Your guide to turning a trip to Japan into a creative treasure trove for your mini-artist – PART ONE: The Tokyo area
I’ve just returned from beautiful Japan — my third adventure in The Sakura Nation!
Over the past few months, chatting in the studio, I’ve been so excited to hear how many of our mini-artists families are also planning a visit to this creative wonderland. And with the Australian dollar doing pretty well at the moment, and such a gorgeous country just an ocean jump away – it’s not surprising.
So, I’ve put together a fun little artist-inspired guide — sharing the places that completely filled my creative cup, plus some observations you can offer to help turn your mini-artist’s holiday into an inspiring, imagination-sparking experience.
This is a looooo-ong one guys… there’s so much to see for artists, but I did have to split it into two, because it just got too long. So this one is all about the Tokyo area – but I have also included a wild card – Ghibli Park. Ghibli Park is not exactly a day trip from Tokyo, but I felt it had to go in here so you would be able to see both Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park in the same post (it can get confusing and ruin your whole trip if you mix them up once you have tickets!)
Let’s turn travel into inspiration!
Much Love
Alissa
TeamLab Planets (Toyosa) and Team Lab Borderless (Mori Building, Azadubai Hills)
TeamLab Borderless
TeamLab Planets
If you’ve been researching Japan, you may have seen people online say that TeamLab isn’t “real” Japanese culture. I disagree.
No, it’s not a quiet, classical gallery rooted in centuries of history. But what it does showcase is something equally important — Japan’s position at the forefront of robotics, digital imaging, gaming and immersive technology.
And if you’re raising a mini-artist? This is where art meets the future.
teamLab Planets
At TeamLab Planets, you don’t just look at art — you step inside it.
The installations are fully interactive and shift depending on how people move through the space. Your body becomes part of the artwork.
In the “Floating Flower Garden,” real flowers rise and fall around you as you walk. In another room, koi fish swim across projected water — and when you touch them, they transform into flowers. In the “Infinite Crystal Universe,” you can even control the light installation from your phone, choosing the colours and patterns that everyone in the room experiences.
It feels immersive, playful and slightly magical.
What to know before you go:
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You’ll need to remove your shoes.
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You’ll walk through water.
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In one room, you’ll need to roll your clothes up above your knees.
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The floors are mirrored (wear skirt-safe outfits!).
We spent about an hour there, taking our time in each room. It’s easy to find thanks to the large swirling pillar at the entrance, and booking online with a timed window made entry very smooth.
teamLab Borderless
Borderless is bigger, more maze-like, and completely immersive.
Here, the artworks move freely between rooms — there’s no set path. You wander and discover.
In “Universe of Water Particles on a Rock where People Gather,” flowing digital waterfalls cascade down the walls and respond to your presence, swirling around your feet or bouncing off your silhouette.
Our absolute favourite was “Sketch Ocean.” We drew our own fish, scanned them, and then watched them swim through the giant digital ocean across the walls.
We spent nearly three hours here — and still missed two rooms!
Look at my Rainbow Queen Angel Fish! Isn’t she cute!
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
The magic of TeamLab isn’t just the spectacle.
It’s the collaboration behind it.
The collective includes not only artists, but programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects. It’s a beautiful reminder that creative thinking fuels so many technical and STEM-based careers.
For kids who love art and tech, this is a powerful example of what their future could look like.
Recommended to book a couple of weeks in advance if you want a certain time. We noticed some people turned up at Borderless without tickets and they were told they could come back late in the afternoon for a spot.
See the official teamLab website here for tickets.
Shueisa Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery
Shueisa Manga Art Heritage Tokyo Gallery
Tucked inside the same building as teamLab Borderless is a tiny art gallery that makes the perfect creative side quest — especially for mini-artists who adore Japanese manga-style illustration.
It’s small, but it packs a punch.
Inside, you’ll find original works and beautifully produced, archival-grade manga art prints available for purchase. The quality is incredible, and it’s such a special opportunity to see this style presented in a true gallery setting — not just in books or online.
You only need to set aside about 30 minutes, which makes it the perfect add-on after exploring Borderless. It’s quick, inspiring, and easy to fit into your day.
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
For kids who love drawing characters, comics or anime-inspired art, this kind of space is powerful.
It shows them that manga isn’t “just cartoons” — it’s a respected, collectible art form. Seeing illustration displayed professionally in a gallery setting can completely shift how a child views their own sketchbook creations.
No booking needed. Free entry, just show up.
See the official Shueisa website.
