Top 5 Places to go in Japan

By M.E. Ferreira

  To many travel fanatics out there, Japan is the place to go. With its history, food and incredible sights, Japan has been a popular tourist destination for quite a while now, but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming to pick things to do. This guide is my top 5 current recommendations for fun things to do in Japan.

Teamlab:

   Everyone knows TeamLab as the "cool museums in Japan". People are drawn in from all over, intrigued by the endless flower fields, glowing lamps and light waterfalls the museums offer. From personal experience I can sum up the museums in one word: amazing. TeamLab Borderless and TeamLab Planets were probably my favourite parts about Japan; never have I gone to such fun and innovative museums before, getting to know and interact with the futuristic spaces and explore the different designs was incredible. I truly recommend them to anyone going to Tokyo.

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Hakone Open air museum:

The Open-Air museum was one of the most delightful experiences of my stay in Japan. They manage to create a great balance between art and nature, the giant expositions and beautiful views complementing each other in a way most wouldn't even imagine. Their several exhibitions, while at contrast, make for a very fun time; there are some above water, some you have to get high up to experience, and even a Picasso one. The museum works in the following way: there are paths you can take to see the different exhibitions, and you make your way around until you get back to the entrance/exit. Throughout the way, there are indoor exhibitions and cafes, too. One of my favourite parts was the gift shop, where you can find mini buildable sculptures just like the ones you've seen outside.

Kyoto Path of bamboo:

While walking through the towering stalks, I had the sensation of walking in another world. Even if just for five minutes, this is something I highly recommend for anyone in Kyoto. A useful tip is to go earlier in the morning, so that the park will be mostly empty with plenty of space for pictures and exploring

Ghibli museum:

For fans and non-fans of the Ghibli movies, this is an amazing place to go regardless. The maze-like building offers a series of fun, beautiful and cute things to experience; from t in the ceiling to a mini movie theatre in the basement. Buying tickets months in advance is definitely worth it when you're able to explore the colourful house.

Disney:

Disney Tokyo is filled with delicious treats and fun rides; this fun twist to the very well-known park is stunning, with a variety of new rides and attractions. I would recommend setting two days aside for it, one for Disney Sea and one for the regular park, especially since these use the old fast-pass system, meaning you will only be able to get one or two of them.

Bonus: Reissue café

This small café in Tokyo will make all of your latte dreams come true. With their extensive 2-d and 3-d art menu, you can choose a fun character to adorn your favorite hot drink!