Akihabara is a small town known internationally for all things that are geekery.

Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world. If you’re here for only a week or so, but you’ve seen all the main tourist attractions, try visiting these 4 hidden gems in Tokyo!

1. Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi is where Tokyo grew out of. Centred around the Nihonbashi bridge - which was built in 1603 - this city is a treasure trove of old shops and traditional stores. At first sight, it may look like a pretty, modern town, but underneath the modern cape that covers the town are stories that are over hundreds of years old. Some highlights include the first-ever department store in Japan: Mitsukoshi, the Bank of Japan, a Japanese paper shop that’s over 400 years old and dozens of shops that are 100+ years old! You can learn about Nihonbashi on our self-guided audio tour.

The main shopping street lined up with the world famous Mitsukoshi Department store on the left.

2. Yanaka

Yanaka is a lesser-known area of Tokyo. But Yanaka Ginza, the downtown shopping street highlights this area. Yanaka Ginza is a small shopping street that holds stores that are locally owned and have been around for decades. Butcher shops compete against each other where you can try their famous menchi-katsu or deep friend minced meat! Apart from Yanaka Ginza, Yanaka is filled with hundreds of small temples and even a beautiful green tea store that hosts green tea ceremonies. You can contact us for a tour to the green tea ceremony!

Entrance of the Yanaka Shopping Street in Tokyo

3. Zojoji Temple

This one might be more famous compared to Nihonbashi and Yanaka, however, as a local, I think that it’s a bit underrated. Meiji shrine and Sensoji Temple are often highlighted as the main shrines/temples of Tokyo. Zojoji is often seen in photos but not too visited. What makes it unique is the old temple, with Tokyo Tower sitting right behind it. It makes for a unique contrast between modern and tradition that’s often seen throughout Tokyo. This area is great because it’s right next to the Tokyo Tower, lots of bars/restaurants surrounding the area and even has Hamarikyu garden nearby, which is another great hidden gem!

Visit Zojoji Temple on a Tokyo tour with us.

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

Interested in visiting one of these places? Make sure to join us on a privtae customized Tokyo tour! Contact us below!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

Last Update on Japan Travel Advisory: September 27, 2022

Chureito Pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background. You may have to wait just a bit to travel to Japan.

Current Tourism Situation: Border Closed

Since COVID hit in March 2020, Japan closed off its borders to the rest of the world. What seemed like a few months’ hiatus from international tourism turned out to be a 2 years-long nightmare. Currently, tourists can only dream of travelling to Japan. Get the latest updates, news, and resources on when you can travel to Japan.

This page will be updated every week.

Table of Contents

1. The current situation - Can I travel to Japan?

2. When will Japan lift the travel ban? (Opinion)

3. What happens after Japan lifts the travel ban? (Opinion)

4. New “Relative” Visa

5. Japan Entry Procedure

6. Every resource you need regarding border control

7. Contact us

> THE CURRENT SITUATION - CAN I TRAVEL TO JAPAN?

• NEW -> OCT. 11 2022: Starting Oct. 11, Visa-free travel will resume, opening the borders up for free independent travel. You can check if your country is a visa-free travel country on the Mofa website. You must be triple vaccinated or receive a negative PCR before departure.

• Sept. 2022: Tourists no longer need to participate in group packaged tours with 24/7 guided surveillance. Non-escroted visitors on package tours will be allowed starting September 7, 2022. Tourists will still have to obtain an EFRS visa through a travel agency. The conditions and policy of non-escorted visitors on package tours are still unclear and are pending based on government decisions.

• Starting September 7th, 2022: Pre-departure COVID tests will no longer be needed for those who are triple vaccinated.

• Tourists from most countries can enter on packaged tours. Students, Business travellers, and family members of long-term/permanent residents can all enter. All of these travellers require visas that may take some time to get. Please contact your local embassy for more information. Independent tourists still CANNOT enter.

• June 2022: Japan has opened its borders to very few tourists (roughly 50) on group, set itinerary tours. Accepted daily business and student visas went from 10,000 to 20,000 people.

• MAY 17, 2022 update: Japan will begin a trial project this month and accept small group tours from Australia, the United States, Singapore and Thailand. The tours will be packaged tours where Japanese agencies will manage the tour and itineraries. Certain conditions such as being tripled vaccinated and being accompanied by the travel agency will need to be met. No links are available for the tours at the moment. Will it be open soon? Read our opinion below.

