If you’re looking for something fun, unique, and a little bit quirky to do in Tokyo, the Tokyo Trick Museum in Odaiba is a perfect way to spend an hour or two. Located inside the Decks Tokyo Beach complex, it’s just a short walk from the Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station on the Yurikamome Line, making it an easy stop during a day out in the area. It’s not overly crowded and feels tucked away compared to other tourist-heavy spots in the city.

Despite the gloomy weather on the day we visited, the experience was far from dull. It was raining when we arrived, but the staff kindly let us leave our umbrellas in their staff room and welcomed us warmly. We had a short wait before entering because of the reservation system, but once inside, it was smooth and enjoyable. Admission was less than 1,000 yen, which felt like a bargain for the experience we had.

The entrance sign of the Tokyo Trick Art Museum in Odaiba with a ninja-themed character.
Where reality ends and ridiculousness begins. 👀

A Walkthrough of Trick Illusions 

The museum itself feels like a bit of a maze. You move from room to room at your own pace, exploring different illusions as you go along. Each space has its own theme, and there’s something new and surprising around every corner. I had a great time deciphering how the illusions were planned out to look the way they do in the naked eye as well as through the lens of a camera.

A woman posing under a traditional umbrella among illusionary tea house figures.
Time travel to the Edo Period with me wearing modern clothes!

 

One moment, you’re ducking under a giant sumo wrestler; the next, you’re looking into a mirror that turns out to be a cleverly angled open space. In several occasions, we had to wait in line in order to try posing behind the different paintings mostly depicting Japanese culture as well as a blend of a few western ones, but it was all worth it!

Each section has clear instructions on the walls showing where to stand and how to pose to get the best visual effect. Some illusions play with perspective to make one person look like a giant and the other tiny.

A woman appears to be a giant leaning on the ceiling while a man looks tiny in a traditional Japanese room illusion.
Honey, I Shrunk My Husband!

 

Others involve mirrors or strange angles to create floating body parts or disorienting visuals that made our head spin haha. There’s even a head-on-a-table illusion that looks hilarious in photos.

A man and woman facing each other as if touching through a mirror illusion in a traditional Japanese room.
“Mirror, mirror on the wall… wait…how are you taller than me?”

 

There are also themed rooms featuring yokai and other playful elements from Japanese folklore. It’s not scary, but it adds a fun and whimsical layer to the entire experience that both kids and adults alike would enjoy.

A woman balancing on an illusion of a boat riding The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Wanna go surfing with me?

Helpful Staff at the Tokyo Trick Museum 

The staff really made the visit even better. They didn’t just welcome us politely but they also offered tips on how to pose for photos and explained how some of the illusions worked. If you were unsure about where to stand or how to get the best shot, they were happy to guide you with a bright reassuring smile on their faces. There was a really relaxed, positive atmosphere throughout the museum. Even though there were other visitors, everyone was patient and respectful, taking turns and helping each other get good photos.

A woman pulling a giant mochi being pounded by another character in a traditional Japanese setting.
This is what happens when you try to take just one bite of freshly made mochi.

 

You’re encouraged to take as many pictures as you want, and it quickly becomes a fun game trying to capture the perfect moment. Of course, make sure you also take into account that there are other customers waiting in line to take snapshots of their own ridiculous poses, so be mindful of the time. The museum is small enough to get through in under an hour but full enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different world.

Why You Should Go to the Tokyo Trick Museum!

Two people sitting inside a beach-themed illusion frame at Tokyo Trick Museum.
Who wants a life size polaroid photo by the beach?

 

The Tokyo Trick Museum in Odaiba is one of those hidden gems that adds a burst of fun to your day. Whether you’re visiting with family, on a date, or just looking for something a bit different, it’s worth the visit. The location is convenient, the staff are kind, and the illusions are both creative and photo-worthy.

Since it’s indoors and located in a shopping and entertainment complex, it’s also a great option on rainy days or as a break between shopping and sightseeing. The museum offers a mix of playfulness, creativity, and Japanese charm—and it’s an experience you’ll probably find yourself recommending to others too.

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