Things to do in Ushiku

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Ibaraki Prefecture

Ushiku Daibutsu

Ushiku DaibutsuThe full name is 'Ushiku Amida Buddha'. Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the statue is 120m tall and is one of the tallest standing Buddha statues in the world, listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest bronze Buddha statue. Unlike our typical perception of Buddhist temples and halls, the Daibutsu is a Buddhist structure with a strong modern feel. Construction began in 1985 and took approx. 10 years to complete. The interior features a steel-reinforced structure, representing a completely modern design. In terms of its broader design,Ushiku Daibutsuhas a strong modern commercial feel, with visitors passing through a shopping street upon both entering and exiting. The Buddhist hall inside the statue houses a large number of Buddha statues.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disney Resort is a themed resort offering more than can be enjoyed in just a day. Here you'll find two Disney theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – as well as six Disney hotels, several Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the shopping and dining complex Ikspiari, and a convenient monorail line around the Resort. Enjoy the parks and stay for the shopping, dining, and more at Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disneyland, the Kingdom of Dreams and Magic, consists of seven themed lands, each offering fun attractions in line with its theme, as well as a variety of unique shops and restaurants. · World Bazaar: A bustling early 20th century American town center · Adventureland: A world of adventure rich in nature and cultural diversity · Westernland: America's “Wild West” abounding with the frontier spirit · Critter Country: A neighborhood of friendly creatures and their stories · Fantasyland: A world of fairytales and dreams replete with Disney magic · Toontown: A fun-filled neighborhood where Mickey and his friends live · Tomorrowland: A land of tomorrow where science and technology are in harmony Have a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland with your Disney friends! 1. “it's a small world”: As children of the world sing, enjoy the “happiest cruise that ever sailed.” 2. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast: Board magical cups that seem to dance through this enchanting story. 3. Big Thunder Mountain: A wild ride with sudden drops and turns on runaway mine train. 4. Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Fly high through the sky on Dumbo's back. 5. Splash Mountain: A thrilling trip on a log boat awaits you! 6. Minnie's Style Studio: Minnie Mouse, as a fashion designer, will greet guests wearing her latest design. Visit her office and pass through the workroom, then enter the photo studio for a photo with Minnie!

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo Disney Resort is a themed resort offering more than can be enjoyed in just a day. Here you'll find two Disney theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – as well as six Disney hotels, several Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the shopping and dining complex Ikspiari, and a convenient monorail line around the Resort. Enjoy the parks and stay for the shopping, dining, and more at Tokyo Disney Resort. The only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea. Each of the eight themed ports features attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, inviting guests to a world “Where Adventure and Imagination Set Sail!” · Mediterranean Harbor: A romantic Southern European port town · American Waterfront: The nostalgia-filled American harbors of New York and Cape Cod · Port Discovery: A futuristic marina located across the horizons of time · Lost River Delta: The ruins of an ancient civilization in the Central American jungles · Fantasy Springs: Magical springs that lead to worlds of Disney fantasy · Arabian Coast: The world of The Arabian Nights filled with magic and mystery · Mermaid Lagoon: An undersea kingdom home to Ariel, the little mermaid, and her friends · Mysterious Island: The eccentric genius Captain Nemo's secret base 1. Toy Story Mania!: Board a tram and play some fun carnival games with Woody, Buzz, and their pals. 2. Journey to the Center of the Earth: While exploring on a subterranean vehicle, unexpected danger sends you hurtling through the caverns. 3. Soaring: Fantastic Flight: Enjoy a journey over famous landscapes of the world! 4. Tower of Terror: Board an elevator for the penthouse, but beware! A terrifying experience awaits you. 5. Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey: In this attraction, guests board a boat and enjoy the heartwarming tale of Anna and Elsa, accompanied by well-known songs from the Disney Animation film, Frozen. 6. Rapunzel's Lantern Festival: This attraction takes guests on a romantic boat ride that leads to the annual Lantern Festival.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kanto Region

