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Overview and History

Tokyo will be the first city to turn into a spaceship and fly away, possibly powered by the real volcanic erupting action of Mt. Fuji!

Robots, fish, manga, crowds, and all things exaggerated .

Here's a true story: a Japanese friend of mine in New York City once amazed me by the way she ate a tangerine. She opened the rind with three small slits, removed the fruit as a globe without breaking the rind into pieces, then sucked the juice from each little wedge of the fruit. She then put the seeds and pulpy bits back into the hollow rind, patted it closed so it looked whole again, and trotted over to the garbage can to drop it in. It looked untouched when she was done with it. Phenomenal! Remember this story when we get to "emptiness" later on.

Although Japan's people trace their roots back thousands of years before recorded history, Tokyo itself did not even have a proper castle until the sixteenth century. Maybe that's why they went hyperspeed into building up so fast after they caught one.

The city was twice completely destroyed in the last century, first in the earthquake of 1923 and then again in the bombings of WWII. It was completely rebuilt in time for the 1964 Summer Olympics; Tokyo appears to be so modern for these reasons.

For an example of some new construction projects, take a loot at the Maru building and the Tokyo International Forum. The Tokyo International Forum is an exhibition and concert hall and conference center that, from the outside, looks like a boat. A shiny steel boat made of glass...

The city first became the center of a national government in 1603 under Tokugawa Ieyasu, and only became the imperial capital in 1868. During this time period the population grew to more than one million people, ranking it among the largest cities in the world.

Fortunately for these teeming masses, Tokyo was designed around several large train stations all to be connected by the under and over-ground railways. It's got the largest network of trains in the world today, including the monorail and magnetic-levitation bullet trains that travel at speeds up to five hundred kilometers per hour! You can kill a lot of meters going that fast.

There are lots of bridges in Tokyo for surface transport. Here's the Harumi bridge , 600m long.

Thirty five million people now call Tokyo home, in what is called the Tokyo Metropolitan area. What was once simply a city has now become a group of twenty-three wards, each with their own local government.

With 35 million people, taking care of waste treatment is a serious business. Here's the Meguro cleaning factory and its accompanying green space.

The government of Japan has its center in Tokyo, as do the Imperial Palace and Japanese Imperial Family. The government is a constitutional monarchy with one emperor and an elected parliament. Contrary to popular belief among four-year-olds, the Power Rangers are not part of this government.

Along with London, Sao Paulo and New York, Tokyo makes up one of the world's most important financial centers.

In stark contrast to the unbelievable concentration of people, Tokyo has many beautiful parks and temples of outdoor open space. Here's a forestry research lab still within city limits, and a separate panorama from the oldest Shrine of the Kanto sect. This one is dedicated to Konyo Aoki , the person who discovered the sweet potato! Thank you, Konyo Aoki!

Getting There

The international airport for access to Tokyo is Narita International Airport, and for domestic flights people use Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) .

There's a shuttle bus between them and both are connected with buses and trains into the city. You can also take the MONORAIL, cool cool cool!! It's about one hour to get to Narita airport from Tokyo center.

Transportation

As we mentioned above, Tokyo was laid out with trains in mind. The subway systems were given right of way in the urban planning process and if you look at the map you'll see how big it is.

But this is not some bland grey and square urban planning affair. Tokyo's metro stations were designed by various imaginative architects in prestigious competitions. They came up with some extremely natural organic shapes and tones in these efforts. Result: spirals in the underground .

Here's a look at the Tokyo station with view from the Yaesu side . This one actually dates to 1914.

People and Culture

Japanese culture is very formal, extremely polite, and crazy about things that light up . And more things that light up .

The concept of "emptiness" is crucial to understanding Japanese culture, and tricky to explain in western language. Think of the grace and control required to eat with chopsticks compared to stabbing with a fork.

Emptiness means... the space between things has more potential than a space filled by things.

Cherry blossoms are one of the signature fascinations of Japanese culture. They smell so sweet and drift through the air so lightly, so ephemeral and lovely you wonder how they can be real. Filmmaker Akira Kurosawa has made entire movies about the blossoms.

Nature is the master of emptiness and the best art uses minimal substance to show the calmness and vast expanses. Maybe this octagonal pavillion will help.

Aha! The entrance to this temple has a perfect example of structure defining emptiness.

But "High-tech" and "clean" also perfectly describe Japanese culture; everybody knows they have the coolest tech gear.

Japanese people also have the longest life expectancy on earth, quite possibly thanks to their fish intensive diet more so than their tech gear.

Things to do & Recommendations

Read some Haruki Murakami. Get a book and read it on the metro, his short stories are excellently weird and dark, yet uplifting. Okay I want to be culturally sensitive here but everybody knows Japanese culture has a very very weird side. Murakami will show it to you. Ultra-violence and sex in animation, fetishes, panties for sale in a vending machine?! To know it is to love it, that's what I'm saying.

Go directly to The Museum of Photography . What did you expect we'd want to see?

Tourist boats are another popular destination for visitors. See Tokyo from the Sumida River .

Experiment with the ritual and ceremony of tea-drinking, perhaps in such a tea room as this. See what I mean about emptiness?

Like the Empire State building or the Eiffel tower, the Tokyo Tower is a major tourist attraction, especially among people who aren't so into the idea of scaling Mt. Fuji in between rounds of plum wine .

Assignment: locate and defeat Godzilla .

Lastly, go wrestle with these chairs . Remember what we said at the top about exxageration...

Text by Steve Smith.

• Recent Images

Enjoy the most popular spots in Tokyo virtually!

Corona has changed the nature of travel itself. However, with this virtual tour, you can enjoy Japan to the fullest!

A Virtual Tour of Imperial Palace Plaza

One of the most important visits on the journey through the metropolis of Tokyo is the imposing Imperial Palace . Near the newly renovated Tokyo station, walking directly you can see the first buildings that make up the palace

A Virtual Tour of Harajuku

Harajuku is one of the main points where the particular fashion style of Japanese young people comes together to form a wonderful area full of colorful places.

Gundam statue at Odaiba

On the futuristic island of Tokyo, Odaiba, in front of the modern “DiverCity” shopping center, is the life-size statue of one of the most iconic characters in Japanese animation, the giant robot “ Gundam ”.

For fans of Japanese animation such as anime and manga, Akihabara has become a kind of sacred place since in the whole area you can get thousands of titles and a wide variety of collectible figures as well as other types of objects made for the general “Otaku”.

Shinjuku is known for its impressive streets full of neon signs. Throughout the territory, there is a wide variety of international cuisine and hundreds of department stores ranging from clothing stores to high-tech devices/p>

A Virtual Tour of Shibuya

One of the most famous areas in all of Tokyo is Shibuya . This bustling district was founded in March 1947. Nowadays, the construction of high-rise buildings for shopping malls is still going on. Shibuya’s newest addition is Shibuya Scramble Square , whose highest floor offers superb views of the city.

Your Japan Tour

If you haven’t been to Japan yet, a trip to this amazing country should definitely be on your bucket list for countries to visit after the pandemic ends! As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

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[Traveling Without Leaving Home] 360° Virtual Tours of Japan

COVID claustrophobia is getting to all of us. It’s still going to be a while before we can safely hop on a plane, but in the meantime, a virtual tour is the next best thing. Discover Japan’s highlights, including world-class museums and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and prime yourself for the adventures you can have when restrictions ease.

Temples and Shrines

Go on a spiritual pilgrimage to two legendary World Heritage sites, revered for their impressive architecture and picturesque natural settings.

Nara Prefecture – Todaiji Temple

Visit Todaiji Temple in Nara Prefecture from your armchair through this 360-degree virtual tour. The temple is one of Japan’s grandest, with beautiful architecture and expansive grounds. The temple was commissioned in the 8th century and served as the head temple for the Buddhist faith in Japan. Todaiji plays a major role in Japanese history and is a popular attraction for anyone exploring Japan’s ancient capital of Nara.

The virtual tour begins at the Great South Gate, an imposing wooden structure guarded by the fearsome “Ni-o (Two Kings) of Todaiji.” Follow the pathway to the Daibutsu-den, a giant hall that is one of the world's largest wooden structures. The scale of the hall is impressive despite being rebuilt two-thirds smaller in the Edo period (1603–1867). The hall houses an enormous statue of Buddha that dates to 752. Scroll left and right to see other Buddhist artworks including two golden bodhisattva sculptures and a heavenly guardian.

You can explore much of the spacious temple precincts on your virtual visit, and the high-quality images give you an excellent idea of the scale and beauty of Todaiji. However, something you can’t experience on the tour is Nara’s famous deer. When you visit in person, expect to meet wild deer roaming the grounds. They are regarded in Japan as messengers of the gods, and there are many in and around Nara Park .

Hiroshima Prefecture – Miyajima and Itsukushima-jinja Shrine

Virtually visit an island that was once considered so sacred that people weren’t permitted to live there. Miyajima , near Hiroshima City , is a revered Shinto site best known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and iconic torii gate. The gate, which appears to float on the water, is just one part of the impressive shrine complex you can explore on your virtual tour.

Begin with a bird’s eye view of the shrine grounds and zoom in on the section you want to see. Make sure to drag the map to find the “floating” gate, which is set off from the main shrine buildings. Each section is accompanied by a short English blurb and high-quality panoramic images. The site’s location is a large part of the appeal. Lofty Mt. Misen overlooks it, and some of the vermillion-lacquered shrine buildings sit on stilts in the Seto Inland Sea. You can get a closer view of all of these on the tour.

The Shrine complex is undergoing restoration work in advance of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, which are now due to be held in 2021.

Freely explore a stunning underground Natural Monument and an idyllic traditional village – without the crowds.

Gifu Prefecture – Shirakawa-go

Take a virtual stroll through one of Japan’s most charming traditional villages. Shirakawa-go , in the mountains in the remote Shogawakyo Valley , has more gassho-zukuri farmhouses than anywhere else in Japan. The name gassho-zukuri, meaning “praying hands,” comes from the distinctive shape of their steep thatched roofs.

The remarkable 19th-century houses, built without nails, are considered a feat of Japanese architecture. They were built to quickly shed snow and provided a large attic space for cultivating silkworms. This picturesque village is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and many of the houses now function as museums.

