Every trip to Japan is unique, there is always more to discover. While Japan has many popular tourist spots, some travelers like to go off the beaten path. If that’s you, here are some ideas to check out on your visit! This October, festivals and fandom come together for unforgettable experiences perfect for first-time and frequent visitors.
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo
If you find yourself in Kyoto, consider staying at the Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo! This hotel has just reopened its doors and is ready to welcome you. It has excellent accommodations with all sorts of fun rooms–including a Pokemon-themed room for those who are looking for a playful experience.
There are family rooms and single rooms all spacious and spotlessly clean. You will have your own private area while also being able to avail of community spaces. This place is an ideal accommodation if you are staying for more than just a few nights.
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo is located very centrally, close to Kyoto Station, so it would make an excellent home base for you to see other cities during your stay in Japan. You may leave your bags at the hotel’s luggage storage before checking in or after checking out, so you can explore Kyoto hassle-free!
Hita City
Are you a fan of the international sensation Attack on Titan? If that’s the case, then you will love Hita City! It’s the birthplace of Hajime Isayama, the creator of the smash hit anime.
Many spots in Hita City were featured in the story, so any fan will go wild over those locations. The whole city participates in the Attack On Titan fandom! There are bronze statues of the main characters at the foot of the Oyama Dam, and there is also a statue of the character of Levi Ackerman in front of JR Hita Station.
Be sure to visit the Attack on Titan Museum–it features some of Isayama’s drawings and is free to enter. If you have a Japanese phone, you can even play an Attack On Titan game specially designed to be played in Hita City.
The closest hub to Hita City is Fukuoka. Hita City is an 80-minute ride via JR trains. There is also an option to use the highway bus which should take about an hour and a half.
Tokyo
Staying in Tokyo means all sorts of excellent events and activities all year round. This October, tons of unique experiences are open to you!
teamLab Planets was just recently named Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards. Do not miss out on this incredible visual feast. It’s so popular that its run has been extended until 2027!
Walk through different halls of wonder. There are rooms full of flowers and enchanted spaces that take on a dream-like quality. Don’t forget to bring your phone because the Instagram stories you can make in this spot will surely be a hit!
teamLab Planets is easily accessible from Shin-Toyosu Station and about 10 minutes on foot from Toyosu Station. It’s also 5 minutes on foot from Shijo-mae Station and Toyosu Market.
Tohaku Chakan
At the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, you will find the tranquil grounds of the Tohaku Chakan. It’s a slice of Japanese history with cultural shows, authentic Japanese activities, and delicacies inside the museum’s Okyokan, a traditional 270-year-old Japanese house. If you are interested in Japanese culture, this is an excellent place to visit.
The Ueno Park Station is the closest train station if you want to check out the Tohaku Chakan. While you are in the area, there are a few other attractions in Ueno Park like the zoo and the Ueno Royal Museum.
Japan Mobility Show
Are you a motorhead? Then the Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show) must be on your list. It is an event showcasing everything from cars to motorsports to whatever comes next for the industry. The event has been going on since the 1950s and was paused due to the pandemic, so expect an exciting lineup this year as the autofest comes back with a vengeance!
Check it out on October 28 – November 5, 2023 at Tokyo Big Sight. There are several ways to reach Tokyo Big Sight by rail but the most convenient one is by using the Yurikamome monorail.
There is something for everyone this October in Japan! Whether you are interested in Japanese history or Pokemon, you will find something new and exciting to discover. Every visit to Japan is different and this October, there is an excellent lineup of cultural shows and expos that will make your trip unforgettable.