• May 7, 2022 update: Prime Minister Kishida announces that tourism may resume in June 2022. Read the brief summary below under the “When will Japan life the travel” section.

• Family members of foreign residents and Japanese citizens can enter Japan. Details are under the “Relative” Visa section below.

• Tourists are still barred from entry into Japan

• Foreign business travelers and students can now enter Japan, given that they have the proper visa. You must apply in advance and have a sponsor in Japan.

• Permanent residents and citizens can leave and enter Japan

• Quarantine upon entry into Japan ranges from 0 to 7 days depending on your departure destination and vaccination status. You can get the full information on the MOFA Website or check out our Japan Entry Process section below.

• Japan is coming close to opening borders. Make sure you are prepared to travel to Japan by contacting us to help plan your next trip! Scroll to the bottom to get in contact with us.

Japan Times: Everything you need to know for traveling to Japan

> WHEN WILL JAPAN LIFT THE TRAVEL BAN? (OPINION)

June 2022: Prime Minister Kishida announces that Japan may open up in June 2022 to tourists. After his visit to London at the end of April, the PM stated that it will consider bringing its border situation up to par with G7 nations. During this trial, only small groups of tourists will be allowed to enter with fixed itineraries. This way, the government can see how it can grasp the movement of tourists if there is a COVID outbreak.

The Japanese government hasn’t given any updates or concrete plans on when exactly the borders will open up for tourism. But, we can make some speculations based on events that will occur in the near future.

There was some hope in March 2022 when 106 countries were granted permission to enter Japan. Unfortunately, this meant it was only for students and foreign business travelers. Then in, April 2022, the government decided to issue visas for relatives of citizens, permanent residents, and long-term residents residing in Japan (read more about it below). So, there is progress, but slow progress.

There are a few things to look for to give us a basic idea of when Japan will open up to tourists. The first is the general election that will happen in July. According to Japan Times, when Prime Minister Kishida issued the ban on new foreign arrivals in December 2021 amidst a rise in Omicron cases, 89% of Japanese people approved of the ban. It’s quite possible that the government will wait to make final decisions on reopening the border, until after the July 2022 elections, to minimize political risks.

The second is the Japan Tourism Expo in September 2022. A panel consisting of top executives in the Japanese travel agencies has been urging the government to re-open Japanese borders for inbound tourism. They are also expecting to be able to host the Japan Tourism Expo in September 2022, with foreign travelers being able to attend. How can a country host a tourism expo when it has no tourists? Let’s hope the borders can open soon!

So with that being said, we hope Japan will open sometime around the fall!

>WHAT HAPPENS AFTER JAPAN LIFTS THE TRAVEL BAN? (OPINION)

We can only speculate what happens after the border opens, but seeing how Japan has handled everything so far we can probably guess that Japan won’t immediately open up and allow unlimited tourists to enter with no restrictions. It’s possible that these rules could stick around:

• A negative PCR test 72 hours before departure

• Proof of 3 vaccination shots

• Not a rule, but masks may be worn even after COVID with high participation. With Japan being a mask-wearing country BEFORE this global pandemic, don’t be surprised if most of Japan is still wearing masks. You may need to comply with these rules when entering restaurants, joining Tokyo tours/activities, etc.

  While these are just speculations, it’s possible that if you are a tourist, you will have to comply with these in the earlier stages. It’s also quite possible to see a limit on how many tourists are allowed in per day/week/month. We have seen this with business and student visas, so it could be possible for tourists in the first couple of months where you would need to apply for a tourist visa.

  Tours and activities likely won’t be restricted to tourists. So you can join fun activities such as our Tokyo food tour or private customized tours to immerse yourself into Japanese cuisine and culture!

> NEW “RELATIVE” VISAS

Since April 2022, Japan has been issuing “relative visas”. The following definitions from government materials qualify for relative visas:

• A foreign national who is newly entering Japan for the purpose of visiting a relative where the foreign national is within the second degree of kinship of a Japanese national/permanent resident, or within the first degree of kinship of a “Long-Term Resident”

• A relative who supports or takes care of a resident in Japan who is sick or pregnant.

• A relative who is visiting because a resident in Japan has died or is in critical condition.