Azabudai Hills Gallery and Sakuraasa Street
Azadubai Hills Gallery and Sakuraasa Street.
Once you step out of the Mori Building, if you’ve got the energy for one more stop, take a quick stroll up Sakuraasa Street to the Azabudai Hills Gallery. The street itself is a creative treat — the buildings are designed like works of art, with flowing architecture, organic lines, and playful shapes. Don’t miss the garden-topped building directly across from the Mori Building; it’s a highlight in itself and perfect for a sketch or photo.
Inside the gallery, I visited the Look Back Anime Exhibition, a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved Japanese film created entirely with hand-drawn art in a Ghibli-inspired style. Over the years, the gallery has showcased a beautiful mix of anime, cartoons, and delicate hand-crafted illustrations — a wonderful chance for mini-artists to appreciate the incredible skill of Japanese artists.
No matter which exhibition is on, it’s worth spending an hour soaking in the gorgeous artwork.
You can purchase tickets at the counter on the day, we didn’t experience any lineups. But purchasing online the day before is just a little bit cheaper.
The current exhibition runs until 29th March, but check here to see what will be showing during your visit.
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
Sakuraasa Street is a mini-artist’s art lesson in persepective. Bring a sketchbook or a camera and let them explore! Grab a coffee or milkshake at the bakery across from the Mori Building and sketch the flowing architecture and playful buildings, or take quick photos to use as reference for later creations.
The street encourages experimentation with perspective, angles, and organic lines, showing kids how fun and creative architecture can be.
Inside the gallery, they can admire the work of real Japanese cartoon and anime artists, seeing firsthand the quality, detail, and creativity that goes into professional illustrations. Between the gallery and the street, mini-artists get a full creative experience: world-class artwork paired with hands-on observation and inspiration from the environment around them.
Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View (Rippongi Hills)
Mori Art Museum
Mori Art Museum
I visited the Mori Art Museum on my own — my teenagers weren’t too keen on “just another art gallery.”
And honestly? It felt surprisingly familiar. Walking through the exhibitions reminded me a little of strolling around Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) back home in Brisbane.
That said, there were definitely moments that made me pause.
One piece in particular — “The Moon Underwater” — completely captivated me. I stood there for quite a while, watching tiny illuminated moons fall from the branches of a metal tree, drifting across the surface of the water in ever-changing pathways. It was hypnotic, quiet, and beautifully meditative.
While the gallery itself felt familiar, what truly elevated the visit was Tokyo City View, which is included in the ticket.
Tokyo City View – A 360° Sketchbook Moment
The observation deck offers a full 360-degree view of Tokyo. From up there, you can spot Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even the distant sprawl of Shibuya Crossing — the entire city stretching endlessly in every direction.
This was probably my favourite part.
I actually wished I’d brought a sketchbook with me. Observing the city from above — the roads weaving like ribbons, the tiny cars moving like ants, the patches of green parks breaking up the concrete — felt like the perfect drawing reference session.
If you’re looking for a way to see some of Tokyo’s landmarks from above – and include Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree in your landscape photos, this is such a great option.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, at the entrance – the Mori Arts Centre Gallery (different to the Mori Art Museum) is also in the same building although I ran out of time to visit this one!
Here’s the Mori Museum and Observation official website to find out more.
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
One of the most beautiful things about the Mori Art Museum was how familiar it felt. Even though I was on the other side of the world, the themes, mediums, and emotions expressed in the artworks felt recognisable.
That’s such a powerful lesson for mini-artists:
Art crosses borders.
Language doesn’t have to be a barrier.
You can feel something deeply without understanding a single word.
It shows children that creativity is universal — and that their work, too, can connect with people beyond their immediate world.
And then there’s Tokyo City View.
A bird’s-eye perspective is something mini-artists rarely experience. We usually draw what we see from ground level. Seeing buildings, roads, and parks from above helps children understand perspective in a completely different way. It strengthens spatial awareness, composition skills, and their ability to visualise scenes from new angles.
Sometimes, all it takes to grow as an artist is changing your viewpoint — quite literally. ✨
+Base0 Gallery (NEWoMan building Takanawa Gateway)
+Base 0 Gallery
I have to admit — I struggled to find +BASE0 Gallery.
But I was determined not to give up, because when I was there, Johnny Depp’s exhibition “A Bunch of Stuff” was on display.
After exiting Takanawa Gateway Station, I initially walked toward the front entrance of the NEWoMan shopping centre and searched from there. With limited signage, it felt a bit like a treasure hunt. Only later did I realise I could have simply walked straight out of the station exit and found the gallery about 30 metres away.
