Japan has been synonymous with cutting-edge technology since the 1960s. The country’s global reputation for electronics, cars, and robotics has soared in the decades since. Japan boasts some of the world’s biggest electronics conglomerates, houses some of the most groundbreaking innovations, and has more Nobel Prize winners in science than any other Asian nation.
If you’re a tech enthusiast planning a trip, Japan is the ultimate destination. This guide highlights some of the best tech-focused areas and experiences in Japan.
Tokyo: The Tech Mecca
Tokyo’s renowned tech district, Akihabara, feels like a futuristic metropolis, even during the day. Its reputation for gadgets and sensory overload is well-deserved.
Akihabara is a paradise for tech lovers. Yodobashi megastore offers a dizzying array of gadgets, from smartphones and cameras to computers and accessories. SEGA boasts multiple levels filled with classic and modern arcade games, offering hours of entertainment. Explore the narrow alleys filled with electronic stalls and vendors selling rare and specialized products you won’t find anywhere else.
While Akihabara’s focus has shifted slightly in recent years from electronics to Otaku culture, encompassing cosplay, anime, and more, it remains the Asian capital of the tech-consuming world. It’s a must-visit for any tech enthusiast.
Tsukuba: The Science City
About an hour northeast of Akihabara by train lies Tsukuba, known as the Science City. Nearly half of Japan’s research and development budget is allocated to this area, and the results are evident everywhere.
Tsukuba Space Center is a highlight, showcasing exhibitions and tours related to recent astronomical research and Japan’s role in the International Space Station.
There’s much more to explore. The Tsukuba Expo Center focuses on rockets, robotics, and submarines, featuring a captivating planetarium and a famous robot that plays the organ. Science Square emphasizes industrial technology and offers a fascinating glimpse into the near future, showcasing advancements made at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
Tsukuba is an exciting day trip from Tokyo, filled with futuristic attractions.
Tokyo: Beyond Akihabara
Beyond Akihabara, Tokyo has many other tech-centric attractions. Odaiba, an artificial island, houses the Miraikan National Science Museum.
At Miraikan, interact with ASIMO, the famed Honda humanoid robot, whose name stands for “Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility.” This life-sized robot, resembling a small person in a spacesuit, demonstrates impressive abilities such as running, jumping, object recognition, memory, conversation, and even bottle-opening. ASIMO represents a significant leap forward in robotics engineering and healthcare.
Miraikan also features android exhibitions and countless opportunities to interact with robots of various sizes and functions, offering a unique and sometimes surreal experience.
Tokyo: The Robot Restaurant and More
No technology tour of Tokyo is complete without a visit to the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. This wildly entertaining venue features a high-energy robotic floor show, complete with colorful costumes and gleeful carnage. The price tag may seem steep, but the experience is unforgettable.
For a thought-provoking experience, head to Ruriden columbarium, a digital cemetery operated by Koukoko-ji Buddhist Temple. This intriguing glimpse into the future features over 2,000 digital funerary altars marked by glass Buddha statues.
Kyushu: The Henn-na Hotel
If you’re traveling Japan by Shinkansen (a technological marvel in itself) and find yourself on the western island of Kyushu, a visit to Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture is a must. Henn-na Hotel – a pun on “Strange Hotel” – made headlines worldwide as the first hotel run by robots.
The multilingual robots at reception, including a velociraptor, are efficient and welcoming. A mechanical arm operates the storage room, and room keys have been replaced with facial recognition. Each room is equipped with an AI-powered concierge named Tapia, which responds to voice commands. While a few human employees are on-site for emergencies, Henn-na Hotel is almost entirely robot-staffed.
A second Henn-na Hotel now exists near Tokyo Disneyland, and another is planned for Nagoya, but the Sasebo location holds the Guinness World Record. Book in advance; this unique experience is very popular!
Japan offers an incredible journey into the world of cutting-edge technology. From Tokyo’s tech-savvy districts to futuristic research centers and innovative hotels, Japan’s commitment to innovation is truly remarkable.
