I Booked My Own Funeral: A Surreal Day in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that thrives on contrasts. You can step out of a centuries-old shrine and walk straight into a themed café inspired by British wizardry. You can start your day with a colorful latte and end it with your own funeral ceremony, presided over by a monk in full regalia. And that’s exactly what we did. This day was one of the most unusual experiences I’ve ever had—and maybe one of the most meaningful. From sipping butterbeer in Akasaka’s Harry Potter Café Tokyo to contemplating mortality with the Vowz Bar funeral experience, it was a journey through the most unique things to do in Tokyo in a single afternoon.

We began our adventure near Akasaka, where the Harry Potter Café Tokyo sits just steps away from the theatre showing The Cursed Child. The atmosphere was both nostalgic and surprising, offering themed dishes that far exceeded my expectations. It felt like stepping into a small slice of Hogwarts in the heart of Japan. After lunch, we didn’t head straight home—instead, we decided to embrace the unusual by booking our own funeral in Japan. The idea of lying in a coffin while a monk chants prayers might sound extreme, but the Vowz Bar funeral experience is designed to help you appreciate the present moment by confronting the end of life itself.

This combination of whimsical cafés and profound rituals is exactly what makes Tokyo such a fascinating city. You can shop for Korean skincare in Shin-Okubo, enjoy a cocktail called Never-Ending Suffering in Hell, and end your night with delicious Chinese skewers—all in the same day. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to book your own funeral in Japan, or to discover truly unique things to do in Tokyo that go beyond the usual tourist trail, this experience offers a perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

First Stop: Harry Potter Café Tokyo in Akasaka

Our first destination was the Harry Potter café in Akasaka, located just next to the theatre where The Cursed Child is performed. I’ve visited plenty of themed cafés before, but this one surprised me in the best possible way. We walked into the mall and found the real entrance, a wooden archway adorned with Hogwarts banners and subtle props from the movies. Even though we arrived before lunchtime, there was already a line. We ended up waiting about 20 minutes for a table, so if you plan to visit, definitely consider making a reservation in advance.

Once seated, we realized that the vibe wasn’t quite as immersive as the Harry Potter café in Seoul, where every corner explodes with movie references and photo spots. Still, the food here was excellent—far better than I expected. I ordered one of the set meals, which cost around 2,400 yen. At first, I thought it might be overpriced, but after the first bite, I knew it was worth every yen. The flavors were rich and surprisingly refined for a themed café. My girlfriend and I shared a few dishes, each beautifully presented with little nods to the magical world.

One thing to note: all the Harry Potter-themed cocktails are non-alcoholic. If you want real alcohol, they do serve beer and spirits, but not in themed glasses. In the end, we were more than satisfied with our magical lunch. After we finished eating, we browsed the shops surrounding the café. There are several Harry Potter stores in the same complex, stocked with wands, Hogwarts robes, and collectible merchandise. Even if you’re not a superfan, it’s a fun place to look around.

Walking to the Vowz Bar

From Akasaka, we decided to walk to our next destination instead of taking the subway. It’s about a 45-minute walk to Yotsuya Station, but we enjoyed seeing the neighborhoods in between, passing small shops, quiet residential streets, and the occasional shrine tucked between modern buildings. The walk itself felt like a transition between two completely different worlds—leaving the playful energy of the Harry Potter café behind and heading toward something much more reflective. The Vowz Bar is famous among Tokyo locals and curious travelers alike. This isn’t your typical izakaya or cocktail lounge. It’s a monk-themed bar—yes, actual Buddhist monks run the place, pouring drinks and talking with customers about everything from daily life to the meaning of existence. They even have their own band called Vowz that performs songs inspired by Buddhist teachings, adding a special touch to the experience.

Inside, the atmosphere is calm but never boring. Wooden statues of Buddhist figures watch over the room, and the shelves are lined with old texts and prayer beads. Soft lighting and quiet background music create a unique environment that feels halfway between a meditation hall and a bar where you can relax and have an honest conversation. One of the main reasons people visit is to experience the Vowz Bar funeral experience, which combines a traditional Buddhist ceremony with a moment of personal reflection you don’t often find in nightlife venues. Knowing that we would soon be lying in a coffin as part of this unusual ritual made the peaceful atmosphere feel even more surreal. It was like the bar was gently preparing us to think about life from a completely different perspective.