The 360-degree virtual tour lets you wander among the houses and paddy fields in different seasons, which are lush and green in summer and thick with snow in winter. Let the tour whet your appetite for a real-life visit, when you can see the village lit up at night and bathe in the nearby onsen.

Okayama Prefecture – Makido Cave

Makido Cave is 450-meter-long limestone cavern formed over thousands of years by a steady drip of water. Thanks to this virtual tour, you can descend into the fantastical cave without even leaving your home.

Begin at the cave entrance before heading down to a world of stalactites, underground lakes, and dramatic rock formations. Virtually wander across bright red bridges and look out for interesting rock shapes, including a tall stack that resembles a five-story pagoda, and the “silver curtain”—a plunging wall of rock. The cave is illuminated, and you can opt to view the cave’s interior lit in different colors.

Visit in person and you can enjoy refreshing, year-round 15-degree temperatures. And one thing you can’t get from the virtual tour is the good luck you receive by throwing a coin in the spring pond.

Get an all-access pass to both the past and the future. Take a 3D walkthrough of two world-class exhibitions that explore where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

Tokyo – National Museum of Nature and Science

©Virtual Reality Innovation Organization

Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo’s Ueno Park has opened its virtual doors to allow you to view a selection of its more than 25,000 exhibits in front of your computer screen. The wide-ranging exhibits cover everything from nature, history and people to some of Japan’s latest advances in technology.

The 3D virtual tour offers unlimited access to the museum’s artifacts in both the Global Pavillion  and the Japan Pavillion with a user-friendly interface. Click and move around the museum’s multiple floors and view dinosaur skeletons, taxidermic animals, nature and organisms of the Japanese islands and a floor dedicated to progress in science and technology.

When you visit the museum in person, be sure to try out the hands-on experiments with light, magnetism and electricity.

Tokyo – Mori Art Museum

You could visit Mori Art Museum on every trip you ever make to Tokyo , and it would never be the same twice. This beautifully curated contemporary art museum in the heart of Tokyo has an astounding line-up of exhibitions. Its current show, “Future and the Arts: AI, Robotics, Cities, Life – How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow”, is a fitting exhibit for those wondering what the future holds.

Their 3D Walkthrough—available only until June 30th, 2020—transports you to the museum, allowing you to “wander” through the galleries and linger to read the signage, which is all in both English and Japanese. The current exhibition features more than 100 projects and works in categories including “New Possibilities of Cities,” “Lifestyle and Design Innovations,” and “Society and Humans in Transformation.” Contemplate how cities, human lifestyles, and society are likely to be transformed through cutting-edge developments in science and technology, including AI, biotechnology, robotics, and AR (augmented reality), as well as art, design, and architecture. This glimpse of what the future may hold might renew your hope for it.

When you visit in person, check out Mori Art Museum’s latest exhibitions and visit Tokyo City View, an observation deck overlooking the city. You’ll need a separate ticket, but the views are worth it.

We can’t travel now, but these six virtual tours should inspire you to plan your Japan itinerary for when we can. For more inspiration, visit https://www.japan.travel/experiences-in-japan/en/ .

About the author

Kristopher Spencer is an American writer based in Bangkok, Thailand. His trips to Japan have always left him wanting more and writing about the Land of the Rising Sun now is providing plenty of inspiration for his post-pandemic travel itinerary. An avid photographer, Kristopher recommends Japan’s bright, bustling cityscapes and stunning natural vistas alike for all shutterbugs and social media connoisseurs.

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The Best Virtual Tour of Tokyo!

Tokyo is amazing and should definitely be on your bucket list of places to visit. However, it seems the chances of actually doing so are getting smaller and smaller, at least for the foreseeable future.

So I was wondering, are there any alternatives? How can I get a glimpse of Tokyo and discover this amazing city without actually getting on a plane? Well, you are in luck, as I have found the answer: Arigato Japans virtual tour of Tokyo!

This small and genius tour company has created a one-of-a-kind virtual tour of Tokyo. And no, you won’t be just watching a video on youtube or a live cam. This tour is an interactive experience, which includes meeting other “travelers”, being able to ask questions, and of course an expert tour guide.

How Does it Work?

It is pretty easy. All you have to do is go to their Website and click on “ Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku with a Local Expert “. Find a time that suits you, and with a few easy clicks and a bargain price of 1500Yen (which is about 15$) you will soon receive your confirmation email. It includes all the details on how to join, a personal zoom link and anything, you may need for the tour. In this case, all I needed was a pen and some paper for some interactive fun during the session.

You may think, what if I live on the other side of the globe, surely that will be difficult? Not at all, with both morning and evening tours available, you will be able to join, no matter where you are in the world.

So, What is The Tour like?

I booked the morning “ Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku with a Local Expert “, starting at 10 am. So I got up early on my day off, showered, dressed like an adult, and prepared a pen and paper as requested in the confirmation email. The link worked perfectly and right on time our tour guide opened the zoom session for us all to meet.

We were a small group of 5 people, including myself and to be totally honest, I did not quite know what to expect. However, as our tour guide, Alex explained how it will all work, his energy was exuberating and I started to get excited about what we would see and explore in the next hour.

Soon after, we all briefly introduced ourselves and it was fun to learn where everyone else was located and why they were taking the tour.

And just like that, we set off to Shibuya. Virtually passing the famous “Shibuya Scramble”, a busy Tokyo intersection well known for its zebra crossing. Where every day thousands of people walk across the street, with neon billboards and animated screens glaring down on them.

We go to see pictures of how this crazy busy place looked 100 years ago, learned about animes that are set here, along with some great personal stories from our guide Alex.

Then we moved on to the statue of “Hatchiko”, the loyal dog who became famous because he waited for 9 years at the station after his owner passed away.

We all had a tear in our eyes and this really was the moment the tour became tangible and special. Listening to the stories, not just seeing pictures but videos, there right from the comfort of my house I was transported to Shibuya. And I guess that is what great storytelling does. Our guide did everything right.

As we all composed ourselves, we moved on to explore Shibuya’s food scene including some hidden places and where to eat the best Ramen in the area. I quickly wrote that down, because you can never have enough Ramen shops on your where-to-eat list.

Then we continued on to Shinjuku, receiving useful travel information including detailed directions on how to get there, with tips and tricks for our journey.

Once in Shinjuku, we learned the ins and outs of this busy Tokyo neighborhood. The atmosphere was light and fun as we talked about Japanese izakayas, karaoke, and of course “Gozilla”, who we discovered is towering majestically over Kabukicho, the entertainment district of Shinjuku.

We ended the tour a little later than scheduled, laughing and with a feeling of having made some new friends.

Was This Virtual Tour of Tokyo Worth It?

The short answer is: YES!

I really really enjoyed it. Having had some initial doubts, our tour guide Alex quickly brushed them off. Being fun, entertaining, and full of energy he gave us a great personal experience.

Like a captivating movie where you forget the time and everything around you, for one hour I was transported to the streets of Tokyo. Which by the way, I know very well. I had to give them massive bonus points as I discovered a place or two that I did not know yet.

And don’t get me wrong, this is not just a walk along, listen, and leave. All through the tour, we were entertained by little quizzes and games. Asked about our opinion and invited to give feedback or bring up questions. Making it the perfect small escape as well as giving you some amazing travel tips. The perfect preparation for when you get off that plane once we can all travel safely again.

Tour Details

Available Tuesday to Saturday twice a day

Time: 10:00 AM JST -11:00 AM JST and 21:00 PM JST- 22:00 PM JST

Price: 1500Yen

Bookable from: Arigato Japan

Other Tours Offered Online and Offline

And if you are looking for more, they offer another two tours online, so why not join them for their “ Cocktail Connections: Online Happy Hour in Japan ” or learn about how to make the perfect green tea at their “ Tokyo Online: Green Teatime in Japan ” experience. Both of them are interactive and fun.

Furthermore, if you happen to be in Japan or lucky to travel here soon, check out their small guided tours. You can join them in person and discover the Tokyo fish market on their “ Tsukiji Insider’s Tour, with Breakfast ” or join them on their “ Nightlife Osaka Food Tour “.

Also, Spanish speakers listen up, as they also offer tours for you. Check out “ Shinsekai, Osaka. Tour Retro de Comida Tradicional (en Español) “.

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Virtually Travel to Japan: 11 Ways to Experience Tokyo from Your Couch

Here are our best picks for an authentic yet fully virtual experience of Japan—ranging from Haruki Murakami–inspired playlists to recreating anime food and even “attending” live events in Japan.

The classics: Calming videos of cherry blossoms and Japanese Kabuki theater

What says Japan more than cherry blossoms? During the first hanami —the Japanese term for cherry blossom viewing parties—of the pandemic, the Weather Channel, a Japanese company that, well, predicts the weather, released a whole series of cherry blossom VR videos . Our favorites for the most authentic feel are this one of nighttime cherry blossom viewing , a more serene version from the riverside in Arashiyama , and this stunning individual weeping cherry tree .

If you aren’t high-tech enough yet (we aren’t) to own VR, how about this beautiful Kabuki play instead? Japanese theater is known for both its elaborate costumes and make-up as well acrobatics. Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees is one of the most famous Kabuki plays and the Kabuki-za theatre in Ginza made it available online for free on its YouTube channel while the venue remains closed during the lockdown (sadly been taken down now that it’s open again). In March, the performance was recorded without an audience. The play comes in three parts, marked as A, B, and C on the YouTube videos. You can read a synopsis of the play in English here .

Anime and games in Akihabara—join a livestreamed tour

Interested in retro games and anime culture? You don’t need to wait to visit Tokyo’s famous Akihabara area—you can join a local tour guide as he takes you into old-school game stores and hidden shops stacked with anime figures and other merch. The tour is an hour long, and costs ¥ 2,100 .

Through the same tour provider, you can also explore Harajuku’s legendary kawaii culture or get to know Japanese sake, and more experiences will be added in the coming months. See all of the virtual tour options .

