Chances are, you first heard about Tokyo Dome City because of a major concert that will be held in its massive 11.5-acre indoor stadium. Nothing surprising about that since countless musical acts have staged performances there.
From beloved Japanese bands like Arashi and BABYMETAL to K-pop groups such as TVXQ and SHINee to music icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson, Tokyo Dome has seen the biggest names in music grace its grounds. And this year, Grammy Award winners Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift are set to perform at Japan’s largest indoor stadium in front of over 50,000 people from all over the world.
But, there is more to Tokyo Dome City than just concerts.
So if you are catching your favorite artist at Tokyo Dome, make sure to leave some room in your itinerary for exploring the area because Tokyo Dome City is one exciting entertainment complex in the very core of the Japanese capital that has something for everyone.
Here, we list down the top 10 things you mustn’t miss in Tokyo Dome City:
Immerse Yourself in Japan’s Rich Baseball History
If you are into baseball—or sports, in general—do not miss the opportunity to stop by the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Tokyo Dome is first and foremost a baseball stadium. Completed in 1988, it serves as the home field of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team. Through the years, it bore witness to countless games and tournaments, including all five World Baseball Classics through 2023.
Located to the right of Tokyo Dome Gate 21, the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum features an extensive collection of various baseball memorabilia from some of the most unforgettable games held at Tokyo Dome and in the rest of the country. Individuals who made a mark in the development of baseball in Japan are honored at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Location: 1-3-61,Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004
Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (March to September) ; 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (October to February) ; Closed on Mondays, last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Admission Fee: 500 JPY
Take A Step Back In Time At A 17th-Century Garden
Known as one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen dates from the early Edo period and used to be part of the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family.
Today, it maintains all the features of a classic Japanese garden, complete with picturesque ponds, bonsai trees, and man-made hills.
Best visited during the months of autumn (October to early December) for the fiery foliage display or during spring for the blooming of the plush cherry trees, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city center.
Location: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission Fee: 300 JPY
Belt Out To Karaoke Hits 80 Meters Above The Ground
There’s no better place to try karaoke than the birthplace of karaoke itself—Japan!
Tokyo Dome City, however, takes the experience to greater heights—quite literally—by equipping eight cars of the Big O ferris wheel with karaoke machines, so you can sing at the top of your lungs 80 meters above the ground.
Each karaoke car has a selection of around 50 songs, offering a mix of Japanese and western hits. The settings can be tweaked so you can operate the touch screen monitor in Japanese, English, Korean, or Chinese.
The entire ride lasts for 15 minutes, which means you can sing up to two full songs (or even a third!) throughout the round.
Location: 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8575
Operating Hours: Operating hours vary. Click here to check the opening hours on the day of your visit.
Admission Fee: 850 JPY
Hop On A Roller Coaster
Get a rush of adrenaline on the Thunder Dolphin—Tokyo Dome City’s powerful roller coaster!
Built in the middle of a business hub, it passes right through the walls of buildings, twisting and turning thrill-seeking riders at a speed of 130 kmph.
Location: 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8575
Operating Hours: Operating hours vary. Click here to check the opening hours on the day of your visit.
Admission Fee: 1,500 JPY
Satisfy Your Palate
Tokyo Dome City boasts more than 70 food spots—from casual cafes and fast food chains to fine dining restaurants and bars!
Whether you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine or just a sweet snack for a pick-me-up, the whole complex brings to the table a wide range of options that will tickle your tastebuds and certainly satisfy your palate.
Operating Hours: Restaurants have varying operating hours. Click here to check the schedule of each restaurant.
Shop Till You Drop
Got some extra Yen for shopping? Well, Tokyo Dome City won’t disappoint—especially if you’re an avid baseball fan! Snag Yomiuri Giants official collectibles and souvenirs from the team’s official stores.
Many stores also cater to particular interest groups.
Anime fans can rejoice as there is a Jump Shop branch within the complex. Stationery lovers can get their fix at Loft or Muji. And, sneakerheads can grab a new pair at ABC Mart.
Don’t forget to ask if the shop offers tax-free perks to get 10% off your total purchase!
Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Take A Side Trip To Tokyo University
Did you know that Japan’s most prestigious university, Tokyo University, is Tokyo Dome City’s neighbor?
If you’ve got extra time to spare, stop by the oldest modern university in the country for that youthful atmosphere and also to find affordable and delicious meals from restaurants and eateries found only within the campus.
Location: 7-chōme-3-1 Hongō, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8654
Operating Hours: Open to all on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Check Out The Biggest Roller Skating Rink In All Of Tokyo
Rain or shine, Tokyo Dome Roller X Skate Arena—a.k.a. Tokyo’s largest indoor roller skating rink—guarantees fun for both children and adults.
In case you’re wondering, the sizes of roller skating or inline skating shoes available range from 13 cm to 30 cm. Each pair can be rented for 600 JPY. Helmets and other protectors can also be borrowed and are free of charge.
