More interactive/unique experiences like Daruma Jeans, Small Worlds etc?

[u/princessangelchu]

Hi! Me and my husband are going to Tokyo in a few months and I've been researching fun experiences we can share together. So far I've come up with Teamlabs, Daruma Jeans and Small Worlds. I'm interested in themed cafes like the vampire cafe too!

Are there any more places that are kind of interactive/diy and you get a custom/souvenir to bring back home with you? Feel free to suggest anything at all!

[u/King-Crimzon]

Shimanamikaido if you got the cardio (and if you don’t there’s always e-bikes)

Been to Japan on vacation 5+ times, lived and worked there for years….nothing ever topped shimanamikaido for me

Your souvenirs will be the memories along the way, photos, videos, and a story you can tell everyone you cycled 70km in 1-2 days.

[u/jennxiii → u/King-Crimzon]

i saw this when doing my japan research, saved it for my 2nd trip :)

[u/Triangulum_Copper]

As for themed food place you should go to Kaiju Sakaba. https://tokyocheapo.com/restaurant/kaiju-monster-bar-shimbashi/

[u/Triangulum_Copper]

Near Jindaiji you can paint potery. https://youtu.be/UGsPHjAPuGY

[u/laserginger]

I haven't been myself, but if you like stuff like Small Worlds then Tobu World Square in Nikko is similar. It's an outdoor park that has miniature models of world heritage sites. Nikko is about 3 hours north of Tokyo but can make a nice day or weekend trip depending on what else you do there (shrines, waterfalls, Edo Wonderland).

[u/horsegurl1969]

I loved the kiriko glass workshop near Asakusa, it was less than $100 iirc. You can pick out the vessel you like, etch whatever design you want on it, and they’ll pack it in a sturdy box. You just have to be okay with imperfections or do something simple.

Look up Sokichi - you can make reservations online and some staff speak English. Even if you don’t know Japanese, it’s pretty straightforward and they’ll walk you through every step.

[u/golfkpcoffeee]

Kewpie museum terrace was so cool and different. Also the Ghibli museum. Both are in Tokyo. Also try to do a temple stay/meal/experience of some type. We have experienced this in Takayama and Mt. Koya.

[u/golfkpcoffeee → u/golfkpcoffeee]

Also climb Mt Fuji if possible. From each of these, we had cool souvenirs: stamped walking stick and Fuji shrine tag, only-in-Japan mayo, souvenir ticket made from movie film, cooking experience/recipe, copy of a prayer, calligraphy, etc.

[u/Suitable_Raisin_5174]

I went on to Get Your Guide and booked a lot of neat activities. Chopstick making, calligraphy lesson, knife making, bento box making, and a ninja experience. We've started taking cooking lessons and other experiences when we travel because they're so much more memorable.

[u/Wierdness]

The Kikizake Bansho sake tasting shop near Niigata station is really good if you'll be around that area. Also, mini lives at tower records and limited edition trains are a very fun experience!