1. Get Served by Robots
There were so many moments in Tokyo where it felt like we’d stepped into the future, and visiting Pepper Parlor was definitely one of them. As soon as we walked in, a robot greeted us and guided us to our table. From there, our robotic server took our order and even delivered our food—it was surreal in the best way.
Pepper Parlor, tucked away on the 5th floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, is home to SoftBank’s humanoid robots named Pepper. These robots don’t just serve food—they chat, play games, and even break out into dance routines, adding a playful and futuristic vibe to the whole experience.
The menu was broad, offering everything from ramen to salads, but to be honest, the food was just okay—we’ve had much better meals elsewhere in Tokyo. Still, you’re really here for the novelty. Being served by a robot? That’s a story you’ll be telling for a while.
2. Experience a Maid Cafe
We got very cute and fancy desserts here!
Maid cafés in Tokyo are a quirky experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Nestled mostly in the Akihabara area, these themed cafés feature waitresses dressed in frilly maid outfits who treat guests like royalty—literally calling them “Master” or “Princess.”
The experience is more about the playful atmosphere than the food, with over-the-top cute presentations, interactive games, and even song-and-dance performances. It’s part performance, part café, and all uniquely Tokyo. Whether you’re into cosplay culture or just curious, visiting a maid café is a fun, offbeat way to dive into Japan’s pop culture scene.
The cutesy costumes and behavior give some people the impression that maid cafés are meant to be sexual in nature, but we found the experience to be very wholesome. Maid cafés are rooted in moe, a Japanese pop culture term that refers to affection for cute, innocent characters. While some cafés may be more flirtatious in nature, all maid cafés operate under strict rules. No touching or photographing the maids is allowed.
3. Drink in Golden Gai
There was no room to move in this small bar, but we had a great time!
Stepping into Golden Gai feels like you’re entering a different era. This maze of narrow alleyways is packed with over 200 ultra-small bars, many of which have just a handful of seats and their own distinct theme or vibe—think punk rock, 1960s film, or jazz dens. It’s a favorite hangout for artists, musicians, and curious travelers looking for an authentic, intimate experience.
While some bars cater to regulars, many are foreigner-friendly and welcome visitors with open arms and a good drink. We visited a few of the different bars while we were there, the heavy metal bar being our favorite. If you’re looking for Tokyo’s gritty charm and personality in one place, Golden Gai is it.
4. Eat in Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho is one of Tokyo’s most unique dining spots. This bustling alley is lined with tiny izakayas, where you’ll be sitting shoulder to shoulder with both locals and fellow tourists. The food is simple and unpretentious, but packed with flavor. Everything looked and smelled so good that we had a hard time choosing where to eat. It’s the perfect place for a casual, affordable meal before heading to Golden Gai for a night out.
5. Step into a Digital Wonderland at teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets is an immersive art museum in Tokyo’s Toyosu district. Visitors explore vast, interactive spaces barefoot, engaging with digital installations that blend art, technology, and nature. All the exhibits were really interesting, but our favorites were walking through water and the flower garden room.
6. Try the Vending Machines
We bought popcorn out of this vending machine.
A quirky thing Japan is known for is having vending machines everywhere. You couldn’t walk a block in Tokyo without seeing a vending machine and they serve everything from water to toys to full hot meals.
Having vending machines around the city proved to be very convenient. We took advantage of them quite often, grabbing coffees or water while we were walking around the city. For a truly unique experience, make sure to check out the vending machine corner in Akihabara (Japan, 〒101-0041 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Sudacho, 2 Chome−１９−7), where you can find vintage machines selling all sorts of unexpected and fascinating items.
7. Experience a Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is a time-honored ritual that has been practiced for centuries. In the heart of Tokyo, you can participate in a ceremony where every movement is deliberate and meaningful—from the precise preparation of matcha to the careful presentation of tea bowls. The quiet atmosphere, the calming rituals, and the focus on mindfulness make it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re at a temple, a tea house, or a cultural center, the tea ceremony offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the art of tea-making.
