Tokyo is the epicentre of contemporary culture, cutting-edge arts and entertainment. This year looks no different, with thrilling new openings in Tokyo that should be firmly on your bucket list.
From the world’s largest anime store, Animate Ikebukuro, to the heavily anticipated teamLab Borderless set to reopen in the new Toranomon Azabudai project in central Tokyo. The there’s Japan’s most extensive entertainment and hotel complex Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. Which will boast a cinema, two luxury lifestyle hotels, a live concert venue, bars, dining and much more.
Animate Ikebukuro (opening 16 March 2023)
The world’s largest anime store complex, ‘Animate Ikebukuro Main Store’, will open in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro. The area is already a hub for ‘Animate’ stores. But this 10-storey mega store will be a true otaku paradise with retail shops, event spaces, themed cafes and even its own theatre. Gratte Café opened its doors on 26 January on the ground floor. Serving anime-themed food and drinks, including cookies, with the new flagship store scheduled to open on 16 March.
Read more: What to know for your next trip to Japan
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower (opening April 2023)
Two new hotels are tipped to be a highlight of the new complex, from a groovy lifestyle outfit to pure luxury. In the heart of Shinjuku’s heady nightlife neighbourhood will be the biggest hotel and entertainment complex in Japan. The 48-storey Tokyu Kabukicho Tower which features a range of entertainment venues from live music to a 900-seat theatre, a cinema, and a state-of-the-art gaming centre. Beyond the buzz is a wellness area with a pool, sauna and gym. Plus an array of restaurants and bars, including a music-themed food hall complete with a DJ and karaoke. You don’t have to leave the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower when tiredness sets in.
Bellustar Tokyo (opening 19 May 2023)
If you are lusting after luxury in your hotel in Tokyo, Bellustar Tokyo, a PanPacific Hotel, is neatly positioned at the upper levels of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. From the 39th to 47th floors, guest rooms boast incredible views from seven-meter expansive windows at 170m above Shinjuku. All are sleek in style with Japanese culture – think muted tones and natural materials – woven into the interior design. The Sky Private Villa on the top Tower levels features a restaurant with stunning panoramic views. Plus, a spa and five penthouse suites are simply heavenly.
Read more: Why there’s no real off-season to travel to Japan
Hotel Groove Shinjuku (opening 19 May 2023)
Entertainment and lifestyle hotel, Hotel Groove Shinjuku, a PARKROYAL Hotel, will occupy the 18th to 38th floors of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. Art and music inspires the interior design with its retro feel to the hotel reception and the two types of guest rooms. The lower part of the reception floor is the hotel’s hub. With its bar and restaurant and an outdoor terrace to start gazing over cocktails, open to both locals and travellers. It’s a perfect base to explore the ‘groove’ of Tokyo and the vibrant Kabukicho, Shinjuku, district.
teamLab Borderless (opening Autumn 2023)
After closing in August 2022, teamLab Borderless is set to return to a new and more central Tokyo. Housed in the new Toranomon Azabudai development in the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, its new light show attraction is set to be ever more Borderless than ever.
However, if you are visiting Tokyo before the autumn opening, fear not. As teamLab PLANETS TOKYO in Tokyo’s Toyosu is still running until the end of 2023 with two new works celebrating cherry blossom season from 1 March to 30 April 2023. The new works, Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers and Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity, will feature cherry blossoms that bloom across the space. This unique exhibiiton will be on view during the Japanese spring season only. Worth noting, Michelin-starred restaurant Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo is also on-site. Here you can order delcious bowls of their signature flower ramen that is almost too pretty to eat.
Read more: The ultimate spring guide from Tokyo to Nikko, Japan
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