Ultimate Guide to Japanese VR Experiences
By Sarah Chan | June 28th, 2024
Japan is rich with a vast range of experiences, from cultural temples and shrines, to its unique culture around fashion and technology. If you’re impressed with Japan’s prominent use of advanced technology for its toilets, you’ll be fascinated to unlock the Japanese VR experience. Whether you’re only just hearing about VR or are a seasoned user, keep reading to explore all things VR to explore during your journey to Japan.
This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through Online Japanese Lessons at Japan Switch.
What is VR?
VR stands for virtual reality and is essentially a simulation that features 3D displays using a near-eye headset. In an ever changing modern society, VR has become an increasingly versatile investment that offers entertainment, education, and business. From video games, to simulation surgeries, to virtual meetings or property tours, VR’s presence in the media has only contributed to people’s fascination with it. With that being said, VR has become a popular tool for users to employ interest in VR experiences through Japan’s big tech companies and dense cities.
Japanese VR Experiences in Tourism
Japan, in particular, has been experiencing rapid growth in the VR realm due to its consumer preferences for advanced technology in both fashion and retail. Tourism agencies around the country have capitalized on Japanese VR by adding a VR tour to their websites to allow travelers’ to experience a destination prior to planning a trip itinerary around it. In 2018, ANA, Japan’s largest airline, collaborated with VR creators, NEC to unlock an elevated in-flight training program for its flight crew.
Japanese VR Experiences in Gaming
Further, Japanese VR is extremely popular within the gaming world, ultimately elevating the gaming experience by giving players’ the feeling of being in the actual game and its world. From a fashion and retail standpoint, a plethora of companies have begun integrating VR into their business model. For instance, cosmetic brands offer a virtual lipstick try-on experience to enhance customers’ shopping experience by allowing them to visualize, first hand, the product; essentially, a try-before-you-buy business model. With Japanese consumers having a long-standing affinity for virtual gaming and unique shopping experiences, it is no surprise that Japan’s adoption of VR is admirably rapidly growing.
Japanese VR Experiences Around Tokyo
Japan’s investment in VR has steadily increased over the last 5 years and is estimated to continue doing so; with big tech giants like Sony in its domain, Japanese VR experiences are on the rise. Expectedly, with Tokyo being the largest city in the world, travelers flock from all over the world to experience the country’s culturally rich history alongside its integration of the most advanced technological developments; VR being one of them. If you’re making your way to this beautiful archipelago, be sure to keep an eye out for these companies’ VR experiences to add to your travel itinerary.
Konica Minolta VirtuaLink
You can’t miss Konica Minolta’s VirtuaLink Japanese VR experiences as its location is cleverly located at the foot of the Tokyo Skytree inside the Solamachi mall. If you haven’t added the Tokyo Skytree as a destination along your travel route, you can now hit two birds with one stone by exploring a Japanese VR experience along the way.
Konica Minolta’s VirtuaLink offers a variety of collaborative rides through an expansive selection of worlds. The current software allows players to connect and work together with one another to complete missions within each game. The company has also taken the initiative to install PS4 Pro Consoles and Playstation VR headsets for the ultimate Japanese VR experience. For just ¥1,500 (approx. $10 USD), you can gain access to Konica Minolta’s VR experience; the perfect indoor activity for a rainy day in Tokyo or just to give you a VR fix during your holiday.
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Cycle Studio R Shibuya
If you haven’t already gotten your steps in exploring the world’s largest city, you can experience a VR workout featuring a cycling class, a hip hop body jam workout, and even a heavy weight lifting class. The upbeat music ranging from electronic dance to hip hop, allows users to fully immerse themselves in a high intensity exercise class. Moreover, the company allows you to customize your trainer and cycling route to your liking so that your experience is an accumulation of your preferences for an unbeatable experience. Prices range from about ¥13,000 (~ $80 USD) to ¥18,500 (~ $115 USD). The studio is centrally located in Shibuya which is widely known for its youth fashion and culture. Should you find yourself in the area, pop in to Cycle Studio R for a VR workout class that will make you feel as good as you look!
VR Park Tokyo
This VR Park is located just a short walk from the popular Shibuya station, on the fourth floor of the Adores Shibuya Arcade. There are eight different games to play in the VR section, but they also offer a variety of staple arcade games like claw machines and token machines to satisfy every type of gamer. With raving reviews and a generous amount of visitors, these games are unlike ones you’ll find in America. With Dodgers baseball player Shohei Ohtani representing Japan, Japanese natives' affinity for baseball is surely worth noting. This Japanese VR experience allows you to play competitive baseball that will have you unlocking your competitive tendencies even if you don’t know how to play the real thing. For just ¥2,900 (~ $18 USD) per person, you’ll find yourself immersed into the virtual world of your choosing. Sitting slots come in 80 minute intervals, so should you choose to play your hand at every game in the arcade, you’ll have ample time to do so.
