Best New Things to Do in Japan 2024

Finally heading back to Japan since its border reopening to international travelers? Besides enjoying your favorite ramen, beloved sushi, and other must-dos, make sure to check out these new and exciting activities in Japan too!

1. Immersive Fort Tokyo

Immersive Fort Tokyo is the world's first immersive theme park, featuring a range of interactive experiences and immersive theater where guests play a key role in unfolding stories and narratives. Test your sleuthing skills with various mysteries and puzzles! For example, in The Sherlock – Baker Street Murder Case, guests get deeply involved in a murder mystery, searching the park for clues to apprehend the suspect. Other attractions include a Tokyo Revengers-themed escape room, a Japanese idol-themed anime ‘Oshi no Ko’ attraction, and a Jack the Ripper horror maze!

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Step into iconic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾ at this new attraction. It's the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world, featuring exclusive sets. Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of the Wizarding World and enjoy activities like becoming a Hogwarts portrait or stepping into a Quidditch match. Don’t miss out on a refreshing Butterbeer at the world’s biggest Butterbeer bar or a Professor Umbridge-inspired Afternoon Tea.

3. SHIBUYA SKY

Experience breathtaking bird's-eye views of Tokyo at SHIBUYA SKY, a 360° open-air observation deck on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Sky Edge offers sweeping cityscape views and is perfect for a cool #ootd photo. Sky Stage features hammocks for daydreaming and cloud-watching. Sky Gallery, an indoor section, incorporates dazzling digital art displays. On the 46th floor, enjoy a drink at Paradise Lounge café and bar while admiring the view.

4. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast

Tokyo Disneyland's Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, opened during the pandemic, will finally be accessible to many for the first time! Board magical cups that “dance” to the well-known music from Beauty and the Beast and follow Belle on a romantic musical adventure inside the enchanted castle to break the curse on the Beast.

5. Toy Story Hotel

Inspired by Disney and Pixar's Toy Story films, Tokyo Disneyland’s new Toy Story Hotel immerses you in Andy’s bedroom with its iconic blue sky and white cloud wallpaper. The themed room includes an Etch-a-sketch television, Pixar lamp, and a Buzz Lightyear poster. Facilities include Slinky Dog Park, a giant game board, a Pizza Planet-themed gift shop, and Lotso Garden Cafe for delicious Toy Story-themed eats.

6. Kirby Cafe Petit

Fans of the adorable Kirby can now enjoy Kirby-themed pastries and sweets at two new Kirby Cafe Petits in Tokyo and Osaka. Try Kirby's Strawberry Pudding, featuring a cute Kirby face with pudding, sweet and sour jelly, and strawberries, or the Kirby Cafe Petit loaf, a bread loaf resembling a warp star! Cute Kirby merchandise, including stuffed toys and keychains, are also available.

7. Super Nintendo World

Join Mario and friends at Universal Studios Japan's newest attraction, Super Nintendo World! Attractions include Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure, a family-friendly roller coaster. Kinopio's Cafe serves up Mario-themed gourmet dishes like Princess Peach's Cake, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, and Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl.

8. Ghibli Park

Studio Ghibli fans, add Ghibli Park to your itinerary! This park features five zones inspired by films like My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke. Explore Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Large Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches, and Dondoko Forest, each bringing your favorite Ghibli stories to life.

9. Gundam Park and Statue

Explore the world of Gundam at the newest Gundam Park in Fukuoka, which includes VS Park with G (sports entertainment area), Gundam Side-F (merchandise area), and Namco (arcade games and claw machines). The highlight is the life-size RX-93ffν Gundam statue, perfect for photos!

10. AQUARIUM PARK AOAO SAPPORO Hokkaido

Opened in Summer 2023, AQUARIUM PARK AOAO Sapporo offers a 'gateway to nature in the city'. The aquarium features three zones with animals like penguins and a public backyard. Enjoy digital art displays and stroll through the lush mini botanical garden.

Explore these new attractions and create unforgettable memories on your next trip to Japan in 2024!