• A relative who is entering Japan to accompany a minor or a person who is not capable of entering Japan by him/herself due to an illness or other reasons.

So basically, if you have a relative in Japan that is a Japanese citizen, permanent resident, or long-term resident, you can probably visit. Note that not everyone residing in Japan is one of these three statuses. For foreign residents, you can check your residence card to ensure you are a long-term resident. Short-term residents may not qualify.

The process is on a case-by-case basis, so we can’t say for sure that you will be able to visit if you have a relative here. Some things to keep in mind:

• Paperwork will be necessary on both sides of the party. You can contact your embassy for more detailed information on what is necessary for the paperwork. We have included some resources below to help you get started!

• The process can take anywhere from 5-8 weeks, so plan ahead!

• If you successfully receive your visa, you are NOT exempt from quarantine and negativd PCR tests upon entry. However, you are free to move around Japan, after your quarantine (if quarantine is necessary for you).

• Begin the application by contacting your local embassy.

>JAPAN ENTRY PROCEDURES

So great, you got your visa and you’re ready to travel to Japan! Here’s what you need to know before entering Japan:

• EVERYONE must have a negative PCR test 72 hours before your flight. There are strict formats you must follow for your PCR test. Check here for full details.

  -> Pre-departure PCR tests will no longer be needed for triple vaccinated people starting September 7, 2022.

• Ensure smooth entry by registering with fast track. Fast track allows you to upload your negative PCR test, vaccine passports, and passport information to allow you to skip the long lines at the airport upon arrival. If you have a “green screen” on your fast track app, then you only need to take a negative PCR test when you arrive, saving you a couple hours! Check out the fast track details here.

• Countries are currently classified as a Blue, Yellow, and Red countries. Requirements for each colors are different for entry requirements. You can check which color country you are from on the MOFA website listed in our resources section.

• Quarantine differs based on your vaccination status and departure country. Check the chart below. In addition, accepted first and second doses must be from:

  • ・Comirnaty/Pfizer・Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca・COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna/Moderna・Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine/Janssen・COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech・Nuvaxovid/Novavax

    accepted third doses:

  • ・Comirnaty/Pfizer・COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna/Moderna・Nuvaxovid/Novavax

5. ALL RESOURCES REGARDING BORDER CONTROL

• MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICIAL COVID BORDER CONTROL PAGE

• US EMBASSY IN JAPAN HOMEPAGE

  JAPAN COVID NEWS

• Japan Times Weekly COVID Updates

• Japan COVID tracker

  INFO REGARDING “RELATIVE” VISAS

• Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles (Basic info on the application for “relative visas for those in US”)

• Regarding denial of landing and special exceptional circumstances (who can and cannot enter)

  INFO REGARDING JAPAN ENTRY PROCEDURE

• Quarantine in Japan information

• Fast Track Registration (To ensure smooth and fast airport arrival)

• Information regarding anyone entering Japan (Apps to download, quarantine info)

Getting ready to travel to Japan? Contact us to start setting up your trip to Japan. Consultations, Tokyo tours, Tokyo food tours and more.

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

You can visit Sensoji Temple with ease by using these travel tips from a Tokyo tour guide.

Japan might seem like a mysterious country to you if you’ve never traveled to Asia before. You might have a lot of questions before visiting. Is everything like it is in the animes? How do I get around Tokyo? Well, we can assure you that it doesn’t get as crazy as the famous animes, but it can still get quite confusing. Read up on these Japan travel tips and tricks that a Tokyo tour guide recommends to ensure a smooth and fun time in Tokyo.

Table of Contents

1. Exchange cash before coming

2. Flying into Haneda or Narita?

3. Consider a Tokyo Tour Guide

4. Consider getting a JR Rail Pass

5. Avoid These Weeks

1. EXCHANGE CASH BEFORE COMING

Before coming to Japan, it’s going to be important to carry cash with you at all times. Make sure to exchange your currency into Yen before coming, unless you want ridiculous exchange rates in Tokyo! Places such as department stores, convenience stores, and hotels will accept cards, but many places are still based on cash. You don’t want to dine in somewhere only for you to be told that it’s cash only! Plus all the cool mom and pop shops that you might visit on our Tokyo tours will likely be cash. If you’re running tight though, you can always stop by a 7-Eleven as they ATMs that accept international cards.

