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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Tama.
Tama, a hidden gem amidst the hustle and bustle of Japan, offers a plethora of activities to indulge in, from exploring its vibrant cultural heritage to immersing in the serene natural beauty of the region.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Tama:
1. Sanrio Puroland
A whimsical indoor theme park featuring Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters.
What to see or do: Enjoy various rides, parades, and shows featuring Hello Kitty, Gudetama, My Melody, and other popular Sanrio characters. Take pictures with costumed characters, visit the gift shop, and dine at themed restaurants.
Don’t miss: The “Miracle Gift Parade” featuring colorful floats and characters, the “Lady Kitty House” exhibit showcasing Hello Kitty’s house, and the “Sanrio Character Boat Ride.
Insider travel tips: Avoid weekends and holidays for shorter wait times. Purchase tickets in advance to save money and ensure entry.
Consider getting a Sanrio Puroland Passport to enjoy unlimited attractions and receive discounts on food and souvenirs.
2. Tama Zoological Park
Tama Zoological Park is a popular wildlife park located in Hino, Japan. It showcases a wide variety of animals from across the world in a spacious and natural environment.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various zones of the park, including the African Savanna, Australian Outback, and Asian Tropical Rainforest. Some of the most exciting animals to see here include lions, tigers, giraffes, koalas, and elephants.
There are also fun exhibits with penguins, meerkats, and pandas. Visitors can attend educational programs or check out feeding and training demonstrations throughout the day.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Tama Zoological Park is the chance to watch the Sumatran Tigers.
The park features an immersive tiger enclosure where visitors can watch these majestic creatures hunt, play, and interact with each other up close.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and get a better chance to see the animals when they are most active.
3. Takahata-Fudoson Temple
A beautiful Buddhist temple located in Tama, Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture, including the five-story pagoda and the main hall. Walk through the gorgeous temple gardens and visit the numerous smaller shrines and statues located throughout the temple grounds.
Don’t miss: The chance to witness traditional Buddhist services and rituals, including firewalking and goma prayer ceremonies.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early in the day to avoid large crowds, and consider visiting during one of the temple’s many festivals or events to experience the vibrant energy of the local community.
Remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering any of the temple buildings.
4. Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park is a sprawling national park located in Tama, Tokyo.
What to see or do: – Enjoy seasonal flowers such as sakura, tulips, and cosmos.
Don’t miss: – The Gingko Avenue, where you can witness the golden leaves color the entire lane in autumn.
Insider travel tips: – The park is huge, so wear comfortable shoes and take a map from the visitor’s center.
5. Hinodecho Sake Brewery Street
Hinodecho Sake Brewery Street is a picturesque and historic street lined with traditional sake breweries in Tama city, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll down the street and see the charming wooden buildings with classic Japanese architecture. Visit the breweries and sample various sake flavors, or participate in tours and witness the sake-making process.
Don’t miss: The sake festival held in late October, where visitors can enjoy free sake tastings, food stands, and live performances.
Insider travel tips: – Sake tastings are usually offered for free, but buying a bottle or showing your appreciation with a small purchase is appreciated.
6. Kyodo no Mori Museum
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits on Japanese culture including folk tales, legends, proverbs, and crafts. Watch live performances of traditional music, dance, and theater.
Don’t miss: The outdoor garden with a pond, waterfall, and statues of Japanese folklore characters. The museum shop selling traditional Japanese items and souvenirs.
Insider travel tips: Check the schedule for live performances beforehand and plan your visit accordingly. Be sure to bring cash as credit cards may not be accepted at the museum shop.
7. Tama Central Park
Tama Central Park is a large public park located in Western Tokyo.
What to see or do: The park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, a boating lake, and a children’s playground.
Visitors can also explore the extensive botanical gardens, which showcase a wide range of plant and flower species from both Japan and around the world.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll through the park’s famous cherry blossom grove during peak season, as well as the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges from various lookout points throughout the park.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the week to avoid large crowds on weekends.
8. Tama River
Tama River is a major river on the island of Honshu, running through Tokyo, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy walking, cycling, or picnicking along the river. Explore the parks and sports facilities along its banks, such as Todoroki Athletics Stadium.
Try fishing, kayaking, or canoeing on the river.
Don’t miss: Admiring the stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape, especially during cherry blossom season in spring and fall foliage season in autumn.
Insider travel tips: Take a river boat cruise to see the sights from a different angle. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day by the river.
Check the weather forecast and river conditions before planning water activities.
9. Tamagawa Aqueduct
An impressive engineering marvel located in Tokyo, Japan.
What to see or do: Walk or bike along the scenic path that spans across the city’s western suburbs.
The path provides stunning views of the city below and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Don’t miss: The arches and brickwork of the aqueduct, which are spectacular feats of engineering and are photogenic.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset views. Also, bring snacks and drinks as there are limited facilities along the path.
10. Tama River Terrace
Tama River Terrace is a scenic riverbank located in western Tokyo that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the busy city atmosphere.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll along the riverbank and take in the serene natural surroundings, rent a bike and explore the nearby trails, or have a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The riverbank is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and find a good spot for a picnic or to rent a bike. The area can get quite crowded on weekends and during peak cherry blossom season.
Additionally, bring a camera to capture the picturesque views of the river and surrounding mountains.
11. Tama Plaza Terrace
Tama Plaza Terrace is a shopping center located in the Tama ward of Kawasaki, Japan.
What to see or do: The shopping center features a wide variety of stores, including fashion boutiques, electronics shops, bookstores, and gourmet food stores. Visitors can also catch a movie at the Cineplex or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the rooftop garden, which offers a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping center.
Insider travel tips: For a unique shopping experience, visit Tama Plaza Terrace during one of their special events, such as their craft market or flea market days.
Also, if you plan on shopping at multiple stores, consider purchasing a Tama Plaza Terrace Point Card for discounts and perks.
12. Tama Forest Science Garden
A beautiful botanical garden located in Tama Hills, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through an expansive forest that showcases a wide variety of plant species native to Japan. The garden also features gardens showcasing medicinal plants, water plants, and more.
Don’t miss: The Tree Top Walking Course, which lets visitors explore the garden canopy for a unique perspective.
Insider travel tips: Pack comfortable shoes for walking and consider visiting during the spring or fall when the garden is particularly magnificent. Additionally, some areas of the garden may be closed during the winter, so check ahead before visiting during that time.
13. Tamagawa Daishi Temple
Tamagawa Daishi Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Setagaya ward of Tokyo, Japan. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the main hall of the temple, which houses a sacred statue of Kobo Daishi. The temple also features a beautiful Japanese garden with a pond and a small waterfall.
Visitors can take a walk around the garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Tamagawa Daishi Temple is the annual Daruma-Ichi festival, which takes place in January. During the festival, visitors can buy Daruma dolls, which are considered to be good luck charms in Japanese culture.
Insider travel tips: – The temple can be crowded during the festival, so plan accordingly.
14. Tonogayato Garden
Tonogayato Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Tama, Tokyo.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful garden filled with cherry trees, ponds, and tea houses. The garden also features a museum showcasing the history and culture of the area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the exquisite pond and rock formations, as well as the tea house where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Insider travel tips: Visit during cherry blossom season for a truly magical experience.