Reported by Kazu

There are many ways to enjoy Tokyo and here is another new way to enjoy it – an event called “The Underground Mysteries”. This time, I am going to share the latest way to travel in Tokyo which I have recently experienced.

What is “The Underground Mysteries”?

This is an experience type game where the Tokyo Metro stations and Tokyo streets turn into a stage for participants to walk through and solve the puzzles hidden in Tokyo and Tokyo Metro by using the 24-hour ticket and a game kit.

What you need is a game kit consisting of a puzzle kit and a 24-hour metro ticket. The game kit costs 2160 yen. There are also a guidebook and related items in the kit. You can also purchase a puzzle mineral water at designated vending machine at Roppongi Ichome-me Station. For 100 yen, it is a tool for solving the puzzles. 

Let’s depart!

We arrived at the designated station to get the game kit. We decided to start from Shibuya Station. The design of the package comes with a map of Tokyo Metro and participants can check stations’ name while walking through the streets. Once get ready, open the kit and here we go!

It is fun because it is difficult. And let’s get impressed with the many “Oh I see!” along your journey!

During the game, I was always greatly impressed by the ideas of the organizers. How can the mission and answer able to lead the participants to the goals? How are the games created? What if there is an unexpected participant and he goes to a strange place? Aren't the organizers not worried?

By the way, I heard that this year game is the best ever made. I found clues in the station and even in in the train I couldn't relax. There was a need to observe all the kits properly. I was nervous as it feels like if I could not solve the puzzles I would be lost in the game forever and become the real underground mystery. 

It is fun too even if you just join part of it!

If you don’t have sufficient time to plays all the puzzles, it is OK to purchase the 100-yen puzzle solving mineral water that I mentioned before. You can also challenge the simple puzzles.

In the end, I was able to arrive at the final destination after about 10 hours. In fact, I did some shopping on the way and when I checked online, it seemed that there are people who are so good at it that they finish the game in about 3-4 hours. There are people who gave up half way. We felt a sense of achievement that we were able to proceed to the end. 

There are other escape games too!

Recently there are many similar events in Japan. These are also held at places other than Tokyo, and below are the games that I would like to give a try too.

Kabukicho – Tante Seven

As Kabukicho is famous in the world as a special place, it is full of incidents that are mystic and difficult to solve.

Detective Conan – The Escape

Escape game × Detective Conan “Chocolate Murder Case”

When ask to the Japanese mystery industry, one that must be mentioned is Detective Conan. That’s why I am very looking forward to collaborating with the famous Detective Conan.

Apart from the above, there are many events info available on the website, please have a look! → http://realdgame.jp/