2. FLYING INTO HANEDA OR NARITA? MOST TOKYO NATIVES MIGHT SAY HANEDA

I think most Tokyo natives would agree with this - fly into HANEDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT if you can. There are two airports that you can fly into to reach Tokyo. Haneda is the newer one and is actually within Tokyo. Narita is in the countryside located in Chiba Prefecture next to Tokyo. Reaching your destination from Haneda will save you both money and time, and some can say that time is money especially if your time in Tokyo is short! Because Narita is located in the countryside, it can take anywhere from 1.5-2 hours with a bus or taxi. If you’re on a taxi that’ll cost you quite a bit! There are trains, but again, Haneda will take far less money and time to get into Tokyo. The only reasons that you would want to go to Narita are:

• The only available flight from your region lands in Narita.

• You are on a budget and found a ticket that’s a LOT cheaper. Overall, you will end up having to pay for transportation into Tokyo anyways, so the price difference between the airports doesn’t matter too much unless you found a really good deal at Narita.

Main part of Tokyo (blue pin) is a lot closer to Haneda Airport

3. CONSIDER A TOKYO TOUR GUIDE

Japan isn’t exactly English friendly compared to other Asian countries such as Singapore or Hong Kong. While Tokyo might be a bit better than other cities in Japan, you won’t be able to use English that much. You don’t want to miss out on hidden gems and cultural experiences that you would’ve never thought of doing unless you had a local Tokyo tour guide. Check out our popular private customized tours or Tokyo food tours if you are considering getting a tour guide! You can also consult with one of our Tokyo tour guides on virtual privatized custom tours to help plan for your Japan trip. Fill out our form at the bottom of the page!

Our Tokyo tour guide with guests at Akihabara

4. CONSIDER GETTING A JR RAIL PASS

You can read our full breakdown of getting the JR pass here, but consider getting the JR rail pass - a pass that foreigners can claim to ease travel throughout Japan. It can be used on any JR Lines or bullet trains throughout the country making it a very popular pass for foreigners. It can’t be used for Tokyo Metro and other private lines such as Tokyu. It could be worth it if:

• You are on a short trip (7-10 days) and moving quickly through cities

• You are visiting many places and traveling long distances. For example, if you are moving through major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima with the round trip, you would be getting your money’s worth.

• You are not on a backpacker’s budget. There are overnight buses that are much cheaper, but take MUCH longer for backpackers.

  These cases would be easier to have the pass. Make sure to purchase the pass AHEAD OF TIME. More info about the passes here.

  PRO TIP: Purchase a SUICA/PASMO at any train station. You will be using the train and you will need train cards to get around!

5. AVOID THESE WEEKS

New Years (December 30-January 3)

Golden Week (First week of May)

Obon Holiday (Week of August 13-15ish)

These are major Japanese holidays where essentially many places shut down meaning some of our favorite mom and pop shops and partners will be closed! New Years is a bit different because when we say everything shuts down we literally mean everything. New Years is a holiday where everyone returns home and spends time with family. Temples and shrines will be open but aside from convenience stores, nothing will be open as everyone will be relaxing at home! During Golden Week and Obon Holiday, domestic tourism will be popular making tourist destinations very busy. Unless you only got these times off from work, try to avoid it if you can!

We hope these expert tips from a Tokyo tour guide gave you some insight on what you should do before visitng Tokyo. You can always reach out to us on Instagram or Facebook below for any questions before your trip!

Interested in a Hello! Tokyo Tour? Contact us!

Private Customised Walking Tour

Small Group Food Tour

Connect with us for fun content!

❓QUESTION❓ While there are so many other types of Japanese food, ramen and sushi are two of the most famous Japanese foods. So, let's settle this debate, are you more of a ramen or sushi kind of person?

