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- Shibuya Sky Observation Deck Guide: Tickets, Views & What to Know Before You Go (2026)
Ground View of Shibuya Scramble Square Building where Shibuya Sky is Located If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable observation deck in Tokyo, Shibuya Sky should be at the top of your list. Located on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, this open-air rooftop observatory offers 360-degree views of Tokyo, including Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and Mount Fuji on clear days. Unlike traditional observation decks, Shibuya Sky combines modern design, open-air views, and immersive art installations, making it one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo — especially around sunset. In this guide, I’ll cover tickets, hours, how to get there, what to expect, and tips to help you plan the perfect visit. Shibuya Sky Observation Deck Guide: Tickets, Views & What to Know Before You Go Shibuya Sky Observation Deck Overview Shibuya Sky Day View - Mount Fuji in the Distance Location: Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya, Tokyo Height: Approx. 229 meters (751 feet) Opening Hours: Vary by season (typically late morning to night) Admission: Paid - Varies by time slot (advance tickets highly recommended) Nearest Station: Shibuya Station (direct access) Best Time to Visit: Sunset 🔗 Official Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com.e.apy.hp.transer.com/sky/ 🎟️ Tickets: You can book Shibuya Sky tickets in advance through Klook . Note: Some of the links above & below are affiliate links. If you book your Shibuya Sky ticket through them, I may earn a small commission — it helps me keep creating free Japan travel guides like this one! 📍 How to Get to Shibuya Sky Shibuya Sky is located at the very top of Shibuya Scramble Square, directly connected to Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo’s busiest transportation hubs. 🚇You can access Shibuya Station via: JR Yamanote Line JR Saikyo Line Tokyo Metro (Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin Lines) Tokyu Lines Once inside Shibuya Scramble Square, follow the signs for Shibuya Sky and take the elevators to the observation deck entrance. 💸 Shibuya Sky Ticket Information Shibuya Sky uses timed-entry tickets, meaning you must select a specific entry time when booking. Ticket Tips: Tickets often sell out days in advance, especially sunset slots Walk-up tickets are very limited Sunset tickets are the most popular (and the most photogenic) 👉 I recommend booking ahead to secure your preferred time. 🏙️ What to Expect at Shibuya Sky 🌇 Open-Air Rooftop Views Shibuya Sky’s rooftop observation deck, Sky Stage , is completely open-air. On a clear day, you can see: - Shibuya Crossing - Tokyo Tower - Tokyo Skytree (in the distance) - Mount Fuji (weather permitting) Shibuya Sky Day View - Tokyo Skytree & Tokyo Tower in the Distance 🪑 Sky Edge & Relaxation Areas Visitors can sit or lie down on designated areas to enjoy the skyline. This makes Shibuya Sky feel more like an experience than just a viewpoint. 🎨 Immersive Indoor Exhibits Before reaching the rooftop, you’ll pass through indoor observation areas featuring: - Digital art installations - Floor-to-ceiling windows - Reflective design elements perfect for photos 📸 Photo Rules to Know - Large bags must be stored in lockers - Tripods, selfie sticks, and hats are not allowed on the rooftop - Cameras must be secured with straps Best Time to Visit Shibuya Sky ✨🌅 Sunset is the most popular time , allowing you to see: Daytime Tokyo Golden hour views Nighttime city lights However, if you want fewer crowds: Visit early afternoon on a weekday Avoid weekends and holidays if possible Is Shibuya Sky Worth It? If you’re deciding between observation decks in Tokyo, Shibuya Sky stands out because it offers: An open-air rooftop experience Modern, stylish design Incredible sunset and night views Direct views over Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Sky Night View - Shibuya Crossing 💡 If you’re looking for a free alternative , check out my guide to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck . Tips for Visiting Shibuya Sky Book tickets early, especially for sunset Check the weather forecast for clear skies You may not get access outside if weather is not favorable. Arrive 15 minutes before your entry time Bring a neck strap for your camera for rooftop photos Visit Shibuya Crossing after your visit for ground-level views Nearby Attractions After your visit, consider exploring: Shibuya Crossing Hachiko Statue Shibuya shopping & cafes Shibuya nightlife Final Thoughts Shibuya Sky is one of Tokyo’s most unique observation decks and a must-visit for first-time travelers and photography lovers alike. Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, the views are unforgettable. Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my Japan travel content!
- teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets Tokyo: Which Digital Art Museum Is Better?
