Choose from 1,872 Fun Things to Do in Asia
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Sumida River
Flowing from Arakawa River and running for eight miles (27 kilometers) through the capital before emptying out into Tokyo Bay, Sumida River is Tokyo’s lifeblood. Passing under 26 bridges and feeding a network of scenic canals and waterways, Sumida River offers magnificent views of Tokyo.
The Basics
A boat ride along the Sumida is a scenic way to explore Tokyo, and you can get on the water in a number of ways. Sightseeing cruises aboard spaceship-like cruise ships take in the districts of Asakusa, Hamarikyu, and Odaiba, affording views of Tokyo Tower, Hamarikyu Gardens, Asakusa Temple, Tokyo Skytree, and Rainbow Bridge. Alternatively water taxis hop between various waterfront destinations, and day cruises run out into Tokyo Bay. Boat cruises are often combined with other city tours and attractions, such as a tour of Tokyo's Asakusa area, a walking tour of Tsukiji Fish Market, or a visit to Tokyo Tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sightseeing cruises typically last about 40 minutes.
- Most boats have an open-air viewing deck, as well as indoor seating with panoramic windows.
- Audio guides are available onboard sightseeing boats in English, Chinese, and Korean.
- Limited tickets are available day-of, so it’s best to book cruise tickets in advance.
- Most boats are wheelchair accessible, but confirm with individual operators before booking.
How to Get to There
Boat cruises run from Hinode Pier, Asakusa, and Hamarikyu Gardens, and it’s possible to board at all three stops. The closest subway stations for Hinode Pier are Hinode (Yurikamome) or JR Hamamatsucho; the closest station for Asakusa is Asakusa (Ginza Line); the closest station for Hamarikyu is Kachidoki (Toei Oedo Line).
When to Get There
Sumida River cruises run regularly year–round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. For an even more unforgettable experience, book a cruise to coincide with Sumida River Firework Festival, held in July, and watch the spectacular firework displays against a backdrop of the illuminated city.
Views of the Sumida River
A boat cruise isn’t the only way to enjoy a view of Sumida River. Take a stroll around the waterfront Odaiba Seaside Park for a view with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the background, enjoy a ride on the giant Ferris wheel at Palette Town in Odaiba, watch the sunset along the river from the Roppongi Hills, or soar overhead on a helicopter tour.
Address: Tokyo, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 41
Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
Osaka’s most famous shrine, Sumiyoshi-taisha, protects travelers of all sorts, including fisherman and sailors. The shrine is named both for the Sumiyoshi gods – the gods of the sea – and for a distinctive style of purely Japanese architecture known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri. To this day, it remains a pilgrimage destination for seafarers and travelers from around Japan, and the world, to pray for safe passage and good fortune. Adding to its superlatives, the shrine was founded in the 3rd century, making it one of Japan’s oldest shrines. For these reasons, Japan designated the Sumiyoshi-taisha shrine as a National Treasure.
The most recognizable image of Sumiyoshi-taisha is its symbol, the Taiko-bashi Bridge. The red arched Bridge provides a picturesque walkway across a pond flanked with verdant foliage that leads to the shrine. The shrine itself features traditional straight roofs and a red gate. It attracts visitors year round but bustles with activity on New Year’s Day, as Japanese families come to pay homage to a new year.
Practical Info
Located in the southern part of Osaka city, Sumiyoshi-taisha can be reached on both the Hankai Line and the Nankai Railway by the station bearing its name. The Hankai Line Sumiyoshikoen Station exits at the shrine, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Railway is a three-minute walk from the shrine. The shrine is open from sunrise until about 5:00pm daily. There is no admission fee.
Address: 2 Chome Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka 9-89, Japan
Hours: Daily: Sunrise-5:00pm
From $ 36
Strand Hotel
Built in 1901, this grand colonial hotel has been called one of the finest places to stay East of the Suez. High ceilings, teakwood floors and hand-carved furniture are just some of the fine features that make The Strand’s three stories and 31 suites unique. Guests can enjoy world class dining at the Strand Grill, where crystal chandeliers and marble floors nod to elegance, or pop by the Strand Bar for a more casual happy hour drink. The peaceful spa offers a perfect place to unwind from the hustle of Yangon Streets and personal butler service means every visitor receives the royal treatment.