VR Zone Shinjuku
This Japanese VR experience is conveniently located in Shinjuku, an area in Tokyo well-known for its entertainment sector. Shinjuku also holds a number of renowned restaurants and cafes that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each month. VR Zone Shinjuku opened in 2017 and fundamentally serves as an adult playground where users can experience the latest and greatest in VR technology. More specifically, VR Zone Shinjuku solely uses a VR head-mounted display that provides players with numerous fun games using 360-degree VR. They feature popular games by many big tech companies including big arcade game giant, Bandai Namco who infamously created Pac-Man and Dragon Ball; amongst other all-time favorites. On the pricier side, you’ll get four different VR experiences of your choosing for around ¥6,000 (~ $38 USD).
Unique Japanese VR Experiences 2024
Beyond the more practical uses of VR, Japan has capitalized on every sector of the entertainment industry; especially finding its niche amongst fans of anime, manga, and video games. In the VR realm, Tokyo certainly lives up to its reputation as being a high-tech metropolis, offering the latest games and experiences to its vast list of must-try activities and experiences. If you’d like to cultivate a diverse travel itinerary with a mixture of culture, history, and both outdoor and indoor activities, check out these unique Japanese VR experiences that are happening this year.
Tokyo Joypolis
Located in Odaiba, Joypolis is a high-tech theme park that offers an abundance of VR opportunities. One game, called “Zero Latency,” features a completely wire free VR experience that allows players to roam freely within the confines of the room. From navigating through a zombie apocalypse to fighting against malicious robots in a space station, you can choose your own story to participate in. Each story lasts anywhere between 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Stories will require a reservation, so be sure to make your bookings in advance. And if you're looking to satisfy your competitive drive, the game, “Tower Tag,” allows players to play against one another. Tower Tag doesn’t require a reservation, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of time waiting in line as its popularity is not to be ignored.
- Website
- Address: 〒135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 3F～5F DECKS Tokyo Beach
- Phone number: 03-5500-1801
- Joypolis Passport Ticket: ¥4,200 (approx. $26 USD)
- Standard Admission: Adults - ¥5,000 (approx. $30 USD); Children - ¥4,000 (approx. $25 USD)
- Age requirement: Must be 13 years or older
Red° Tokyo Tower Passport
This VR experience opened in 2022 and is one of the most popular destinations to experience Japanese VR. The facility serves a wide range of users, from young children to adults and features both AR and VR. Red Tokyo Tower Passport has an impressive space featuring several zones and floors, giving consumers the option to explore a number of games and experiences. On the first floor, you’ll find tame kids games, perfect for bringing your whole family where there is something for everyone. On the third and fourth floors, popular battling and shooting games make these floors the most popular. Conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, this VR experience isn’t one to miss!
- Website
- Address: 105-0011 Tokyo, Minato City, Shibakoen, 4 Chome−2−8, Tokyo Tower, 3rd floor Foot Town
- Phone number: 0120-210-519
- Ticket Prices:
- Day Passport - ¥2,500 to ¥3,200 ($16 - $20 USD)
- Night Passport (after 5 PM) - ¥1,300 to ¥1,500 ($8 - $10 USD)
- Age requirement: N/A
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Naruto x Boruto VR Experience
Only a five minute walk from the Odaiba station, the Naruto x Boruto VR experience is one of Tokyo’s newest VR attractions. Located on the 4th floor of the DriverCity Tokyo Tower Plaza, this VR attraction features one of the most cult-favorite anime/manga series, Naruto and Boruto. You’ll find yourself fully immersed into virtual worlds with both characters to engage in Ninja training. The facility also offers original merchandise of Naruto and Boruto characters and you should expect to see people dressed as the series’ characters at the site. Whether you’re a long time fan of the series or this is your first encounter, this VR attraction is an homage to Japan’s culture around anime and manga.
- Website
- Address: 2-15-15 Uchikanda Takahashi Bldg., Chiyoda 101-0047 Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: N/A
- Ticket Prices: ¥2,000 ~$13 USD (on weekdays) or ¥2,500 ~$16 USD (on weekends)
- Age Requirements: N/A
Yomiuri Land
Yomiuri Land is an amusement park located in Inagi City in Tokyo. Perfect for families and children of all ages, the park features a multitude of family-friendly rides, but also offers exciting rides for the thrill-seeking adventurers. Aside from the actual rides in the amusement park, there is an automotive section called, “CAR FACTORY,” which is to no shock, supported by Japan’s car manufacturing giant, Nissan. Visitors can experience Japanese VR for a test run and ride through the VR world of either the past or the future in a time machine. Yomiuri Land is the perfect family-friendly amusement park to add to your travel itinerary, especially if you’re seeking out Japanese VR along your trip.
