You’ve got every precious day in Japan all planned out…then you wake up one morning and it’s raining. Here are some only-in-Japan things you can do on a rainy day that might deliver even more fun than what you thought you’d be doing today!
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Only-in-Japan Aquariums
If the word “aquarium” conjures up elementary school field trips, think again! These Japanese extravaganzas deliver the kind of entertainment that will wow your socks off.
Or how about immersing yourself in one of Tokyo’s
Digital Wonderlands
Only in Japan will you find the kind of technical perfection and creative gorgeousness that makes these digital environments so perfectly immersive, interactive, and awe-inspiring
Or, if you’re looking for real places that will remind you’re not in Kansas anymore…
Only-in-Japan Photo Gold
These might not have been on your must-see list, but I guarantee they’ll be one of the first things you’ll talk about when someone asks, “So, what did you do on your vacation?”
And if “traditional Japan” is what you can’t get enough of, try
Traditional Japan…with a twist
From bare-chested priests beating man-sized taiko drums at a fire ceremony to Japan’s unique take on a haunted house, if you’re in the mood for traditional Japanese arts, you can’t go wrong with these.
Or you can kill two birds with one stone and do a little
Cultural Shopping
Feast your eyes on Japan’s traditional arts while stocking up on gifts & souvenirs to remind you of the best rainy day ever.
If your taste runs more to popcult…
Shop for all the latest, greatest, wackiest, stuff
These multi-floor emporiums of all the hottest Japanese products and gadgets are rabbit holes you can disappear into for hours, and they have multiple locations all over Tokyo (Note: don’t fall in love with anything you see here, because what makes these stores evergreen sources of delight is that their merch changes all the time!)
Here are Google maps showing all the locations for:
Hands
Loft
Don Quihote
Yodobashi Camera
Village Vanguard
LABI
Here are some rainy day experiences you’ll enjoy even more with kids!
Kid Pleasers
And some shopping experiences that are especially kid-friendly
Only-in-Japan Shops That Kids Love
And don’t forget that only-in-Japan eating can be a truly cultural experience in itself!
Destination Eats
Naturally, there are some places that are well worth spending hours in, rain or shine. Like these
Museums you won’t want to leave
Note: Some of these museums can be viewed in an hour if you’re not a deeply rabid fan, so if you really want to fill hours of downpour time in one place, the best bets are: Artison, Fukagawa-Edo, Hotel Gajoen Gallery, Miraikan, Mori, National Museum of Science & Nature, Ueshima and Yushūkan.
Click here for links to current exhibitions at all my favorite Tokyo museums:
Or head back to The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 