The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have brought a major upgrade to the hardware of Tokyo. Many areas are building new commercial buildings, department stores, and entertainment facilities just to catch up with this Olympic wave. Following the opening of the stunning Starbucks Reserve in Nakameguro in 2019, the flagship store of MUJI in the world also opened in Ginza in the same year. The large-scale commercial development plans in Shibuya and Ikebukuro have also been opened to the public one by one. In this article, Piaor will recommend the new shopping malls, hidden walking spots in Tokyo, must-visit new scenic spots, and literary secret places for Tokyo in 2023. Let’s explore the new Tokyo together!
Classic Tokyo Attractions: 15 Fun Tokyo Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss
【2023 Tokyo New Attraction】Tokyo Harry Potter Studio Tour
Have you always wanted to experience the mystery and charm of the Harry Potter magical world? Don’t worry, the dream of Harry Potter fans has now come true! 🎉 Tokyo will open the second “Tokyo Harry Potter Studio Tour” in the world on June 15, 2023! Here, there is not only a 30,000 square meter indoor exhibition area, but also an outdoor “Backlot” area for filming, fully restoring the scenes of the Harry Potter film series. You can try on props and costumes from the movies, feel the atmosphere of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and even ride the Hogwarts Express to explore the mysterious magical world! 🚂✨ Join me in screaming now, Tokyo Harry Potter Studio Tour is waiting for you to discover the surprises inside! 👀🤩
Latest News from the Set: Tokyo Harry Potter Studio Tour is now at the Nerima City Site Park
Although it opens on 6/15, tickets will be available for purchase on 4/12: Click here to grab your tickets now
【2023 Shinjuku New Attractions】Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
The Shinjuku Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which will open in April 2023, is a 48-story skyscraper that looks super futuristic. Once inside the mall, follow the Japanese people to the second floor festival-themed “Shinjuku Kabuki Hall ~ Kabuki Yokocho” and head to the fourth floor to play “Anomaly Quest,” a real-life territorial siege game created in collaboration with “Sword Art Online” in THE TOKYO MATRIX. There are also entertainment facilities such as cinemas and theaters, as well as two major brand hotels. It is definitely the hottest entertainment spot in Shinjuku in 2023.
【2022 Yokohama Renovated Facilities】Red Brick Warehouse
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (横浜赤レンガ倉庫) completed its renovation and grand opening in December 2022, making it a new attraction in Yokohama after the pandemic. This brick building from the Meiji and Taisho eras has a history of over a hundred years. After the renovation, it focuses on “BRAND NEW “GATE”” and has more brands and souvenirs. Among the 66 stores, 25 are new brands, including lifestyle products, trendy goods, and Yokohama’s cream-filled sandwich brand “Huffnagel”. The first “Disney HARVEST MARKET” in Kanagawa Prefecture has also opened in the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Whether you want to eat delicious food, buy souvenirs, or purchase Japanese goods, this place is perfect.
【2021 New Facility in Toyosu】teamLab Planets TOKYO
Located in Toyosu, this stunning projection art museum teamLab Planets TOKYO is perfect for travelers who love taking photos. It is created by the same team as teamLab Borderless that I introduced before, and features interactive light projections that involve the body. What’s unique about this place is that there is an art museum area where you can immerse yourself in water.
After the addition of the “Garden Area” in July 2021, this place has become a popular new Instagram spot. The museum is filled with flowers, moss, and 13,000 hanging orchids, which look stunning in the reflection of the mirrors. Visiting in person, I truly feel that it is so beautiful!
Travelogue: 【Tokyo Toyosu】teamLab Planets TOKYO Complete Guide: Moss Garden, Floating Garden Perfect for Photos
【2021 & 2022 Asakusa New Attractions】UNIQLO Asakusa Store & Asakusa Yokocho
Asakusa Temple is located to the west of Tokyo Skytree, and there is a complex commercial facility called “Tokyo Solamachi Asakusa Building”. During the epidemic, this building opened two new Asakusa attractions, which are also must-visit places for tourists:
▼【1st and 2nd Floor】The “UNIQLO Asakusa Store” opened on June 4, 2021: it is an innovative flagship store that incorporates the design of the local temples and shrines in Asakusa’s “Sensoji Temple”. There are many unique products that can only be purchased in Asakusa, making it the first UNIQLO store to attempt localization.
▼【4th Floor】”Asakusa Yokochō” opened on July 1, 2022: a complex facility with the theme of “food” and “festivals”, featuring 7 restaurants serving Japanese home-style dishes, grilled skewers, eel, Korean cuisine, and more, as well as a kimono rental shop. Walking inside is a great photo opportunity, with modern IG-worthy festival-themed scenery.
【2020 Yokohama New Attraction】Yokohama Gundam Factory
The first generation Gundam “RX-78F00 Gundam”, which can really move, appeared at Yokohama Yamashita in December 2020! It is expected to be exhibited until March 31, 2024. This “first generation Gundam” is built in a 1:1 ratio, can really move, and is six stories high (18 meters), which is even bigger than the Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba. Don’t miss it when you come to Yokohama!
