Attractions — Tokyo Metropolis

Mushizuka, located within the quiet grounds of Kan'ei-ji Temple near Ueno Park, is a unique stone monument dedicated to insects sacrificed for scientific study in the 19th century. Visitors find it a peaceful, reflective spot, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Japanese cultural history and respect for all living things.

The Jan Joosten Memorial commemorates the first Dutchman to reach Japan, a figure whose name, Jan Joosten van Lodensteijn, is linked to the Yaesu district of Tokyo. Visitors can find two bronze busts: one outdoors near Tokyo Station and another inside the Yaesu Shopping Mall, offering a brief historical pause amidst the bustling city.

Commemorating the renowned Japanese scientist Hideyo Noguchi, whose image graces the 1000-yen banknote, this statue in Ueno Park offers a quiet moment of reflection on his contributions to medicine. Visitors often encounter it while exploring the park's broader attractions, appreciating its historical context.

Hidden amidst the bustling Ikebukuro district, the Shimento Pagoda is a somber memorial dedicated to victims of a legendary 18th-century 'phantom slasher' and other tragedies. While some locals believe it to be cursed, visitors find it a unique, albeit brief, glimpse into Tokyo's darker historical narratives.

Harumi Bridge is a former freight railway bridge in Tokyo, notable for its Lohse arch design and maroon patina from decades of disuse. Currently undergoing renovation, it is slated to become a scenic promenade, offering a glimpse into Tokyo's industrial past and future urban green spaces.

The "Oath of Peace" statue near Ōimachi Station, while intended to symbolize peace with a dove carrying a nuclear bomb, has gained unexpected internet fame in Japan. Many interpret the bird as the Twitter logo, leading to humorous takes on a mother confiscating her son's internet. It's a quick, quirky photo opportunity.

The Grave of Hattori Hanzō offers a quiet moment to connect with a legendary figure often depicted as a ninja in popular culture. Located within the Sainen-ji temple grounds, it's a small, historical marker that appeals most to enthusiasts of Japanese history and martial arts.

Hakubutsukan-Dōbutsuen Station is an abandoned, art-filled subway station in Tokyo's Ueno district, visible only for a few seconds from a passing train. It offers a fleeting glimpse into a forgotten piece of the city's railway history, adorned with unique graffiti and a modern art installation.

The Ghost Chimney Monument is a semicircular remnant of the Senju Thermal Power Station, once an iconic Tokyo landmark. It offers a glimpse into the city's industrial heritage and its connection to classic Japanese cinema, appealing to those with a specific interest in local history.

The Five Zelkovas of Kami-Itabashi are a peculiar natural landmark in Tokyo, known for their historical significance and the local legend of a 'curse' that protects them. These trees stand prominently in the middle of a road, sparking both local pride and traffic complaints, and are rumored to be haunted.

Perched atop a confectionery college in Kichijōji, the Futaba Cake Building is a giant, two-tiered cake sculpture designed to catch the eye of passengers on the Chūō railway line. It serves as a whimsical advertisement for the school, complete with candles, strawberries, and a school logo.

Yubizuka is a unique bronze sculpture located within the grounds of Denzuin Temple, commemorating the master of shiatsu, Tokujiro Namikoshi. Visitors find it an unusual and somewhat quirky monument, often discovered as an unexpected detail during a visit to the temple.

The Young Clock Tower, a creation by renowned artist Taro Okamoto, stands as a unique artistic landmark in Tokyo's Ginza district. While often overlooked, its vibrant design and philosophical underpinnings offer a glimpse into Okamoto's distinctive style, serving as a precursor to his more famous works.

Takao Inari Shrine is a small, unassuming shrine in Tokyo's Nihonbashi-Hakozakicho district, notable for its modern design and a peculiar legend. It is said to house the deified skull of a 17th-century courtesan, Takao-Dayū, and is believed to offer relief from head-related ailments.

The Site of Yatate Hajime commemorates the starting point of Matsuo Bashō's famous journey, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." Visitors can see a mural of his inaugural haiku under Senju-ōhashi Bridge and statues of the poet on both sides of the river, marking a significant moment in Japanese literary history.

The Shin-Ōhashi Bridge, spanning the Sumida River, holds a unique place in art history as the subject of a famous ukiyo-e print that later influenced Vincent Van Gogh. While the current structure is modern, its historical significance offers a glimpse into Tokyo's past and its artistic connections.

Shiotama is an unusual art installation featuring humanoid, polka-dotted sculptures crawling on all fours in the NTV plaza in Tokyo's Shiodome district. While not a major attraction, visitors often stumble upon these quirky figures when heading to the nearby Ghibli Clock or Nittele Tower, finding them to be a peculiar and memorable sight.

NINJA+KABUKI TOKYO offers a non-verbal live performance combining ninja, oiran, and wadaiko themes with Kabuki-style techniques. Located in Shinjuku's Kabukicho, it aims to provide an interactive and entertaining experience, though visitors' opinions on its authenticity and overall quality are divided.

Kimono Rental VASARA Asakusa Sensoji Temple Store offers a wide range of kimono styles for rent, from simple to luxurious, along with headwear and hairstyling services. Its convenient location near Sensoji Temple makes it a practical choice for visitors looking to experience traditional Japanese attire while exploring the historic Asakusa area.

The Square Enix Cafe in Akihabara offers a themed experience for fans of the company's video games, featuring rotating themes and a gift shop. While some visitors enjoy the novelty and themed food, many find the portions small, prices high, and the overall thematic immersion lacking, especially if the current theme isn't to their liking.