Tokyo International Forum

Tokyo’s neon buzz and iconic spots like Shibuya Crossing are great, but if you’ve already snapped that selfie or want to feel like a local, it’s time to dive deeper. We scoured seasoned Tokyo travelers for real tips and mixed in some insider know-how to bring you seven experiences that’ll make you feel like you’re living the Tokyo life. From serene mornings to high-rise cocktails, here’s how to do Tokyo like you belong there. 1️⃣ Hunt Treasures at Oedo Antique Market Many travelers are buzzing about the Oedo Antique Market at Tokyo International Forum; it’s a goldmine for unique finds—think vintage kimonos, woodblock prints, and quirky pottery at bargain prices. Held twice a month (check schedules online), it’s where locals and savvy travelers dig for treasures, some one-of-a-kind memories to take home. Arrive early for the best picks, and bring cash for small vendors. ➜ Pro tip: Pair it with a stroll through nearby Yurakucho for a taste of authentic street food. 2️⃣ Sip Cocktails in a Shinjuku High-Rise Bar Travelers can’t stop talking about Tokyo’s high-rise bars, and for good reason. Perched in skyscrapers like Park Hyatt’s New York Bar (yes, from Lost in Translation), you’ll sip whisky while the city’s lights stretch endlessly below, like stars pulled to earth. Locals and expats love spots like Bar Ben Fiddich for its herbal cocktails or BrewDog Roppongi for craft beer. Go at night, dress sharp (no shorts!), and soak in urban poetry. ➜ Pro tip: Book a spot in advance for popular bars to avoid disappointment. 3️⃣ Picnic Like a Local at Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a green oasis amid Tokyo’s chaos, and travelers rave about sprawling on the grass for a picnic. Grab snacks from a nearby conbini (7-Eleven’s onigiri is a winner) and join locals chilling under cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. It’s serene, affordable, and perfect for people-watching. Visit in the morning for quieter vibes. ➜ Fun fact: This garden was once a feudal lord’s mansion in the Edo era. 4️⃣ Catch a Sumo Match and Cheer Like a Pro Nothing screams “Japan” like sumo wrestling, and catching a match at Ryogoku Kokugikan is a thrill. Travelers rave about the electric atmosphere—think passionate fans and wrestlers slamming into each other like human bulldozers. Tickets go on sale about a month in advance (e.g., December 10 for January tournaments), but they sell out fast on PIA’s website, so set a reminder and be ready to refresh like your life depends on it. Third-party resellers charge a premium but can save the day for last-minute planners. ➜ Pro tip: Grab a bowl of chanko nabe (sumo wrestler stew) nearby to complete the vibe. 5️⃣ Wander Senso-ji at Dawn Senso-ji in Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest temple, but it’s swamped by tourists by midday. Pro-travelers swear by visiting at dawn (thank you, jet lag!) for a magical, crowd-free experience. Walk through the Kaminarimon Gate as the sun rises, snap photos of the pagoda, and feel the spiritual calm. The Nakamise shops won’t be open yet, but the quiet is worth it. ➜ Pro tip: Grab a coffee at a nearby kissaten (retro cafe) to keep the morning chill. 6️⃣ Stroll Shimokitazawa’s Cool Streets Shimokitazawa is Tokyo’s hipster haven, and visitors love its laid-back vibe. Wander narrow streets packed with vintage shops, cozy cafes, and record stores. Start at Shirohige’s Totoro Cream Puff Factory (yes, it’s Ghibli-themed!), grab coffee at Bonus Track business park, then shop till you drop. It’s less touristy than Shibuya but just as lively. ➜ Pro tip: Visit in the late afternoon for peak local energy without the crowds 7️⃣ Cruise the Shuto Expressway at Night For adrenaline junkies and pop culture enthusiasts, consider renting a sports car (check providers like Omoshiro Rentcar) and taking a night drive on the Shuto Expressway. It’s like living in a Tokyo Drift fantasy, weaving through Tokyo’s neon-lit infrastructure. The overpasses and underground tunnels are a sight in themselves. Not a driver? Walk Shinjuku or Shibuya’s elevated walkways to marvel at the city’s dense, futuristic layout. ➜ Pro tip: Stick to speed limits—Tokyo’s traffic cams are no joke. These experiences are your ticket to Tokyo’s soul, far beyond the tourist traps. Search "Tokyo" to get more ideas and travel tips from our Local Guide! #TokyoTravel #JapanVibes #TokyoHiddenGems #LocalGuides #TokyoAdventures

