Tokyo Highlights: The Eight Craziest Must-Sees

The Japanese are crazy. At least that's what German folk wisdom claims. But what's behind the rumors? Are they just stereotypes, or are there valid observations from the Far East? We set out to explore the craziest things, the wildest attractions in Japan's capital - in short: 'Tokyo Highlights'. Konnichiwa Tokyo, you wild thing.

It is said that Shibuya Crossing, the large street intersection in the Shibuya district, is the busiest crossing in the world. Either way, it is the pulsating heart of the metropolis Tokyo. Every minute, the traffic lights send hundreds of people (over 1,000 pedestrians at peak times) across several wide crosswalks to the other side of the street. If you want to experience this with your own eyes, it's best to go in the evening and get the best view from the second floor of the Starbucks located right at the crossing. You can't get more Tokyo than this!

Where? Starbucks in Shibuya Cross Tower, Subway Stop Shibuya Station, Hachikō Exit

Address: Shibuya-ku 2-15-1, Shibuya

Looking for something crazy for the evening? How about a visit to the Robot Restaurant in the Shinjuku district, known among tourists and locals primarily for its nightlife? Four times a day, a one-and-a-half-hour show is performed here, bursting with craziness: manga girls on roller skates, wildly dancing comic characters, whimsical feather creatures, and of course, giant robots. While the performances may not be all that well thought out, one thing is for sure: it's beautifully crazy - Japanese style, of course.

Where? Robot Restaurant in the Kabukicho district

Address: Shinjuku Robot Bldg. B2F, 1-7-1 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku

Akihabara is the electronics hub and gaming paradise of Tokyo. Here, all who understand computers or just want to pass the time come together. Besides a huge selection of all kinds of electronics stores, numerous gaming arcades can be found - from Sega to Nintendo. At the same time, 'Akiba', as it's called by locals, is also a mecca for fans of manga, anime, and cosplay, a Japanese dressing-up trend where one aims to transform into comic characters as faithfully as possible.

Where? Along the main road Chuo Dori and in the numerous side streets.

Getting There: Akihabara Station is served by the JR Sobu Line, JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Hibiya Subway Line.

Have you ever heard of a cat café? Although not the newest sensation in Tokyo, cat cafés are still very popular. While you sip your soda or café latte, you can pet kittens or take selfies with them. It has something incredibly cuddly about it, but also something a bit weirdly crazy. Going to a café has certainly never been so pet-friendly.

Where? There are numerous cat cafés, the MoCHA in Shibuya is centrally located.

Address: Udagawacho 32-12, Assorty Shibuya 8F, Shibuya-ku

Not impressed by the cat café? How about an owl café instead? Yes, you heard it right. At the Owl Café in Akihabara, you can hold owls and even stroke their heads. The quirky animals are rarely disturbed, even if they seem a bit confused, turning their heads wildly from side to side. Are owls too heavy for you to hold on your arm? Then there are also many small owls here, some less than 15 centimeters tall. It doesn't get cuter than this.

Where? Akiba Fukurou

Address: 67 Kanda Neribeicho, Akiba Fukurou Bldg. 1F, Chiyoda 101-002

Japanese photo booths don't just take passport photos or black-and-white snapshots like the ones in Europe. No, the Purikura photo booths in Japan are a unique experience. Purikura are photo collages that can be made in countless photobooths throughout Japan. Often found in gaming centers like in Akihabara, here's how it works: You select a photo booth and position yourself in front of the camera. The computer then gives you various tasks on how to pose: sometimes with legs wide apart, sometimes smiling, sometimes flirting, and so on. Once the photo shoot is done, the funniest part comes: on a huge screen, you can enhance the photos before printing them. Well, or maybe ruin them. You can apply rouge, add hearts, or make your eyes huge until you look like a prime manga character. The result is slid out of the machine just a few minutes later and is surely one thing: wonderfully crazy.

Where? Purikura photo booths can be found in many districts. For example, at the Taito Station Shinjuku Minami-guchi Game World.

Address: 160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, 3 Chome-358

You have to sleep in Tokyo at some point. But in Japan, this can also be quite special, namely in a so-called capsule hotel. Here you lie, strictly separated by gender, in elongated sleeping capsules trying to process the impressions of the city while asleep. The capsule hotels originally arose from the need for affordable accommodation in cities with a significant space shortage like Osaka or Tokyo. Today, they are utilized mainly by business people and backpackers looking for unique sleeping quarters. While the capsule hotel experience is definitely worth a visit, you shouldn't expect too quiet of a night. Coughing, clearing throats, and especially snoring companions can sometimes turn the night hours into a true test of patience. But even if this is the case, you will certainly never forget this night. For us, it's another 'Tokyo highlight.'

Where? For example, at the nine hours in Shinjuku.

Address: Shinjuku-North Building 3F-8F 1-4-15 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku