We want all our delegates to work hard, play hard at ICS 2016 and Tokyo is the perfect for this! So if you’re struggling for ideas of things to do in your down time then we have complied the below 10 alternative ideas for you:
1. Animal lovers paradise:
Do you love animals? Is it hard being away from your cat/dog/rabbit? Then why not visit one of the many animal cafes that Tokyo has to offer! You will be spoilt for choice, Tokyo has cat, dog, rabbit, bird, snake, goats and owl cafes!
If an animal café is a bit passé for you then why not try the cat nightclub! What could be better than relaxing after a long day with a drink, a dance and a cat to keep you company?
If you are staying in Japan before or after the meeting then why not take a trip to Tashirojima Island? Where the cats outnumber the people! This is why it is known as Cat Island locally. Cats are thought to be good luck so the locals are happy to feed and care for them as if they were their own.
2. See the Statue of Liberty:
Yes you heard me right Statue of Liberty. If you’re a New Yorker who’s feeling homesick or if you just haven’t gotten around to seeing the real thing. Then why not head over to Odaiba (in Tokyo bay), walk across the Rainbow Bridge and you enjoy the artificial beach and replica Statue of Liberty.
3. Learn how to make Origami:
If you have always wanted to learn how to make Origami then Origami Kaikan is for you! There is a dedicated exhibition centre and workshop that also offers lessons. You can also watch the process of making, dyeing and decorating origami paper.
4. Head to one of the many green spaces:
If you find the hustle and bustle too much then why not head to one of the many Free-to-enter gardens. These include hose attached to the Hotel New Ōtani in Akasaka and the Hotel Chinzanso, as well as the lush grounds of Happō-en, near Shirokanedai Station, and the Imperial Palace East Garden. Tokyo also has excellent public parks, from the central Yoyogi-kōen, to Inokashira-kōen in west Tokyo (near the Ghibli Museum).
5. Lose yourself in a cabaret:
What could be more fun than seeing a cabaret. How about a robot cabaret with a laser show? The shows also include ninjas, giant pandas and dinosaurs- well, why wouldn't they!?
6. Karaoke:
You couldn't visit Japan without going to a Karaoke bar. Why not hire a booth at the famous Karaoke-kan (as seen in Lost in Translation.) If this seems a bit cliché then how about adding a twist- karaoke in a hot tub?
7. Festivals:
- Nezujinja shrine Annual Grand Festival: Attend the Nezujinja shrine Annual Grand Festival, one of the 3 great festivals of Edoalong with Sanno Festival and Kanda Festival. The festival will have dance performances which are designated as intangible cultural properties and ceremonies. They will also carry portable shrines around the town. The festival takes place Mid-September 2016 - Late September 2016.
- Hagi (Bush Clover) Festival: enjoy the tasteful elegance of fall plants in the Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens, where flowers bloom throughout the year. Visitors are welcomed by a long tunnel of hagi (bush clover), grown on a 30-meter long bamboo frame. The aki no nanakusa (seven wildflowers of fall) are also at their peak. The festival takes place Mid-September 2016 - Mid-October 2016.
- Jazz festival: The Tokyo Jazz Festival is the largest jazz event in Japan. Recently moved from Marunouchi to the center of Tokyo, the lineup includes many top musciaincs performing a variety of styles. The festival takes place Early September 2016 - Mid-September 2016.
8. Selfie capital!
If you love taking selfies then Tokyo has some amazing places for you to take the best selfies ever! From the Hanmyo Project on Takeshita-dori to the ‘Reflectscape’ art installation, you will find a range of unusual photo opportunities. Don’t forget to tag ICS in your selfies @icsoffice on Twitter and on Facebook!
9. Become a ninja:
Who hasn't wanted to be a ninja for a day? Well now you can! Learn about the history of ninja, receive hands-on instructions on techniques, weaponry and meditation.
10. Fish:
Bid on fresh Tuna! Attend the fish auction at the world’s largest fish market. Access is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and limited to 120 people, admitted in two shifts of 60. You can register starting at 4:30 a.m. at the fish information center inside the Kachidoki Gate off Harumi Street.
We look forward to seeing your pictures from your time in Tokyo!
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Additional Information
ICS 2016
ICS 2016 Programme
Weird Tokyo: the city's quirkiest attractions – mapped
six things you must do in Tokyo
Top 10 animal cafes Tokyo
Cat nightclub Tokyo
Jazz festival
Nezujinja shrine Annual Grand Festival
Hagi (Bush Clover) Festival
Ten unique places to take a selfie in Tokyo