Welcome to the real version of 2077! The streets of this super city Tokyo come with a built-in cyberpunk filter✨ Here are 11 futuristic spots that amazed me👇 1️⃣【Toyosu Skyscraper】 📍Viewpoint: Harumi area 🌆 The glass curtain wall reflects neon lights, like a scene straight out of Blade Runner! 2️⃣【Akasaka Miyake】 🗼 Definitely a representative of Tokyo’s futuristic architecture 3️⃣【Tokyo International Forum】 📍Address: 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo ⏰ Hours: 7:00-23:30 💎 Award-winning architecture + alien spaceship vibes 4️⃣【Ginza Main Street】 🛸 The lights of luxury brand stores weave a dreamy futuristic feel 5️⃣【Roppongi View of Shibuya】 📍Viewpoint: Roppongi Hills 🌃 The giant LED screens in Shibuya look like a sci-fi movie! 6️⃣【Asakusa Temple Treasure Gate】 🏯 A magical collision of tradition and modernity 7️⃣【Hibiya Park】 📍Address: 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 💡 The city lights flickering through the greenery feel amazing 8️⃣【Roppongi View of Tokyo Tower】 📍Viewpoint: Roppongi Hills 🗼 Tokyo Tower appears faintly among the buildings, full cyberpunk vibes 9️⃣【Shibuya Crossing】 📍Address: Shibuya, Tokyo 🚥 A cosmic-level intersection with 3,000 people crossing every minute! 🔟【Rainbow Bridge】 🌉 The nighttime light show is breathtaking 💡Tips: - Best shooting time: after 7:00 PM, night scenes are more photogenic - Remember to bring a wide-angle lens and tripod - Tokyo Tower tickets cost 72 yuan, booking in advance is recommended - Google Maps navigation is a must on your phone 🎞️ Photos taken at these spots really look like you’ve traveled to 2077! Highly recommend saving and checking them out📸

#springwander One of the largest convention and art centres in Japan located right next to Tokyo Station. It was built in 1997 on the site of the former Metropolitan Government Building as a place for international cultural exchange. The modern and unique buildings, including the glass-walled "glass building" that looks like a "ship", were built by architect Raphael Vinioli. " The entire building is rated two stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan" and the "Glass Building" is designated as three stars, making it one of Tokyo's landmarks.

The Tokyo International Forum is a well-known architectural landmark in Tokyo that is free to enter. It frequently hosts events, exhibitions, and lectures, and features a vast, open space. The design emphasizes transparency and openness in public architecture, allowing natural light to flow in through the glass, creating a bright and spacious atmosphere. Upstairs, there are restaurants and conference rooms, with corridors and stairways connecting the various floors — a great example of a versatile, multifunctional public space. 📍 Tokyo International Forum, 3 Chome-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan #asiabudgetchallenge

This is the 3rd time I have visited this building, but this is the first time I have visited this building at night. At night, the details of the steel construction are more visible, highly recommended for a photography spot. The overall shape of the Tokyo Forum reminds me of a dirigible or the inside of a whale, with the beams as the architectural ribs. The glass and steel, the light and openness, creates an ideal place to wander and wonder.

#SpringZeroYenTrip Located in Yurakucho, the Tokyo International Forum features a futuristic glass architecture inspired by a ship. The spacious atrium inside is a must-see spot for architecture and photography enthusiasts✨ Highlights Impressive scale → The high ceiling and open atrium create a breathtaking atmosphere🌟 Fusion of glass and steel → The modern design stands out with cool architectural beauty📸 Perfect for night photography → The illuminated exterior creates a magical ambiance✨ Access Information About a 1-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station. Also within walking distance from Tokyo Station, making it easily accessible🚶♂️

🎨 Art Fair Tokyo 2025 One of Japan's largest art fairs. 139 galleries from Japan and abroad gather here. But basically, it feels very Japan! You can encounter a wide variety of works, from traditional crafts to contemporary art. It's completely different from a museum; the artworks are super close!! Psychologically. My family checks the art fair dates as soon as the new year starts. Even I’m surprised by their enthusiasm... I missed last year, but when I went after two years, there were so many works that I melted🫠w There’s also a free space, so if you’re around Yurakucho, stopping by is fun☺️ 📅 March 7 (Fri) – March 9 (Sun), 2025 🕒 ・March 7 (Fri) – March 8 (Sat) Public hours 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM ・March 9 (Sun) Public hours 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM 🎟 ・1DAY Ticket B (Advance): 4,000 yen (1/25 – 3/6) ・1DAY Ticket C (Same day): 5,000 yen (3/7 – 3/9) ・Late Pass (from 5:00 PM): 2,500 yen 🚉 📍 Tokyo International Forum (1-minute walk from Yurakucho Station / 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station)

Hello everyone! Today, I would like to introduce you to the magical night of music, Disney on Classic! Disney on Classic is a classical music concert featuring Disney music, held annually across various locations in Japan. In the spring, you can enjoy live performances by Japanese vocalists, and from September to December, vocalists from Broadway come to Japan to perform. During the autumn and winter season, from September to December, the first part of Disney on Classic features a variety of Disney music. In the second part, a different Disney movie is selected each year as the theme, and all the songs from that movie are performed! The music played at Disney on Classic includes not only major Disney hits but also selections from some of the more obscure works! So, if you love Disney, this is highly recommended! Be sure to check it out at least once! ✨

