London and Los Angeles have the record with the most successful Olympic bids in Olympic history - this is if Los Angeles successfully hosts the 2028 Olympics. London has hosted the Olympics in 1908, 1948 and 2012 and would have hosted it 4 times if it did in 1944, but was cancelled due to World War II. Los Angeles in 1932, 1984 and hopefully 2028 - but with events like COVID, we never know what can happen! 

Tokyo could’ve been right up there with London and Los Angeles, but it seems like Tokyo has a curse on the Olympics. Tokyo won the Olympic bid in 1936 to host the 1940 Olympics. To be fair the only other competitor was Helsinki, Finland which was destroyed in 1939 due to aerial bombardments. But, the 1940 Olympics were cancelled because of the outbreak of World War II. But we now know that Tokyo Olympics weren’t cancelled just once, but now twice - well technically postponed. 

Fast forward to post World War II. Japan laid in ruins and was on the path to recovery. They were not invited to participate in the 1948 London Olympics - but let us be honest, Japan needed to rebuild. Japan re-joined the Olympic fold in 1952 for the Helsinki Olympics and in the same year, it announced to join the bid to host the 1960 Olympics. Along with Tokyo, 6 other cities joined the bid: Rome, Lausanne, Detroit, Budapest, Brussels and Mexico City. Tokyo only gathered 4 votes and ended up finishing in the last place for the bid, with the winner going to Rome. In 1955, when IOC president Mr Brundage visited Japan for an inspection, he expressed that Tokyo had a small chance to be selected for the next games but, should re-enter the bid for the 1964 Olympics. 

Using Mr Brundage’s encouraging words, Tokyo entered the bid once again and was selected to host the 1964 Olympics. It became the first Asian country to host the Olympics, but it also gave the war-torn nation a goal and new focus to rebuilding their country. 

Tokyo in 1945 after American air raids

Photo Credits: Japan Times

Tokyo in 1964, less than 20 years after the war.

Photo Credit: Stir World

Tokyo didn’t enter another bid until 2009 when it re-entered to host the 2016 Olympics. Although it’s worthy to mention that Osaka entered the bid to host the 2008 Olympics, but was knocked out in the first round. Obviously, the 2016 bid failed, but Tokyo re-entered the bid for the next Olympics in 2020 and won with an overwhelming fashion over Istanbul with a 60-36 vote in the final round. Well, we know what happens in 2020, but to save us some grief let’s hope the 2021 Olympics will be carried out SAFELY.

While international travel for tourists to Japan will unlikely resume during the Olympics or immediately after, we at Hello! Tokyo Tours really miss you all and hope to see you guys soon once COVID-19 is over. Once you can travel safely, join us on our tours where you can see and learn about how Tokyo developed over time from a war-torn country to a 2-time Olympic host city! As for now, we offer pandemic-friendly activities such as our Holiday by Post Program which will not only give you gifts/postcards from Japan but a discount on your next tour in Tokyo! Sign up here!

Photo Credit: Olympics

Fans of Japan have long dreamed about the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan. It’s been enjoyed for centuries in Japan and recently by international travelers. It only lasts about a week in March/April - depending on the weather and where you are in Japan - and are well known for their radiant and transient beauty. But why are cherry blossoms so special in Japan?

It was originally used to help farmers know when to begin planting crops for rice but has grown to embody Zen Buddhist values. In Japanese traditional aesthetics derived from Buddhism there is a philosophical concept called “wabi sabi” (no, not wasabi the spicy thing in sushi) which stresses the importance and beauty of impermanence and imperfection. The sakura symbolizes the essence of wabi sabi and also symbolizes hope and renewal. Much like the farmers did hundreds of years ago, the Japanese society still bases this time of year to help construct annual events. In March/April this is the time when kids go up one grade in school, fresh grads join new companies and is what the fiscal year is based off of. So, once the sakura begins to bloom it acts as a symbolic meaning of a fresh start and change to the new year.

