Must-See AV is our monthly exploration of the best audiovisual attractions around the world. We pick a city and tell you what you have to check out if you're into all things AV.

Tokyo is widely considered an epicenter of AV technology. The city is a hub for innovation and cutting-edge development in this field, as well as integration with other emerging technologies like AI and robotics. If you're planning a trip to Japan’s capital in the near future, you should check out these awesome displays of audiovisual splendor.

Tokyo Night & Light

The Japanese government invests a sizable amount of money into AV technology, giving the country a competitive edge in the industry. If you find yourself in the popular Shinjuku neighborhood after dark on a weekend, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for the Tokyo Night & Light show. You probably won’t miss it — it’s the building with a 328-foot tall Godzilla, illuminating the towers via projection mapping. The show does rotate, however, so you may catch a different screening including depictions of the relationships between humans and nature, or a show based on the lunar cycle, among many others. Hotels in this touristy area are offering special packages that include dinner and drinks with a view of the spectacular light show. 

The Miraikan

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (aka the Miraikan or “future museum”) was opened in 2001 by the Japanese Science and Technology Agency. The Dome Theater houses the museum's stereoscopic 3D experience, created by two high-intensity 4K RGB laser projectors displaying super high-def images on a dome-shaped screen. 

The theater offers immersive shows like “Birthday,” a journey that takes the audience from the core of an apple all the way to the outer reaches of the galaxy. You can also check out the Geo-Cosmos, a gigantic sphere that displays a realistic digital version of Earth — complete with accurate weather patterns courtesy of daily weather satellites. The globe displays different shows each day projecting everything from earthquake patterns to the geological layers made during the Earth’s creation.

teamLab Exhibits

There are currently two teamLab exhibits to visit in Tokyo, and both are a visual treat you cannot miss. The teamLab group, founded by Toshiyuki Inoko, is made up of artists and engineers who are masters of forging creativity with technology. Their exhibits drop viewers into an immersive visual playground, often with screens, globes, and LED-covered surfaces, designed to mimic a fantastical experience. 

Their exhibit in Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills is referred to as “teamLab Borderless,” as the experience spills from space to space, without the constraints of walls and rooms. Visitors can wander and interact with their environment similarly to how you’d experience a lucid dream, with some exhibits designed to be experienced barefoot. The teamLab display in Toyosu is called teamLab Planets, a virtual walk through both a flower garden and an otherworldly land complete with illuminated egg-shaped bubbles. The experience is impossible to appreciate without witnessing it in person, and the teamLab folks encourage you to bring your smartphone and follow along in the teamLab app. 

QFront Building (Shibuya Scramble)

A trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without visiting Shibuya Crossing — the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. If you’re like me and large crowds make you want to hide inside for a week, it’s not a place where you need to spend a ton of time, but at least get a glimpse of Q’s Eye. It’s the massive 24x42 foot LED screen covering the front of the Qfront building, directly facing the busy crossing. The screen is a famous landmark you may have seen in films such as Lost in Translation and Resident Evil: Afterlife, and although it’s really just a gigantic digital billboard, the vibe it creates is quintessential Tokyo. You can also wander inside the building to visit Tsutaya, a massive entertainment store, several cafes, and even a Pokemon Card Lounge, if that’s your thing.

Akihabara

Keeping in the theme of impressive neighborhoods, any technophile will probably find some interesting sites in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. Known as a hub for Japanese otaku culture, Akihabara has received the nickname “Electric Town” because of the many electronics stores, going back to post-World War II. My specific recommendation is to check out the GiGO building (previously SEGA) where you can experience the lights and sounds of one of the largest arcades in the world. You can play new and vintage video games, try your hand at the many claw machines, or check out floor six which is completely dedicated to VR. 

Bonus: If you’re looking for a place to stay, you might want to consider the Hilton Tokyo for their av installations alone. It has the largest LED wall of any hotel in Japan at almost 50 feet wide by 9 and a half feet high. The screen is curved, so if you’re watching from any position in the room, you’ll always have a perfect view. Learn more about the details on AVInteractive.com! 

Is there anything else you recommend checking out in Tokyo? Add it in the comments below! Then, check out our next installment where we head to New York City!