Inspiration for your future trip: Endlessly beautiful Instagram accounts on Japan

Be an armchair traveler with these stunning Instagram accounts capturing the unique beauty of Japan. @frameoftravel goes for a raw and authentic take on modern Japan with a perfect balance between people and nature. @mintimu takes you on dreamy journey through the seasons, so expect a pink-washed feed come cherry blossom time in spring. @jungraphy_ perfectly captures the urban beauty of Tokyo at night. @tokyo.ig makes the mundane look intriguing, capturing everyday moments in Japan.

View this post on Instagram 2019 has been a fantastic year and 2020 is looking even better! Here's to more cat trams, neon nights and delicious onigiri! #bestnine #2019 #Tokyo #Tokyogram #Tokyo2020 #onigiri #sakura #endofadecade #neontokyo #topnine #goodbye2019 #seetokyo #tokyotrip #travelgram #Japan A post shared by Tokyo Cheapo (@tokyocheapo) on Dec 30, 2019 at 12:29am PST

And then of course there are our own humble accounts, @Tokyocheapo and @Japancheapo , showcasing the zeitgeist of Japan. Your feed will never have looked this good.

The high-brow option: Read a book about Japan and listen to vintage Murakami

Get off your Netflix and pick up a good, old-fashioned book, preferably hard copy, because that feel of pages under your fingertips might be one of the most exciting you have during quarantine, come Day 35 or so. Here is our all-time favorite list of books on and about Tokyo , both fiction and non-fiction. Or browse the reading recommendations from our book swap members .

And while you are at it, why don’t you put on this 238-hour Spotify playlist of all songs that Haruki Murakami has ever written about as a backdrop to your literary adventures?

Japanify your Netflix: Ghibli movies and some more hidden gems

Unless you have lived under a rock, you already know that you can now stream most of the Ghibli movies on Netflix . Ironically though, the calalog is available almost everywhere worldwide, but not in Japan. So we are still missing out over here.

But your Japan adventures brought to you by Netflix don’t need to stop there. Here are a few more series about Japan and recommended by our team members , ranging from Yakuza crime drama to reality TV.

Snack through your Netflix marathon

Craving Japan until you can make your way over? You can get a (literal) taste of the country through a subscription Japanese snack box, called Bokksu . Every month, you can have a new box of treats, both savory and sweet, shipped to you from Japan, for between USD $25 and $40 a pop for 10–25 different snacks. Shipping is free worldwide (but might be restricted for some regions at the moment).

In the kitchen: Cook anime-inspired dishes and bento boxes too beautiful to eat

Have you ever wondered what that food you see in Japanese anime tastes like in real life? Now you can find out, with the recipes on Itadakimasu Anime blog that recreates food as seen in Japanese animation.

Or how about carefully arranging beautiful bento boxes that would be the envy of every Japanese middle schooler? Then check out this list of Instagram accounts to follow for some bento inspiration.

airKitchen offers online classes with chefs from around the world, including many English-speaking Japanese cooking instructors. We recommend trying their gyoza class.

And Jun’s Kitchen is a YouTube channel with some tutorials for some Japanese staples like udon, tempura or sushi balls. Mainly popular for his two cats that assist in the kitchen though.

Virtual festivals: Attend a live event in Japan with Zaiko

If you truly had enough of solo activities at home, Zaiko , a Japanese ticket seller, might have the solution for you. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, which hit Japan a bit earlier than the West, they started selling online tickets to live streaming events, ranging from festivals to sport events. Give it a try on their English site.

Rainbow Disco Club, a hugely popular but small and independent techno festival that takes place every April in Japan, was one of the first festivals that decided to go virtual instead. Zaiko supported the virtual ambitions and with ticket prices starting at ¥ 1,000 —it was a huge success. Smaller events like this English-Japanese Tokyo improv comedy are also hopping on the virtual bandwagon and can be streamed and joined from anywhere in the world—this one even for free.

Get crafty: Learn a Japanese art or craft online

Why not use the wait until your next real-life trip to Japan and learn a new, and very Japanese, skill in the meantime? This website offers online ikebana , Japanese flower arrangement, lessons, officially certified by the Ohara School of Ikebana.

On Udemy, you can take this free beginner course in shodo , Japanese calligraphy . And this really cute-looking Japanese watercolor class on Domestika is under USD $10.

More options for online learning in Japan, from manga drawing to cocktail making, all by Tokyo locals, can be found in this article on keeping busy during lockdown .

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post updated on May 21, 2020.

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10+ Best Virtual Tours in Japan: Visit Japan from Home

Everyone loves traveling. But unfortunately it’s been difficult to travel anywhere and stuck at home at the moment. Even if you are dreaming of making a trip to Japan, it still feels like a long way from visiting Japan due to the COVID-19 outbreaks. But we have some good news for you; there are exciting ways to enjoy Japan at home. Today, we introduce the best virtual tours and online experiences that you can learn about Japanese culture and fascinating spots in Japan!

1. Meditation with a Japanese Buddhist Monk

2. be a comic story teller “rakugo-ka” experience, 3. learn to draw with japan’s manga university, 4. origami and the culture of japan, 5. explore ghibli spots in japan, 6. japanese food art: cute cartoon lunch, 7. become a sake master with a sommelier, 8. tips to brew delicious japanese tea by tea master, 9. virtual nakagin capsule tower tour, 10. tokyo virtual highlight tour, 11. kyoto virtual highlight tour, cultural experiences.

This experience is the most popular online-experience with Airbnb from Japan. During this session a Japanese Buddhist monk tells you why he became a Buddhist monk and explains about his meditation practice. Then, you try two types of meditation together!

▶ Book meditation experience here: Meditation with a Japanese Buddhist Monk

Rakugo is a comic story told by a rakugoka (storyteller) that is sitting on a stage. This sitting comedy is a form of the traditional Japanese art of storytelling. Next to enjoying an English rakugo story you can also practice some short story like a comic story teller!

▶ Book the Rakugo experience here: Let’s try Rakugo Comedy

Manga is a modern Japanese cultural experience comparable to rakugo, traditional one. In this experience you can find how to draw manga characters from head to toe.

▶ Book the virtual experience here: Learn to Draw with Japan’s Manga University

Origami is the traditional folding paper art craft. Almost all Japanese learn origami when they are kids. There are some easier basic figures, but if you like a challenge you can learn how to fold the more advanced origami figures! Let’s enjoy origami online!

▶ Book here for origami experience at home: Origami and the Essence of Japan

Do you like Ghibli films? There are some locations which inspired Ghibli films you can actually visit in Japan. The knowledgeable guide will take you to the locations online and you can see the films coming to life! This tour is popular as a gift to your friends or partners who love Ghibli films too.

▶ Book Ghibli Spots Tour to explore the Ghibli related spots in Japan!

Japanese Food Experiences

You probably have heard of a bento box, it is an integral part of Japanese culture, that is very famous. Especially Kyaraben or Charaben , a style of elaborately arranged bento boxes with food carved to look like different famous cartoon characters, animals, or other objects. Let’s try to make on your own!

▶ Book here for Japanese Cute Cartoon Bento Making Experience

Many tourists want to try real sake from Japan when they visit Japan. Recently sake has become very popular but do you know how sake is produced and how to find good sake?

Let’s learn all about sake from your home! ▶ Izakaya & Sake Culture with a Sommelier

Japanese Tea is becoming fashionable around the world because it’s tasty and healthy. In this experience you will learn everything there is to know about Japanese tea and how to brew delicious tea.

▶ Book the virtual experience here: Tips to Brew Delicious Japanese Tea by Tea Master

Architecture Tours

Kisho Kurokawa ‘s Nakagin Capsule Tower is one of the most iconic building in Tokyo and a symbol of the Metabolism movement of the ’60s and ’70s. The capsule units were designed to be removable and replaceable every 25years. 

On this virtual tour, we will explore Tokyo’s masterpiece through maps, a series of illustrations and photos as if you are entering the actual capsule room.  You will virtually visit beautifully renovated capsule with the original amenities, such as a 45 year old Sony TV and open reel tape deck attached. 

▶ Book Nakagin Capsule Tower Tour

Virtual highlight tour

This online experience gives you a rough idea of Tokyo’s sightseeing spots and the Japanese culture. It’s about 45-60 minutes experience via Zoom and from the experience you can learn more about what you could see in Tokyo and receive some travel tips from a local knowledgeable guide. Currently it’s been popular as fun team building activities for companies and organizations.

▶ Book Tokyo Virtual Highlight Tour here If you consider joining this tour as a team building activity, please contact us ! We can organize the tour upon your request.

Let’s explore around Kyoto enjoying a little stories from a local guide. You can see and learn about Kinkakuji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu temple and Gion district in this tour. You can get the overview of Kyoto and the travel tips! ▶ Book Kyoto Virtual Highlight Tour

There are of course many more online experiences you can have, from the comfort of your own home. The ones listed as above, are just some of our favorites. Are you interested in some other, unique experiences but don’t know how to find this? Just contact us and we will happily help you with selecting the best experience possible.

Follow us on  Instagram  or  Facebook  for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured! 

Happy traveling!

Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Every week we will introduce you to our latest content.

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Tokyo Virtual Tours & Experiences

Book a virtual tour or online experience in tokyo.

View all 700 reviews

Tokyo Virtual Tours

Zoom- Private live virtual experience in Tokyo

You can enjoy seeing the real time viewing via zoom while hearing interesting story, useful information, meanings of each spot from a professional guide. the guide visits popular spots in asakusa or in akihabara. i've done live zoom tour many times for individual customers and as a company’s event including through other sites since 2020. let's join this popular virtual experience by your self, with your family and friends.

Your First Origami Online Workshop

Touch a tip of japanese culture prior to your tour picking this online experience of origami up. it is an art and a joy of paper folding which can be enjoyed by everybody interested in this oriental culture. just with one hour workshop, you will be able to create your own origami works such as a great samurai helmet, a pretty butterfly, a joyful jumping frog, a paper container for candies, and a traditional japanese crane (orizuru) from square sheets of paper..

Virtual Food and Drink Tour

Embark on a virtual food and drink tour through tokyo, where you decide what i eat and drink from sushi at tsukiji market to yakitori in yurakucho, choose between daring wasabi ice cream or classic matcha treats. this interactive journey lets you explore tokyo's culinary scene while learning about its culture. each choice brings new flavors paired with drinks like sake or unique cocktails. join this fun exploration and help create unforgettable dining experiences.