You can check out our Gardens and Parks list on our Destination Guide for a nice viewing of Sakura. Typically almost all gardens and parks will have sakura during this time of year.

Moving to a different country and starting from scratch is intimidating. Particularly Japan - where the English speaking community is still relatively low. There is so much to figure out; where to stay, how to adapt to a new culture and the language barrier. You have probably have made countless searches on Google to gather some basic information about the city.

To make your life easier once you arrive in the Land of the Rising Sun, we have done the hard work for you and listed all of the essential apps and phone numbers that you will need to navigate your new life.

Feel like a local and take a Hello! Tokyo Tour with us

LEISURE

Klook - For travel activities and tickets. Available on iOS and Android

Tripadvisor - For travel activities. Available on iOS and Android

FOOD & DRINK

Gurunavi - For finding restaurants and making reservations. Available on iOS and Android

Open Table - For finding restaurants and making reservations. Available on iOS and Android

Tabelog - For finding restaurants and reading reviews. Available on iOS and Android

Uber Eats - For home delivery. Available on iOS and Android

Demaikan (Japanese only) - For home delivery. Available on iOS and Android

TRANSPORTATION

NAVITIME - To help plan your route and figure out times for trains and buses. There are 3 apps by Navitime that are all very similar. Navitime Map & Transfer, Japan Travel by Navitime and Navitime Timetable&Route search in Japan. Available on iOS and Android (Japan Travel app linked).

Japan Taxi - To call for a taxi/make appointments for taxi pickups. Available on iOS and Android

MEDICAL/EMERGENCY

TELL - Mental Health professionals available for lifeline, chat and support for international community.

Lifeline tel: 03-5774-0992, Counseling tel: 03-4550-1146

Japan Healthcare Info - Supports your healthcare needs. Can locate English speaking doctors, make appointments, offer translators, find treatment/medication, locate daycares/nurseries/schools and any other needs regarding health.

Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution - For general medical information. Tel: 03-5285-8181 (9am-8pm)

Emergency Tel Numbers - Police: 110, Medical/Fire: 119

HOUSEHOLD NEEDS

For household needs such as cleaners and handymen, go to your local ward/city office to get you connected to the local/trusted workers. The ward/city office will have contacts with the local associations of handymen and cleaners.

FINANCE

PayPay (Japanese only) - An app for a cashless way to pay at restaurants and stores. Available on iOS and Android

Transferwise - Website to help you transfer money abroad.

Retire Japan - For residents thinking long term finance in Japan

SOCIALS

Reddit r/japanlife - One of the biggest and most active social networks for expats in Japan. Join the subreddit japanlife on reddit to connect to a community of over 100k+ expats/residents living in Japan. You can post your problems, questions and advice in this community for support. Available on iOS and Android

TEN (Tokyo Expat Network) Facebook Group - Group of expats in Tokyo.

Expats in Japan Facebook Group - Group of expats across Japan.

Mottainai Japan Facebook Group - A group open to all residents of Japan that give away unwanted items for free.

OTHER ESSENTIAL APPS AND WEBSITES

Yahoo Auction - Basically an ebay where you can auction off your goods and buy auctioned goods. Available on iOS and Android

Mercari - Online flea market app. Buy used and new goods online. Available on IOS and Android

Rakuten - Online shopping platform. Similar to amazon. Available on IOS and Android

Network Print/Multicopy - Apps to help you connect to the convenience stores printer to help you print and copy. Network Print works for Lawsons and Multicopy is for Seven Eleven.

Network Print on iOS and Android. Multicopy on iOS and Android.

LOCAL NEWS AND ONLINE MAGAZINES

NHK World Japan - One of Japans main news outlets. Available in multiple languages.

Japan Times - Japans largest and oldest English-language news outlet

Japan Travel - All things about tourism and traveling in Japan hosted by the Japanese National Tourism Board (JNTO). Latest updates about Japan is available as well.

