Tokyo’s Community Garden Movement: A Green Escape for Expats

Tokyo is a bustling metropolis famous for towering skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. So, it might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Tokyo’s community garden and urban farming scene! However, beneath the concrete jungle lies a growing green movement. This movement connects expats to nature, fosters community bonds, and promotes sustainable living in Tokyo. In this post, we’ll explore Tokyo’s community garden spaces where expats can dig in, grow fresh produce, and build meaningful relationships.

Hidden Green Havens in Tokyo’s Community Gardens

Beyond Tokyo’s busy streets and crowded neighborhoods, you’ll find peaceful community gardens in Tokyo. These urban farms offer a welcome escape from city life. Here, community members get a chance to reconnect with nature and engage in the rewarding practice of growing their own food in the heart of Tokyo.

Learn how to join a community garden in Japan

Join Tokyo’s Community Gardens to Build Connections

Tokyo’s community gardens go beyond cultivating plants—they cultivate friendships and community spirit. Expats can join these gardens, often managed by local residents, to share gardening tips, swap stories, and collaborate on communal projects. Joining a community garden in Tokyo is one of the best ways for expats to meet new people and contribute to their neighborhood’s beauty.

Experience Rooftop Farming in Tokyo’s Community Gardens

Limited on space? Tokyo’s innovative rooftop farming projects turn unused rooftops into lush gardens where expats can participate in growing a variety of crops. These rooftop farms emphasize sustainability and offer creative urban agriculture solutions. They are a perfect green escape.

Learn Sustainable Practices at Tokyo’s Community Gardens

Many urban farms and community gardens in Tokyo offer workshops and events that teach sustainable farming methods. From composting and rainwater harvesting to organic gardening, these programs empower expats to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and reduce their environmental footprint.

Enjoy Farm-to-Table Experiences in Tokyo’s Community Gardens

Get hands-on with Tokyo’s farm-to-table movement by participating in urban farming initiatives within Tokyo’s community gardens that allow you to harvest your own produce. This direct connection to food helps expats appreciate the journey from soil to plate, creating a rewarding and educational experience.

Celebrate with Tokyo’s Community Garden Events and Festivals

Tokyo’s urban farming community is vibrant and active, regularly hosting events and festivals that celebrate growing and sharing fresh produce. And, expats can join these gatherings to exchange knowledge, enjoy seasonal foods, and experience Tokyo’s rich urban agriculture culture.

Join Tokyo’s Community Garden Movement Today

In the heart of Tokyo’s urban landscape, Tokyo’s community garden movement offers more than just places to grow vegetables—they provide expats with community, education, and a return to sustainable living. Whether you have a green thumb or are simply curious, Tokyo’s community gardens invite you to join the movement and cultivate a deeper connection with both the city and the earth.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/learn-how-to-join-a-community-garden-in-japan

So, you’re in Tokyo and wondering what to do after you’ve eaten your weight in ramen and taken 300 photos of vending machines. Easy: head straight to one of the city’s robot cafés. Yes, real cafés with real robots. Serving you coffee, dancing, and possibly making you dream about a digital, automated future. Here are three spots you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

1. Dawn Avatar Robot Café – Nihonbashi

This place is honestly kind of heart-melting. At first glance, it’s just a sleek little café with a few friendly robots zooming around. But here’s the cool part — the robots are actually being controlled by real people who are working remotely, many of whom are disabled or housebound. So not only are you getting a solid cup of coffee, you’re also supporting a pretty amazing idea. The robots have names and personalities (prepare to fall in love), and they’ll bring your order right to your table. Some of them will even chat with you. It’s futuristic, sure, but it’s also weirdly touching. We didn’t expect to get emotional over a tiny robot with blinking eyes, but here we are.

https://dawn2021.orylab.com

2. Samurai Restaurant – Shinjuku

Okay, this one is pure chaos in the best way possible. Imagine a samurai battle happening inside a nightclub run by robots with lasers. That’s pretty much the vibe. It’s loud, ridiculous, and makes almost no sense — but you won’t stop smiling the entire time. You get food (it’s fine, nothing fancy), drinks, and a front-row seat to absolute madness. There are giant robot animals, costumed dancers, strobe lights, and music that shakes your brain. It’s a sensory overload — and it’s absolutely a Tokyo bucket list item. Pro tip: Maybe don’t go here if you’re nursing a hangover. Or do. Your call.