Online Introduction to Sake World

Sake, or nihon-shu, is the most representative alcoholic beverage in japan. sake may be available at your place, but i'm afraid that some of them are different from real sake, or you have taken sake only at a sushi restaurant. i offer this online introduction to the sake world with a private lesson via zoom meeting system for you to get a basic understanding of sake before your tour to japan., day trips from tokyo.

Tokyo Tour Reviews

豐洲魚市場（新築地市場）＋台場

“ Bad tour guide ”

Unprofessional behaviour

淺草邊吃邊逛到東京晴空塔

“ Very Unprofessional behaviour ”

I tour with Min for a few days and also booked other tour guides that were brilliant as i needed more help as it was my first time ever traveling alone and i was very valuable in Japan. I did tell Min about being depressed and stressed out before coming to Japan. Min is a very caring person and good at her job in lots of ways so it pain me to write this honest review But when touring with me it's like she completely switched her personality and forgot her job and min is not capable of understanding how to treat people equally or having any patience whatsoever. Min was very disrespectful and I regret ever trusting her and touring with her because lots of misleading behaviour that destroys my holiday and did not treat me like she was my tour guide one bit it felt like she was angry at times or bored it probably partly my fault as i am a very quiet person but she did not make much effort some days. After finish touring with Min I tour with another guide and noticed just how very unprofessional Min behaviour was towards me I honestly need to stand up for myself in the future.

Private tour "My favorite Tokyo"

“ Highlights of Tokyo with Mark ”

Mark was a Fantastic tour guide, showing us all the sites of Tokyo. His English was fantastic and he was incredibly knowledgeable, answering all of our questions. We recommend Mark and cannot say enough good things about him!

The best tours and activities

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

Enter the enchanting world of Tokyo from home with a curated virtual tour led by a passionate local guide that knows how to bring your screen to life.

Ready to perfect your origami folding skills? Maybe you’re looking to sweep through Tokyo’s mega highlights in one day? Simply turn on your screen and be immersed in the locally beloved traditions that make Tokyo the Japanese melting pot of culture. With in-depth knowledge from a Tokyo local, you can virtually learn about the sweet history behind sake and stay comfortable right at home.

Let technology and comfort merge to create a new form of travel. Virtual tours of a city as vibrant and never ending as Tokyo take things to another level, whether you’re wandering through the buzzing streets of Shibuya, marveling at the historic architecture in Asakusa or mastering the world of sake.

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Things to do in tokyo, more tours in tokyo, top japan destinations.

6 of the Best Japan Virtual Tours to Experience Right Now

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For many people, Japan is the destination of a lifetime that they just might not get to visit.

But if you can’t get to Japan right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an immersive experience that brings the iconic sights and destinations of Japan to you.

Virtual Japan tours were introduced during the 2020 pandemic but have continued to grow in popularity as a convenient way to experience world-class sights and attractions in Japan.

In this article, we share 6 of the best virtual Japan tours to experience right now. 

Table of Contents

When Japan closed its doors in 2020, virtual tours came to the rescue!

As a consequence of COVID-19, entry to Japan has been heavily restricted for over two years.

Not only were the numbers of foreign visitors slashed, domestic distancing protocols and regulations meant that the major attractions of Japan were shuttered for many months, creating a cultural dearth that the country is only just recovering from. 

Virtual tours were developed by Japanese museums, cultural sites, and independent content creators to remind the world what Japan has to offer.

These elaborate, high-definition video tours have used advanced technology to deliver immersive or augmented reality experiences that transport you to some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. 

What is a virtual tour?

Virtual tours are multimedia simulations of real locations, composed of images, video, and audio.

It delivers detailed panoramas, 3D reconstructions, and 360-degree views that can be navigated using a computer mouse or, if compatible, a VR headset.

These tours have existed since the mid-1990s but became prominent in 2020 as a virtual travel solution for people who were made to stay home.

The following types of Japan virtual tours are available:

• Virtual tours of Japan
• Video tours of Japan
• VR Tours of Japan
• 360° virtual tours of Japan

Many of the best Japan virtual tours are virtual reality (VR) tours that have been specifically developed for viewing with a VR headset like the Oculus Quest VR headset.  

Virtual travel is one of the key applications of VR and the outstanding natural beauty, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of Japan is perfect for this platform!

Why take a virtual tour of Japan?

Why not? Technology is able to bring the sights and sounds of the Land of The Rising Sun to anyone, anywhere in the world.

A virtual tour is perfect for:

• People who want to learn about Japan
• Someone who is planning a trip to Japan and need detailed information about specific locations
• Those who have a disability that may prevent access to certain attractions
• Folks miss Japan and want to return

6 of the best Japan virtual tours to experience right now!

These high-definition virtual tours include Japanese cultural landmarks, natural scenery and the lively atmosphere of urban living.

Enjoy these 6 outstanding virtual tours that make Japan only a click away. 

1. Wander downtown Takayama (高山) with an online tour 

This lively and informative virtual tour of the city of Takayama in Gifu prefecture takes in the home of sake.

The Takayama downtown online tour features Luca, a local guide who was inspired to create this popular virtual tour during the pandemic.

Post-2020, this tour available on Viator, has gone from strength to strength.

Join Luca for a 30-minute immersion in the history, architecture, and crafts of Takayama, including an introduction to sakè making.

Click here for the Takayama downtown online tour

2. Tour the Maki-do (満奇洞) Caves

The Maki-do Caves are a highlight of travel to Niimi, Okayama Prefecture. These limestone caves extend over 450 meters to a subterranean lake.

This Natural Monument of Okayama Prefecture named the Dream Palace is beautifully rendered in this virtual reality tour that is compatible with VR headsets.

Instructions and details of the cave are presented in English including details of open hours and entrance fees if you get the opportunity to visit the caves in person. 

Click here for the virtual tour of the Maki-do Caves 

3. Absorb the sights and sounds of Tokyo and the Tohoku region

The TOHOKU X TOKYO website is a site that promotes travel between Tokyo and the Tohoku region in northwestern Japan.

Alongside the travel reports and itineraries for these renowned regions, are some beautifully produced 360° virtual reality videos that give you a taste of the scenery, hospitality, and lifestyles in unusual northern cities like Aomori:

Click here for the Tokyo and the Tohoku 360° virtual reality videos

4. Explore Shirakawago village in Gifu Prefecture

Shirakawa-go a mountain village in Shogawakyo Valley is probably too remote for many tourists.

However, it is a beautifully preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture with the most gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Japan. 

This high-definition 360° virtual tour shows the detail of the deeply thatched roofs of these wooden houses that were built without nails.

This UNESCO World Heritage site can be virtually toured at different seasons, with soothing traditional music to accompany the VR video.

Click here for the virtual tour of Shirakawago village

Read Next 📖

• 5 Most Beautiful Villages In Japan

5. View exhibits at Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science at home

The National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo has created one of the best virtual tours, with a 3D virtual tour that gives you access to over 25,000 exhibits from around the world.

You can choose to tour either the Global Pavillion or the Japan Pavilion, navigating around the various floors of the museum to take a closer look at the flora and fauna of the islands of Japan.

The museum also showcases the many Japanese advances in science and technology on a dedicated floor. 

Click here for the virtual tour of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo 

6. Explore the world of Geishas with a virtual walkthrough nighttime Gion

The winding alleyways of Gion district in Kyoto were made famous by the Oscar-winning film, ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.

This paid-for virtual tour is delivered live by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. It is one of the most popular Japanese walking tours on TripAdvisor’s Viator platform, with over 214 4 and 5-star ratings.

You will join their walking tour that is being filmed in nighttime Gion, starting at Gion Omoide Museum. 

Click here for the Gion Walking Tour by Night 

Rounding Up 

Over the last three years, virtual tours have been a lifeline to the many people around the world who are interested in visiting Japan, but cannot get there.

Enterprising tour guides and attractions have harnessed technology to give you a great experience that brings you closer to parts of Japan you may not have seen before.

So next time you’re missing Japan, simply click and join one of these outstanding VR tours from the comfort of your own home!

About the author

Renee Christian

Renée Christian is a writer and long-standing travel enthusiast who enjoys learning about other countries, cultures, and foods! When she’s not perfecting a ramen bowl or tempura recipe in the kitchen, you’ll find her in her permaculture garden or trekking the nearest coastal path!

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Best Spots for VR Experiences in Tokyo

Where to experience a virtual reality world in Tokyo

VR (Virtual Reality) became a new type of attraction across the world in the past years, which features the latest digital technology and offers amazing virtual experiences. In some places in Tokyo, you can enjoy various kinds of unique virtual reality world with the latest VR facilities. In this article, I’m going to introduce the most recommended VR experiences which will blow your mind away!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Tokyo Joypolis

Tokyo Joypolis is an indoor amusement park located in Odaiba. They offer a wide variety of  attractions that can be enjoyed from kids to adults. One of the most popular attraction of the venue is ZERO LATENCY, a virtual attraction using the latest VR technology. Up to 6 people can play together with the VR goggles and use a high-tech rifle to play and roam in a 280 sq meter space.

▶ Book Tokyo Joypolis Passport!

Access: 2 mins from Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station (Yurikamome Line)

Map: https://goo.gl/12e8xk

Hours: 10:00～22:00

Admission: 1,200 yen/Passport: 5,000 yen

More information: Tokyo Joypolis: Japan’s largest indoor theme park!

2. RED°TOKYO TOWER

RED°TOKYO TOWER opened in 2022 as Japan’s largest esports entertainment facility on the foot of Tokyo Tower. A variety of the latest VR and AR games and esports can be enjoyed on four floors of the venue and it’s a great place for families, friends and couples.

▶ Book RED°TOKYO TOWER Passport!

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/weeAx2n7dd9dtmty6

3. NARUTO × BORUTO VR

NARUTO × BORUTO VR is a new VR attractions opened in 4th floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Odaiba in 2023 spring. The attraction features one of the most popular Japanese anime/manga series, NARUTO and BORUTO and guests can join the Ninja training with popular characters from the series in virtual reality worlds. At the venue, the original merchandise of and NARUTO and BORUTO is also available.