Take a look at these two unique photos in Akihabara. When people think of Akihabara, "The Electric Town", most imagine maid cafes, anime, gaming, pop culture, and electronic stores. But what happened to make this town so different? 📚Short history read below 📚 Akihabara is known to pick up trends. In the early 1900s, electricity was new in Tokyo. You'd have to get an electrician to come to your house to install electricity. electric wholesalers would sell motherboards, switches, and wires necessary for construction. On the other hand, in 1925 NHK started radio broadcasting which would rapidly spread as a means of entertainment and news source. Radios, unlike modern radios, were not prebuilt, meaning you'd have to build them yourself. At the time, electric wholesale stores that would help with electricity construction and radio building were located in Akihabara. During World War II the area was converted into making ammunition and radios. Post-war the electronic stores went right back to radios and electronics which were very popular in the 1950s. Along with the radio, the area slowly expanded to household appliances such as TVs, washing machines, microwaves, etc. Then in 1977, Apple released the 8-bit PC and 16-bit microprocessors. So in the 1980s, electronics stores handling computers increased in Akihabara. In the 1990s, the stores selling software for anime and game enthusiasts began to increase to replace sluggish sales of electrical appliances. Originally, PC enthusiasts called “otaku” went to specialty stores to buy PC parts but expanded their interest in games, anime, and figures, so Akihabara responded to that demand. Eventually to cater to the "otaku" Akihabara saw an increase in maid cafes. Today you can see the old electronic shops along with the animes, gaming, and maid cafe cultures. It's a unique place to visit to look for cool electronics, retro games, and pop culture goods! Posted @withregram • @m.ssaa.k @miyan_1980 . #hellofrom Tokyo #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover

📸Photo opportunity in Tokyo📸 The Tokyu Plaza entrance in Omotesando features this unique kaleidoscope for an insane photo opportunity. ••• Posted @withregram • @kohki #hellofrom Tokyo, Japan #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel #omotesando

Strawberry season is almost coming to an end 😨. Did you make sure to eat strawberries this year? Strawberry season typically starts somewhere around January (some places as early as December) until May. They've become quite popular internationally due to some boxes of strawberries being placed at around 50-60 USD. Are they really worth it? Well that's up to you! On our private customized tours, you can request your Tokyo tour guide to take you to eat strawberry daifuku pictured above. They are essentially mochi filled with red beans and topped with a strawberry. It's one of the most popular desserts in Japan! Expensive ones can get anywhere from 8-20 USD 😭 #japan #tokyo #traveljapan #traveltokyo #tourjapan #tourtokyo #tokyofood #japanese #instalike #instagood #japaneseculture #Travel #discovertokyo #discover #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #wonderfulplaces #instatravel

When you think of Tokyo walking tours as a tourist, you might often think about some of the most touristy places such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Harajuku. You’ll probably visit the Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Shibuya Crosswalk, Takeshita Street, and Piss Alley whether you’re on a Tokyo tour or visiting by yourself. But, if you want the TRUE local and hidden gem experience, take a Tokyo walking tour to Nihonbashi.

Nihonbashi is a lesser-known district in Tokyo - but amongst locals, it’s known as a high-class district filled with some of the best cuisines in Tokyo. This historic district is actually where Tokyo grew out of. It used to be the lively downtown area of Tokyo during the Edo period (1603-1868) due to the main fish market being located right alongside the Nihonbashi bridge. The Nihonbashi bridge is an iconic bridge that was actually used as a zero-mile marker for the Gokaido Highway - a highway system that connected Tokyo to other parts of Japan such as Kyoto and Osaka. The bridge was built in 1603 and still stands to this day.

Along with the rich history, Nihonbashi houses hundreds of years old craft, art, and food shops. Much of the area look new, but you’ll never guess that this place holds some of Tokyo’s oldest hidden gems. Join us on a Tokyo walking tour to learn about the unique history of Nihonbashi.

A stroll down the main road in Nihonbashi on a Tokyo walking tour.

We have now launched our self guided walk tour experience! Partnering with our friends at Voicemap you can explore Tokyo on your own while learning about the hidden stories of the past and exploring foodie delights. This is a self guided Tokyo walking tours meaning you DON’T need a guide! Of course having guides has many merits, but if you’re short on time or just want to be solo, make sure to download our app.

During the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) Nihonbashi was at the center of all trade and commerce. It was home to the most powerful people in all of Japan.

This sightseeing tour of Tokyo will transport you back to a time when Samurais and Shoguns walked these streets.

Follow their footsteps and discover the best of Tokyo’s living history. This district is packed with age-old snack shops and traditional Japanese crafts. Yes they are still standing, hundreds of year later! Nihonbashi is Tokyo’s best kept secret, a treasure trove of a district overflowing with cultural and historical gems.

Highlights include:

• Nihonbashi Bridge where the zero-mile-marker is located.

• The Bank of Japan.