https://samurai-restaurant.tokyo

3. Pepper Parlor – Shibuya

And now for something totally different. Pepper Parlor is kind of the chill, stylish cousin of the other two. It’s in a fancy shopping building in Shibuya, and it’s run by a team of little humanoid robots called “Pepper.” They’ll say hi when you walk in, help take your order, and even do a little dance every now and then. The café itself is really nice — soft lighting, cool interiors, and surprisingly good food. Waffles are the main event here (get the one with Wagyu beef if you’re feeling fancy), and there’s a big dessert menu if you just want to hang out and eat cake while a robot makes small talk with you. And get this: at night, the place turns into a robot club. Yes. A robot club. With music and dancing peppers. We’re not making this up!

https://www.pepperparlor.com

Final Thoughts (aka, What Just Happened?)

Look, Tokyo is packed with cool stuff. But these cafés? They’re on another level. Whether you’re into wholesome robots with a mission, full-blown laser shows, or sipping tea while your robot waiter does a little wiggle—there’s a place for you. Just try not to get too attached. They’re still robots. Probably.

Tokyo is an amazing place full of food options. Here are three must-visit sushi places in Tokyo!

1. Uobei Sushi

Uobei in Shibuya is the ultimate fast and easily accessible sushi spot in Tokyo. It is chaotic in a fun way and great for the price. Customers order sushi off a touch screen, and a conveyor belt delivers it within half a minute! You can easily try over 15 kinds of sushi for around ¥2,000. Cheap, fast, and easily accessible, Uobei is a one-of-a-kind Tokyo experience. The following website provides additional information for those interested in further reading. https://www.uobei.info/

2. Sushi Dai

Located near the Toyosu Fish Market, Sushi Dai is the go-to for some of the freshest sushi available. It is so popular that on some days, customers line up before the morning sun rises. A star dish served at this restaurant is their omakase set. It changes depending on what’s freshest at the market, and every bite is fresh and full of flavor. The staff excel, the atmosphere feels relaxed, and it gives you an authentic Tokyo experience. Additional information can be found on the following website. https://www.gltjp.com/en/directory/item/17059/

3. Sushi Yoshitake

Sushi Yoshitake in Ginza is one of those places you’ll remember forever, where sushi meets art. This restaurant does not serve the typical grab-and-go sushi; it serves only the finest available. It holds three Michelin stars, and diners book it well in advance. Compared to almost any other sushi spot, this is far more expensive, but if you’re in the mood for a one-of-a-kind experience, there really is no better sushi restaurant to visit. For additional information or to make a reservation, visit the Sushi Yoshitake website. https://sushi-yoshitake.com/

Three very different vibes. All equally Tokyo. None of these restaurants will disappoint anyone looking for top-quality sushi. With an option for every budget, all that’s left to do now is to go and eat!

1. Aqua Field Shiba Koen – Outdoor pool with Tokyo Tower view

Located in Minato Ward, this facility is a summer-only pool operating from early July to mid‑September. It features a 50m pool with a total of eight lanes, along with a separate shallow pool, perfect for families with children. Aqua Field is also within walking distance of other Tokyo attractions, including Tokyo Tower and Zojo‑ji Temple. Typically, admission fees are ¥600 for two hours, with an extension option priced at ¥300 for every additional hour. The Aqua Field website contains additional details about the facility.

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium – Olympic‑size pools, indoor year‑round

This major fitness complex features both a 50 m pool with eight lanes and a 25 m pool, located indoors. This facility is highly recommended for serious swimmers. Year-round access can make it good option for long-term residents.. To access the facility, simply purchase a gym pass, which costs around ¥700 for two and a half hours. The price is cheaper for junior high students and younger, who pay between ¥260 and ¥300. Additionally, the facility provides visitors with showers, locker rooms, and even a public bath. The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium website can also be visited for anyone wanting additional details.

3. Sumida City Gymnasium (Sumida Sports & Health Center) – Family‑friendly all‑season pool

This modern facility offers a versatile indoor pool. It contains a 25 m lap pool, lazy‑river style flowing pool, water slide, jacuzzi, and toddler pool. This variation of pools allows for a broad range of visitors to enjoy the facility, from serious swimmers to families with children. Sumida City Gymnasium is open all year, with general admission being between ¥550–600 per two hours for adults, with discounted prices for children and students. This facility’s website can also be viewed for those seeking additional information.