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is a temple with a long history and great popularity in Tokyo, dedicated to the sacred Kannon, and serves as the center of faith and culture in the Asakusa area. It was first built in the 7th century and was rebuilt many times after repeated fires. Legend has it that two fishermen caught a small golden statue of Kannon while fishing at sea, and the temple was built to enshrine it. The symbol of Sensō-ji is the Kaminarimon Gate at the entrance, flanked by the wind god and thunder god who guard the temple. A giant red lantern bearing the characters for "Kaminarimon" hangs on the gate, creating a truly impressive sight. Passing through Kaminarimon Gate leads to Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches toward the temple plaza. The rows of shops are filled with various small items full of Japanese charm, such as traditional fans and paper trinkets. This is one of Tokyo's lively shopping streets, and many visitors browse and pick out exquisite crafts here. After passing through Nakamise, you arrive at Hozomon Gate. Beyond it lies a roughly hundred-meter stone-paved path leading to the main hall where the Kannon statue is enshrined. In the plaza stands a large incense burner, and many people fan the smoke onto themselves for good health. The main hall's roof is distinctive, with a pronounced slope and a notably high ridge, giving it a striking and well-defined structure. On the east side, Nitenmon Gate is an ancient vermilion-lacquered gate and serves as another entrance to the temple grounds. In addition, there are many buildings and historical sites within Sensō-ji that are worth taking the time to appreciate.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is a themed resort offering more than can be enjoyed in just a day. Here you'll find two Disney theme parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – as well as six Disney hotels, several Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels, the shopping and dining complex Ikspiari, and a convenient monorail line around the Resort. Enjoy the parks and stay for the shopping, dining, and more at Tokyo Disney Resort.  Tokyo Disneyland, the Kingdom of Dreams and Magic, consists of seven themed lands, each offering fun attractions in line with its theme, as well as a variety of unique shops and restaurants. · World Bazaar: A bustling early 20th century American town center · Adventureland: A world of adventure rich in nature and cultural diversity · Westernland: America's “Wild West” abounding with the frontier spirit · Critter Country: A neighborhood of friendly creatures and their stories · Fantasyland: A world of fairytales and dreams replete with Disney magic · Toontown: A fun-filled neighborhood where Mickey and his friends live · Tomorrowland: A land of tomorrow where science and technology are in harmony Have a magical day at Tokyo Disneyland with your Disney friends! 1. “it's a small world”: As children of the world sing, enjoy the “happiest cruise that ever sailed.” 2. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast: Board magical cups that seem to dance through this enchanting story. 3. Big Thunder Mountain: A wild ride with sudden drops and turns on runaway mine train. 4. Dumbo The Flying Elephant: Fly high through the sky on Dumbo's back. 5. Splash Mountain: A thrilling trip on a log boat awaits you! 6. Minnie's Style Studio: Minnie Mouse, as a fashion designer, will greet guests wearing her latest design. Visit her office and pass through the workroom, then enter the photo studio for a photo with Minnie! The only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea. Each of the eight themed ports features attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, inviting guests to a world “Where Adventure and Imagination Set Sail!”  · Mediterranean Harbor: A romantic Southern European port town · American Waterfront: The nostalgia-filled American harbors of New York and Cape Cod · Port Discovery: A futuristic marina located across the horizons of time · Lost River Delta: The ruins of an ancient civilization in the Central American jungles · Fantasy Springs: Magical springs that lead to worlds of Disney fantasy · Arabian Coast: The world of The Arabian Nights filled with magic and mystery · Mermaid Lagoon: An undersea kingdom home to Ariel, the little mermaid, and her friends · Mysterious Island: The eccentric genius Captain Nemo's secret base 1. Toy Story Mania!: Board a tram and play some fun carnival games with Woody, Buzz, and their pals. 2. Journey to the Center of the Earth: While exploring on a subterranean vehicle, unexpected danger sends you hurtling through the caverns. 3. Soaring: Fantastic Flight: Enjoy a journey over famous landscapes of the world! 4. Tower of Terror: Board an elevator for the penthouse, but beware! A terrifying experience awaits you. 5. Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey: In this attraction, guests board a boat and enjoy the heartwarming tale of Anna and Elsa, accompanied by well-known songs from the Disney Animation film, Frozen. 6. Rapunzel's Lantern Festival: This attraction takes guests on a romantic boat ride that leads to the annual Lantern Festival.