Timeout Tokyo - Neighborhood guide on latest events, places to visit and news.

Web Japan - Government operated guide to Japan

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While our Tokyo guides will properly teach you the manners and etiquettes in social situations, this guide will give you a basic understanding of manners on a train.

• Do not eat/drink on the train: If you wish to drink water/tea that’s okay but do not drink and eat on the train.

• Do not talk on the phone: Unless it is an emergency, refrain from speaking on the phone!

• Give up your set to the elderly or disabled: All trains will have a priority seating section, but if that’s filled and you notice someone that can benefit from siting, be a kind soul and give up your seat

• Talk quietly: You might be excited because you’re on vacation - but if you want to talk with your friends and family - try to whisper! You’ll notice that most people are silent or are whispering

• Women only cars: Certain trains will have a woman only car from a certain time. The car will have giant pink stickers on it. Typically in the morning most trains will have them so make sure to look out for them

  Basically if you don’t know whether you can do something or not on a train just look around you and notice what others are doing. If you have to think to yourself - is this a good idea to do on the train now? - it probably isn’t a good idea!

Photo Credit: Japan Study Abroad Network

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Welcoming the year 2021 brings us hope and optimism about the possibility of traveling again. Now that vaccines have finally being rolled out to different countries, people are somehow seeing a silver lining in ending our continuous war for COVID-19.

Japan will always be a great destination for a diverse cultural experience and we, the Hello! Tokyo team is thrilled to welcome you again and show you our vibrant city!

There are a lot of beautiful places in Tokyo that are still left to explore and Michelin starred local food to try. But before all that, we know that finding a great place to stay in Tokyo is the first thing on your traveling checklist, and thinking of a great place to stay is a bit daunting.

To help you out, we have put together our recommended places to stay in whilst you are in the city. Check out our City guide page for more information and tips on other Tokyo activities that you can do when you are out and about the city.

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One of the best experiences you will have when you are in one of Hello! Tokyo Tours is that you will not only learn the culture and love the beautiful little red dot Singapore, but you will also form a friendship with our Hello! Tokyo tour guides.

That is why we are we are excited when we heard about the newly launched book of one of our author friends Gail Holloway. Gail came on our evening History and Culture Tour in Singapore. You can see in the picture below that she had a wonderful time exploring the city and also was able to meet Hello! Tours CEO/Founder Laura Blackhall.

Gail (from left) beside Laura, all smiles after a day in Singapore.

Gail and friends Locked in a jail cell in the former Supreme Court

You can now grab a Kindle edition of her new book in Amazon and visit her website https://www.gailholloway.com/ for more information about her new book, travel blogs and to keep yourself updated on her new future projects.

Cherry Blossom Footsteps: Adventures in Japan and Hong Kong

Author: Gail Holloway
Format: Kindle Edition
Buy it here: Amazon

Twenty-something Lauren is embarking on her first-ever overseas adventure - to Japan for the cherry blossoms, Zen gardens and majestic temples, where she makes use of her uni studies. She then travels on to Hong Kong, where she traces the 1960s footsteps of her beloved nan, in more ways than one. This enchanting tale follows Lauren on a fun journey, through two vibrant Asian cultures. With ancient history, modern life, new friendships and romance, Lauren’s is a story of discovery - of new lands, and herself.

Photo and Summary Credit: Amazon

Your tour with us can be highlighted by fully embracing the sakura or cherry blossom season. In Japan, the cherry blossom signifies the start of spring and with that a new school year and fresh hires entering companies. It’s an important part of Japanese culture highlighted by hanami or cherry blossom watching events where families and friends gather around nice viewing cherry blossom spots and have a picnic. Because cherry blossoms are both famous and infamous for lasting only a week - you don’t need to worry if you’re on a tour with us - we know the spots and the time for it.