Location: Yellow Building 4F, 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8575
Operating Hours:
Mondays – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays to Thursdays – 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fridays – 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays – 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sundays and Holidays – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. if the holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday)
Admission Fees*: 1,500 JPY for adults ; 1,200 JPY for ID-bearing students ; 1,000 JPY for children (elementary school students or younger) ; 500 JPY for entrance only (not skating)
*Admission fee is good for two hours. Extension will incur a 300 JPY fee for every 30 minutes.
Grab A Drink And Go For A Round Or Two Of Bowling
Located on the same floor as Tokyo Dome Roller X Skate Arena at the Yellow Building, CuBar Lounge offers quite a unique experience—the opportunity to play bowling while enjoying alcoholic drinks.
This luxe bar is furnished with sexy black leather sofas and an opulent chandelier. At the far side of the bar, a mural painting by renowned Japanese artist Taro Okamoto is displayed.
Bowling shoes, with sizes ranging from 15 to 32 cm, can be rented for 450 JPY.
Location: Yellow Building 4F, 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8575
Operating Hours:
Weekdays – 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sundays and Holidays* – 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
*Opening hours are subject to change during New Year’s holidays, spring, summer, or winter vacation period, etc.
Admission Fees*: 900 JPY for adults ; 850 JPY (900 JPY on weekends and holidays) for students ; 700 JPY for junior high school students (15 years old) or younger
*Admission fee covers one game of bowling and is not inclusive of drinks.
Rejuvenate Your Senses In An Onsen At LaQua
An oasis in the heart of a bustling city, Spa LaQua is perhaps the best place to relax those tired muscles after a day of exploring Tokyo Dome City.
Open throughout the night until the next morning, it features various baths or onsen that use natural spring water that rises from 1,700 meters underground. Among its most popular baths are the natural hot spring, carbonated spring, and oxygen spring—all of which come with health benefits.
Location: Tokyo Dome City LaQua 5th to 9th Floors, 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8575
Operating Hours: Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. the following day
Admission Fees*: 3,230 JPY for adults ages 18 years old and over ; 1,090 JPY for children ages 6 to 17 years old
*Visitors staying from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m will be charged an additional 2,420 JPY. For the complete price list, click here.
How To Get To Tokyo Dome City
From Downtown Tokyo
The easiest and most cost-efficient way to get to Tokyo Dome City is to take the train on the JR and Tokyo Subway lines. The following stations are the nearest to Tokyo Dome City:
-Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo/Sobu Line/Subway Mita Line
-Korakuen Station on the Subway Marunochi Line/Namboku Line
-Kasuga Station on the Subway Oedo Line
If you prefer traveling more comfortably alone or with a small group, you can take a taxi. The flagdown rate of taxis in Tokyo ranges from 500 to 750 JPY JPY.
From Tokyo Airports
If you are coming straight from the airport, you may take the limousine bus from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, and you will be dropped off at the Tokyo Dome Hotel.
The one-way bus fare from Haneda Airport is currently fixed at 1,150 JPY for adults and 580 JPY for children under the age of 12. Meanwhile, if you are traveling from Narita Airport, the fare is at 3,200 JPY for adults and 1,600 JPY for children. The travel time is around 60 minutes from Haneda Airport and approximately 90 minutes from Narita Airport.
To book your limousine bus ride in advance, visit webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en.
Tokyo Dome Hotel
Can’t get enough of Tokyo Dome City? Check in to the Tokyo Dome City Hotel!
Probably the most convenient lodging option for those who wish to stay within the vicinity and maximize their stay in the complex, Tokyo Dome City Hotel is a 4-star super high-rise hotel overlooking the entire entertainment area, which means you will be treated to spectacular views of Tokyo’s cityscape from your room’s window!
To check room rates for your trip, visit tokyodome-hotels.co.jp/e/.
Tips Before You Go
- Tokyo Dome City is huge. Arrive early to give yourself enough time to explore the area.
- Not all attractions of Tokyo Dome City are located indoors, so it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast from time to time before your visit. This will help you plan what you should wear and what you should bring. It also allows you to craft a Plan B in case your main plan can’t be realized.
- If roller skating or bowling are not your thing, the third floor of Tokyo Dome City’s Yellow Building has other sports facilities where you can try bouldering, batting, and pitching.
- You can actually save time by purchasing a Skip Pass at the Attractions Ticket Counter in addition to an attraction ticket if you plan on hitting some rides at Tokyo Dome’s amusement park! Prices of Skip Passes range from 600 JPY to 1,200 JPY.
- Since most events, including concerts, at Tokyo Dome will require you to present a unique direct-from-the-app QR code that is not a saved image or a screenshot, having your own access to a safe and secure network is the best way to stay online! Stay connected to high-speed internet with your very own travel Wi-Fi device from Big Sky Nation.
For as low as 190 PHP, you get to rent a shareable travel Wi-Fi device that can accommodate up to five (5) devices. Check out your options here!
***Featured image by Lukas (LuxTonnerre) on Flickr via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0 DEED)
