Must-Book Attractions in Japan: Your Essential Guide to Advance Reservations

Planning a trip to Japan involves more than just choosing your destinations - it's about securing your spot at the country's most popular attractions. While Japan is known for its efficiency, many tourist spots have limited capacity and require advance bookings to ensure the best experience. From world-famous theme parks to exclusive dining experiences, knowing what to book and when can make the difference between a smooth journey and disappointment. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential attractions that require advance reservations, helping you plan your perfect Japanese adventure.

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

Step into a revolutionary digital art space where art and technology merge to create an immersive experience unlike anything else in Tokyo. teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM features large-scale installations where visitors wade through knee-deep water and interact with digital projections that respond to movement. Due to its incredible popularity, securing tickets in advance is absolutely essential to guarantee your preferred time slot.

How to Book:

• Visit the official teamLab Planets website
• Select your preferred date from the calendar
• Choose your desired time slot
• Adult tickets (18+) start from 3,600 yen
• Middle/High school students: from 2,700 yen
• Children (4-12): from 1,700 yen
• Children under 3: Free

Recommended for: Art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a unique, Instagram-worthy experience in Tokyo

Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland & DisneySea)

Tokyo Disney Resort offers two unique theme parks that consistently rank among Japan's most visited attractions. While same-day tickets are available, advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons and holidays. Both parks offer distinctly different experiences: Disneyland captures classic Disney magic, while DisneySea provides a more sophisticated atmosphere unique to Tokyo.

How to Book:

• Purchase tickets through the official Tokyo Disney Resort website
• Tickets can be booked up to 3 months in advance
• Check park operation hours and crowding forecasts on the website
• Consider booking a hotel package for guaranteed entry
• Adult tickets (18+): 8,900 yen
• Junior tickets (12-17): 7,600 yen
• Child tickets (4-11): 5,400 yen
• Children under 3: Free

Recommended for: Families, Disney fans, and anyone seeking a world-class theme park experience

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter

This immersive attraction lets you step into the magical world of Harry Potter through original movie sets, props, and costumes. As one of Tokyo's newest and most popular attractions, securing your preferred time slot through advance booking is crucial. Plan to spend most of a day here to fully experience all the magical exhibits and interactive displays.

How to Book:

• Book through the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo website
• Reservations open several months in advance
• Morning time slots are highly recommended and sell out quickly
• Select your preferred date and entry time
• Adult tickets (12+): 6,300 yen
• Child tickets (4-11): 5,200 yen
• Children under 3: Free

Recommended for: Harry Potter fans, movie enthusiasts, and families looking for a full-day magical experience in Tokyo

Shibuya Sky

Experience Tokyo's newest iconic observation deck offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from 230 meters above Shibuya's famous crossing. Sunset slots are particularly popular, providing spectacular views of the city transitioning from day to night, while midday visits can be challenging due to strong sunlight and heat on the outdoor observation deck.

How to Book:

• Book through the official Shibuya Sky website
• Reservations available up to 30 days in advance
• Sunset time slots sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons
• Choose between general admission or sunset viewing slots
• Adult tickets (18+): 2,000 yen
• High school students: 1,600 yen
• Elementary/Junior high school students: 1,000 yen
• Children under 6: Free

Recommended for: Photography enthusiasts, couples seeking romantic views, and anyone wanting to see Tokyo's stunning cityscape from above

Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN

One of Japan's most spectacular aquariums, KAIYUKAN features marine life from throughout the Pacific Rim in massive tanks, including its star attraction - the whale shark. To ensure the best viewing experience and avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons, advance booking with a designated time slot is highly recommended.

How to Book:

• Book through the official KAIYUKAN website
• Select your preferred date and time slot
• Online tickets are slightly discounted compared to walk-in rates
• Same-day bookings may be available but are not guaranteed
• Adult tickets (16+): 2,700 yen
• Child tickets (7-15): 1,400 yen
• Children (4-6): 900 yen
• Children under 3: Free

Recommended for: Marine life enthusiasts, families with children, and anyone interested in seeing one of the world's largest aquariums

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

One of Japan's most visited theme parks, USJ offers world-class entertainment including the highly popular Super Nintendo World. While standard admission tickets can be purchased on the day, securing an Express Pass and entry to Super Nintendo World requires advance planning to ensure the best experience.

How to Book:

• Book through the official Universal Studios Japan website
• Express Passes can be booked months in advance and sell out quickly
• For Super Nintendo World:
  • Book an Express Pass that includes Nintendo World access, or
  • Get a timed entry ticket via the USJ app or on-site kiosks
• Adult tickets (12+): 8,900 yen
• Child tickets (4-11): 7,600 yen
• Express Pass: Additional 7,800-9,800 yen (prices vary by season)

Recommended for: Theme park enthusiasts, Nintendo fans, and families looking for an action-packed day of entertainment