Access: 5 mins walk from Odaiba Station

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tnfEDEEG74MrjrNs9

Hours: 11:00~19:00 (weekdays)/10:00~20:00 (weekends & holidays)

Price: 2,000 yen (weekdays)/2,500 yen (weekends & holidays)

Official Website: https://www.vr-naruto.com/

4. Yomiuri Land

Yomiuri Land is an amusement park in Inagi City, Tokyo, which features a wide variety of attractions from thrilling rides to family-friendly rides. The Goodjoba! is an indoor amusement area at the park, themed after Japanese craftsmanship, and at the automotive section “CAR FACTORY” (supported by NISSAN), you can enjoy VR during the test run and ride ride through the virtual reality world in the past or the future with the time machine.

▶ Book Yomiuriland Ticket

Official Website: https://www.yomiuriland.com/

5. Reality Edge VR

Reality Edge VR is a VR facility with VR room escape games using the latest technology. There are over 20 different VR games available. You can pick a VR game from a wide variety with different scenes and storylines, immerse yourself into the virtual reality world and solve challenging problems with friends.

▶ Book VR Escape Game Experience in Tokyo!

Official Website: https://www.reality-edge-vr.com/

6. TREE by NAKED

Do you want to enjoy VR experience while dining? TREE by NAKED located in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo brings a completely new and unique food experience, combining food and the latest digital art technology. The immersive restaurant is created by popular installation curators NAKED , and offers creative fusion cuisine with VR, projection mapping, lighting and misic

Official Website: https://tree.naked.works/yoyogi/

SKY CIRCUS <<Closed>>

SKY CIRCUS is an observatory which has opened at the 60th floor of Sunshine City Ikebukuro in April 2017, with the unique concept of observation x technology. There are 2 types of VR attractions :“TOKYO BULLET FLIGHT” and “SWING COASTER”.

Access: 8 mins walk from Ikebukuro Station

Map: https://goo.gl/aAh3Re

Hours: 11:00~21:00

Fee: 1,200 yen (admission fee)

VR PARK TOKYO <<Closed>>

VR PARK TOKYO is an amusement VR facility located near Shibuya Station. Currently there are over 10 kinds of VR attractions available such as a shooting game and a jungle walking experience. The ticket allow you to play as much as you want in 90 mins.

Access: 5 mins from JR Shibuya Station

Map: https://goo.gl/sQWG8F

Hours: 10:00～23:45

Fee: 3,300 yen for 90 mins

VR Zone Shinjuku <<Closed>>

The newly opened, the biggest VR facility in Japan located in Shinjuku. VR Zone Shinjuku houses multiple attractions with cutting-edge VR technology. There are currently over 15 attractions available including Mario Kart, Dragon Ball and Ghost in the Shell. Great deal tickets “1 days+4 tickets” are available to purchase online in advance!→ https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/index?fc=00366&ac=0000

Access: 7 mins from Shinjuku Station East Exit

Map: https://goo.gl/LRmthX

Hours: 10：00～22：00

Fee: 800 yen (admission fee)

Fore more info about unique experiences ONLY in Tokyo, please check out these articles, too!

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▼Editor’s Picks▼

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

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9 Virtual Tours Of Japan You Can Experience Now

These are weird times indeed. Worldwide travel is at a complete standstill, and most of us are stuck at home dreaming of our next visit to Japan. Thankfully the internet has provided us with the ability to virtually travel and experience a slice of Japan from our home.

We’ve compiled our favorite virtual tours and live streams of Japan featuring everything from Cherry-blossoms to Museums, Shrines, and even a virtual guide through Harajuku.

Pour yourself some sake or grab a Sapporo beer and join us as we fly on our virtual trip to Japan.

9 Virtual Tours Of Japan

1. japan’s 47 prefectures.

Visit all 47 prefectures of Japan with this video from JNTO (The Japanese National Tourism Organization), which provides a summary of each area’s famous spots.

A must watch clip for a quick introduction of the different landscapes of Japan: spanning from the subtropical forest islands of Okinawa to the scenic waterfalls of Shiretoko (Hokkaido) from the snow monkeys of Nagano to the deer of Nara and everything from the sand-dunes of Tottori to the finest rolling greens farms of Iwate, a glimpse of the only freshwater lake Biwa to the Mount Fuji.

2. Virtually Tour the Best Museums 

Japan’s oldest National Museum, built-in 1872, flaunts an exhaustive collection of historical artifacts. Thankfully their online exhibition gives you a chance to gaze through over 100 precious pieces- ranging from ceramics, textiles, and sculptures. A must watch; the lifelike 16th-century illustration by “Kano Hideyori” is a dreamy addition to the online exhibit.

Tokyo National Museum Virtual Tour

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo

The cutting-edge National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Odaiba, also known as Miraikan, is nothing short of amazing. From talking robots to an online citizen astronomy project, this interactive museum hosts high tech exhibitions and hands-on content. In addition, science fans from any corner of the world can now watch online exhibits. Learn about “our connection with earth” and “the differences between robots and humans.” A fun online galaxy cruise is also available.

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo Tour

Galaxy Cruise Virtual Tour

Unko Museum, Tokyo

A day at this brightly colored poop museum is far from your typical day at a museum. International guests from abroad can enjoy a strange interactive experience of the Unko museum from home with poop inspired games, an opportunity to create a poop background for video calls, and an exhibition of poop art from various artists around the world.

Unko Museum Online

Ghibli Museum

The legendary Ghibli Museum is offering a glimpse of this must-see attraction for fans of anime. Phots and videos of the museum are prohibited therefore making this is a one-of-a-kind virtual tour.

The Team Lab Borderless

A digital art wonderland, Team Lab Borderless is a world of integrated pieces of visuals, art, music, and vibrations forming a borderless space. At this world’s first remarkable digital museum – the mind constructs and sheds the many ways of experiencing a world through Time and design. Experience the forest of resonating lamps, wander through the crystal world, or the weightless forest of resonating life experience all the whimsical wonders at this museum through official videos of the exhibits.

The National Museum of modern art, Tokyo

Japan’s first national modern art museum online exhibition features 25 Japanese style paintings – a mix of abstract work from artists like Aimitsu, Ei-Q, an oil painting by Eisaku Wada, and collection of pre-II world war renditions.

The National Museum of modern art

3. Virtually Tour the Parks of Japan

Don’t settle for a summer at home; take a video walkthrough the millions of blue neophilia, colorful tulips, or the yellow narcissus blooms at the Hitachi Seaside Park . Or take a virtual tour of the Cherry blossoms with googles 360-degree views or take a peek at Jigokudani’s red-faced “snow monkeys” chilling in an onsen. 

Cherry Blossom 360-degree view with Google Earth

Live Footage of the Japanese Macaque Using the Onsen

4. Virtual Tours of Temples and Shrines in Japan

These online videos will allow you to stroll through the stunning red tori gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto from the comfort of your home.

Virtually travel through the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital “the Senso-Ji shrine” or visit the Shinto shrine of Meiji Jingu located in Shibuya, Tokyo.

5. Virtually Visit Zoos and Aquariums

Hirakawa Zoo 

Hirakawa Zoo, located in Kagoshima city, boasts about 140 wildlife species and 1000 animals in an expanse of 31.4 hectares. The Zoo is known for raising Koalas, and the exquisite white tigers can be seen on live streaming from 9:00 to 16:00 hours daily on the official website.

View the White Tigers

View the Aquariumn

Nihondaira Zoo

A municipal Zoo located in Shizuoka city is home to over 700 animals – Siberian tigers, Giraffes, Orangutans, Lions, and many others. Meet Rossi (male) and Vanilla (female) the two polar bears through live streaming from the Zoo on their YouTube channel from 8:00 to 17:00 hours daily.

Sunshine Aquarium

This Aquarium situated in Ikebukuro gathers a broad interest from around the country due to its variety of marine life ranging from adorable penguins to the clownfish, from the sea lions to the scandalous jellyfish. View the underwater adventures on their live streaming videos or watch the educational Instagram feeds.

Sunshine Aquarium Live Camera

Sunshine Aquarium Instagram

Also, catch a cuddly family of 4 wombats at the Satsukiyama Zoo where they live stream them every day.

WOMBATS at the Satsukiyama Zoo

6. Explore Harajuku with a Virtual Tour Guide

This virtual tour provided by Magical Trip is sure to make any fashion enthusiast happy. This paid virtual tour of the Harajuku showcases the most interesting parts of Harajuku and will provide insights into Japanese pop-culture and fashion trend.

Book the tour with Magical Trip

7. Virtually Sip a Japanese Beverage

Learn how to brew a cup of green tea or juggle a few Japanese cocktails with the local expert “Lauren” over a 1-hour paid virtual session by the Arigato tour. Meet people and form connections while learning about green teas and the basics of the bar. Group sizes are strictly kept small, so sign up before its too late.

Arigato Japan Food Tours

8. Virtually Visit Popular Japanese Landmarks

Virtually wanderlust the famed landmarks of Japan through live streams of the iconic Shibuya crossing, the Tokyo Sky Tree, and the Rainbow bridge. 

9. Virtually Step Back In Time 

Travel back in time with these vintage clips of the yesteryears.

A visual treat of a black and white era, step back in time and witness Asakusa streets and life from 1913 to 1915. 

Also, this amazing colorized Tokyo life footage from 1916-1917 displays the grand red-brick structure of Tokyo station and the then newly built Nihonbashi bridge.

This video from 1897 gives us a peek into what life was like 123 years back—filmed in the Nihonbashi area crowded by wealthy men dressed in yukatas on rickshaws unrelatable to the present-day financial district of Nihonbashi.

Do you know of cool virtual tours of Japan that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Nupur Singh

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10 Top Rated Virtual Japan Tours To Take Online

Experiences

4    comments

10 Top-Rated Virtual Japan Tours by Rob Dyer

How the tours were shortlisted.

To compile this list I turned to the Viator website. (FYI, Viator is owned by Tripadvisor).

Viator's website makes it easy to discover and book something you'd love to do in Japan (or any other popular destination). They focus on quality and their excellent service includes free cancellation.  

I reviewed all the virtual Japan tours available through Viator and then applied a strict rating threshold to come up with our shortlist. I filtered the tours by applying a traveler review rating of 5 stars - the highest possible review rating on Viator.

