Tokyo Highlights: Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo being as big as it is, you can take the train for two hours and technically stay in Tokyo. Tokyo is also unique in that each area has its own unique atmosphere and charms. Since there is so much, I want to share some of my favorite places in Tokyo and some things you should check out when in each area. For the inaugural post in this series, I’ll start with one that holds a lot of sentimental value to me: Tokyo Dome City.

Tokyo Dome City is more than just Tokyo Dome, so even those not coming for a baseball game or concert can have a good time here. I came to Tokyo Dome City with my mom when she visited me, and we went to Tokyo. It was the first time I came to Tokyo, but she had come a few times many years ago for business.

Tokyo Dome

Let’s start with the obvious, Tokyo Dome. Although I am 100% biased because this is where I went to my first Nippon Professional League game (Giants vs. Baystars) & where I became a Carat (Seventeen fandom name), the scale of Tokyo Dome is insane. I’m from Tampa, where we have Tropicana Field, so I thought I knew what a dome stadium was. Boy, was I wrong.

I haven’t been to a baseball game at Tokyo Dome since my mom came, but I did come to see what the atmosphere was like during the Korea/Japan game this past March during the World Baseball Classic. The door was kept open and you could hear the cheers when Japan scored. I could also hear Seventeen during their soundcheck before the concert. It was electric.

One heads up if you do come to Tokyo Dome for a concert or game, be careful on your way out. When you leave, there will be a huge gust of wind pushing you out. I did not know this and I was almost blown away… literally. There’s a reason for this, though. The air pressure inside Tokyo Dome is 0.3% higher than the outside to maintain its shape. That is also why Tokyo Dome has the most home runs among all stadiums in Japan. The more you know!

Tokyo Dome Hotel

Tokyo Dome Hotel is right next to Tokyo Dome and only a 5-minute walk from the Suidobashi Station. Depending on where your room is, you’ll either get a view of the city or the Dome. Although a tad expensive, it is my favorite hotel. So, when I was going through a really stressful time, I decided to have a 1-night staycation there. I like it because it is a tad fancy, but not too fancy that I feel completely out of place.

Check-in is at 2pm and check-out is at 11am, which allows for a nice staycation if you decide to enjoy the hotel for the day. It’s perfect if you’re going to catch a game or concert, check out Tokyo Dome City, or explore other parts of Tokyo without being right in the middle of it. I would recommend staying a bit outside the main areas (Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc.), so you can explore other parts of Tokyo and be in a slightly more relaxing area.

Another personal favorite reason for staying at Tokyo Dome Hotel is that it is slightly baseball themed.

Even if you don’t stay at Tokyo Dome Hotel, there is a nice café near the lobby area and restaurants in another part of the hotel.

Tokyo City Amusement Park

Yes, you read that right. There’s an amusement park next to Tokyo Dome. I haven’t been on any of the rides because it’s not my cup of tea, but there is everything from a roller coaster, carousel, and a ride that spins you while sitting in a chair.

My favorite part is the illumination in winter which lasts from about November to February. There are lights from the area leading up to Tokyo Dome to throughout the Amusement Park area. As most illuminations end in January, I was pleasantly surprised when I stayed at the Tokyo Dome Hotel in February. I loved the little nod to Seventeen. <3

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

Even if baseball or amusement parks aren’t your thing, there are so many good restaurants near Tokyo Dome. There is everything from the comfort of American classics to Japanese hole-in-the-wall spots.

At Tokyo Dome

There are only 9 Taco Bell locations in Japan, and one is at Tokyo Dome. Why not try a Japan exclusive while you’re here? TGI Fridays, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and Shake Shack are also right outside of the Dome.

As an American, I would say American fast-food restaurants tend to have some standard items with some Japan exclusives. How many exclusives depends on the company. Burger King and Starbucks tend to be almost the same as in America, while places like McDonalds and Wendy’s tend to have many more exclusive items. (Note: Wendy’s combined with a chain called ‘First Kitchen’, so they are called ‘Wendy’s First Kitchen’ and include items from that chain such as pasta).

Near Suidobashi Station

If you are in the mood for something more local, I recommend heading away from Tokyo Dome and walking down the main street towards & past Suidobashi Station. There are numerous kinds of Japanese restaurants and izakayas (Japanese bars).

Down that same street is Naruto Taiyaki Honpo, an amazing taiyaki shop. Taikyaki is fish-shaped bread usually filled with custard, red bean paste, sweet potato, or chocolate. Naruto Taiyaki Honpo is open from 10am-10pm, so it’s perfect for eating as an after-lunch or late-night snack. I had the premium custard, and it was delicious! Just be careful when eating them because they are so fresh that it is usually scorching inside!

Tokyo Dome City is much more than just Tokyo Dome. There are different events throughout the year and activities for people of all ages and interests. For me, this is one of the most special and fun areas in Tokyo. I hope you can check it out one day and look forward to the next area of Tokyo I plan on highlighting!