When

Planning your trip to see the cherry blossoms can be quite daunting - that is if you are going without a guide. You have to strategically use your precious vacation days to hit the right moment in Japan. To give you a better idea, it really depends on where in Japan you are going. Typically cherry blossom season is at the beginning of April. At the earliest, it will start in mid to late March and end in early to mid April. In 2020, Tokyo had an unusually early cherry blossom beginning in mid March and had its peak at the end of March. To make sure you want to hit the correct dates, you can check out websites like JNTO or Live Japan that will have that years cherry blossom forecasts.

Where

The most popular spots for cherry blossoms are at gardens and parks. Beware, it will get very busy so expect to be around large crowds! You can check out our Festivals Guide and Gardens & Parks Guide to see events and where you can catch the best spots for cherry blossoms.

#japantraveltips

Photo Credit: Jet Setter

#japantraveltips

Unless you have an international driving permit and only wish to drive around (which is not recommended), you’ll most likely be using Japan’s excellent railway systems. The Japanese transport network is clean, reliable and very convenient. It’s a lot less complicated than you think and we hope to break it down for you here.

Passes

In another article, we discuss getting the JR Pass and whether it’s effective for you. You can read about it here. Upon arrival in Japan, it’s highly recommended that you obtain a pasmo or suica card. It’s a card where you charge money into so you can ride trains easily - this is compared to buying an individual ticket each time and calculating how much you need to pay for every train ride. Trust us, get a pasmo or suica. We talk about getting one and the usefulness in detail here. Aside from these passes and cards, you can look into getting JR regional passes and other local regional passes depending on the prefecture you visit.

Breakdown of the trains

There are different railways in Japan. Aside from the shinkansen (bullet trains) there are basically no difference in them, other than the fact that they are operated by different companies and have different ticketing gates. Sometimes you wont even notice the difference between them. There are four main groups of trains that you will likely use in Japan:

Shinkansen: The famous bullet train known for its speed, comfort and reliability. You can travel across the country in a matter of hours. You will probably use this for long distance travel such as Tokyo - Osaka/Kyoto or Tokyo - Hiroshima.

JR railways: Formerly the national railway company of Japan it’s now divided into six different regions operated privately. If you’re within a single region for a couple days, it could be economical to buy a JR regional pass.

Private railways: There are so many in Japan. In Tokyo you have the Tokyu lines and in Osaka/Kyoto you have the Hankyu lines. They are often times cheaper than JR Lines too.

Tokyo Metro: These are the subways and there are ALOT. They come in handy for transfers so look out for metros too!

Main Lines in Tokyo

Some of the main lines in Tokyo that hit the major cities are the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin Tohoku Line, JR Sobu/Chuo Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#japantraveltips

Photo-credit: Amazon

Author: Okakura Kakuzo

Year: 1906

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

In 1906 in turn-of-the-century Boston, a small, esoteric book about tea was written with the intention of being read aloud in the famous salon of Isabella Gardner, Boston's most notorious socialite. It was authored by Okakura Kakuzo, a Japanese philosopher, art expert, and curator. Little known at the time, Kakuzo would emerge as one of the great thinkers of the early 20th century, a genius who was insightful, witty—and greatly responsible for bridging Western and Eastern cultures. Okakura had been taught at a young age to speak English and was more than capable of expressing to Westerners the nuances of tea and the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

In The Book of Tea Classic Edition, he discusses such topics as Zen and Taoism, but also the secular aspects of tea and Japanese life. The book emphasizes how Teaism taught the Japanese many things; most importantly, simplicity. Kakuzo argues that tea-induced simplicity affected the culture, art and architecture of Japan.

Nearly a century later, Kakuzo's The Book of Tea Classic Edition is still beloved the world over, making it an essential part of any tea enthusiast's collection. Interwoven with a rich history of Japanese tea and its place in Japanese society is a poignant commentary on Asian culture and our ongoing fascination with it, as well as illuminating essays on art, spirituality, poetry, and more. The Book of Tea Classic Edition is a delightful cup of enlightenment from a man far ahead of his time.

Book description credit: Amazon