Sometimes the best creative finds require a little persistence.
“A Bunch of Stuff” is a collection of around 30 years of artwork that Depp has created — painting, drawing, writing, and experimenting across different mediums.
Whether I know the artist personally or not doesn’t really matter to me. What intrigued me most was that much of this work was never originally intended for public viewing. There’s something deeply compelling about art that was created privately — made for expression rather than exhibition.
Artworks made for personal exploration tend to ooze authenticity. You can feel that they were created for pleasure, reflection, or processing — not profit.
There’s even a short film within the exhibition explaining the artworks and his reasons for creating them, which added an extra layer of insight into the creative process.
The exhibition runs until 6th May, but the gallery itself feels large, modern, and full of potential. Information about upcoming shows can be found via the NEWoMan website, which lists current exhibitions.
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
This stop felt different from the others — and that’s exactly why it’s valuable.
It reminds mini-artists that not all art needs to be created for display, grades, or approval. Some of the most powerful work begins as private exploration.
Seeing a collection of deeply personal pieces reinforces an important lesson:
Art can be for you first.
It also normalises experimentation. Not every artwork needs to be polished or perfect. Creativity can be messy, emotional, layered, and evolving over decades.
For mini-artists, that’s incredibly freeing.
Sometimes the most important art you make is the art no one else was ever meant to see. ✨
And here’s the official site for Depp’s exhibit “A Bunch of Stuff”
Ginza Art Aquarium
Ginza Art Aquarium
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if someone decided that an aquarium wasn’t quite magical enough on its own — this is it. The Ginza Art Aquarium quite literally builds the art around the fish, transforming tanks into immersive, glowing installations that blur the line between gallery and living ecosystem.
Using saturated colour, dramatic dark rooms, and carefully designed lighting, the space creates an entirely new way of looking at aquariums. The experience shifts every few seconds — light changes, fish dart and swirl, reflections move — so no artwork is ever exactly the same twice. It’s unpredictable, alive, and constantly evolving.
The artists take the humble goldfish — a staple of Japanese culture since the Edo period — and create living artworks. Ornate tanks, mirrored surfaces, and theatrical illumination give these small creatures a stage, turning something familiar into something extraordinary.
Importantly, the fish all appeared healthy and well cared for. The tanks were clean and fresh, and the fish moved freely and energetically — something that mattered to me while walking through a space like this.
We especially loved wandering through the rooms lit in unusual hues — magentas, deep blues, glowing reds — and then suddenly noticing the fish themselves shimmering within that light. The individual “flower box” room was a standout: rows upon rows of underwater floral arrangements, each box housing different varieties of goldfish, complete with nameplates. We had no idea there were so many types of goldfish!
The entire experience takes around 30 minutes to an hour, and tickets can be purchased at the door on the day, making it an easy and accessible addition to your Ginza wanderings.
Why This Matters to Mini-Artists
This space teaches mini-artists something powerful: art doesn’t have to sit still.
It shows them that:
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Art can be alive. It can move, change, and surprise you.
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Lighting is a medium. Colour and shadow completely transform how we experience a subject.
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Presentation matters. The same goldfish in a standard tank feels ordinary — but in a thoughtfully designed space, it becomes magical.
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Observation skills grow in dynamic environments. Because the scene constantly changes, children must really look, pause, and notice.
It’s also a beautiful lesson in reimagining the everyday. A goldfish is simple. But with creativity, scale, and design, something simple becomes extraordinary.
For mini-artists who are learning that art isn’t just pencil on paper — this is a gentle but powerful expansion of what’s possible.
Tokyo Tower
Visiting Tokyo Tower just before Christmas felt a little bit magical. At the base of the tower, festive Christmas markets were set up, adding twinkling lights, food stalls, and that cosy holiday atmosphere. Even without the markets though, this was such a fun and interactive stop for my teenagers.
We bought tickets to head up to the observation deck just after dark, and I’m so glad we timed it that way. Seeing Tokyo lit up at night from above was incredible — the roads and buildings glowing below looked like a giant Christmas tree sprawled across the city. The ticket included an English audio tour, which made it easy to learn about the tower’s history and design while we took in the 360-degree views.