Practical Info
The Strand Hotel is located in Yangon near the Australian Embassy on Strand Road. It offers airport pickup and concierge service to help visitors create a personalized travel experience. Rates vary according to room size and accommodations.
Address: Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
From $ 75
Sule Pagoda (Sule Paya)
The golden spire of this well-recognized pagoda stretches far into the skyline of downtown Yangon, making it easy to spot from even just about anywhere in town. Built more than 2,000 years ago, the pagoda is said to house a hair from that Buddha that was given to two Burmese merchants. Colorful spirits stand guard of a massive brass bell, which residents ring to signal good deeds. In addition to being one of these most recognized pagodas in Yangon and place of spiritual worship, the Sule Pagoda has also served as a meeting place during the 1988 uprisings and the Saffron Revolution, making it an important landmark in the country’s recent past.
Practical Info
Sule Pagoda is located in a roundabout in downtown Yangon. Visitors can grab an evening drink at the nearby Sky Bar at the top of Sakura Tower for an impressive view of the golden pagoda lit up at night.
Address: Ground, Maha Bandula Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
Hours: 6am-8pm
From $ 19
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
For those who’ve ever wondered about the fascinating history of the toilet, Delhi’s Sulabh International Museum of Toilets showcases a seemingly endless array of artifacts, pictures, stories and examples of one of the modern world’s most ingenious inventions. Three separate spaces examine ancient, medieval and modern toilets, covering the most mundane to the most surprising details.
Visitors can wander detailed exhibits that showcase the chronology of toilets spanning almost all of the last five thousand years. From pit latrines and stone structures to ultra-modern Japanese models complete with heat, massage and music, the museum leaves no stone unturned when it comes to bringing the marvels of the modern toilet to the masses.
Practical Info
The museum is free to enter and guided tours are available at no cost. It is open from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. November 1 through March 30, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 through October 30.
Address: Sulabh Bhawan, Mahavir Enclave, Palam Dabri Marg, New Delhi, India
Hours: Open daily Nov-Mar: 10:30am-5pm and April-Oct: 10am-5pm
From $ 37
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is the state mosque of Johor state in Malaysia; it is located just a few miles north of the Singaporean border. Sitting atop a prominent hill overlooking the Straight of Johor, the mosque was commissioned in 1900 by Sultan Abu Bakar; he was a highly respected monarch, widely referred to as the “Father of Modern Johor” by both his people and the international community.
The architect, Tuan Haji Mohamed Arif bin Punak, was largely inspired by English Victorian architecture, going as far as designing the unusually large four minarets in the shape of 19th century British clock towers – in fact, several other monuments in the area were built in similar fashion. But he also integrated pieces of foreign architecture as well, such as Moorish tile works and Malay features, in order to reflect the diversity of the local population.
The mosque can accommodate 2,000 worshippers at once and is commonly recognized as one of the most beautiful old mosques in Malaysia, thanks to its white-washed towers and ornate yet modest interior. It therefore doesn’t come as a surprise that the mosque is now listed as a protected heritage monument by the Malaysian Department of Museums and Antiquities. The mosque is also surrounded by a lovely garden filled with frangipani trees.
Practical Info
The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque makes for an easy and fulfilling day trip from Singapore. It is accessible in just over 30 minutes north (32 kilometers/19 miles) of Singapore’s downtown core via the Nicoll Highway, the 2B, the PIE, the BKE and JI routes. Visitors should know that the mosque isn’t open to the public and can only be entered by worshippers of the Muslim faith at prayer times.
Address: Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Singapore
From $ 35
Sun Moon Lake
Located in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is one of the only natural lakes in the country. It’s also the largest and arguably the most beautiful. Lalu Island divides the lake in two, with one part resembling a moon and the other a sun, hence its name. Natural beauty aside, the lake has an aboriginal history dating back thousands of years.
The Basics
Sun Moon Lake offers myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it a popular day trip from Taipei. A biking and hiking trail encircles the lake, while boat tours affords views of the many temples, pagodas, and aboriginal villages on its shores. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, the longest and highest aerial tramway in Taiwan, gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the area while transporting them across the lake.