【2020 Harajuku New Attractions】WITH HARAJUKU
With the redevelopment plan of Tokyo’s city center, Harajuku, which has always been a symbol of Tokyo’s pop culture, has been completely renovated. The commercial facility “WITH HARAJUKU,” led by NTT Urban Development, grandly opened on June 6, 2020! Now, when you walk out of JR Harajuku Station, you will be greeted by the world’s first flagship UT store “UNIQLO” and Tokyo’s first “IKEA” in the city center. In addition, “WITH HARAJUKU” has many unique shops, making it a very attractive shopping destination.
【2020 Ginza New Attraction】Hibiya OKUROJI
“Hibiya OKUROJI” is a newly opened shopping mall located under the red brick viaduct between JR Yurakucho Station and Shimbashi Station, which was renovated from the viaduct and opened on September 10, 2020. This Ginza commercial space not only preserves the historical structure, but also cleverly divides each arch into unique shopping areas. With a focus on mature and fashionable style, it gathers 36 selected stores, bringing a vibrant shopping experience.
【New Attraction in Shibuya】Shibuya Scramble Square
Tokyo Shibuya is currently undergoing a regional revitalization project, centered around Shibuya Station and jointly developed by three railway groups in Japan. The project aims to break away from the stereotype that Shibuya is only for young people to hang out. Nine combined office and shopping center buildings are already under construction, with a goal of completing all of them by 2027, creating a new adult image for Shibuya.
Today, what Piao’er wants to strongly recommend to everyone is the first phase of the “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE” East Building, which opened on November 1, 2019. It has a total of 47 floors and is 230 meters tall, becoming the tallest building in Shibuya. After taking a stroll, I found that it is super suitable for people who like Japanese-style cultural and creative products. Home and lifestyle products, as well as self-branded clothing, are all great buys!
Introduction to Travel Notes: 【New Attraction in Shibuya】Shibuya Scramble Square: A Great Place to Shop, Eat, and Explore in Tokyo
【New Attraction in Shibuya】SHIBUYA SKY 360-Degree Open-Air Observation Deck
The “Shibuya Sky” on the top floor of Shibuya Scramble Square has become a new Tokyo attraction for Japanese people and tourists since its opening. With a 360-degree outdoor observation deck, visitors can enjoy views of Tokyo landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Skytree, the bustling Shinjuku area, the romantic Tokyo Bay, and even Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. The most popular spot for Instagrammers is the glass corner, which is perfect for taking photos. For transportation, discount tickets, shooting angles, and must-see facilities, please refer to the dedicated article by Piaohua:
Introduction to Travelogue: 【New Landmark in Shibuya, Tokyo】SHIBUYA SKY 360-Degree Open-Air Observation Deck: Discount Tickets, Transportation, Night View Guide
【New Scenic Spot in Setagaya】Palace Down Park
The latest attraction in Shibuya, Miyashita Park, is located directly opposite Shibuya Scramble Square. It is a facility that opened in 2020 after renovation and is similar to some futuristic community concept buildings in the United States. The original “Tokyo’s first rooftop park” has been transformed into a commercial facility that combines parks, businesses, and hotels. The top floor is a green park for locals to relax, and the facility houses many international boutiques, Japanese brands, and select shops. In 2017, Studio Ghibli established the American leisure brand “GBL” for adult fans, and the Shibuya No. 1 store is located in Miyashita Park. Fans can also come here to purchase clothing, accessories, and miscellaneous goods.
Extended Reading: 【New Shibuya Attraction】Miyashita Park Guide: A Tokyo Urban Oasis with Food, Shopping, and Leisure Activities
【2019 Shibuya New Attractions】Shibuya PARCO
The “Shibuya PARCO” which opened in 1973 is the most popular department store in Shibuya. After three years of renovation, it reopened in 2019 with the first Nintendo and Pokemon flagship store, as well as Japan’s first esports cafe. For those who love new era technologies such as AI robots and virtual reality, Shibuya PARCO also has many related products to browse.
Detailed Introduction: [Tokyo] Shibuya Parco Reopens! Nintendo, Pokemon Flagship Stores, and Chaos Kitchen Restaurant Guide
【2020 Yokohama New Attraction】Yokohama Gundam Factory
The first generation Gundam “RX-78F00 Gundam”, which can really move, appeared at Yokohama Yamashita in December 2020! It is expected to be exhibited until March 31, 2024. This “first generation Gundam” is built in a 1:1 ratio, can really move, and is six stories high (18 meters), which is even bigger than the Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba. Don’t miss it when you come to Yokohama!
【2021 Hottest New Attractions in Shimokitazawa】reload
After the 2019 Shimokitazawa Urban Plan, “reload” opened in June 2021 and quickly became the hottest new spot in Shimokitazawa, which is a favorite of the trendy scene. “reload” is a new Tokyo hotspot for trendy culture, featuring a variety of unique shops, including “SANZOU TOKYO,” which combines a curry restaurant and art gallery, “Chayen Oyama,” a Japanese tea specialty store run by a famous tea master, “FLUX CAFE,” a high-protein drink and food specialty store, “CYAN -vintage&used-,” a vintage and used clothing store featuring European and American selections, and a century-old eyewear store. Shimokitazawa is known for its culture of vintage clothing, curry, and bookstores, so join me on a stroll through Shimokitazawa!