All three of these facilities offer a great range of enjoyment for any type of swimmer. Aqua Field is excellent for those looking to enjoy a refreshing outdoor activity during the summer months, while Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and Sumida City Gymnasium offer indoor, year-round options for swimmers. It is important to note and highly recommended that those with visible tattoos must have them covered at all times. Please note that swimmers should bring their own cap, towel, and change of clothes!

Summer in Tokyo can be intense—and this year, the heatwave arrived especially early. Luckily, Japan offers plenty of clever gadgets, refreshing foods, and smart accessories designed to help you stay cool and comfortable during the hottest months.

Neck cooling rings

Neck cooling rings are a popular way to beat Japan’s summer heat by targeting the neck, a key pulse point for regulating body temperature. There are two main types. The first one is a phase change cooling ring, which contain a gel that solidifies at room temperature (around 26–28°C) and gradually melts to absorb body heat. The second one is the electric neck fans, which are lightweight, USB-rechargeable devices that blow air toward the neck and face. Both are reusable and widely used by adults and children alike. You can find them throughout Japan in summer at stores like Don Quijote, Tokyu Hands, and Daiso, or online via Amazon Japan and Rakuten.

Portable hand fans

Portable hand fans are also very popular because they are compact and easy to carry. These fans provide instant personal cooling, making them ideal for commuting, outdoor activities, or waiting on train platforms. They come in various types, including handheld, foldable, wearable clip-on, and even misting fans that spray a fine cooling mist. Many are USB-rechargeable, offer multiple speed settings, and some even include aroma pads for a refreshing scent. You can find them widely across Japan at stores like Don Quijote, Loft, Tokyu Hands, Daiso, and online through Amazon Japan or Rakuten.

Cooling towels

Cooling towels are a simple yet effective way to stay refreshed during Japan’s hot and humid summers. Made from special moisture-retaining and quick-drying fabrics, these towels cool the skin through evaporation. You simply soak them in water, wring them out, and snap or shake them to activate the cooling effect. They’re reusable, lightweight, and ideal for outdoor activities, sports, commuting, or just walking around the city.

Cooling mists and sprays

Cooling mists and sprays are designed to provide a quick, refreshing sensation by lowering skin temperature or creating a cooling effect through menthol or alcohol-based formulas. There are two main types: body sprays, which can be applied directly to the skin or clothing, and face mists, which offer a gentle hydration boost while cooling the skin. Some sprays even contain UV protection, making them ideal for on-the-go outdoor use. You’ll often find them in compact, portable bottles perfect for handbags or backpacks. Popular brands include Biore, Shiseido, and Gatsby, and can be found at the local drugstores or online.

Sun umbrellas

Sun umbrellas, unlike regular umbrellas, are designed with UV-protective fabrics to block harmful rays and keep you cooler when walking outdoors. They come in various styles—from compact foldable designs perfect for handbags to larger, more elegant models. Many feature reflective coatings or light colors to maximize sun protection. Sun umbrellas are widely available in department stores, convenience shops, and online.

Cooling pillows and sheets

Cooling pillows and sheets help regulate body temperature, making sleep more comfortable during Japan’s hot, humid summers. Typically, they’re made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cooling gels, bamboo fibers, or synthetic fabrics. As a result, they promote airflow and help dissipate body heat throughout the night. For example, many cooling pillows include gel inserts or ventilated cores to prevent heat buildup. Meanwhile, cooling sheets often feature quick-drying, sweat-absorbing properties that keep the bed feeling fresh. Because of these benefits, they’re especially popular during the summer months. You can find them in stores like Muji, Nitori, and Loft, or online across Japan.

Salty drinks and candies

Lastly, salty drinks and salty candies are also very popular in Japan during summer. When it’s hot, the body loses both water and salt, which can lead to fatigue or heatstroke. To prevent this, many people turn to sports drinks like Pocari Sweat or Aquarius, which contain electrolytes. At the same time, salt candies (shio-ame) offer a sweet-and-salty way to restore balance. For example, lemon or plum-flavored varieties combine salt with citric acid to refresh and energize. Because they’re portable, these candies are ideal for commuting, outdoor work, or sports. You can find them at convenience stores, drugstores, and online throughout Japan.

Summer Food to Fight the NATSUBATE