To get a taste of the area’s ancient aboriginal culture, catch a performance at the Naruwan Theater or Culture Square. Multi-day tours around Taiwan often stop at the lake, as well as Taroko Gorge, Kaohsiung, and Puli.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and day-trippers.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun out on the water.
- It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, particularly during the rainy season (May to September) in summer.
- Sun Moon Lake day trips from Taipei generally last upwards of nine hours. Multi-day tours range from two to five days.
- Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Taipei.
How to Get There
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Sun Moon Lake is on a guided tour from Taipei. The nearest major train station to Sun Moon Lake is Taichung Station. To get to the lake independently, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi from Taipei, Taichung, Alishan, or Puli.
When to Get There
As one of the most popular day trips from Taipei, Sun Moon Lake gets very busy on weekends and national holidays. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, plan to visit on a weekday between September and April.
Attractions on Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is the site of several notable attractions, many of them included on boat tours. Wenwu Temple, one of the largest temples in the area, sits on the northern bank of the lake and provides an excellent example of Chinese palace architecture. The 151-foot-tall (46-meter-tall) Chinese-style Ci-en Pagoda, build by Chiang Kai-shek, sits atop a hill just southwest of the lake. Those interested in aboriginal culture should visit Ita Thao to learn more about the Thao culture.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 69
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
In 1750, the grand Summer Palace was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong as a lavish lakeside retreat from the heat of Beijing. With pavilions, walkways, gardens, and bridges, the UNESCO World Heritage site on Kunming Lake served as the seat of government for Empress Dowager Cixi during the last years of her life.
The Basics
Due to its historical importance and popularity, the Summer Palace is included in nearly all guided tours of Beijing. Though you could easily spend a half-day at the Summer Palace, it’s also possible to visit the palace, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven all in a single day. Other tour options might include the Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall, or the Summer Palace and Lama Temple.
While general admission grants entry to the main palace complex, including the Long Corridor and Longevity Hill, some individual attractions have an additional cost, such as the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Wenchang Gallery, and the Hall of Serenity.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Summer Palace is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes; a palace visit involves a lot of walking, some of it over uneven surfaces.
- Book a guided tour to avoid waiting in long entry lines, particularly during high season or Chinese national holidays.
- The main entrances and most palace attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
It’s easy to get to the Summer Palace by subway; take Line 4 to North Gate station or Line 10 to South Gate station. Numerous public buses also stop at the palace’s three entrances.
When to Get There
Due to its popularity among both Chinese and international tourists, the Summer Palace can get quite crowded during Chinese national holidays and the peak summer season (July and August). Visit first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Boating on Kunming Lake
Don’t leave the Summer Palace without taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Short cruises depart from the Marble Boat and take visitors past Nanhu Island, the Bronze Ox, and the beautiful 17-Arch Bridge, offering a different view of the palace complex along the way.
Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily April–October 6:30am–6pm; November–March 7am–5pm
Admission: 20-30 RMB
From $ 4
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road is the longest boulevard in Thailand (with the Skytrain running along most of its length), and the surrounding neighborhood has become the city’s makeshift international zone, with expats and well-off Thais living on the small side streets, called sois, that intersect it. It’s a neighborhood where choices are endless. Luxury hotels stand beside budget accommodations, and the food scene from five star to street stand is top notch.
What Sukhumvit lacks in tourist attractions it makes up for in its buzzing shopping and nightlife scene. By day air-conditioned shopping malls offer just about anything under the sun and sumptuous days spas promise relaxation. By night the neighborhood comes alive with some of Bangkok’s top nightclubs (and a few notorious red light districts).
Practical Info
When trying to navigate Sukhumvit, keep in mind that even-numbered sois are on the south side of the road, while odd-numbered ones are on the north side.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 44
Suntec City Mall
Suntec City Mall is one of the largest shopping complexes in Singapore, boasting 380 retail outlets and more than 100 dining options across four floors. This vast mall was carefully
designed with a strong emphasis on feng shui and is split into four zones: the Galleria, the Tropics, the Fountain Terrace, and the Entertainment Center.