Tours had to have at least three 5-Star reviews in the past year to be included.

With the exception of one ( Gion tour in Kyoto ), every entry included is 5-Star rated by genuine Viator customers. That's real people who have actually taken these specific virtual tours.

To give you a further feel for what to expect, I've included a representative review by a  genuine customer for each of the tours. 

If you take any of these tours (and you should!) be sure to let me and others know what you thought of them by leaving a comment below .

Let's get started!

Tokyo Highlights Virtual Tour

TOKYO - IMPERIAL PALACE

Tokyo Imperial Palace Historical Virtual Tour

In this tour, you'll visit Tokyo's Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, two of Tokyo's finest and historic sites. You'll get insider travelling tips at each location, illustrated with images, videos and 360-degree photos, that will help you plan your next trip. 

TOKYO - SHIBUYA + SHINJUKU

Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku

Share the excitement of two of Tokyo’s most popular and exciting districts online. Travel around these two iconic areas from the comfort of home. Grab a snack and some drinks to enjoy while you hang out.

Kyoto Virtual Tour

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, the online conference system. This one hour tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. Two friendly hosts will make your experience more interactive.

KYOTO - GION

Gion Walking Tour by Night with Virtual Option

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. This virtual option is conducted simultaneously with the live 'real' group tour by making use of the Zoom video conferencing application.

Osaka Virtual Tour

This one hour long tour brings you to one of the most unique and fun cities in Japan, Osaka. Two hosts use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from their own homes, adding a personal dimension to the experience.

Virtual Guided Tour of Takayama

This is a live tour of the streets of Takayama's old town, which guest can join via Whatsapp, Line, Facetime or Skype. It includes all the town's most distinctive features, including the red bridge, a local Shinto shrine, and an explanation of sake tasting.

Studio Ghibli Spots Tour

This online experience will take you to the places which are said to be the inspiration for Studio Ghibli films. It's a 45-60 minute experience via Zoom and operated with the aim of expanding your wishlist places when you next visit Japan.

Japan: The Bathing and Sento Experience

This online experience will introduce you to Japanese bathing culture, starting from fancy Onsen (hot springs) to local Sento (public bath). Learn the customs and rules of taking bath in Japan, get knowledgeable and prepared for your next trip to Japan.

Cocktail Connections: Online Happy Hour in Japan

Join a local expert for a virtual cocktail session, live from Japan. With 20 years experience in the food and beverage and tourism industries, your host will share some fun DIY cocktails and help answer questions you may have about life in Tokyo.  Kampai!

The Virtual Tours - In Depth

Rating:  5/5 stars, duration: 45-60 minutes.

This Mt. Fuji Virtual Tour is a good way to get to know the most iconic and majestic symbol of Japan.

Mt Fuji is very special to the Japanese,  representing faith and admiration. This online experience shares Mt. Fuji and the areas around it from a local’s perspective. You will get to hear about the history, culture as well as stories from the locals who live in Shizuoka prefecture. You will discover some of the things to see and do and the best food that you must try when you visit in person.

* NOTE Tour times are Japan Standard Time . You'll need to convert these to your local time before making your booking.

What's Included

• Post-tour resource guide with links and information
• Information about Japanese food and Japanese culture in general
• Time to find out more about your Japan wish-list

Customer Review

What I Like

Several customer reviews are from people who have previously visited Mt. Fuji in person, and even they thought this virtual tour was great, and that it adds new information that can be used when next visiting in real life. 

Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible

Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance

* NOTE Tour times are Japan Standard Time. You'll need to convert these to your local time before making your booking.

• Explanation about Tokyo city
• Tips to visit iconic places and recommendations from a local guide
• Q & A session about Tokyo and Japan

Several customer reviews specifically mention how useful this tour is for future trip planning.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

In this tour, you'll visit Tokyo's Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, two of Tokyo's finest and historic sites. 

Both locations are engrained into Japanese culture and history, which is why you should know more about these two if you are interested in Japan. You'll get insider travelling tips at each location, illustrated with images, videos and 360-degree photos, that will help you plan your next trip.

This virtual tour is very interactive and includes quizzes about Japanese culture. * NOTE Tour times are Japan Standard Time. You'll need to convert these to your local time before making your booking.

• Live Q+A throughout - your guide will answer any questions
• Tour handout sent in advance to follow along with and help guide you live
• Includes virtual stops at Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace and Soto Sakuradamon Gate 

Customer reviews frequently praise the knowledge of the virtual guide, saying that afterwards it felt like they had actually been there in person. 

Rating:  5/5 Stars Duration: 1 hour

During this online experience, you will share the excitement of two of Tokyo’s most popular and exciting districts.

You can travel around these two iconic areas from the comfort of home. Bring a snack and some drinks to enjoy while you hang out. 

Meet and connect with your local expert host who will take you on this virtual adventure! This tour team has hosted over 27,000 guests on walking food tours, sharing stories, history, information, local tips as well as Japanese foodie culture. 

Tours take place at 21:00 JST (Japan Standard Time), so be sure to see what this is in your local time before booking.

• Resource guide with links and information shared during the tour
• Information about Japan and Japanese culture in general
• “Ask Me Anything” time to find out more about your Japan wish-list

This tour is a great way to hear first hand about Japanese life and culture in two of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts. The guide is happy to answer questions about your future trip planning for Tokyo and Japan.

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This one hour tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. Two friendly hosts will make your experience more interactive.

We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. 

You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan.

*NOTE the tour time is Japan Standard Time. You need to make adjustment to your local time when booking.

• National Licensed English speaking local tour guide
• Interactive communication with local guides
• Fun quizzes and giveaway

This tour includes not one but two hosts, both of whom are local experts. Each bringing their knowledge and expertise to your virtual experience. 

Rating:  4.5/5 Stars Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area.

Don't worry about language barriers, as your guide translates and explains the difference between maiko, geiko, and other relevent Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. 

This is usually an in-person tour. However, for those who cannot join the tour, a virtual option is available. This is conducted simultaneously with the 'real' group tour by making use of the Zoom video application.

During the tour, you are allowed to ask questions by texting through the 'Q+A function' of Zoom. *NOTE: tour times are Japan Standard Time. Make adjustment to your local time when making your booking. 

• No getting lost - your guide navigates you down Gion’s narrow alleyways
• Learn where to find hidden places in the Geisha district
• Go to areas when  Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed
• Learn about Geiko and  Maiko from your guide

While all other tours here have a 5/5 rating, this one is just so popular, with over 180 reviews, I thought it ought to be included. It's also one of the longer tours. It has a rating of 4.5/5.

RELATED: You might want to read our  Secret Moments of Maikos  post

This is a virtual tour using the Zoom online conference system. This one hour long tour brings you to one of the most unique and fun cities in Japan, Osaka.

Two friendly hosts make your experience interactive. They use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from their own living rooms, adding a personal dimension to the experience.

You can ask them anything about Japan, Osaka and other popular tourists spots by chat or during the Q+A session following the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan.

*NOTE: tour times are Japan Standard Time. Make adjustment to your local time when making your booking.

• Interactive communication
• Post tour Q+A session
• Two virtual guides

This virtual tour includes not one but two hosts. Both of whom are local guides. The customer reviews on Viator are full of praise for them both. 

Rating:  5/5 Stars Duration: 30 minutes

Host Luca created this online live tour in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is a live tour of the streets of Takayama's old town, which guest can join via Whatsapp, Line, Facetime or Skype. It includes all the town's most distinctive features, including the red bridge, morning market, a local Shinto shrine, and an explanation of sake tasting.

Information provided along the way includes historical aspects of the city, and both how politics and commerce have played key roles in the history of the town.

 *NOTE: tour times are Japan Standard Time. Make adjustment to your local time when making your booking.

• Glimpse Takayama's famous historic floats used in annual festivals
• Features several of Takayama's most distinctive sights
• English, Italian and Japanese speaking host 

Host Luca has made it really easy to join his live tour of this wonderful town, with guests able to join through Whatsapp, Line, Facetime or Skype.

You Might Also Like: An Expert Online Tour of Takayama's Merchant Quarter

This online experience will take you to the places throughout Japan which are the inspiration for some of Studio Ghibli most famous films. Ideal if you're unable to visit the Ghibli Museum in person .

It's about 45-60 minute experience via Zoom. Operated with the aim of expanding your wishlist places of your next visit to Japan. A question and answer session is included covering both Studio Ghibli films and Japan in general.

*The time of the tour is Japan Standard Time. Please exchange to your time before booking.

• Ghibli related spots throughout Japan from Hokkaido in the north,  to Kagoshima in the south
• Q & A session about Studio Ghibli and Japan
• Meet a local Ghibli fan and share their love for Ghibli animated films

What a great idea! Studio Ghibli is well-known for drawing inspiration from real locations throughout Japan, and this is a great way to easily see some of them.

Rating:  5/5 Stars Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour

This online experience will introduce you to the Japanese bathing culture, starting from fancy Onsen (hot springs) to local Sento (public bath).

Learn the customs and rules of taking bath in Japan, and get prepared for your next trip to Japan (hopefully in the near future!). What you discover here you can then apply when you visit in person. 

＊All times specified are in Japan Standard Time. Please check your time zone before booking.

• Explanation about Japanese bathing culture
• A list of recommended onsen and tatoo-friendly sento/onsen in and around Tokyo
• Q +A session about bathing culture and Japan

A great example of how to use virtual tours to learn about Japanese culture before you come to Japan. Includes a list of tatoo-friendly sento/onsen in and around the Tokyo area.

BONUS! Cocktail Connections: Online Happy Hour in Japan

Join a local expert for a virtual cocktail session, live from Japan. With 20 years experience in the food and beverage and tourism industries, your host will share some fun DIY cocktails and help answer questions you may have about life in Tokyo. She will also share some hidden gems, tips and tricks in the city, and show you how to make your own delicious Japanese-style cocktails and mocktails at home. Learn some bar basics - AMA “Ask me anything” format to answer questions about cocktails, Japan, and Japanese culture and food travel.

This experience is great for locals living in Japan, as well as Japan and bar fans around the world. 