The Signature Drinks

We couldn’t resist trying the bar’s signature cocktails. I ordered the Never-Ending Suffering in Hell, and my girlfriend had Nirvana in the Pure Land. The names might sound heavy, but the drinks were well-balanced and flavorful. These aren’t just gimmicks—the cocktails are genuinely interesting, with creative combinations of spirits and ingredients you probably wouldn’t expect. The bartenders are friendly and eager to explain each drink’s meaning. If you’re ever in Tokyo and want a night out that feels both playful and contemplative, this is the place to go.

Vowz Bar Funeral Experience

After our drinks, it was time for the main event—the funeral experience. We booked it in advance for 1,000 yen per person, and even though I thought I knew what to expect, the reality was far more intense than I imagined. I have to admit, the idea of having my own funeral felt surreal. The monk led us through a short ceremony, chanting sutras and offering prayers for our “departure.” He explained that this ritual is meant to remind you how short life can be and why it’s important to appreciate every day. Then came the part that might be challenging if you’re claustrophobic: lying in a real coffin with the lid closed over you while the chanting continues. The moment the lid came down, I felt a rush of adrenaline that made my heart pound. It was strange to imagine this could be the last thing you ever see. But at the same time, it was oddly peaceful, almost like stepping outside of yourself for a moment.

Even though the ceremony only lasts a few minutes, it made me think about how fragile and precious life is. I lay there, thinking about everything I still want to do, the people I care about, and all the small moments I take for granted. And when the coffin opened again, I felt a new sense of gratitude for simply being able to stand up and walk away. This might not be everyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, but if you’re curious about rituals around death—and want to confront your own mortality in a safe space—it’s an unforgettable experience. The Vowz Bar funeral experience isn’t something you do lightly, but it left a lasting impression on me. If you ever find yourself in Tokyo and want to explore something truly unique and thought-provoking, the Vowz Bar funeral experience should be at the top of your list.

Korean Makeup Shopping in Shin-Okubo

After we emerged from the funeral experience, we needed a little something to lighten the mood. We took the subway to Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s Korean district, where my girlfriend wanted to browse some makeup shops. Shin-Okubo feels like a little slice of Seoul transplanted into Japan. The streets are lined with beauty stores, K-pop merchandise, Korean grocery shops, and barbecue restaurants. If you’re into skincare or cosmetics, this is paradise. My girlfriend picked up a few Korean brands she can’t easily find elsewhere. The prices were reasonable, and the shop staff were helpful without being pushy. While she shopped, I walked around the area, checking out the colorful displays and grabbing a quick iced coffee.

Dinner at Senriko Shin-Okubo

To end the night, we stopped at Senriko, a casual Chinese restaurant known for skewers and comforting side dishes. If you’ve never had mutton skewers fresh off the grill, you’re missing out. These were tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. I probably could have eaten ten more. We shared a spread of skewers, dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables—exactly the kind of hearty meal you want after a long day of exploring. The vibe was relaxed, with small tables packed close together and the sounds of clinking plates and laughter filling the air. Compared to all the other stops we made, this felt like the perfect way to ease back into normal life.

Reflections on a Day of Contrasts

Tokyo can feel overwhelming because there’s simply so much to see and do. But if you embrace the weirdness, you’ll end up with stories you couldn’t make up if you tried. The funeral experience wasn’t just a novelty. It was a powerful reminder that life doesn’t last forever—and that the ordinary moments in between are what make it beautiful. Even just walking between neighborhoods, chatting about what to eat next, or picking up a little souvenir felt more significant after lying in a coffin for a few minutes. Would I recommend booking your own funeral? If you’re open-minded and not prone to claustrophobia—yes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with you far longer than any themed café. And if you go, maybe do what we did: balance it out with something comforting, whether it’s good food, a stroll through your favorite district, or an extra drink to celebrate being alive.

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