The Suntec City Mall offers a lot more than just shopping, and is connected to the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Center. It features brand names and department
stores offering regular sales and discounts, plus a number of leisure and entertainment facilities, including a movie theater, fitness center, and a games arcade. It even plays host to
regular events and shows, including the odd sporting tournament.
Don’t miss the Suntec City Mall’s Fountain of Wealth; this is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest fountain in the world.
Practical Info
Suntec City Mall can be reached via the NorthSouth Line or the EastWest line on the MRT by alighting at City Hall. Alternatively, visitors can take the Circle line and alight at Esplanade station. From both stations it’s a 10-minute walk, or there’s a free shuttle bus between City Hall and Suntec City. Buses also stop right outside the mall.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, 038983, Singapore
Hours: 10am-10pm
From $ 15
Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui)
The towering spire of Stone Church—a cathedral that’s known by many names to locals—can be seen from almost anywhere in Nha Trang. Despite how it’s humbly known, this stunning stone structure is one of the most striking architectural wonders in this Vietnamese city and a nod to European influence in this land that’s otherwise filled with Hindu and Buddhist temples.
The church’s clock tower sits high above a beautiful archway with a circular window inlaid with stained glass. And while the exterior of this church is undeniably beautiful, it’s the towering interior that’s worth marveling at. Two separate paths lead visitors to the entrances of Stone Church and names of the dead are carved along the way in a call for prayers.
Practical Info
Stone Church is located in the center of the city on the way to Supermarket MaxiMark. Services do not take place in English.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 65
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
Colonial architects A.C. Norman and A.B. Hubbock completed the now iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building in 1897 during the British administration of the region. Designed for governmental administrative offices, the building on Merdeka Square was the first public building in the country to feature a Mughal architectural style — a school that combines Indian Muslim, Gothic and Moorish influences.
Today, the building is home of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. Its 135-foot (41-meter) tall clock tower flanked by two copper cupolas have become one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognizable landmarks. The structure is particularly impressive at night, when the domes and clock tower are lit up.
Practical Info
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building is located on Merdeka Square next to the old general post office.
Address: 109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia
From $ 11
Sundarijal
Sundarijal is not only a village about 15 kilometers outside of Kathmandu, but it is also a village development zone, which encompasses big parts of Shivapuri National Park. Accordingly, the area is especially popular with trekkers and nature lovers and many people start their hikes here, one of the most popular routes leading to Chisapani, a village at over 2,200 meters, from where spectacular sunrises and sunsets can be observed. Sundarijal offers several temples, the Sundarimai Mandir, dedicated to the goddess after which Sundarijal is named, the Ganesh Mandir and the Krishna Mandir. These cultural sites are not only fascinating for tourists, but also attract many locals from Kathmandu during Buddhist and Hindu events, such as the Dashahara festival, one of the most important Hindu celebrations.
Many attractions within Sundarijal have something or other to do with water. Interesting to see is the hydropower plant and dam, which provide electricity to Sundarijal Village. But the main attractions are without a doubt the waterfalls, the tallest of which is cascading and splashing down 45 meters of rocky, overgrown cliffs. The falls are especially beautiful during the monsoon season, when the rivers carry more water and aren’t only a popular spot for photographers, but also attract groups of canyoners who want to don a harness, helmet and ropes and descend down the dashing, narrow falls for a little bit of an extra thrill.
Practical Info
Sundarijal is easy to reach from Kathmandu by bus, some of which are direct; others require a change of vehicle in Jorpati. The busses leave roughly every 30 minutes.
Address: Nepal
From $ 57
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
Perched on the banks of an artificial lagoon along the Brunei River, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Brunei. Built in 1958 and named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, this lavish mosque boasts Italian marble floors and walls, English chandeliers and Saudi Arabian woven carpets.
The exterior of the main dome is covered in gold leaf, while the interior features a glass mosaic made up of 3.5 million individual pieces. The minarets of the mosque stand 171 feet (52 meters) tall, making the mosque the tallest structure in Bandar Seri Begawan, visible from almost anywhere in town.