Sessions take place on Saturdays at 9pm.  They also have time slots for 10am Wednesdays and 12pm Fridays. All times given are  JST (Japan Standard Time), so be sure to see what this is in your local time before booking. 

• Learn 2 Japanese cocktail recipes that are easy to learn and recreate
• Information about Japanese drinks and culture in general
• "Ask Me Anything" format on cocktails and Japanese food and drink culture

OK, not strictly a tour at all ;-), but if you can't go out, have a few drinks and hang out with friends at the moment, why not try your hand at a cocktail or two with an expert all the way from Japan!?

It was very fun.

I want to visit and see the real sumo match in person. Now my daughter wants to learn more about sumo. Thank you.

Nice to see areas that you would not immediately visit as a "normal" tourist! Compliments for the very interesting explanation of Damiano-san! Again, I think I know a lot about Japan already, but everytime I learn new things during the virtual tours.

Really enjoyed this tour!

Takeda-senseee's sado/origami demonstrations were excellent! And Taira-san's interpretation was precise! I've learned a lot today in the Q&A session as well. でも、バーチャルだからお菓子とお茶が食べられなかったのが残念！ I'll definitely visit Chazen in Asakusa next time I go to Japan..

Thank you for making this happen!

We really enjoyed this virtual sado/origami experience. Our students are very shy, but I'm sure they enjoyed the experience too ;)

Very nice tour!

The guide's English is easy to listen to. His explanation is also interesting. I had fun. Thank you so much!

The sumo wrestlers were very entertaining!!

I enjoyed the event, the exercise were interesting but difficult and I would give my best shot in doing them daily. I learnt alot about Sumo and thought the dedication etc for the sport was very interesting and how hard they work. Thankyou again!

Thank you for the tour, it was extremely interesting!

Thank you for your kindness, hospitality and OMOTENASHI!

Very fun tour.

23 May 2021

It was very fun. I want to visit and see the real sumo match in person. Now my daughter wants to learn more about sumo. Thank you.

Wonderful tour!

22 May 2021

I felt like I was going out for real because Japan was in a state of emergency and it was awkward to go out. Thank you very much.

Interesting.

It was very interesting than I expected. A facilitator is needed, but it was fascinating that the main speaker was a real wrestler.It was very nice that attention was paid to the details and preparations, such as the combination of lectures and experiences, and the creation of easy to understand materials during the lectures.Both Tashiro-san and Aoki-san had a high point that the characters were standing. It was an impression that HIS made what they wanted to do, rather than just being forced to do it.I will participate in the next tour too!!

So much fun!

Sumo wrestler was humorous and funny.

thank you very much, it was very interesting.

Great webinar!

I follow sumo (on tv and online) for some years now. Unfortunately never had the chance to see a tournament live in Japan. But I know a lot already. This webinar was very interesting, even I learned new things. About the history, the mawashi (8 meter!) and so on. The demonstration was fun! Thanks to Aoki-san and Tashiro-san! Damian-san did a good job as moderator and translator. Great webinar!

Enjoyable guide!

22 April 2021

The guide was so enjoyable! The tour guide was great, friendly, informative, engaging and personable! Such a great experience offered during these covid times.

Love this tour!

Loved this so much, great tour guide and really interesting tour. What a great concept, love it!

Great experience

This was a delightful experience, thank you!

Fun environment.

11 Apr 2021

This was very well run and provided a fun environment. Thank you so much and stay safe!

The first online tour.

It was my first time and I enjoyed it! Planning to join next time too!

It was quite interesting to see a few aspects of Japan.

Considering the technical coordination aspects connecting with several locations, the presentation worked quite well. It was quite interesting to see a few aspects of Japan and especially during cherry blossom season. I learned more about the areas and Mt Fuji. Very enjoyable. Especially got a laugh out of the sake drinking. Kanpai!

Miyagi sakura is splendid!

Miyagi sakura is splendid! I will go there next time!

Very professional team.

This was my first experience of a virtual tour - I liked all aspects - the locations and both presenters, the quizzes, the Q&A. I thought you did a really good job presenting, coordinating and making it feel a bit informal as well as some formal information. I loved the little picnic, the walk up to the Pagoda, the views, the feel of the crowds. It was all well coordinated, the technology worked and it helped give me a taste for Japan (I have only been once for work and you never get to see much beyond hotels, airports and offices!). Thank you for answering my many questions, and those of others. I will look for more tours and consider joining others. Great job and keep up the good work. A most enjoyable Sunday morning for me - and we look forward to one day being able to visit and do these tours in person!

A most enjoyable Sunday morning for me.

Nice tour and a very professional team. The only drawback is the internet quality is probably pour such that I cannot see the cherry blossom very clearly. But the team is doing a very good job for the whole tour.

Many thanks.

28 Mar 2021

Many thanks for his warm spring moment.

It was fantastic, many thanks and have a beautiful sunday.

I enjoyed the tour.

I enjoyed this nice tour very much.

I want to see more!

I enjoyed the tour very much. As far as I am concerned, please do it again, for instance what the shops sell, or what kind of food you can buy. More over old buildings or memories (the tower we saw or the statue) in Tokyo or somewhere else in Japan.

It was a very good zoom session, nice.

I enjoyed the guided live.

I enjoyed it and found it very interesting and very nice to be guided live.

The quarity was not good.

27 Mar 2021

Video quality and production quality was very bad. I left the tour early.

I am very satisfied and enjoyed.

This is my first time to join an online tour. I’m a Japanese and now I’m studying English. Since this is the nice opportunity that I can learn English and enjoy cherry blossom, so I applied this tour. And the result is, I am very satisfied and enjoyed. I’d like to say thank you to both guide for the great time with their professional skill and knowledge.

Very interesting tour!

12 Mar 2021

The whole tour was interesting, to virtually walk the town and see the the scenery, with information from the guide. Very nice to have a conversation during the tour.

21 Feb 2021

Special thanks for all the tour guide people who were outside with Cameras. One comment is if there are virtual tour for locations for travelers with school age children will be awesome! -Kizzania? Museums, etc...

We really loved the tour!!

It really was a very special experience for us so we feel it was worth an extra gratuity.

Interactive fun tour!

Visiting Japan in English was very refreshing. It was a lot of fun!

The tour was very good thank you.

The host was great. I would be interested in knowing more about the wildlife and natural environment/sights of Japan for future tours.

Blown away by the quality!

13 Feb 2021

All the parts of today's activity were beautiful and interesting, both the preparation and explanation of the tea ceremony as well as the Origami demonstration. Great Job. I will gladly participate on future events.

Real Professionalism!

This has been an amazing experience. Both the interpreter (Damiano) as well as the ta ceremony teacher were very professional. Their communication was very clear, the explanation about the tea ceremony was very clear and complete. Truly a wonderful experience with an excellent organization.Even if we were far away, we could experience and feel the atmosphere of this ceremony.

Loved the Webinar!

Keep doing more webinars ( English is ok for me!) Thye are very interesting, they make us travel with our mind and feel closer!

I really enjoyed this tour!

14 Jan 2020

It was a very nostalgic tour. thank you.

Great friendly and fun host.

All staff on virtual tours were very pleasant and bubbly. Appreciate very much for being able to go on this virtual tour. It's an oasis amidst this horrid situation!

22 Dec 2020

I want to watch virtual tour more time... I spent great time with you, thank you!

These virtual tours are an excellent.

17 Dec 2020

Due to the covid outbreak I cannot travel as planned to Japan. 懐かしい。These virtual tours are an excellent way to kind of be in Japan anyway. I really enjoy it!

23 Dec 2020

All tours were great and enjoyable , thanks alot .

Here comes a day "Travel vie internet". People originally went to travel on foot, crossed the ocean by ship, and then fly in the sky by airplane. And the form of the travel is now changing again, so called "Journey Revolution". By connecting Japan interactively in real time via internet, travel becomes easier, more convenient and even fascinating! The cutting-edge journey is here.

Virtual Tour of Tokyo Asakusa

All walking tours > virtual tour of tokyo asakusa, tour overview.

During this Virtual Tour of Tokyo Asakusa, you will get to experience the story of the most famous landmark of Tokyo, Senso-ji temple and make you feel walking in current Tokyo from your home. You will get better understanding of Tokyo and helps you make a wonderful plan for your future trip to Japan. 

>> Booking required.

>> Booking available 10-14 days before the tour.

>> Check the tour schedule for tour updates.

Tour Details

Daily: 10:00am, 12:00PM (Tokyo Time)  Please check  tour schedule

Duration:  1 Hour

Price: 2,000 JPY 

Group Size:  Up to 5 people Max

Language:  English

Tour Highlights

Have A Question?

Tour faq's.

How long does the tour last?

Tour will take 1 hours.

Where does the Virtual Tour go?

We will walk and show you around Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, the must visit place in Tokyo.

What should I prepare?

We will send you the details of the virtual tour to your email after your booking.

Do you offer Virtual tours in Spanish, German or French?

This virtual tour is only in English.

Do you offer Virtual private tours?

This virtual tour is a group tour. But if you want to make the experience private, contact us.

Why are there limited spaces for the Virtual Tour?

We limit the group sizes for the Virtual Tour for the quality reasons, and our tour guide cannot offer a great service to our guests.

Terms & Conditions (Virtual Tours)

Virtual Paid Tours

Your booking confirmation will be sent to you automatically by email upon successful completion of your order. If you do not receive this mail for any reason, you are asked to contact us by email: , as it may mean that your order has not been successfully processed. Please check your junk or spam folder first.

Booking Amendments

If you want to reschedule your tour, please contact us by email:  with your booking name, the name of the tour and the new date to join the tour. Any amendment you wish to make to your booking must be requested at least 72 hours before the tour time. We are not able to accept any booking amendments within 72 hours before the tour time.

Cancellations

We work very hard to ensure that all tours run as scheduled. When a tour cancels and it is our fault, we will refund the full price.

Your Request

If you are not be able to attend your tour and need to cancel the booking, please let us know at least 72 hours before the tour time. Please contact us at with your booking name, the name of the tour. We will cancel your booking and refund the full price.

If you let us know your cancellation 24-72 hours before the tour time, we will cancel your booking and refund the half price.  If you don’t show up or you cancel the tour within 24 hours before the departure time, we will not refund you.

