1

A multipurpose public culture facility with eight halls of various sizes as well as 34 meeting rooms. The facility frequently hosts cultural events that help share with the world the unique charms of Japan. The airy Glass Building hall, walled in by huge glass panels, has been awarded three Michelin stars, and is a popular tourist spot in and of itself. The entire facility is decorated with works of art, and visitors can come and enjoy the building like an art museum.

The Tokyo International Forum truly is a photography wonderland. Head into the main building and take the elevator to the 7th floor. There are so many cool angles to shoot in this architectural...
Hanshin Koshien Stadium

4.5

677 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hyougo Pref. Nishinomiyashi Koushienchou 1-82

This baseball stadium is in Koshien Town, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture and is the headquarters of the professional baseball team the “Hanshin Tigers.” It is also used as the site for the two major national high school baseball competitions, the “Japanese High School Baseball Championship” held in summer and the “Japanese High School Baseball Invitational Tournament” held in spring. While it features single-layer type stands, it has the largest capacity of any baseball stadium in Japan. The “Koshien Museum,” which introduces the history of the stadium and the Tigers as well as high school baseball, is a popular attraction, as are the stadium tours. There's plenty of original food as well, and the jumbo grilled chicken skewers, Koshien curry, and Koshien fried soba are famous.

If you have never been to a Japanese baseball game you are missing a great time and this stadium adds to the event. The home team has cheerleaders and plays music for every hitter. The stadium is...
Nara Park

Leisure / Hobbies

Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou · Kasugano Town, Noborioji Town, Takahata-machi other

Nara Park is located directly next to the famous temples and shrine of Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple, as well as the Nara National Museum. The park is inhabited by sika deer, designated as a Natural Monument, and visitors can observe these wild animals up close. Throughout the year important buildings in the park are lit up at night, which engenders a magical atmosphere very different to that of the daytime.
Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum

4.5

2178 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-4-1

Located near Ryogoku Kokugikan, the museum has been popular since its opening in 1993 as a place to reflect on the history and culture of Edo Tokyo and to consider the future of the city and people's lives. Many foreign tourists visit this facility to enjoy learning about the city, its culture, and the lives of the people of Edo Tokyo.

Well worth a trip - lovely exhibition, amazing building. I spent around 3 hours looking at the various displays. Truly fascinating and gives a great understanding of the Edo period. Staff were...
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

4.0

1089 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Koutou-ku Aomi 2-3-6

This is a national science museum on Odaiba island. The permanent exhibits cover a broad range of subjects from the simple science questions to those regarding the latest technologies including the earth environment, space exploration, and the wonders of life. The dome shaped theater that plays 3D science films and other three-dimensional planetarium presentations is very popular. The director of this museum is the famous astronaut, Mamoru Mohri.

If you come expecting a museum of emerging science and technology, you might be a tad disappointed. This really is more of a set of more or less sophisticated art pieces and exhibits showcasing...
Ritsurin Garden (designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty)

4.5

1584 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Ritsurinchou 1-20-16

Situated in the eastern foothills of Shiun-zan (Mt. Shiun), Ritsurin Garden was formerly the garden of a daimyo (feudal lord), and is now a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Of the gardens in Japan that are designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty, this is one of the largest. The Garden comprises the North Garden, which was completed in modern times, and the South Garden, which features a circuitous path round a pond. With the verdant greenery of Mt. Shiun as a backdrop, the Ritsurin Garden is beautifully laid out, with six ponds and thirteen artificial hills; in every season (spring, summer, autumn and winter) the garden has its own unique majesty. There are a number of places to stop and rest within the garden, including the Higurashi-tei teahouse and the Ritsurin-an shop, which sells local specialty products from various parts of Kagawa Prefecture. The garden can be reached by bus from JR Takamatsu Station; get off at the “Ritsurin Garden” stop.

One of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. So many colorful koi fish and different kinds of trees and flowers. Must visit when you go to Takamatsu! Take a tram or bus from Takamatsu Station.
Kabukiza Theatre

4.5

1016 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Chuou-ku Ginza 4-12-15

This theater located in the Ginza area of Tokyo's Chuo City is dedicated solely to kabuki. The current building is the fifth iteration of the Kabuki-za, having undergone reconstruction and remodeling in accordance with destruction by fire, repairs, and changing eras since it opened in 1889. In addition to the many types of seats from the first floor box seats to the third floor seats, on the fourth floor are the popular “hito-maku miseki,” special seats that allow people to see any one act of a kabuki play. The building's Japanese-style exterior with its tiled roof and balustrades makes for a splendid balance with the Kabukiza Tower that stands behind it and the Ginza streetscapes. In the basement is the Kobikicho Plaza with souvenir shops and restaurants.

To let others know incase you share my characteristics - I am queer/trans, overweight, tattooed, use a walking stick with limited mobility, white british. We needed to pick up our tickets from under...
Sankeien Garden

4.5

1148 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Honmokusannotani 58-1

The Sankeien garden is an extensive garden located in the Honmoku district of Southeast Yokohama, looking out over Tokyo Bay. The garden was created by Hara Sankei (Hara Tomitaro), an entrepreneur who made a fortune as a silk trader. Within the Sankeien, historic buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura etc. have been skillfully positioned for best visual effect; the Sankeien now contains 10 buildings that have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties, and three that have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by Yokohama City Government. During Hara Sankei’s lifetime, the Sankeien garden played an important role in the cultivation and supporting of avant-garde artists; some of the classic works of modern Nihonga painting—including Maeda Seison’s “The Uprising of Enryaku-ji Monks” and Yokoyama Taikan’s “Ryuin”—were painted here.

