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Don't sweat it: 5 cool oases for the Tokyo summer
Spots to get scared stiff, wet through and even a little chin music are among our summer standouts
You know how when a Tokyo local comments that the weather is a touch “atsui,” what they really mean is that the capital feels like it’s been relocated to a desert (possibly one near the sun), all hope has been erased for a decent night’s sleep and they would gladly pack up and move to the Arctic -- this afternoon?
Well, there’s more than a little that can be done about that -- here are five favorite quick stop-offs for a cool afternoon or full day out of the sun and, mostly, well into the air conditioning.
1. Haunted Hospital, Fuji-Q Highland
The Haunted Hospital at Fuji-Q looks decidedly modern compared to many in Tokyo.
Haunted houses, or obakeyashiki, have long been a popular destination during the Japanese summer, especially during the Obon holiday season in August.
The idea is that these places will dispense chills sufficient to maybe even cool you down a degree or two.
The multi-story Saikyo Senritsu Meikyu, said to be the largest haunted hospital in the world, was recreated to reflect an actual former hospital and is genuinely nerve-jangling for even the most experienced haunted-house aficionado.
Upon entry you're given a puny flashlight to navigate the premises, which also form a maze. A maze filled with ghosts and zombies.
Blood-splattered walls, antique medical equipment resembling torture devices and costumed actors dedicated to their jobs chase you down the abandoned hallways. Don't even try to snap a photo though, or you'll be promptly escorted out the door. The undead don't appreciate cameras.
As for cost, you’re looking at ¥500 in addition to the park's entrance fee of ¥1,200.
Bonus: Check out Fuji-Q’s Takabisha roller coaster, which just opened in July. It now holds the world record for the steepest descent -- a lunch-losing 121 degrees.
Getting there: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara. Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, +81 (0) 555 23 2111. Open July 20 - September 20, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; otherwise, weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Take the Chuo Express Fujigoko line bus from the West exit of Shinjuku Station. Reservations: +81 (0) 555 72 5111.
2. Nostalgic Town, Odaiba
Nostalgic Town -- a refreshing change from the in-your-face modern game center.
This little gem inside the Odaiba Decks complex is old-school and fabulous. If you’ve ever yearned for the days of the original Super Mario, you might never leave.
The fourth floor houses a colorful gaming area filled with retro arcade machines from decades past. The walls are covered in memory-sparking posters, with wonderfully cheesy Japanese and international pop bands as the stars, alongside advertising icons from the past. Even 1980s U.S. beer dog Spuds MacKenzie has a prominent corner spot. Drinks on you if you can remember the particular liquor he hawked on TV back then.
Most games only cost ¥100, which is about the best deal you'll get in Tokyo in one of the destination-type centers. We just hope you remember how to waggle a joystick like it’s 1983 all over again.
Bonus: Should you tire of old-fashioned games, Sega Joypolis is just across the walkway for a more 2011 pixel hit.
Getting there: 1-6-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, +81 (0) 3 3599 3765. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Board the Yurikamome line from Shinbashi to Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station.
