6 Tokyo Attractions We Are Saying Goodbye to in 2024
As the world’s biggest city, the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo is in a permanent state of flux, which can mean the unfortunate closing of a few beloved landmarks. But in such a rapidly evolving urban landscape, these holes are quickly filled by something equally exciting—maybe even your new favorite spot! That being said, let’s take a look at what popular Tokyo attractions will be missing from the map in 2024.
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Gundam Factory Yokohama
The 18-meter-tall and 25-ton Moving Gundam at Gundam Factory Yokohama has been drawing in crowds since opening in late 2020ーespecially since it lives up to its name and actually moves. While located in neighboring Yokohama, this tech titan has been a popular attraction for those visiting Tokyo, and is a mere 50-minute train ride from Tokyo Station.
However, the time has come for the Moving Gundam to retire in 2024. But don’t shed too many tearsーthanks to the passionate demands of fans worldwide, the impressive robot’s lifespan was extended by an extra year to March 31, 2024, instead of 2023 as originally planned.
Closing: March 31, 2024
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Tokyo Disney Resort - Space Mountain
For those who’ve ridden Tokyo Disney’s white-knuckle Space Mountain, you’ll no doubt fondly remember the thrill of its hairpin turns and winding tracks. This exciting indoor rollercoaster has been an integral part of Tokyo Disneyland since its grand opening in 1983, but, on account of some changes happening at Tomorrowland, the interstellar experience is shutting its doors, at least for now.
In order to more accurately bridge the aesthetic gap between present and future, Tomorrowland is going through a major overhaul. Not only is Space Mountain getting a facelift with special effects and new technologies, but the entire Tomorrowland plaza will be under renovation until 2027. We suggest you squeeze in your last flight with the special “Celebrating Space Mountain: The Final Ignition!” event running from April 9 to July 31, 2024.
Closing: July 31, 2024
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu-Mangekyo
Since 2009, Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu-Mangekyo has helped relax locals and travelers from all walks of life with its selection of 38 diverse hot spring baths, including mixed-gender baths where you can wear swimsuits. Combined with a mouthwatering array of restaurants, a luxurious hotel, massage parlor, manga library, and more, a visit to this hot spring mecca guaranteed a full day of fun.
However, according to a corporate statement, the park’s land lease is set to expire, forcing it to close on June 2, 2024. As sad as it is, the park is still open for around half of 2024, so you can visit for one final soak.
Closing: June 2, 2024
Edomae Jokamachi
If there’s one constant in Tokyo, it’s that nothing is constant, which was underscored when the city’s largest fish market, Tsukiji, moved to a new location on the manmade island of Toyosu in 2018 after 83 years. The move prompted real estate company Mitsui Fudosan to open Edomae Jokamachi, a charming shopping and dining facility, next to the new market as a placeholder until the bigger Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai was built.
While Edomae Jokamachi was always meant to be temporary, its grand opening in 2020 was sadly marred by the pandemic. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government eventually took over operations, but will wrap it all up in January, 2024. It’s not entirely a sad story, however, as the very next month visitors will have access to the mega-scale market and spa complex Toyosu Senkyu Banrai. You can read more about it in our 5 Things to Look Forward to in Japan in 2024 article.
Closing: January 30, 2024
ASOBIBA Akihabara
Since 2015, ASOBIBA Akihabara has been offering city-dwellers a place to blow off steam in a fun survival match. Hidden in the Daidoh Limited Building a short walk from Akihabara Station, participants 18-years or older can load up air-soft pistols, form teams, and experience the thrill of survival games in an urban setting.
However, a recent post confirmed that the Daidoh Limited Building is slated for demolition, forcing ASOBIBA Akihabara to close down. It will celebrate its 9th anniversary with a special event before its last day, so why not fire off a few rounds downtown for old times' sake? And it’s not goodbyeーASOBIBA also has locations in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro and Shinkiba.
Closing: February 25, 2024
Shinjuku BLAZE
The concert hall Shinjuku BLAZE has been a fixture in Shinjuku’s nightlife since 2010. Its fame came from hosting consistent performances from a wide diversity of artists over the years, spanning genres from J-pop to rock and rap, making it a staple of the Tokyo live music scene.
While BLAZE survived the COVID-19 slump, its final curtain call is coming. An official statement explains that due to the expiration of the club’s loan agreement, it will close in July 2024. Until then, BLAZE’s schedule is still packed with acts, so come and soak up some Shinjuku nightlife.
Closing: July 31, 2024
If all these Tokyo closures have got you feeling down, don’t lose hope! There’s just as much to look forward to in Japan for 2024, like the reopening of teamLab Borderless, the addition of Donkey Kong to Universal Studios Japan, and a brand-new area at Tokyo DisneySea. You can find more fresh ideas for your 2024 Japan itinerary here.
Thumbnail: Krikkiat / Shutterstock
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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