One of the great rewards of travel is to experience a culture in its entirety: the serious and the silly, the sacred and the lighthearted. As we discovered during a recent visit to Tokyo, these contrasts don’t just coexist; they complement each other. It’s a city that balances joy and creativity with a deep respect for history and tradition, showing us that there’s much more to the place than we ever imagined.
By diving into Tokyo’s playful side, we got to see how humor, whimsy, and imagination are just as deeply embedded in Japanese culture as discipline and reverence. From ninja escapades to go-karting through Shibuya, each experience added a new dimension to how we understood the city and its people. Here’s a look at how Tokyo showed us its unexpected, fun-loving spirit.
Ninja Tokyo Dinner: Where Dining Becomes an Adventure
We started our Tokyo journey with a visit to the ninja-themed restaurant Ninja Tokyo. As soon as we arrived, we were whisked into a dimly lit world of mystery. Flickering lanterns lined narrow hallways, and staff dressed in stealthy ninja attire guided us to our private dining room with silent hand gestures and dramatic flair.
And the food? Each dish was a masterpiece of creativity, combining traditional Japanese flavors with theatrical presentations. Imagine sushi rolls served on miniature battlefields or desserts hidden inside wooden boxes that you had to “unlock” before eating. Every bite was as fun to look at as it was to eat.
The real showstopper, though, was the entertainment. Between courses, our ninja host wowed us with illusions, stunts, and tricks that had us laughing and applauding like kids at a magic show. But the highlight? His go-to line, ‘That ninja joke,’ whenever he did something silly. The whole dinner was a blast, but when he delivered that line, the timing was so perfect it had us both cracking up.
As we wrapped up the evening, our ninja host taught us a few moves. Unfortunately, our attempts were more comical than stealthy, leaving us laughing so hard we couldn’t stop—and the photos that followed were priceless.
Sumo Wrestling Experience: Tradition Meets Laughter
Sumo wrestling is one of those things you immediately think of when someone says “Japan,” so there was no way we were skipping the chance to experience it. But instead of just sitting in the stands for a match, we went for something more hands-on—an interactive session that turned out to be both educational and hilarious.
The experience began with a traditional meal of chan-ko-nabe, the hearty dish that sumo wrestlers eat to bulk up. A typical sumo wrestler eats a daily diet of 20,000 calories, which is astounding. As we enjoyed our meal, we heard stories about the rigorous life of a rikishi. Early-morning training continues throughout the day, with strict diets and communal living in what they call stables. Only a few rikishi reach the pinnacle of the sport, and the challenges of post-sumo life can be complex for most. The stories gave us a new appreciation for sport and the people who dedicate their lives to it.
After the meal, things really got interesting. We were in a large room with tables set up around three sides, the smell of food still lingering in the air. At the center was a traditional sand ring, the kind used in sumo wrestling, its surface packed firm and smooth. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as two retired wrestlers stepped into the ring, showing us the moves. Everything from the signature stomps to the powerful throws—demonstrates the raw skill and strength behind the sport.
Anyone for a Match?
Then, they asked for volunteers. Ryan, not one to shy away from a challenge, jumped at the chance, while Joelle wisely chose to cheer from the sidelines. Ryan, clad in the bulky padded suit, squared off against one of the wrestlers, the crowd’s laughter and cheers filling the air as the match began. He pushed with all his might, but the wrestler rarely budged. Ryan struggled, his feet sliding in the sand and his arms straining, but the wrestler was like an immovable wall. The crowd cheered him on and laughed at the futile efforts. Every time Ryan exerted himself, the wrestler stayed perfectly still, redirecting him with ease and sending him stumbling backward out of the ring.
Despite the futility of it all, he couldn’t help but laugh along with the crowd. By the end, he had lasted 45 hilarious seconds in the ring, which made it feel like a win.
What made it even better? Knowing that part of the proceeds supported retired wrestlers gave this whole wild experience a deeper purpose.
Go-Karting Through Shibuya: Tokyo’s Version of Mario Kart
If there’s one activity that perfectly captures Tokyo’s mix of fun and adrenaline, it’s go-karting through the streets of Shibuya. We’d heard about it long before our trip and knew we had to try it.
The adventure kicked off with a quick safety briefing and, of course, costume selection. Because, let’s be honest, what is go-karting in Tokyo without dressing the part? Decked out as characters like Mario and Pikachu, we hopped into our go-karts and took to the streets. The challenge for us was that the temperature was in the upper 90s, and wearing additional clothing was not ideal, but we wanted to go all out.
The highlight was driving through Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. Surrounded by neon lights, masses of people, and Tokyo’s electric energy, it felt like we were inside a video game.
We half-expected the locals to roll their eyes as we zipped past in our go-karts, dressed in ridiculous costumes that screamed “tourist.” But to our surprise, the reaction was the opposite. People smiled, waved enthusiastically, and even pulled out their phones to snap pictures of us. It wasn’t just polite acknowledgment either — they seemed genuinely delighted to see us having such a good time, almost like they were sharing in the fun along with us. It was a moment of unexpected connection that made the experience more unforgettable.
Overcoming Nerves
But it wasn’t all fun and games — at least not for Joelle, who was the more nervous about this activity. Sharing the road with taxis, buses, and even trucks is no small thing, especially when you’re in a tiny go-kart. While the rest of us laughed and cheered as we zipped past iconic landmarks, Joelle’s nerves were on high alert (and honestly, who could blame her?). Still, when we reached the end, even Joelle couldn’t help but smile; not only had she survived, but she had fun, too. The mix of adrenaline, laughter, and sheer absurdity made it one of the most memorable adventures of our trip.
Samurai Training: History Comes Alive
For a change of pace, we decided to step back in time and try our hand at being samurai. This wasn’t just about swinging swords for fun. It was a deep dive into the history and discipline of Japan’s most legendary warriors. The moment we arrived, it felt like we’d been transported to another era, one where loyalty and honor were the foundation of everything.
The session started with a quick lesson on Bushido, the samurai’s code of honor. Our instructors, dressed in traditional robes and radiating calm authority, explained how values like loyalty, discipline, and respect shaped the way of the samurai. Their descriptions brought it to life—like sharing something sacred. Then came the fun part: it was time to suit up.
Decked out in traditional robes and holding swords, we got our first taste of samurai training. Learning the movements wasn’t as easy as it looked—each swing and stance demanded precision and focus. Just gripping the sword gave us a new appreciation for the strength and control it took to wield it. Naturally, we were far from mastering the art, but our instructors kept the atmosphere light, joking with us and encouraging us even when we stumbled through the steps.
By the end, we were not ready to take on any duels, though Ryan did shine at his attempts. We did, though, walk away with a whole new respect for the skill and artistry of the samurai. The session wasn’t just a fun activity—it was a window into Japan’s past and a reminder of how much dedication and discipline went into this iconic part of its culture.
Tokyo: A City That Surprises and Delights
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, don’t just stick to the usual checklist of temples, shrines, and shopping. Those are incredible, but there’s much more to explore. Book a ninja-themed dinner, or give sumo wrestling a shot. Dive into the quirky, whimsical side of Tokyo – it’s where some of the best memories are waiting. You’ll laugh, explore, and create stories you’ll tell for years.
Read more from Joelle and Ryan on their travel blog: Wanderers Compass
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