At the bottom of the tower is FootTown — a lively hub packed with shops, gifts, and restaurants. On the 5th floor, you’ll find Caricature Corner, where for around 2000 yen you can sit and have your portrait drawn on the spot. Watching artists create expressive, exaggerated character drawings in real time was such a joy. It’s quick, skilful, and full of personality — and you walk away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Inside FootTown you’ll also find RED° TOKYO TOWER, a high-energy VR gaming centre where teens (and adults!) can ride virtual roller coasters, play interactive sports like dodgeball, bouldering, racing, and trampolining, and even try running suits and robot battle suits! It’s immersive, loud, creative and full of movement — a completely different kind of artistic experience.
We absolutely loved Tokyo Tower — but here’s something to remember: you can’t actually see Tokyo Tower when you’re standing inside it. So I highly recommend also viewing it from another platform somewhere in the city, so you can see it rising above the skyline in all its glowing orange glory. Seeing it from afar gives you a whole new appreciation for its shape, structure, and presence within the city. We took some outdoor shots from the Zojo-ji temple area, and also from our accomodation which had a Tokyo Tower View. The internet also recommends Azadubai Sky Lobby as a great place to get views with Tokyo Tower in the mix.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate with generally no waiting time, and tours go up to the observation deck regularly between 9am-11pm.
And here’s a link to their fee schedule
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
Even though Tokyo Tower isn’t necessarily a gallery, or one of the first places you think of when connecting to art, there are a number of lessons here for the mini-artists!
1. Seeing Art Created in the Moment
Caricature Corner allows mini-artists to watch someone confidently drawing from life — fast, loose, and expressive. It shows them that art doesn’t always have to be slow and polished. Sometimes it’s about capturing personality, exaggerating features, and trusting your hand.
2. Perspective, Light & Night-Time Colour
The view from the top of Tokyo Tower is an incredible reference for perspective and lighting. While I was up there, I found myself looking at the city like an artist:
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What colour would I use to paint that glow?
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How would I recreate neon lights on a canvas?
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If I started with a black background, how much light versus dark would I need?
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What shades and tones create that nighttime atmosphere?
It’s a masterclass in contrast, scale, depth, and colour temperature — all in real life.
3. Digital Art as a Career Path
RED° Tokyo Tower opens up another conversation entirely — video game design as an artistic career. The worlds, environments, character design, motion graphics and immersive experiences are all created by artists. It shows mini-artists that creativity doesn’t just live in galleries — it exists in technology, gaming, design, and interactive storytelling too.
Tokyo Tower isn’t just about views. It’s about seeing the world — quite literally — through an artist’s eyes.
Ghibli Park (Moricoro Park, near Nagoya)
A bonus adventure not in Tokyo – Ghibli Park is about a 3.5hour ride via Shinkansen – but is definitely something worth putting on the list.
Not to be confused with the museum in Tokyo, Ghibli Park is located inside Moricoro Park near Nagoya — and it absolutely deserves a full day.
We loved Ghibli Park for its landscaping and gardens. Being there truly felt like stepping inside a Studio Ghibli film. Even entering the park feels cinematic — you walk up through the tower inspired by Castle in the Sky, and from that moment on, you’re immersed.
The park is divided into different themed areas, each requiring its own ticket. We had about five hours and still only scratched the surface. This is not a quick visit.
Every inch of the space is sculpted and manicured into Ghibli magic — from wall details to seemingly “forgotten” brass sculptures of characters’ belongings left on benches and tables. One highlight was the perfectly crafted life-sized version of the shop from The Cat Returns. It feels like you’re actually visiting Muta and The Baron.
The Grand Warehouse is packed with life-sized dioramas and sculptures. Walking through, I actually forgot for a moment that Ghibli films are animated — it felt more like stepping into a production from the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. There’s a giant Totoro, Howl’s Castle, and even a walk-through of Arrietty’s home — complete with oversized flowers and soy sauce fish.
Inside the warehouse, you’ll also find The Screening Room Cinema Orion showing short Ghibli films exclusive to the park and museum. We watched a sweet story about a dough ball coming to life and befriending a child. It felt incredibly special to know we were watching something only Ghibli visitors would ever see.
Our favourite area (and the one we spent the longest in) was Dondoko Forest, where you discover Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro. You can take your shoes off and explore inside! The forest itself is expansive, misty, and full of winding paths and rivers. At one point, we even did a seed-growing dance in the garden to help the plants sprout.
Although it’s further than a Tokyo day trip, it’s absolutely worth it. I’d recommend staying in Nagoya or nearby so you can truly make the most of your day.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Get tickets through the official Ghibli Park website here.
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
Ghibli Park is a masterclass in theming.