• Mitsukoshi, Japans oldest department store.

• Our top-picks of Japans must try local snacks.

• Authentic souvenir shopping at a 400 years old fan shop and Washi Paper shop.

….and much more!

https://hellotokyotours.com/self-guided-tours#nihonbashi-tour

Come join us on our Tokyo tours!

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Here is a top ten list of my favorite casual eats in Tokyo. This list is comprised of some of my favorite CASUAL restaurants that I like to go to, when I’m craving something, passing through the area or want to have a cheat day. This list is NOT a list of what I think are some of Tokyo’s best, but rather a list of my favorite chain restaurants, comfort foods and hangout spots that are affordable. If I am ever your Tokyo tour guide, you can ask me about this list and we can go eat at some of these spots!

*The list is in no particular order.

Tsukemen from Rokurinsha

When it comes to ramen, I’m more of a “tsukemen” kind of person. Tuskemen is basically dipping ramen where the broth and noodles are separate. Rokurinsha’s tsukemen is the creamiest, most umami packed tsukemen ever. They have restaurants in Tokyo Station, Ueno Station and the Skytree.

Fruits Sandwich from Sembikiya

My favorite sandwich is not a savory kind but a sweet one. The founder of the the fruits sandwich - Sembikiya - lives up to it’s expectation and has the fluffiest, sweetest, juciest fruits sandwich one can imagine. In the winter time, it’s strawberry season so I like going in the winter for a strawberry sandwich! They’re flagship store in Nihonbashi is nice, but the one in Kitte building in front of Tokyo Station is my favorite!

Udon and Tempura at Inaniwa Udon Kaneko Hannosuke

Kaneko Hannosuke is arguably one of the most famous tendon (tempura donburi which is tempura over rice) restaurants in Tokyo. Sometimes lines are about 1.5 hours long. BUT, if you don’t want to wait you can head over to their udon store nearby. Their udon set comes with a mini tendon so you can get a taste of their famous tendon plus some udon! There are toppings right in front of you that you can add to enhance the udon. Honestly, I think this is better if you want both noodles and the tendon.

Address: Japan, 〒103-0022 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashimuromachi, 2 Chome−3−1 コレド室町 2 地下1階

A 1 minute walk from the Mitsukoshi-mae station. It’s on the B1F of Coredo Muromachi Department Store 2

Tonkatsu from Maisen

There are many highly rated and Michelin rated tonkatsu restaurants in Japan. The problem with those restaurants are that the lines can be very long. If you’re stopping by and want a quick lunch with good tonkatsu, you can’t go wrong with Maisen. They’re tonkatsu is honestly one of the softest tonkatsus I’ve had. Don’t miss out on their katsu sandwich either. They have many stores throughout Tokyo but I usually go to the one in Shibuya’s Hikarie Department store

Japanese sweets from Umezono

Dating back to 1854, this Japanese cafe serves some of the best traditional Japanese sweets. My favorite is the Anmitsu (in the photo) which basically includes small cubes of agar jelly, a white translucent jelly made from red algae, mochi, red beans and sometimes fruits and ice cream on top. If you’re willing to try new Japanese desserts, this is your place to come.

https://goo.gl/maps/ETb1TK6go8EiVRTa7

Sushi from Midori Sushi

Sushi can be very expensive. Really good places can also be hard to make reservations for. Midori sushi (although they may have long lines) is one of my favorite decent priced sushi. You can get full on sushi from about 20-30 bucks which is an absolute steal in Tokyo! Midori sushi is a chain restaurant (Katsu Midori is their revolving sushi version which is also highly recommended) although there aren’t that many throughout Tokyo. My personal favorite is the one in Tamagawa at the Takashimaya Department store. I dream about their toro all the time.

Website: https://www.sushinomidori.co.jp/eng/

Curry from Curry Bondy

Cocoichi curry is a famous curry chain restaurant but, Curry Bondy in my opinion is the more superior chain (by miles). It’s not really a chain as there are only 8 shops throughout Tokyo but this Japanese styled curry hits the right spice. The flagship store is in Jimbocho, which is considered a curry town, so it’s a perfect place for any curry lovers. You can find all the stores here http://bondy.co.jp/web/contents/shoplist.html

Gindaco

Now this one on the list isn’t necessarily a special one, but a personal favorite. Gindaco is a very popular chain takoyaki restaurant. There are over 30 of them around Tokyo. Takoyaki is basically an octopus ball made of wheat flour based batter, filled with octopus. It’s topped off with your choice of sauce (typically their regular takoyaki sauce) but I personally love their cod roe (mentaiko) sauce as seen in the picture. Most Gindaco’s have take out, but you can also dine in. Usually Gindaco’s are used as a drinking establishment and I like to mix it in when I’m bar hopping for a great late night snack!