Updated on 11/10/2025 If you’ve been scrolling through Tokyo travel videos, you’ve probably seen the dreamlike worlds of teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets —two immersive digital art museums that blend light, water, and motion into something straight out of another dimension. Both are stunning, but if you’re short on time (or yen!) you might be wondering: Which one should I visit? I’ve explored both, and they’re very different experiences. This guide breaks down teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets —from their locations and exhibits to what kind of traveler each one is best for. I’ll also include direct links to book discounted tickets through Klook , which is how I reserved my own visits. It’s fast, secure, and often cheaper than booking at the door. Let’s dive into the digital magic and figure out which teamLab fits your Tokyo adventure best. 🖼️ teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets: Quick Comparison Feature teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) teamLab Planets (Toyosu) Location Azabudai Hills, near Roppongi – central Tokyo, easy to pair with sightseeing and shopping. Toyosu, a bit outside central Tokyo but near Toyosu Market (great for sushi lovers) and Odaida. Experience Style Endless “borderless” rooms that connect into a digital maze. You wander freely, discovering art that flows into other spaces. Structured path through themed rooms – water, mirrors, flowers, and light. Barefoot, immersive, more sensory. Time Needed 1.5–2 hours depending on how much you explore. Around 1 hour, longer if you take photos or just soak in the atmosphere. Best For Travelers who love exploring and surprises. Families or groups who want to take artistic photos in huge spaces. Those who want a more emotional or physical experience – couples, solo travelers, or anyone who likes surreal environments. Reopening Info Reopened in Azabudai Hills in 2024 with all-new exhibits. Still open and operating normally, currently one of Tokyo’s most booked attractions. Tickets Note: Some of the links above and below are affiliate links. If you book your teamLab tickets through them, I may earn a small commission — it helps me keep creating free Japan travel guides like this one! teamLab Borderless teamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills Bubble Universe Space Light Room 📍 Location: Area - In Central Tokyo at Azabudai Hills within the Mori Building in Tokyo Address - Japan, 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5 Chome−9 Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1 ⊞ Layout & Experience: Various rooms Open, free flowing Traditional Walking Immersive Various Projection Rooms Infinite Crystal Universe Unique Rooms - Dissolving lights - Bubble universe 🕒 Time & Ticket Price 2 to 3 hours needed to explore properly Price - $24 and up (Varies per day and time) 👌Best Fit For Those staying in central Tokyo (Roppongi/Ginza) You want smoother floors Like the free-roam concept Want extensive photo-friendly areas Teamlab Borderless Dissolving Lights Space - Photo Opportunity ☝️🤓 FYI: Be ready for numerous unique photo opportunities. With a 7 minute walk, you can visit Tokyo Tower on the same day. There is a tea house located within the museum which is easy to miss. There is a sketch factory just outside the museum as well. 💡 Itinerary Idea: Conveniently situated in central Tokyo, close to Tokyo Tower, you could consider visiting Ginza in the morning, spending about 2 hours at TeamLab Borderless in the early afternoon, and then heading to Tokyo Tower in the late afternoon or evening. If you don't want to get lost and miss your allotted time, check out this short video . teamLab Planets Teamlab Planets Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms 📍 Location: Area - Toyosu / Odaiba area in Tokyo Address - 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan ⊞ Layout & Experience: Immersive Walking through water Barefoot experience More physical interactions with exhibits Infinite Crystal Universe Unique Rooms: - Water Entrance - 3D light spheres - Orchid and moss garden. 🕒 Time & Ticket Price 1.5 to 2 hours needed to explore properly Price - $24 and up (Varies per day and time) 👌Best Fit For Those that don’t mind going slightly off-center Tokyo If you want immersive physical experience If travelling with older kids or an adventurous group teamLab Planets Tokyo water room installation ☝️🤓 FYI: Wear loose pants that can be rolled up so they don't get wet. The Unicorn Life-Sized Gundam & The Gundam Base Tokyo is about 24 mins away. A vegan ramen eatery and a flower boutique are located just outside the museum. 💡 Itinerary Idea: The museum in Koto City, Tokyo, is not as centrally located as the Borderless museum. Therefore, unless you have other activities planned in Odaiba, it may seem a bit out of the way. Consider combining a visit to this museum with seeing the Unicorn Gundam at Diver City Tokyo Plaza on the same day, which I highly recommend. You could also consider visiting Tokyo Joypolis, an indoor amusement park/arcade. My Verdict We truly enjoyed both museums and never experience anything similar before. Honestly I would recommend both of them. If I had to choose, although we enjoyed taking multiple photos in teamLab Borderless, I absolutely loved teamLab Planets. The barefoot water feature is just such a cool and unique concept. I personally feel this museum is soo unique that it shouldn't be missed. I understand for some it may be too out of the way and it will mess with your itinerary, therefore I recommend teamLab Borderless in that situation. Either visit would still be a win in my book though. Whichever you pick, you should secure your timed-entry ticket beforehand, via the Klook links above or wherever you prefer best. Random but Related Tip: In Fukuoka , they have teamLab Forests and this one was more inactive with your smartphone since you capture, study and release the animals displayed. Super cool concept that really connects you with these animals! Definitely check it out if you are in that area. Watch our YouTube video for a more visual explanation! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Are shoes required? Yes for both exhibits. Planets has lockers for your shoes and belongings and then you go barefoot. Borderless require standard shoes. How early can I book? About 3 months ahead. Please keep in mind that certain days and times, like weekends and opening time slots, sell out fast. Do they permit re-entry? No, it is not permitted. Where can I buy tickets? You can buy tickets on their official website or via Klook online. You can buy tickets in person the day of for available time slots if they are not completely sold out. Always compare prices since its dynamic pricing. Conclusion Both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets offer a kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo. If you love hands-on, immersive art, start with Planets. For a larger, ever-changing digital world, go for Borderless. Whichever you choose, I’d suggest booking your ticket ahead—they often sell out, especially on weekends. I used Klook for mine, and it made things quick and easy. Either way, prepare to get lost in the light. 🌸✨ Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I’ve personally used and loved during my travels in Japan.
