Nothing beats smacking some balls around after a long day. Automated batting cages may no longer be as ubiquitous as they once were in Tokyo – blame baseball’s dwindling popularity – but the ones that remain still make for a fun way to blow off steam.
Our go-to is the first-timer friendly Asakusa Batting Stadium, tucked away on the second floor of a time-worn gaming arcade near Sensoji Temple and instantly recognisable by the giant glove above the entrance.
The clientele is diverse, ranging from complete rookies to former high school heroes capable of regularly hitting 150km/h pitches – the fastest setting here – deep into the (virtual) stands. Pitches are synchronised to videos of hurlers from Japan’s pro league, making you feel like you’re going up against a real opponent.
One game of 20 balls costs ¥400, and the Stadium even has a bullpen with a pitching skills simulator for those that want to test their arm. The only drawback is the all-too-early 11pm closing time.