2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is Tokyo's iconic radio tower and sightseeing landmark. Standing 634 m tall, it set a new world height record for tower structures when completed. The tower's body gradually transitions from a triangular shape at the base to a circular shape toward the top, and its clean, upright steel structure combines a futuristic feel with traditional charm. The exterior paintwork is based on the traditional Japanese color "aihaku" (blue-white), presenting a slightly blue-tinged white. The tower has an observation deck at 350 m and another at 450 m. From the top, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, and on clear days the view can extend to distant mountain ranges. The Tembo Galleria at 450 m features a spiral glass walkway encircling the tower, including a section with a glass floor where you can look straight down at the ground below, as if floating in midair. After nightfall, the tower is alternately lit in two lighting modes, "Iki" and "Miyabi"—the former sky blue and the latter purple—adding an elegant charm to Tokyo's nightscape. The image of Tokyo Skytree also frequently appears in Japanese dramas and anime, becoming a symbolic marker of Tokyo's skyline in the minds of many. The area beneath the tower has been developed into the mixed-use commercial and entertainment district Skytree Town, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment, and the Sumida Aquarium is located within it. In addition to going up the tower for the view, visitors can also take a leisurely stroll through the streets below and experience the landmark's different charms from day to night.

Asakusa

Asakusa is a traditional district in Tokyo that developed around Senso-ji Temple, offering a distinct atmosphere from modern commercial areas like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. It retains the charm of Edo's old downtown and is regarded as a microcosm of ancient Edo culture. Historically, Asakusa suffered severe damage twice—from fires after the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII air raids—but gradually regained popularity during postwar reconstruction. Today, it epitomizes old Tokyo. The heart of the district is Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple founded in the 7th century. Its entrance, Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), features a massive red lantern inscribed with the gate's name and is flanked by statues of the wind and thunder gods, where people once prayed for good harvests and weather. The bustling Nakamise shopping street, lined with red storefronts, connects Kaminarimon to Hozomon Gate and the main hall, selling traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki, Edo-era toys, and crafts, with some shops over a century old. Kimono rentals are also available here. Nearby, Asakusa Shrine, built in the Edo period, is worth a visit, while Denbo-in Temple's garden can only be admired from outside. Asakusa also hosts traditional festivals: the Sanja Matsur in May at Asakusa Shrine embodies Edo's vibrant spirit, alongside summer's "Hozuki Market" at Senso-ji, the "Tori-no-Ichi" fair at Otori Shrine in early winter, and year-end "Hagoita Market." Sumida Park along the Sumida River is a famed cherry blossom spot, with boat rides offering waterfront views in spring. The summer fireworks festival on the river is a major annual event. For Edo-style cuisine, classics like tempura, soba, and eel are easy to find. With extra time, explore Kappabashi Street, known for kitchenware and food replicas. The area is easily explored on foot or by rickshaw.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

SHIBUYA SKY

SHIBUYA SKY is an observation facility that not only offers 360-degree views from 229 meters above Shibuya, but also stimulates intellectual curiosity and fosters imagination through a series of experiences. The observation experience at SHIBUYA SKY is composed of three zones: "SKY GATE," a transitional space from the 14th to the 45th floors; "SKY GALLERY," an indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor; and "SKY STAGE," a rooftop observation space. Enjoy the music bar, souvenir shop, and scenic photo service as well. △ SKY EDGE is a popular photo spot and a scenic area offering panoramic views of Tokyo, from the Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the cityscape!  △ A breathtaking 360-degree view from 229 meters above Shibuya.  △ You can enjoy the view from indoors at the "SKY GALLERY," an indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor.

JAXA Tsukuba Space Center Exhibition Hall 'Space Dome'

Tsuchiura City Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park