A Vietnamese restaurant located inside the Yurakucho International Forum. It's a great option if you want to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, especially when there's an event at the International Forum or if you're near Tokyo Station. I visited around 1:30 PM on a weekday. It wasn't completely full, but it was quite busy. It's a popular spot! For lunch, there were two types of menus: one where you can choose a pho and a side dish, and another set menu with a more traditional meal. The portions are generous, enough to fill even a hungry man. The spring rolls were incredibly delicious! Overall, the portions were huge! There were a variety of dishes to try, with a rich lineup of options. [Saigon Yurakucho International Forum Branch] 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006 Tokyo International Forum B1

🌟Highlights: The Tokyo Station, with a history of over a hundred years, still retains its old western style after several renovations. The station was built in 1914 and was restored in 2012, earning the title of 'Central Station'. The station has 28 platforms, with 4000 trains passing through daily, making it a hub of Japan's railway system. The station is characterized by its red brick architecture and symmetrical horizontal expansion. 🚉Travel Guide: In addition to the subway, it is highly recommended to walk 15 minutes from Ginza to Tokyo Station. Along the way, you can pass by the Tokyo Internal Forum, which has an open-air pedestrian street lined with restaurants and exhibition halls, and food trucks of various styles, making it lively and charming. 📸Photography Spots 1KITTE Building: Close to the south side of the station, you can capture the entire Tokyo Station from the side, as well as some railway lines and vehicles behind the station. The sixth floor of the building has an open-air viewing platform. The triangular building added by Kengo Kuma on the basis of the original Tokyo Post and Telecommunications Office, the restaurant on the side of the station allows you to enjoy the night view while dining. Station Square: The square in front of the station's main hall allows you to capture the front view from the ground level, adding the passing pedestrians makes the picture more lively. Shin-Marunouchi Building: The open-air viewing platform on the 6th floor of the building allows you to view Tokyo Station and the KITTE Building from the north side, offering an excellent view. The terrace is connected to a restaurant, allowing you to enjoy the view while dining. Note: The Shin-Marunouchi Building and the Marunouchi Building are two separate buildings. 📝An hour before sunset is the blue hour, it is recommended to shoot at the station square first, and then go to the viewing building after it gets dark. With the help of the handrails on the viewing platform, you can shoot without a tripod. The color temperature is cold, lower the ISO, and the exposure time is more than 2 seconds. The above is shot with a 24-70 lens. 🍽Nearby Food KITTE Building ①5F Nemuro Hanamaru Revolving Sushi: The Ginza Tokyu store is always crowded, you can try here, fewer tourists. ②5F GYUNTA: A teppanyaki restaurant, reasonably priced, the innermost room can avoid the crowd, quietly enjoy the food and night view, watch the vehicles entering Tokyo Station. ③B1F Matsudo Tomita Noodles: The original shop is in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, the soup base is made from seafood and pork bones. Marunouchi Building ①1F The Front Room: French afternoon tea, famous toast. ②3F HARBS: The fruit layer is also a smart choice to avoid tourists.

#hellohalloween A day at Tokyo International Forum is a treat for both design lovers and foodies alike. The architecture itself is breathtaking — a sweeping glass atrium that fills the space with light and creates an almost cathedral-like sense of openness. Walking through the curved steel and glass corridors feels like stepping into a modern art installation. After admiring the structure, we stopped by Shake Shack, located inside the Forum. With its open-air atmosphere and lively vibe, it almost feels like dining abroad. The ShackBurger (¥890) was juicy and flavorful, and the Fifty/Fifty (¥470) — a refreshing mix of lemonade and iced tea — was the perfect drink to go with it. Whether you’re visiting for the architecture or just grabbing lunch, the Forum is a spot that blends creativity, calm, and urban energy in one place. 📍 Tokyo International Forum, Marunouchi #tokyo #architecture #shakeShack #tokyolunch #marunouchi #japantravel #urbanescape #tokyocafe #designspot

#hellohalloween Among all the Krispy Kreme locations in Tokyo, the International Forum store stands out as something special. The space is bright and inviting with full glass walls, creating a relaxed, open feel. The donut-shaped chairs are a playful touch, and the layout makes it easy to linger longer than expected. Conveniently located just steps from the station, this branch is ideal not only for grabbing your favorite classic donuts, but also for working or taking a peaceful break. With free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets, it’s a great spot to get some light tasks done or enjoy a quiet recharge. I spent my afternoon here sipping coffee, getting a bit of work done, and of course, enjoying a fresh donut. Sweet, stylish, and super convenient—what more could you want? 📍Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Tokyo International Forum #tokyocafes #donutbreak #coffeetime #remoteworkspot #krispykremetokyo