Practical Info
Visitors are not allowed inside the mosque during prayer times, so check ahead before your visit.
Address: Jalan Mc Arthur, Seri Begawan BS8711, Brunei
Hours: 8am to 8:30pm except during prayer
From $ 40
Sumilon Island
The name Sumilon means "refuge," and Sumilon Island offers a spectacularly beautiful refuge in its tropical gardens, azure waters and white sand beaches. The island got its name from the days when it offered protection for fishing vessels during typhoons, but today, it's more widely known for its world-class dive sights and undeveloped, relaxed attitude.
The always shifting Sandbar Beach gives beach bums plenty of space to spread out in the sun or go for a swim in the calm waters. A hike through the island's lush tropical forests will take to cliffs with views over the island's beautiful blue lagoons. Climb the lighthouse in the south portion of the island for unobstructed views in every direction.
While Sumilon's hikes and beaches are worth the three-hour trip all on their own, the main draw here is the diving. Home to the first marine sanctuary in the country, Sumilon's waters offer excellent visibility and healthy coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
The always shifting Sandbar Beach gives beach bums plenty of space to spread out in the sun or go for a swim in the calm waters. A hike through the island's lush tropical forests will take to cliffs with views over the island's beautiful blue lagoons. Climb the lighthouse in the south portion of the island for unobstructed views in every direction.
While Sumilon's hikes and beaches are worth the three-hour trip all on their own, the main draw here is the diving. Home to the first marine sanctuary in the country, Sumilon's waters offer excellent visibility and healthy coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
Address: Philippines
From $ 180
Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises)
What many visitors may not know about UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay, just outside of Hanoi, is that the bay itself isn’t the area’s only attraction. The limestone karst formations of the bay look impressive from the outside, but many of them are just as impressive from within. Sung Sot Cave, or the Cave of Surprises, is the best known cave of Halong Bay and one of the most spectacular.
Located on Bo Hòn Island, the Cave of Surprises was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. Covering an area of more than 130,000 square feet (12,200 square meters), the massive cave consists of three smaller compartments, or “rooms,” each filled with impressive stalactite formations. In places, the grotto’s roof sits nearly 100 feet (30 meters) from the cave floor.
The grotto has been outfitted with a smooth walking path and is colorfully lit throughout, though you will have to climb a series of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance.
Located on Bo Hòn Island, the Cave of Surprises was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. Covering an area of more than 130,000 square feet (12,200 square meters), the massive cave consists of three smaller compartments, or “rooms,” each filled with impressive stalactite formations. In places, the grotto’s roof sits nearly 100 feet (30 meters) from the cave floor.
The grotto has been outfitted with a smooth walking path and is colorfully lit throughout, though you will have to climb a series of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance.
Address: Sung Sot Cave, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam
From $ 48
Sukhothai Historical Park
Nearly 200 unique ruins are tucked into the 70 square kilometers of land that make up the Sukhothai Historical Park, including towering buddhas, ornate palaces and crumbling temples. Travelers can wander the area on foot, or rent bikes and ride between the structures that date back as far as the 13th and 14th centuries.
Visitors love the quiet, peaceful escape of the park, which provides a stark contrast to some of Thailand’s more urban destinations. The most popular ruins are located near the central entrance and are visited by most tour groups, but the sites further afield are equally beautiful and far less crowded.
Practical Info
The park is accessible via public bus from the city of Phitsanulok, which takes about 75 minutes, or via tuktuk from New Sukhothai. Visitors should be sure to make stops at Wat Sa Si and the 15-meter high, 700-year-old buddha that rests in one of the park’s roofless temples.
Address: Sukhothai, Thailand
From $ 941
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Perched on the southern slope of Guangzhou’s Yuexiu Hill sits the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, a monument built in 1931 in honor of the Chinese revolutionary. A bronze statue of Sun Yat Sen was erected in front of the Memorial hall several years later in 1956.
Sun Yat Sen is best known as the father of the Republic of China (Taiwan), but he started his life in Guangzhou prefecture and later became involved with a group of revolutionaries in Hong Kong in the 1890s. After taking part in the First Guangzhou uprising against China’s Qing Dynasty in 1895, Sun spent several years in exile before returning and successfully overthrowing the Qing Dynasty in 1911.
The Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, a large, octagonal structure built in a traditional Chinese style, is primarily used for hosting performances, but the collection of photos and letters from Dr. Sun Yat Sen on display in one of the halls makes it well worth a visit.
Sun Yat Sen is best known as the father of the Republic of China (Taiwan), but he started his life in Guangzhou prefecture and later became involved with a group of revolutionaries in Hong Kong in the 1890s. After taking part in the First Guangzhou uprising against China’s Qing Dynasty in 1895, Sun spent several years in exile before returning and successfully overthrowing the Qing Dynasty in 1911.
The Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, a large, octagonal structure built in a traditional Chinese style, is primarily used for hosting performances, but the collection of photos and letters from Dr. Sun Yat Sen on display in one of the halls makes it well worth a visit.
Address: Guangzhou, China
Hours: Open daily 8am - 6pm
Admission: CNY 5
From $ 57
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is a colonial-style villa in Singapore that played a crucial role in the Xinhai Revolution in the early 20th century. Today, the hall is a museum commemorating Sun Yat Sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. It serves to highlight the influence Dr. Sun’s revolutionary activities had on Singapore, as well as Singapore's own contributions.
Ideal for history fans, this two-story museum is divided into five galleries and features around 400 artifacts, including paintings, statues, photographs, books, and calligraphy works. Highlights include a bronze wall mural spanning some 60 meters depicting Singapore's history over a 100-year period, from the 1840s to the 1940s. The bronze statues in the hall’s gardens are also particularly impressive.
The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is included in the Singapore ultimate attractions pass, which allows you to explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace with a pass that is valid for two, three, or five consecutive days.
Insider’s Tip: Regular guided tours are available for free at 2pm on weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These tours need to be booked in advance via the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s website.
Practical Info
To reach this attraction by metro, alight at Toa Payoh (NS19) or Novena (NS20) station (it’s a 15-20 minute walk from either station). Alternatively, take the 21, 130, 131, 139, 145, or 186 bus to Zhong Shan Park along Balestier Road.
Address: 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore
Hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: 6 SDG
From $ 4
Studio Ghibli Museum
Fans of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, which produced the films Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle, can see the filmmaker’s animated fantasylands brought to life and uncover the secrets behind the movies at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo.
The Basics
An admission ticket for the Studio Ghibli Museum—which must be purchased in advance—includes full access to the museum’s two exhibition floors, designed to imitate an animated set. On the first floor, explore the vast collection of art and animation, and learn about the history and culture of animation. Next, check out the special exhibitions and films on the second floor, which feature the work of Miyazaki and other celebrated animated films, such as Toy Story and Wallace and Gromit.
It’s possible to explore the museum on a guided or self-guided tour, but a popular choice is to combine it with other Ghibli-related attractions such as Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased well in advance.
- Plan at least two hours to take in the museum’s exhibitions.
- The museum has a cafe, rooftop garden, children's play area, and gift shop full of Ghibli merchandise and handmade crafts.
- The museum is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Studio Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, around 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) west of downtown Tokyo. The closest subway station is Mitaka on the JR Chuo Line; from there, walk (15 minutes), or catch a bus or taxi to the museum (about a 5-minute journey). Or, get off at Kichijoji station for a 20-minute walk along Inokashira Park.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily, except Tuesday, year-round. With all visits booked in advance, you won’t find yourself having to queue for tickets, but the museum is popular, and tickets can sell out weeks in advance.
Ghibli sights in Tokyo
The quirky animations produced by Studio Ghibli have left their mark all around Tokyo. After visiting the Studio Ghibli Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum (which inspired the architecture for Miyazaki's film Spirited Away), head to the Nippon TV headquarters in Shiodome, where a gigantic Ghibli Clock (created by artist Kunio Shachimaru to Hayao Miyazaki’s design) hangs right over the entrance. Another fun destination is Shirohige Cream Puff Factory in Shimokitazawa, where all the baked goods (including the popular Totoro cream puffs) are Ghibli themed and approved by the studio.
Address: 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 53