Theming can be tricky for mini-artists — learning how to create a cohesive body of work, how to make every detail support the story, and how to guide the viewer’s experience. At Ghibli Park, every object, texture, and pathway contributes to the narrative.
Seeing the detail in the model-making and sculptural elements reminded me how powerful consistency and intention can be. It encourages mini-artists to think beyond a single artwork and instead imagine a whole world.
Ghibli Museum (Mitaka, Tokyo)
Closer to Tokyo, Ghibli Museum is much easier to access — and more compact. We spent about two hours exploring it thoroughly.
Where the park is immersive, the museum is educational.
It focuses on the artists, the creative process, and the materials used in hand-drawn animation. Throughout the building, you’ll find original concept sketches, real animation cels, and displays showing the planning stages behind beloved films.
Every surface carries that familiar Ghibli charm — from brass cat-shaped tap handles to soot sprites peeking from windows.
Your entry ticket is an actual animation cell, mounted in a cardboard keepsake frame, which you get to take home. Photography isn’t allowed inside, but you can purchase a beautiful souvenir book featuring highlights from the museum.
One of our favourite features was the spinning 3D motion display demonstrating the principles of animation. It explains “persistence of vision” and shows how strobing lights make 3D models appear to move. Press a button, and the carousel of characters spins inside a glass case, bringing the story to life like magic. It also touches on early, pre-cinema animation techniques — such a clever and accessible way to explain complex ideas.
We especially loved studying the original concept drawings — seeing how artists experimented with perspective, light, and shadow to create emotion. Entire walls were covered in sketches and notes, showing the progression from scribbles to finished scenes.
PS: Don’t miss the strawberry shortcake dessert at the Straw Hat Cafe – it was our favourite thing to eat the whole trip!
How to get tickets:
Tickets must be purchased in advance. They go on sale on the 10th day of the month before at 10am Japan Standard Time, and get sold out very quickly. Getting tickets can be tricky as everyone jumps on at the same time and there are big waiting lines.
Get tickets here.
This youtube video has a great walkthrough of how to use their ticketing site.
Why This Matters for Mini-Artists
The museum reveals the planning, experimentation, and problem-solving behind animation.
It teaches:
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The value of analog, hand-drawn processes
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The importance of observation and detail
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How colour and lighting create emotion
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That great art begins with messy sketches
It also introduces the science behind motion — blending creativity with technical understanding. For mini-artists, it’s a powerful reminder that imagination and structure can work together beautifully.
Ghibli Park vs Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Park is about immersion.
It’s big, spread out, and focused on stepping inside the worlds and stories created by Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli Museum is about learning.
It’s compact, and full of education about the process and history of animation.
WAIT THERE’S MORE!
Here’s some of the things that didn’t quite make the cut for this list, because it was just getting toooo long. I’ll add in some links so you can do your own research!
Yayoi Kusama Museum – I didn’t manage to visit this one (and I truly wish I had). Dedicated to the iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, the gallery showcases her immersive installations, bold polka dots, mirrored rooms, and large-scale works that explore repetition and infinity. It’s a space that celebrates imagination at full volume — and would be an unforgettable experience for any art-loving family.
Yayoi Kusama Museum Official Website
Manhole Covers in Japan’s Streets – Keep your eyes down as you wander! Japan’s manhole covers are artworks in themselves. Each district seems to feature different designs — from florals to local landmarks to cultural symbols. My kids thought I was slightly unhinged taking photos of them… but they’re tiny, unexpected reminders that art can live anywhere — even under your feet.
Here’s a great youtube video about Japans Manhole covers
Shibuya at Night – Shibuya after dark is a masterclass in lighting. Neon signs, glowing shopfronts, reflections on wet pavement — it’s a dream for anyone wanting reference photos. Neon light is surprisingly tricky to paint, and having real-life references makes capturing that glow so much easier.
Here’s a great youtube video about Shibuya
DisneySea & Disneyland – Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland might not be traditional galleries, but they are extraordinary lessons in theming, sculpture, storytelling, and total creative immersion. Every detail — from architecture to sound design — is intentional. It’s art you can walk through.
The Official Tokyo Disney Site
Mishima Skywalk (Hakone) – Walking across the Mishima Skywalk is not just a thrill — it’s a brilliant lesson in perspective. As the bridge stretches out in front of you, the lines narrow toward the horizon and the landscape layers into the distance, making it a real-life example of vanishing points, scale, and depth. For mini-artists, it’s the perfect way to feel perspective before trying to draw it.
Stay Tuned for Part 2: The Hakone Area