Planning a visit to Tokyo? Buckle up, because this city isn’t just about neon lights and sushi. It’s a place where design, culture, and a little bit of weirdness collide. If you’re looking to impress your artsy friends, find inspiration for your next big idea, or just survive an awkward first date, these three destinations are a must.

21_21 DESIGN SIGHT – Where Designers Go Wild

Ever wondered what happens when genius designers go wild? Welcome to Tokyo’s mecca of cutting-edge creativity. Founded by legendary designer Issey Miyake and built by starchitect Tadao Ando, this place isn’t just a museum—it’s a design playground. Expect thought-provoking exhibitions that make you rethink everyday objects.
Pro Tip: Prepare to have your mind blown. One minute you’re admiring futuristic furniture, the next, you’re questioning the meaning of a spoon. If you love design (or just want to look smart on Instagram), this place is a must-visit.

The hilarious adventure you won’t believe at 21_21 Design Sight

My experience:

The first time I went, it was for a date (I know, classy, right?). I was all excited to see the “未来のかけら展” (Fragments of the Future) but… Rookie mistake I forgot to check the schedule. Closed. Talk about a bad first impression. But hey, I’m not one to give up easily. I tried again (yes, another date—but same person, don’t judge). This time, I was fully prepared. I checked the schedule, brought enough cash for tickets, and even practiced my “I’m-cool-and-cultured” face. And what did we see? The ゴミうんち展—that’s right, the Poop Waste Exhibition. Yeah, you read that right. Poop. And guess what? It was absolutely mind-blowing.

Gallery 1: The Room of Poop Wonders

Imagine walking into a room called “The Room of Poop Wonders.” I mean, how could you not be curious? They’ve got:

• Actual trash and recyclables (the stuff you throw away without a second thought)
• Fossils, shells, and over 190 types of dirt (seriously, who knew dirt was this diverse?)
• Products made from poop (turns out, poop is more productive than most people)
• Real poop samples (don’t worry, no smell—just a lot of questions)
• Fermented foods and drinks (a reminder that letting things rot isn’t always bad)
• Worm ecosystems and toilet history (because why not?)

And if that’s not enough, there are video installations from top artists like Tomohiro Okazaki, Kitasenju Design, Zach Lieberman, Shunsuke Takao, Tatsuya M, and Dave White.

Gallery 2: Rethinking Waste and Cycles

Just when I thought poop couldn’t surprise me anymore, I stumbled into Gallery 2, where they take the idea of “Waste and Poop” to a whole new philosophical level thinking about life, the universe, and everything… like “why are we wet when it’s raining… and does rain ever get tired?”

I left the galleries thinking, “Wow, poop is way more interesting than I ever imagined. It’s part of this huge, beautiful cycle of life. Mind blown.” And surprisingly, the date went well. Maybe it’s true—love stinks.

If you’re ready to have your world turned upside down (and have a good laugh along the way), this is the place to be. Oh, and it’s also a great place to take a date… if they have a good sense of humor. For sure you will enjoy it and maybe have a new idea for marketing or design.

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