【New Attraction in Saitama】teamLab’s Latest Work “Life Resonating in the Acorn Forest”
Translation:
Japanese renowned light and shadow art group “teamLab” has opened a new museum! This time it is located in the “Musashino Forest Park” in Higashimurayama City, Saitama Prefecture. It is an outdoor permanent exhibition called “Life resonating in the oak forest”. The highlight is the cute egg-shaped device “ovoid”, which will project the surrounding world with the sunrise and interact with the surrounding sound, creating a “light X sound X nature” art exhibition.
- Online booking is more favorable than on-site ticket purchase: teamLab “Resonating Trees in the Forest of Tadasu” Ticket
- Visit the museum next door designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma: Kadokawa Musashino Museum
【New Attraction in Yokohama】Yokohama Air Cabin Cable Car
Starting from April 22, 2021, the latest Yokohama cable car “YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN” has started operating. You can take a ride to “JR Sakuragi-cho Station” and then take the aerial cable car from “Sakuragi-cho Cable Car Station” to reach the “Canal Park” in the Shinminato area. Walking to the Red Brick Warehouse will no longer take as long as before! You can also enjoy the view of the harbor from high above, making it a new transportation option for a one-day trip in Yokohama.
【New Attraction at Tokyo Disneyland】Beauty and the Beast Area
The “Beauty and the Beast” area of Tokyo Disneyland, originally scheduled to open on April 15, 2020, was postponed due to the pandemic. It officially opened on September 28, 2020. In addition to the eye-catching pink castle, there are also new commemorative merchandise and you can enjoy animated scenes while riding the spinning coffee cups. Are you looking forward to it?
Facility Introduction: Tokyo Disneyland’s “Beauty and the Beast” area opens on September 28, 2020! Complete guide to the pink dream castle and all new attractions
It’s more convenient to pre-order tickets: Japan Tokyo Disneyland Queue-Free Tickets
【New attraction in Inagi City】HANA・BIYORI
In addition to Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Yomiuri Land in the suburbs is a year-round amusement park where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, water play in summer, and light-up events in winter. In March 2020, “HANA・BIYORI” opened next to Tokyo Yomiuri Land, featuring a 1,500 square meter indoor greenhouse with Japan’s first flower-themed Starbucks and an outdoor “Four Seasons Garden” with 17,000 flowers, making it a stunning photo spot.
【New Attractions in Chinatown】Starbucks Reserve
Following Seattle, Shanghai, Milan, and New York, Starbucks has opened its fifth Starbucks Reserve Roastery. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a high-end concept store that combines coffee and roasting facilities. It is different from the regular Starbucks, and the “Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo Roasting Factory” in Nakameguro is designed by the famous architect Kengo Kuma. The four-story high building is breathtaking, and during cherry blossom season, you can even enjoy a leisurely afternoon drinking coffee and admiring the Meguro River cherry blossom sea from the outdoor seating area. With these features, even non-Starbucks fans like me highly recommend the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo Roasting Factory. As someone who only drinks single-origin coffee, this is also the first time I have praised Starbucks’ coffee. When you come to Tokyo, how can you not make a pilgrimage to the “Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo Roasting Factory”?
Introduction to Travel Notes: [New Tokyo Attraction] Nakameguro Starbucks Reserve Roastery: Beautiful Coffee Shop with Stunning Meguro River Cherry Blossoms
【New Attraction in Ginza】MUJI World Flagship Store
Dear MUJI fans, the MUJI World Flagship Store has finally opened in Ginza on April 4th, 2019! The seven-story building downstairs is the “MUJI GINZA” store, which is related to healthy eating and household goods. The 6th to 10th floors are the first-ever “MUJI HOTEL GINZA”. If you love the MUJI lifestyle, you must come and stay in the rooms furnished with MUJI furniture to experience the lifestyle. The entire store is focused on the connection between “people and people”, “people and nature”, and “people and society”. We hope that the residents and tourists who come to shop can step into reality and connect with the real world in this virtual age of the 21st century.
Introduction to Travelogue: [Tokyo Ginza] MUJI World Flagship Store + MUJI HOTEL Shopping Guide
【2023 Nerima Castle Site Park New Attraction Preview】Tokyo Harry Potter Theme Park
Translation:
Aside from London, UK having the Harry Potter Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studio in London has signed contracts with several Japanese companies to open the world’s second “Harry Potter Studio Tour” in the former Toshimaen site in Tokyo in the first half of 2023. This will be known as “Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo”. Harry Potter fans, get ready to scream with joy along with Hermione!!
Introduction to the Park: 【New Attraction in Tokyo 2023】Tokyo Harry Potter Studio Tour, located in the Nerima Castle Park
Conclusion
Tokyo is a city that is always changing with new developments and projects. Keep this guide to Tokyo’s new attractions handy for your next visit and explore them all!
Tokyo can be more fun with something different: 【Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo Attractions】Get away from the tourists, explore the alleys, and experience the authentic local Tokyo