As a full-time traveler, I’ve found that the most popular things to do in a city aren’t always the highlight of the trip. Sometimes, the most well-known attractions are the biggest flops. This was certainly the case in Japan.
My least favorite attractions in Japan were also some of the most famous things to do in the country.
After trying out all the must-do activities, these are my picks for the most overrated attractions and some fun alternatives you can do instead.
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Shibuya Scramble
Every video I watched and an article I read about the best things to do in Tokyo recommended a stop by the Shibuya Scramble. It’s basically just a big crosswalk square in the city center where up to 2,500 people stroll through every two minutes [ Source].
Upon arriving, I began to sense Times Square in NYC vibes, which is pretty much my ultimate nightmare. Still, I decided to take a peek since it’s such an iconic Tokyo landmark. I was unsurprised to find that it was in fact just a collection of overwhelmingly crowded crosswalk streets.
For people who don’t hail from a major metropolis, this may be an interesting sight. However, being from a big city, I found it to be a bore.
Alternative Option: Shibuya Sky
There are still plenty of worthwhile activities around the Shibuya neighborhood in lieu of the Scramble, like Shibuya Sky.
Shibuya Sky is a 750-foot observation deck that provides panoramic views around the city [ Source]. Instead of getting lost in a sea of people at the Scramble, you’ll get access to the clearest views of Tokyo’s skyline.
Just make sure you book tickets in advance on the Shibuya Sky website because they sell out days ahead of time, even during the low season.
Go-Karting in Tokyo
At least once a day in Tokyo, I’d spy visitors chugging along in their rented go-karts down the congested city streets. All of them sported a different jumpsuit, an additional amenity to the popular activity in Japan.
Yet, not once did I ever see one of the drivers looking happy.
Perhaps it was the fear of driving on the actual open roads of busy Tokyo in a tiny little go-kart. Or, maybe it was the realization that they now had to zoom around the city in a Minions onesie. Either way, I was not enticed by the experience in the slightest.
Alternative Option: Mega Arcade in Akihabara or Shinjuku
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of the street racer go-karting, I can still appreciate things like the gigantic arcades around Tokyo. Something I loved about traveling in Japan is that there is an opportunity around every corner to feel like a kid again.
Shinjuku and Akihabara are two of the best neighborhoods for finding these multi-tier gaming parlors. You can get lost in a world of different games at these places and there are even racing games to scratch that go-karting itch.
TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
TeamLab is an art group that puts together immersive installations all over the world. They have several versions across Japan’s cities. In Osaka, there is a TeamLab Botanical Garden that only comes alive in the darkness of the night.
TeamLab Botanical Garden sounds enticing and in my experience, it did have intriguing elements. However, the installation was fairly small and it only took about 20 minutes to walk through.
For me, it just wasn’t worth the money for how far out of the way it was. This being said it might be more fun for families with young kids.
Alternative Option: TeamLab Planets Tokyo
Don’t worry — not every TeamLab rendition in Japan gets slapped with the label of being overrated. TeamLab Planets in Tokyo is well worth the splurge because it is truly like stepping into another reality.
As a photographer, I was overjoyed to wander the installation’s four rooms and two otherworldly gardens. One room felt so infinite that it genuinely took me about ten minutes to find my way out. It’s a memorable attraction where you’re guaranteed to get some insane photos.
👉 Pro Tip: A few sections of teamLab Planets involve water, so wear clothes that can roll up above your knees. You can also rent shorts for free.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Out of all the potential things to do in Japan, I was notably excited to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest about 40 minutes outside of Kyoto. From the photos, it looked endless, breathtaking, and devoid of other people.
The reality I met was inescapable crowds and an unbelievably short route through the bamboo shoots. Yes, I got a handful of neat photos (although it was irritatingly difficult to snag good lighting among the tall stalks). However, it was just underwhelming as a whole.
There are still some solid reasons to visit the town of Arashiyama, though.
Alternative Option: Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
When I find out a destination has animal attractions that are ethically run, I’m there. So, you can imagine my giddiness to discover that Arashiyama is also home to the Monkey Park Iwatayama.
This place isn’t a zoo, but rather, a chilled-out spot for wild Japanese macaque monkeys on a mountain top overlooking Arashiyama. The park provides killer views of the cute, waterfront town and it is incredibly fun to watch the monkeys bopping around in their element.
Visitors can pay for bags of peanuts or apples and feed the adult and baby monkeys from the safety of a barred room. Seeing tiny baby monkey hands reaching for a peanut was my favorite part of the park, personally.
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Every traveler has a different definition of ‘overrated’ when it comes to tourist attractions. For me, I consider an attraction overrated when I find myself counting down the seconds until it’s time for the next activity.
Most of the attractions in Japan held onto my attention for hours and then marinated in my mind for months following. A few duds slipped through the cracks, though.
You might still want to visit these spots for a quick photo, but I recommend allocating minimal time out of your Japan itinerary for them.
Lastly, you’ll need to be knowledgeable about the local public transportation system to reach all of these attractions. So, head over to my article where I share my experience with Japan’s public transit, and everything you need to know, next.
