Tan Li AnnTokyo is one of those places that Singaporeans just can’t get enough of, and it’s easy to see why. We all know the classics: sushi counters, shopping in Shibuya, and the stunning red torii gates. But beyond that lies a side that’s full of surprises, the kind of offbeat experiences that leave you going, “Only in Japan!”
So if you’re looking to see a different side of this ever-evolving city, here are some delightfully unique things to try in Tokyo that you probably haven’t done yet.
1. Push over 1000 buttons at OSEBA
Image credit: Shimada | Official Website
Have you ever had an irresistible urge to push every button you see? Then OSEBA, the world’s first button-themed park, is for you! Operated by Shimada Electric Manufacturing Co., a specialist in elevator buttons, this groundbreaking recreational space in Hachioji is a dream come true for tactile enthusiasts.
Explore the “Learn” area, which details the company’s history alongside elevator development, before diving into the “Play” area. Here, you’ll find attractions like the “1000 Buttons” wall with 1,048 unique buttons to press, and the “333 Heartbeat Buttons” speed challenge. It’s a quirky, unique, and surprisingly engaging experience that celebrates the simple joy of pressing a button.
TripZilla Tip: Be sure to book in advance, as entry is by reservation only. Bring a credit card or e-wallet, as only cashless payments are accepted!
2. A journey through advertising at the Ad Museum Tokyo
Image credit: The Ad Museum Tokyo | Official Website
One thing that’s sure to stand out during your time in Tokyo is the bold, quirky and often a little weird (in the best way) advertisements. Japan’s ad culture is a world of its own and what better way to understand the country’s pop culture and societal shifts than with a visit to the Ad Museum Tokyo?
Tucked away in Shiodome, this free museum takes you on an eye-opening journey through Japan’s advertising history from Edo-period woodblock prints to nostalgic TV commercials and sleek digital campaigns. Through vintage posters, interactive displays, and multimedia exhibits, you’ll get a fascinating look at how ads have reflected and shaped Japanese life over the decades.
Whether you’re into design, marketing, or just love a good throwback, this museum offers a surprisingly fun and insightful window into Japan’s evolving identity through the lens of its ads.
3. Quench your thirst with craft cola at IYOSHI COLA (Shibuya)
Image credit: IYOSHI COLA
Step into the world of IYOSHI COLA, Japan’s pioneering craft cola. Forget your average fizzy drink, this is a meticulously brewed concoction made with a secret blend of over 10 spices and citrus fruits, including kola nuts.
Inspired by Kampo medicine techniques, the syrup is fire-glazed, creating a unique depth of flavour. You can even bring the experience home with their “Magical Syrup”, perfect for mixing with milk or alcohol. The drink is also available in pouches where the syrup is freshly mixed with soda on the spot. It’s a truly refreshing and distinctly Japanese take on a beloved beverage!
Image credit: IYOSHI COLA
And here’s an exciting update: IYOSHI COLA has just opened a directly operated store in Asakusa. Asakusa’s vibrant streets and rich food scene make it an ideal place to enjoy a glass of IYOSHI COLA. Be sure to pay them a visit on your next trip to Tokyo as you soak in the atmosphere of this historic neighbourhood!
4. Immerse yourself in the profound world of tea at the OCHA CULTURE CREATION MUSEUM and the Oi Ocha Museum
Image credit: OCHA CULTURE CREATION MUSEUM | Official Website
At the OCHA CULTURE CREATION MUSEUM, you can explore the history of tea and how its consumption has evolved. From the days when it was consumed as medicine to its role as an indispensable part of daily life today, the museum offers insights into tea’s fascinating transformation.
Oi Ocha Museum | Official Website
The Oi Ocha Museum features digital photo spots and hands-on seminars (advance booking required) where visitors can create and take home their own personalised Oi Ocha bottle. It is an interactive facility filled with experiential content, designed to help you learn about “Oi Ocha” in a fun and engaging way.
5. Splash into Tokyo Bay on the Kaba Bus
Image credit: FUJIKYUKO.CO.,LTD
If you love theme park rides that suddenly take a splash, you have to try Tokyo’s Kaba Bus. This amphibious ride is guaranteed to take your city tour to a whole new level! The Kaba Bus Ride begins at Aqua City Odaiba on land, before making a dramatic splash into Tokyo Bay from the slope within Odaiba Seaside Park.
Image credit: FUJIKYUKO.CO.,LTD
Experience a thrilling ride as you cruise towards iconic landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge from a whole new perspective. It’s a dynamic and exciting way to see the city’s waterfront.
6. Step back in time at Kiyosumi Garden
Image credit: Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
Escape the urban bustle and find serenity at Kiyosumi Garden, a hidden oasis tucked away in Koto City. With a large pond at its centre, 3 isowatari (stepping stone pathways) and landscaped greenery, it’s a peaceful reminder of Japan’s deep love for harmony and nature.
Watch soft-shelled turtles bask on rocks, spot small birds flitting between trees, and catch a glimpse of a graceful heron perched by the water’s edge as you follow winding trails. The garden’s carefully curated design changes with the seasons, making every visit feel fresh and poetic. It’s a tranquil escape offering a glimpse into Edo-period aesthetics and a peaceful respite from the city’s pace.
7. Discover history amidst the scenic Zojoji Temple
Image credit: Zojoji Temple
Nestled beside the iconic Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple offers a unique blend of spiritual tranquillity and urban spectacle. This historic Buddhist temple, with a long and storied history, stands in striking contrast to the gleaming Tokyo Tower that rises just behind it.
Wander through the peaceful grounds, admire the traditional architecture, and don’t miss The Treasure Gallery, where you’ll find intricate artworks such as scroll paintings and a detailed model of the Taitoku-in Mausoleum, the final resting place of several Tokugawa shoguns (rulers of Japan during the Edo period).
If you’re heading up to Tokyo Tower or exploring nearby neighbourhoods, a stop at Zojoji is an easy and meaningful way to sprinkle a little culture into your itinerary.
Please note that entry via Sangedatsumon Gate will be closed until the end of August 2025 due to construction; visitors should use the old Hojomon Gate (also known as the Kuromon Gate) or the entrance in front of Ankokuden Hall instead. Check Zojoji Temple’s official website for updates before your visit!
8. Get up close with aviation at JAL Sky Museum
Image credit: JAL Sky Museum
What better way to wrap up your Tokyo adventure than by getting up close with the very thing that brought you here — the plane! Located near Haneda Airport, the JAL Sky Museum is the perfect final stop before your flight, especially if you’ve got a bit of time to spare.
This immersive museum offers a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Japanese aviation. Learn about the history of Japan Airlines, browse through exhibits featuring retro flight attendant uniforms, aircraft models, and interactive displays on the mechanics of flight. The highlight? A rare opportunity to enter the JAL maintenance hangar and see real aircraft up close, a jaw-dropping sight for aviation fans and curious travellers alike.
TripZilla Tip: Visits to the JAL Sky Museum are by online reservation only, and spots are limited to around 30–70 people per session, so be sure to book early!
These unique experiences go beyond the usual itinerary, offering a playful, curious, and deeply local look into what makes Tokyo so unforgettable. So the next time you find yourself in Japan’s dazzling capital, go off the beaten track. Seek out the offbeat, the surprising, and the quietly magical, and you’ll find a Tokyo that’s more personal, more memorable, and uniquely yours!
Brought to you by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