Others (Natural disasters and Interruption of transportation system)

Should we be unable to offer a tour due to natural disasters (such as earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, heavy rains, extreme weather and so on), we will let you know by e-mail as soon as possible and refund the full price.

Should we be unable to offer a tour due to interruption of transportation system (such as suspension of a train and cancelation of a flight), we will refund the full price.

Late Policy

Your tour guide is booked specifically for the length of time mentioned on the service description and we don’t want to waste of time of other guests who are ready on time. If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, you will be considered as a “no-show” and your booking will be canceled without a refund.

Tokyo Localized will never sell your personal information to any third party. We reserve the right to use data given to us for marketing and research purposes.

Book This Virtual Tour

Tokyo is one of the most intriguing cities in world and our walking tours will show you why. Join us on one of our walking tours and you will learn about the old and new Tokyo, the food, religion, history and culture.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Visit the best Japanese museums from home: Virtual tours

Visit the best Japanese museums from home: Virtual tours

June 15, 2022

Although you may not be planning to travel around Japan with a JR Pass for a while, it’s now possible to explore some of Japan’s best museums digitally and get a good idea of what to expect when you do arrive.

It’s now entirely possible to visit a range of galleries and museums in Japan online via offer a virtual exhibition tour, simply by using the Google Arts & Culture Street View from the comfort of your sofa .

See below for a full guide to some of the best Japanese Museums and what they offer on a virtual tour.

Adachi Museum of Art

Located in Shimane Prefecture, this museum has been dedicated to promoting modern Japanese art since it opened in 1970. The museum is especially famous for its stunning gardens , designed by founder Zenko Adachi, which rank among the best public gardens in Japan .

The museum itself is home to a wide range of modern art from Japan, including a large number of works by famed artist Taikan Yokoyama .

Art lovers can now view over 140 pieces of the Adachi collection from home through the Google Art & Culture Street View, as well as take a virtual tour of the award-winning gardens.

Chihiro Art Museum

Located in the Nerima Ward of Tokyo, this small gallery displays the colorful pastel art of renowned illustrator Chihiro Iwasaki , as well as several other Japanese children’s book artists.

Perfect for kids , the upbeat work of Iwasaki frequently features depictions of flowers and children, and the museum has welcomed over 2 million guests since opening in 1970. Traveling Chihiro Exhibitions have accumulated an additional 2 million visitors across Japan.

It makes sense, then, that the museum now operates a virtual tour of 3 exhibitions that shows off some of Iwasaki’s best art online.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

This museum in Fukuoka aims to underline the difference between Asian and Western art and accentuate the unique charm of art culture from a range of countries across Asia.

Lovers of Asian art can now explore the collection from home, as the museum has now launched a virtual tour of over 150 pieces , a generous sample of work which takes in a variety of mediums.

Those who wish to learn about Fukuoka itself, as well as the vibrant culture of the island of Kyushu, are also able to do so virtually via a tour of the Fukuoka City Museum .

Kyoto National Museum

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto , the city’s National Museum features over 8,000 artworks and a range of both temporary and permanent exhibitions with a focus on pre-modern Japanese art .

Kyoto National Museum is one of the oldest and largest in Japan with a collection including almost 200 Important Cultural Properties and 29 National Treasures.

Nevertheless, it has recently fully come into the modern age with the launch of an online gallery including over 200 pieces of art.

Kyoto Prefectural Domoto Insho Museum of Fine Art

Another important museum located in Kyoto city , this Japanese fine gallery was established in 1966 to display the art of Insho Domoto , widely considered to be one of the best painters from Japan .

In addition to displaying a range of Domoto’s abstract paintings , the museum’s interiors and exteriors also happened to have been designed by the artist himself.

Lovers of the artist’s work, including his masterpiece, can now take a virtual tour online to both discover a variety of Domoto’s revered paintings and marvel at his superior architectural design.

Ohara Museum of Art

Located just a 2-minute walk from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture , the Ohara Museum of Art was inaugurated in 1930 as the first permanent collection of Western artwork in Japan .

Although the museum’s collection was initially exclusively composed of 19th and 20th-century French paintings and sculptures, it now includes works from a variety of international artists , including world-famous American and Italian painters.

Important pieces of art by Gauguin, Picasso, and Monet can all be found in the museum, and over 40 works from the collection can now be viewed on an online tour .

Miraikan, also known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation , opened in 2001 and is located in Tokyo’s Odaiba district .

The aim of Miraikan is to allow visitors to explore modern technology , the environment, life science, and space exploration through hands-on contact and a range of interactive exhibitions .

Fans of science all over the globe are now able to explore the exhibitions online , including microcomputers and a range of robots to tiny computers, on Miraikan’s Google Arts & Culture page.

National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

This Tokyo museum was opened as the first national space for art in Japan in 1952 and features a range of work dating from the Meji Period to the present day,

The large collection includes a number of illustrations by Shohachi Kimura and Eisaku Wada’s ‘Old Woman’ oil painting, as well as several works by renowned Japanese abstract artists.

The museum has also decided to display a large portion of its collection on Google Street View, including over 120 Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings).

National Museum of Nature and Science

Located in Tokyo’s Ueno Park , Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science is the largest in the country and boasts a range of interactive scientific experiments as well as several natural history exhibitions.

Like many other museums in Ueno, they have recently chosen to implement a virtual tour of 2 exhibitions , the Global Gallery, and the Japan Gallery.

Combined, these online galleries offer visitors over 300 museum pieces to explore, including a number of animal skeletons and taxidermy specimens housed in the collection.

Tokyo Museum of Western Art

Another gallery located in the museum and zoo complex in Ueno Park, the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was founded in 1959 and remains an extremely popular attraction in the city, attracting well over 1 million yearly visitors.

The only national institution devoted to Western art in Japan , the museum was established around the collection of Matsukata Kojiro. This wealthy businessman devoted his lift and fortune to provide the Japanese public with opportunities to appreciate works ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century .

Tokyo National Museum

Japan’s oldest national museum , dating back to 1872, contains both a large collection of artwork from Japan and from other Asian countries.

One of the biggest art galleries in the whole world, the National museum boasts over 100,000 pieces including 89 Japanese national treasures. It mostly focuses on displaying ancient and medieval Japanese art, as well as Greco-Buddhist artifacts.

Tottori Sand Museum

Nestled among the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture, Japan’s only art space dedicated to sand sculptures features both an open-air sculpture museum and the world’s first permanent indoor exhibition hall honoring the craft.

The museum’s online exhibition space contains an extensive archive of some of the greatest works created in Tottori by the best sand artists in the world .

The ever-changing displays including sculptures of famous architecture such as the Taj Mahal and Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Unko Museum Tokyo

Fan all of the things kitsch will be overjoyed to learn that Tokyo has its very own museum exclusively dedicated to poop , located in the Odaiba district, which has become one of Japan’s most buzzed-about attractions.

Unko is ‘poo’ in Japanese meaning that this candy-colored space is fully committed to providing a range of poop-themed interactive games and challenges, as well as a gift-shop fully stocked with toilet-themed goods.

Spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic, they have also created an extensive online space to help beat boredom during the quarantine. This cheeky electronic museum features an interactive chat where you can talk to the sentient Unko mascot, Unberto, as well as a gallery of toilet art created by celebrities .

Unberto is also hosting regular live sessions on Unko Museum’s official Instagram page to answer any questions about bowel movements his fans may have.

Yamatane Museum of Art

Located in Tokyo’s Shibuya district , the Yamatane Museum of Art was established as the first museum dedicated to Nihonga and watercolor paintings in Japan in 1966.

Founder Taneji Yamazaki donated his own extensive collection of Japanese art to the space, including a number of paintings designated as an “object of national cultural significance”.

The museum has also made a large part of its collection available online, including over 50 items on Google Art & Culture Street View.

This virtual exhibition includes several paintings of traditionally dressed Japanese women by the respected artist and activist Uemura Shōen , as well as a huge range of spectacular landscapes dating back to the Edo period.

Osamu Tezuka Museum

The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, located in the city of Takarazuka, north of Osaka prefecture , is dedicated to what is considered by many to be the “ father of manga “.

In this museum we can see photos of the artist himself, as well as his first illustrations. There is also a series of Astro Boy anime video clips, where you can see how animation has evolved over the decades .

Rember that you easily find many of the virtual tours offered by museums in Japan by browsing the Google Arts and Culture Page .

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Virtual Tour of the Mayo Terrace

An online tour of Kewpie's museum

I confess that I only began to love mayonnaise when I became acquainted with Kewpie. There is no other mayonnaise that tastes as good as this Japanese pantry staple. So ubiquitous is the Kewpie squeeze bottle with its distinct red cap that it is even part of a toy for babies (of all the parts of this toy, the mayonnaise bottle is my baby's favorite).

As a huge Kewpie fan, I wished to visit the Kewpie Mayo Terrace, a free museum in one of Kewpie's old factories in Sengawa. Unfortunately, the Mayo Terrace has been closed to visitors due to the pandemic, but they offer live online tours on Zoom for free.

To join, simply go to their website and check their calendar for tour dates. You will be required to register your email address in order to receive the password protected Zoom link.

The tour is hosted by a Kewpie staff member who welcomed participants as they entered the Zoom meeting. Participants were encouraged to turn on their cameras, if possible. Another Kewpie staff member with a camera walked us through the Mayo Terrace so that we could view the exhibits.

The tour lasted 30 minutes. The host was very energetic and engaging and there were some opportunities for interaction. It was fun to learn more about mayonnaise in general, about its history in Japan and in the world, the Kewpie mayonnaise variants currently available in the market, and some trivia such as what the company does to the egg whites and egg shells after harvesting the egg yolks for mayonnaise production.

In the last few minutes of the tour, participants were introduced to simple recipes that use mayonnaise, including a dish that I never thought would be enhanced significantly by adding mayonnaise.

Unfortunately, the tour is only available in Japanese, but if you have a functional level of Japanese, it is pretty easy to understand and follow.

I cannot wait for the Mayo Terrace to open again to the public and buy Kewpie souvenirs at the shop, but in the meantime, I was enriched by this virtual tour.

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By Sherilyn Siy

Community writer

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