- Osaka to Beppu Sunflower Ferry (2025 Guide): Route, Tips & What to Expect
Last Updated on 11/5/2025 Looking for an exciting alternative to travel from Kyushu to Osaka or vice versa? Look no further than the amazing Sunflower overnight ferry. Get ready for an unforgettable journey! The Sunflower Ferry departs overnight from Beppu to Osaka or Osaka to Beppu. This overnight journey lasting 12 hours offers a convenient transportation option between the two points. In this article, I will outline the ferry's features, share our personal experience, and provide helpful tips and information for booking. Details about the Sunflower Ferry Ship Sunflower Ferry Dock View To begin, let's get into some information about this vessel. This ship, known as the Sunflower Kurenai or Sunflower Murasaki, is relatively new and has a capacity of 716 passengers, making it quite spacious. As it is an overnight journey, boarding will take place in the afternoon around 6 PM and you will reach your destination at approximately 6 AM the next morning. Consequently, this cruise offers a variety of accommodation options for overnight stays. The cabins include suites, deluxe and superior rooms, private bedrooms, as well as shared rooms with a capsule-like atmosphere. Certain cabin categories provide the choice between Western or Japanese design. Make sure to check out all the cabin details on their website before booking so that you are better informed about their room types. Prices are subject to variation based on the room type selected and whether it is peak or off season. Booking Reservations can be scheduled up to three months in advance of the departure date through their website booking system or by email. Reservations can be made for either a one way journey or a round trip. Passengers have the option to board on foot, or with a motorbike or car. Pets are permitted if they are kept in a cage or crate. Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days before departure for a fee of ¥200. If canceled after that, a percentage of the fare will be charged based on the cancellation date. Tip: While booking online, we encountered an issue where our names had to be written in hiragana instead of katakana. I simply searched for our names in hiragana on a google search and copied and pasted it. Finally, you need to book or reserve first, and then you will receive a separate email to complete the payment. If payment is not made within three days of the initial online reservation, it will be canceled. So make sure you follow this two-step process. To get a more thorough and visual understanding of booking and this ship, we recommend watching our video . Pricing for Overnight Stay For the two of us, we spent ¥29,220 to get on board and enjoy a semi-private room. When you take into account that a one-way trip on the shinkansen lasts about 3.5 hours and costs around ¥18,000 yen per person, and that you also get one night of accommodation, this offer seems great! If you already have the JR Pass, it will be more cost-effective to opt for the bullet train. The choice ultimately depends on your budget, available time, and personal preference. Boarding Beppu Kanko-ko Ferry Ticket Counter Area To board the ship, you need to go to the designated terminal for check-in. The ferry terminal in Beppu is known as Beppu Kanko-ko, while in Osaka it is either Sunflower Terminal or Terminal 1 in ATC ITM Building. In our situation, we checked in at the Beppu Kanko-ko terminal. The check-in process was efficient and quick. Having made our reservation online two months in advance, we simply presented our booking number and ID. Then, we received a paper with a QR code for room access, and stood in a line to board. Simple! Restrooms, charging stations, bike rentals, vending machines, lockers, a pet and smoking area, and a display area were among the features found in the waiting lobby. Boarding process starts an hour before departure. Just so you know: Beppu is renowned as one of Japan's top hot spring destinations. Because the ferry wasn't departing until 6:45 pm or 18:45, we opted to get to Beppu early and indulge in a visit to one of their onsens, Hyotan Onsen . It was truly incredible and definitely recommended! Check out this article for more details. Inside the Sunflower Ferry Get ready for an exciting experience on board! Once you step out of the elevator, you'll find yourself on the ship's main floor, the vibrant heart of the vessel situated on the 6th floor. This area doubles as a lobby and offers many amenities. The Sunflower Ferry's Main Floor: Shop: Souvenirs, gifts, snacks, toiletries, and medicine Delicious Buffet Restaurant: Dinner and early breakfast are available with free refills of soda, coffee, and tea Seating Area: Cozy large area with interactive information screens Additional Onboard Amenities on the Ferry: Spa: Enjoy the panoramic public bath until 11 pm and from 5:15 am until arrival Spa Essentials: Small towel, body shampoo, conditioner, and shampoo provided Various vending machines are available offering instant ramen, snacks, drinks, ice creams, and even beer. Additionally, refrigerated lockers are provided for storing perishable items that you wish to keep fresh. Restrooms are located on each floor. They had many vanity areas, even changing rooms. After settling into their rooms, most guests headed to the buffet to eat since it is only available for three hours. Many wanted a table by the window to watch the boat leave. Alternatively, you could choose to go outside and wave goodbye to the staff. The buffet offered a wide variety of delicious options. I suggest having dinner there; we missed breakfast, it was just too early for us. The spa was situated on the 7th floor. Our room offered a small towel along with amenities like slippers, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. The hot bath had a sea view, but since it was pitch black outside and the windows were fogged up, the view was not clear. Perhaps the early morning would provide a better view. Additionally, there were massage chairs on this floor, which I highly recommend trying after visiting the spa. Our room was situated on the 6th floor and was a semi-private room within a larger area containing four similar rooms. Access to this larger room was restricted to those with a QR code, and once inside, guests could locate their specific room. The individual rooms could only be locked from the inside, meaning they would remain open when unoccupied. To address this, lockers were provided throughout the ship for guests to store their belongings. Due to limited space in the room, large luggage could be stored in the hallways using locker straps, offering a convenient solution while still ensuring easy access throughout the ship. Conclusion Beppu and the ferry were absolutely amazing and a highlight of our trip! What an incredible way to journey to Osaka! It wasn't just a means of transportation from point A to point B - it was a unique hotel experience and an adventure we'll never forget. Totally worth it! Helpful Link: https://www.ferry-sunflower.co.jp/en/route/osaka-beppu/cabin/
Other Pages (11)
- Kyushu Area | My Site
Kyushu Japan Travel Guide –Fukuoka, beppu, & Beyond Kyushu is a land of natural beauty, rich history, and relaxing hot springs. Start planning your trip with our guides. Itineraries A Day & a Half Itinerary Attractions & Activities Teamlab Forest Canal City Life-Size RX-93ff 𝛎 Gundam Statue BOSS E · ZO FUKUOKA Fukuoka tower Hyotan Onsen Food & Drink MLB Café Fukuoka FUK Coffee Ramen from Original Tomato Ramen Sanmi 333 where to stay reviewed stays stay guide Seasonal Highlights Getting Around Kanto HAKATA STATION sunflower overnight ferry
- Transportation | My Site
Transportation in Japan – How to Travel Easily by Train, Bus & Beyond Japan is famous for its fast, reliable, and efficient transportation system. Whether you’re riding the Shinkansen, exploring Tokyo by subway, or using a JR Pass to travel across the country, our guides will help you get around with ease. IC Cards & Tickets Suica Pasmo ICOCA how to buy tickets City Transport Tokyo Osaka Kyoto Shinkansen & Long-Distance Trains JR Pass regional rail passes Shinkansen Limited Express Trains Other Transport Domestic flights Ferries Taxis Rental cars Overnight Buses
- Kanto Area | My Site
Kanto Japan Travel Guide – Tokyo, Yokohama, & More The Kanto region is where you'll find Japan's capital, Tokyo, along with a cool mix of modern cities, cultural spots, and peaceful nature escapes. Whether you're checking out the busy streets of Shinjuku or soaking in the calm vibes outside the city, Kanto area has something for everyone, whether it's your first time or you're back for more. Check out our top guides for must-see attractions, food, places to stay, and handy travel tips around Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Nikko, and more! Attractions & Activities POKEMON CAFE Starbucks RESERVE tEAMlAB Gundams Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck Food & Drink POKEMON CAFE Starbucks RESERVE where to stay reviewed stays stay guide Seasonal Highlights February in tokyo Ume (plum) season Getting Around Kanto