- Website
- Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8725
- Phone Number: 044-966-1111
- Ticket Prices: ¥5,400 approx. $34 USD
- Age Requirements: N/A
Reality Edge VR
If you love completing puzzles or finding your way out of an escape room, Reality Edge VR is a VR experience facility that features a variety of VR escape room games that challenge your cognitive ability while simultaneously altering your perception of the real world. There are over 20 different VR games available to choose from so you can customize your scenes, storlines, and play with friends to help you solve your way out of the escape room. A great way to challenge yourself and your friends or family in an exciting virtual world or satiate the feeling of accomplishment through some friendly competition.
- Website
- Address: Magasan Kanda III 3rd floor, 2 Chome-2-9 Kanda Tacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0046
- Phone Number : 050-6873-4227
- Ticket Prices: ~¥8,800 approx. $55 USD
- Age Requirements: N/A
TREE by NAKED
Located in the beautiful Yoyogi Park, you can bring a unique experience to your next dining experience. This VR experience allows users to combine the latest technology with the dining experience. This immersive dining experience was created by a very popular installation curator, NAKED, which offers a one-of-a-kind fusion cuisine while incorporating VR projection, mapping, lighting, and music. This VR experience requires a reservation is an expensive activity to partake in, but one that is worthwhile and uniquely its own. This experience is the perfect combination between a fine dining experience and Japanese VR. Should you decide to attend this VR experience, reservations are taken up to two days to two months in advance. Word has it, the 7 course meal and dessert are of exquisite quality and taste.
- Website
- Address: 1-10-2 Tomigaya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 050-1743-2539
- Ticket Prices: ¥39,600 approx. $250 USD
- Age Requirement: N/A
Finding Japanese VR Events for More VR Experiences
Tokyo’s reputation for not only being the largest city in the world, but also one of the most high-tech metropolises in the world gives it a leg up in cultivating an admirable amount of tech events each year. In the VR realm, game shows, tech meetups, and VR fairs are highly sought after events in the entertainment, media, and technology industries. But how to find out about them? Japan uses its own unique apps and platforms to communicate with one another, so it’s imperative that if you’re looking to find VR events around Tokyo, you stay in the know.
To begin with, Line is a messaging platform much like WhatsApp but widely used around Japan. From QR codes at restaurants, to group chats that connect VR users around the area, you’ll want to have this app downloaded before your trip to Japan. Additionally, Slack is another messaging platform that is similar to Microsoft Teams, used in the workplace and in daily life, the platform gives users peace of mind in securely keeping company information and exchanges internal. Many tech events will use Slack to add members to their community and keep them informed about upcoming events.
For example, one VR group called, “A11yVR Accessibility Virtual Reality Group,” has been regularly hosting online meetup events. They mainly communicate in English, perfect for Americans or Western tourists looking to find a VR community in Japan. Although their events are mainly virtual, the community is based in Tokyo. They focus on sharing valuable information about XR/AR/VR with their community to increase accessibility of technology with people who have disabilities. They also regularly invite professionals within the Japanese VR industry to give talks and presentations on the concept of accessibility in relation to technology and VR.
Japanese VR v. AR
You might be wondering what the difference is between VR and AR. VR, as discussed, stands for virtual reality, meaning that it is completely virtual. AR, on the other hand, uses a real-world setting; so users can actually access AR through their smartphone. A common example of AR being used is when apps such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA allow the user to take a picture or scan their room to visualize what a piece of furniture would like in the designated spot of their choice prior to purchasing the product. VR requires a headset and enhances only the virtual world that the user is in. In contrast, AR enhances both the virtual and real world where users can actually control their presence in the real world.
While VR is sometimes used for medical purposes, military training, and property tours, it is mostly used in the entertainment industry through video games and experiences. AR is extremely accessible, allowing an easy flow of integration into companies’ business models and giving consumers a smooth transition to the introduction of AR’s technological advancements. Regardless, both VR and AR serve their respective purposes, providing entertainment and/or an enhanced shopping experience.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo’s entertainment industry is always actively incorporating new technological advancements and featuring them via in-store experiences, especially in the fashion and retail industry. Japanese VR experiences are a fun and exciting way to spend your time exploring the city and escape to a virtual world of your liking.
Whether you’re in Tokyo for a short trip or an extended period of time, the Japanese VR experience is a worthwhile addition to your travel itinerary; especially if you’re eager to explore all that Tokyo has to offer but get caught in the rainy season. If you’ve already tried Japanese VR and feel so inclined to purchase a headset to bring back to wherever you call home, Japan's biggest tech giants will provide you with the latest advancements in technology. For more guidance in planning your trip and setting your expectations in Japan, check out more of Japan Switch’s articles. Wishing you a fantastic trip and happy gaming!