I have a yearly pass that’s truly one of the treasure of Yokohama. I would would recommend Visiting at different times of year.
CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

4.5

682 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25

This museum in Ikeda City, Osaka, first opened in 1999 at the birthplace of instant ramen. With a variety of displays and hands-on exhibits you can learn all about the history and development of instant ramen by Nissin Foods' founder, Ando Momofuku. Don't miss the display which shows off almost 800 different products from throughout Nissin Foods' history. The Chicken Ramen Factory where you can make your own chicken ramen (fee and reservation required) and the My CupNoodle Factory where you can make your own personal CupNoodle blend (fee required) are both very popular. Admission is free.

We came on our last day, when we have time and didn’t know where to burn. We took the train, followed google map. At the entrance we were welcomed by the security guard, otherwise we might have just...
Kyocera Dome Osaka

4.0

325 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osakashi Nishi-ku Chiyozaki 3 - Medium 2 - 1

This domed baseball stadium in Nishi Ward in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture is commonly known by the name of its predecessor, the Osaka Dome, and is the home ground of the Orix Buffaloes. Comprised of nine floors above ground and one basement level, this massive baseball field is frequently used for concerts and events in addition to actual baseball games. The stadium’s shopping mall (entry free) includes an official shop selling Buffaloes merchandise. The stadium’s tours (fee required) are also popular and enable participants to see the insides of the dome and players practicing up close.

Great night and attendance watching my first baseball game in Osaka 2023/6/7 with the buffaloes taking on the tokyo giants,what a way to be able to pick a night for a great baseball game here...
Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

4.0

1011 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Shinyokohama 2-14-21

This food theme park, which opened in the Shin-Yokohama district in 1994, was built around the concept of being able to eat ramen from all over the country without having to fly there. The interior, which recreates a Showa-period retro townscape, hosts famous ramen shops from not just all over Japan but from around the world. Attractions other than eating ramen include a gallery featuring exhibits on the history of ramen, a museum shop that offers souvenir ramen kits, a retro candy shop, events including live music, street performances, and picture story shows, and more. It is located a five-minute walk from JR Shin-Yokohama Station.

This is a small museum that re-creates the old Tokyo alleys full of ramen shops. There is some text information about ramen and its history but most of it is in Japanese only. It takes 10-15 minutes...
Showa Kinen Park

4.5

710 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Tachikawashi Midorichou 3173

Established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's reign, this is a national park built on the grounds of the former Tachikawa Airport with an area of 180 hectares (approximately 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome). Visitors to the spacious park can view various flowers and plants throughout the year, and in spring guests can enjoy more than 1,500 cherry trees in bloom. Rainbow Pool, available only in summer, is a wide water space some 1.4 times the size of Tokyo Dome. In winter, there is also a Christmas illumination. The Green Cultural Zone is not only used as an event space but also for a fireworks festival in summer.

Flowers & Gardens, like the Teien, are always beautiful, but it is not well known that the kids area is very imaginative, creative, and great fun for younger kids. There is a huge, white...
Hibiya Park

4.0

1111 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Hibiyakouen 1-6

A metropolitan park opened in 1903 as Japan’s first modern Western-style park. The park’s spacious grounds are filled with a variety of trees and flowers and is a popular and well-known place to enjoy flowers. Events are held in the park year-round such as gardening shows and a Christmas market.

WHERE / how to get there: This park is humongous, and right in the midst of the main business district, just a 15-minute walk or 20-minute stroll along Naka Street (Naka-dori Avevue) from central...
IKSPIARI

4.0

1211 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Chiba Pref. Urayasushi Maihama 1-4

This business area—IKSPIARI—is divided into nine zones according to theme, with 140 charming restaurants and shops to make a street filled with entertainment and fun. The centrally-located square is reminiscent of the outdoor amphitheaters of Europe, and is home to many events. There is also a movie theater, so you can enjoy a meal, shopping, and a movie—perfect for kids and adults.

It was really crowded everywhere, impossible to walk into a restaurant. At popular meal times, there would be queues of at least 10 parties. Even at a timing of 2pm for lunch, there were still queues...
Adachi Museum of Art

4.5

1076 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Furukawachou 320

An art museum located in Furukawa Town, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture which focuses on displaying modern Japanese paintings. The museum’s collection includes master Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan’s masterpieces “Koyo” and “Ame hareru,” in addition to works by other modern Japanese painters such as Takeuchi Seiho and Hashimoto Kansetsu, in addition to ceramics by renowned artist Kitaouji Rosanjin. The museum’s exhibit is changed four times a year in line with the seasons. The museum is also famous for Japanese gardens such as the Karesansui-tei rock garden and Hakusaseisho-tei sand and pine garden, totaling some 50 thousand square meters in all. The museum’s gardens are revered around the world and they have long ranked in at number one on the American Japanese gardening magazine “Journal of Japanese Gardening’s” list of top gardens.

The museum requires a train ride and then a short (free) trip on a tram to the museum. The art in the museum is mediocre, not world class. The gardens are overdone and the fake waterfall adds a...
Ryogoku Kokugikan

4.5

884 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-3-28

Called the Ryogoku Kokugikan, this is widely known as a venue for sumo competitions. It can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators and hosts various events besides sumo including pro-wrestling, boxing and concerts. Inside the venue’s shop visitors can purchase sweets and original merchandise featuring sumo motifs even when an official sumo tournament is not being held. The facility also houses the Sumo Museum where visitors can see color prints and ornamental aprons, as well as photos of past yokozuna champions.

This is the center of the Sumo Universe. Best venue to watch Sumo. The seating is traditional Japanese downstairs and western actual chair seats upstairs. If you enjoy being folded up like a lawn...