Unusual Days Out in Tokyo, Japan

The largest metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo is a city crammed with no end of places to see and things to do. With so many people to please, it should come as no surprise that this is a city that prides itself on the more unusual side of life, overflowing with quirky and offbeat ways to spend the day. Here are five of our favourites.

Super Sento

With many Tokyoites working twelve hour days, relaxation has become something of an art. Super sentos are basically mass baths where you can go and hang out with your friends - in the nude. With baths of varying temperatures, from hot to unbearably hot, spending a few hours peacefully soaking in a sento is the ultimate way to unwind. Don't worry, everyone has to shower before they go in and you'll be handed a robe on entry for your modesty in-between baths! Although you'll be so relaxed, you won't have a care in the world. Toshimaen Niwa no Yu is a great option with outdoor baths in the garden and LaQua is wonderfully convenient, perched right in the middle of Tokyo.

Address1: 3-25-1 Kouyama, Nerima-ku

Address2: La Qua Bldg. 6F, 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku

Tsukiji Fish Market

If seafood makes you a bit squeamish, Tsukiji Fish Market might not sound like the most appealing start to your day. However, this is the biggest fish and seafood market in the world, making it an experience not to be missed! The action starts at an unbelievably early 3am and is usually done by 1pm, but swing by between 5am and 8am to catch the peak. Over 2000 tons of fish is processed every day, with everything from seaweed to whale meat but one of the most unmissable and questionably weird attractions is the daily tuna auction, where the participating fish are laid out on the floor for inspection by interested bidders.

Address: 5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045

Cat Café Nekorobi

If you're in the need of a little companionship or a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, then Cat Café Nekorobi is the perfect place for you. Hugely popular in Tokyo, there are a number of cat cafés across the city, where you can simply spend a few hours drinking a coffee or enjoying a cake, surrounded by a whole crowd of resident cats. Our pick is Cat Café Nekorobi, where the atmosphere makes for a very calm and soothing experience like no other.

Address: 3F Tact T.O Building Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toyoshima-ku

Tokyo nekorobi.jp

Alcatraz ER

A disconcerting mix between a prison, a hospital and a medieval dungeon, Alcatraz ER makes for a disturbingly unnerving dining experience. Customers are led to prison cells to enjoy their last supper, surrounded by chainsaws, handcuffs and servers dressed as doctors and nurses from a mental ward. Enjoy the likes of the ‘dead chicken' and drinks served in mannequin heads and test tubes, with cocktails distributed in syringes. There's a lot of bloodcurdling screaming, unexpected blackouts and even a guy running menacingly around the corridors dressed in a Jason mask. Not for the fainthearted!

Address: Dogenzaka 2-13-5, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043, Harvest Building 2F

website: alcatraz-er.net

Earthquake Simulation Centre

If you're lucky enough to never have experienced an earthquake, then a trip to Tokyo's earthquake simulation centre will let you in on the experience. With shaking walls and collapsing furniture, it might not sound like the most fun day out (although kids will love it!) - but it's actually run by the Tokyo fire brigade in order to educate visitors on how to react in an emergency. Fun and educational, what could be better?

Address: Ikebukuro Bosaikan, 2-37-8 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, 171-0021

So if you want to experience a hedonistic day out that defies even the weirdest of imaginations, Tokyo is without doubt the city for you. Don't hesitate for a moment longer because this season, Expedia have some great deals on flights to Tokyo to get you there. Get ready to have your mind blown!