Traveling can be tiring. You’re walking longer than usual, getting excited about new things every time, and feeling a bit tense in unfamiliar surroundings. Well, even during a trip, it’s okay to take a break sometimes. How about spending a lazy day right in the heart of the city?
A. Start Walking from JR Suidobashi Station
For a relaxed day stroll, the plan is to head to Tokyo Dome City — a cool spot with a baseball stadium, amusement attractions, hot springs, and tons of restaurants. The nearest station is JR Suidobashi Station (marked as A on the map) on the JR Sobu Line. Just a heads up, the JR Chuo Line runs parallel, but the station you want is specifically on the JR Sobu Line. The closest station on the JR Chuo Line is JR Ochanomizu Station (marked as C on the map).
B. Tokyo Dome City (marked as B on the map)
Originally, this place was a franchise stadium for a baseball team called the Yomiuri Giants. Over time, it evolved, and now it’s become a spot where anyone can have fun all day long. It’s in a super convenient location right in the heart of Tokyo. So saying you get tired during a trip might sound odd, but if you want to chill out for a bit, this place is highly recommended.
Of course, if you’re visiting Tokyo from April to September and have an interest in Japanese baseball, don’t forget to catch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome!
B-1. Delight Amusement Attractions
This place, with so many facilities that you probably can’t explore in just one day, offers a mix of traditional play equipment like a Merry-go-round, Ferris Wheel, Roller Coaster, and more, as well as high-tech attractions using AR. There’s also a bowling alley, table tennis area, roller skating rink, and more. There are plenty of options for children, youngs, and adults. The best part is there’s no specific entrance fee to get in, so feel free to wander around and hop on anything that catches your interest. Keep in mind that each facility may have its own usage fees, so check the details on the official website.
B-2. Relax Hot Spring Spa; SPA LaQua
If Japanese adults are asked where paradise on Earth is, many would likely say it’s the hot springs. Surrounded by nature away from the hustle of the city, soaking in the hot springs multiple times a day, surrendering oneself to the services of a traditional inn (Ryokan), and simply spending lazy hours – if that’s considered the Japanese ideal, does it sound peculiar to non-Japanese?
SPA LaQua is a little paradise that fulfills such dreams. It’s a place to soak in natural hot springs, indulge in your favorite food and drinks, recline on comfortable loungers, and simply enjoy lazy moments.
If you feel a bit tired, this might be the ideal spot for you. Plus, the variety of esthetic services available could be a delightful treat for women.
B-3. Explore Baseball Museum
The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has an abundant collection of photos and materials related to Japan’s baseball world. With an increasing number of Japanese players making the move to Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, the interest in Japanese baseball has grown, especially with standout players like Shohei Ohtani now representing MLB.
It showcases the rich history of Japanese baseball and features exhibits on players who have made a mark internationally, including legends like Sadaharu Oh, despite not having played in MLB. It also displays items from significant moments, such as the uniform worn during the 2023 World Baseball Classic victory. If you’re curious to learn a bit about Japan, exploring the country through the lens of baseball might be a great idea.
B-4. Must Visit; Hero Action Show
If you or your kids have ever been passionate about Japanese Superhero dramas, catching the Hero Action Show here is a must. Many of Japan’s Superhero dramas are filmed right in this Dome City, making it a sacred ground for superhero dramas. It would be very unfortunate to miss a hero action show while you’re here. Even as a grown-up, if you take a little trip back to your childhood, you can get excited about the hero action show.
The show takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For more details, check the official website.
B-5. Enjoy Tons of Restaurants
If you check the official website, you’ll find categories like Japanese, French, Italian, Chinese, ramen, and more, with a list of 63 different restaurants. Unless you’re already full and can’t take another bite, it won’t be hard to discover something tempting to try. Besides formal dining, there are also many casual takeout spots in the facility. So, as you stroll around, if you feel a bit peckish, feel free to enjoy a laid-back gourmet experience with various options available.
PR
If you want to stay in Dome City, Tokyo Dome Hotel is available:
PR
If you want to stay nearby Suidobashi Station, Sequence Suidobashi Tokyo is available:
Detour Point ❶ Koishikawa Korakuen; Oldest Edo Daimyo Garden
Koishikawa Korakuen is the oldest garden left by feudal lords (Edo Daimyo). After unwinding in Dome City, how about taking the opportunity to explore a bit of Japan’s culture?
Nestled at the southern edge of Koishikawa Plateau, Koishikawa Korakuen utilizes the undulating terrain and natural forest to create a landscape reminiscent of scenic spots from across Japan.
The name “Korakuen” is to be derived from the concept of leaders expecting sorrow ahead of the troubles of people and enjoying pleasures after the joys of people, reflecting a ruler’s wisdom.
Detour Point ❷ Shrine dedicated to the Deity of Poverty, Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine
If you’re at Tokyo Dome, it cloud be a good idea to check out a unique Power Spot. It’s probably the only Shrine in Japan dedicated to the Deity of Poverty, Ota Shrine, a branch of Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine. (marked as ❷ on the map).
The Deity of Poverty is not usually welcomed, but in the Edo period, a Samurai living near this shrine treated the Deity of Poverty with great reverence, and as a result, he was blessed with immense fortune. This story led to a strong devotion from the people. Let’s receive blessings from the Deity of Poverty!
The photo is the main shrine, Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine, which is dedicated to Tenjin, the Deity of Learning.
In the precincts of the main shrine, there is a stone, Ushi-Ishi, shaped like a cow, as shown in the photo. There’s a legend that if you touch the stone while making a wish, it will come true. It might be a good idea to touch the stone before you leave!
Detour Point ❸ Kanda Myojin (Shrine), Guardian Deity of Tokyo
If you feel like taking a little stroll through the streets of Tokyo, consider stopping by Kanda Myojin (Shrine) (marked as C on the map)on your way back and then head home from JR Ochanomizu Station (marked as ❸ on the map).
Kanda Myojin is an interesting place that enshrines Taira no Masakado and is considered the guardian deity of Tokyo. In the 10th century, Taira no Masakado rebelled against the Kyoto government (the current Emperor’s ancestors) and established a separate government in the Kanto Region. Although he was later defeated by the Kyoto government, after his death, various supernatural occurrences were attributed to him, and he became feared as a vengeful spirit in Japan. However, in the 14th century, during the outbreak of a epidemic, his image transformed, and he came to be revered as the guardian deity of Tokyo through proper rituals. This history may serves as a reminder in the mythological realm that distinctions between good and evil can easily change.
The nearest station on the way back is JR Suidobashi Station (marked as A on the map) on the JR Sobu Line. However, if you’re planning to visit Kanda Myojin (Shrine) and return, the nearest station would be JR Suidobashi (marked as C on the map) on the Chuo Line and the Sobu Line. Certainly, there are also many subway stations around this area, so depending on your destination, using the subway is also an option.
As a dog, I can’t help but be intrigued by that towering dome stadium behind Koishikawa Korakuen. At times, it feels like a captive symbol of the passage of time, and then it turns into a quirky piece of modernity that amuses me. Yet, there are moments when I find it a bit of a nuisance. I wonder how someone with the sensibilities of Matsuo Basho would perceive this scene if they were alive today.