*Takoyaki is a very popular snack in Osaka.

Yakiniku from Beef Kitchen Nakameguro

Now this one is borderline sticking onto this list because it can be casual and not-so casual depending on how you look at it. Yakiniku, or Japanese BBQ can be very expensive. A5 wagyu cuts will literally melt in your mouth, but it comes at a price. Some of the best yakiniku restaurants in Japan can be hard to get reservations and will cost you couple hundred dollars. But, Beef Kitchen has some of the best yakiniku I’ve had and the prices are not so bad, compared to the best. You can look to spend around 50-100 USD a person (depending on how much you eat and drink), and that’s not too bad considering how mouth watering their meat is. Of course, there are much cheaper options, but I rank it in with my casual eats because of the quality and price correlation. If you’re not looking to ball out, but willing to pay a little extra for good food, Beef Kitchen Nakameguro is the way to go.

https://goo.gl/maps/w6fiSpm1VrMWGpJ16

Matcha Ice Cream from Sawawa Asakusa

It’s one of the best richest, creamiest and flavor full matcha ice creams I’ve had. Simple as that. It has the perfect balance of matcha and cream so you can get the best of both worlds. A plus because it’s right by the world famous Sensoji Temple.

Photo Credit: Tabelog

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When you think of a sandwich, you might think of a ham and cheese, BLT, tuna or even a PB&J for any sweet tooth’s. But, have you ever thought about a fruits sandwich before? It’s exactly what you think it is. A sandwich with fruits! This delicious Japanese treat uses sweet cream and Japan’s very own high quality seasonal fruits sandwiched by two of the softest, milky white breads. Because Japan’s fruits are very seasonal you can always get their seasonal fruits sandwich for your best experience!

Try a fruits sandwich on a private food tour Tokyo. Ask your Tokyo tour guide and they will show you the best fruits sandwich in Tokyo.

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Nothing beats the experience of eating UNDENEATH the railroads at Gado Shita in the center of Tokyo. Gado Shita literally means under the railings. These former warehouses, captures the perfect atmosphere of what eating during the Showa period was like. Lot’s of late night drunk salary men stumbled upon these streets (even today!) after work hours to exchange intriguing thoughts or discuss more business. Today, there is a word in Japan for meeting up, discussing/talking and drinking. It’s called nomunication which combines the word nomu for drinking in Japanese and communication. So lets nomunicate in Tokyo and join your Tokyo tour guide on a Tokyo food tour!

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Asakusa is the historic center of Tokyo housing Tokyo’s oldest temple and many traditional craft shops. On our Tokyo tours, you can ask your Tokyo tour guide to take you here and show you a locals way of visiting Asakusa.

We can’t leak all our secrets but you can get a special view of the area from a nearby building that your Tokyo tour guide would know about! You can also have the chance to learn about the history of Ningyoyaki - a dessert that’s special to this place and houses the original founders of this delicious snack!

The highlight of Asakusa Sensoji is the Nakamise shopping street. Lining up to one of Tokyo’s oldest temple is a long road of shopping streets that dates back several hundred years. There are many traditional arts and craft’s shop, food stands and much more. Branching off to the side of the shopping street, your Tokyo tour guide would know more about hidden shops for delicious food and unique shops!

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The Meiji Shrine on our tours in Tokyo

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Our tours in Tokyo are mixed with both tourist highlights and hidden gems.

When you visit Tokyo you don’t want to miss out on some of the most popular places. After all, they are popular for a reason. A popular destination amongst our guests and even the locals is the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku area.

The two are right next to each other but it reminds you that Tokyo has such a big contrast of old and new. The Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the late Emperor and Empress Meiji. It was built in 1920 and became one of the most popular shrines in all of Japan. It houses a massive forest with over 120,000 trees donated from all around the world. You can easily spend an hour to 2 hours here wandering around its natural beauty.

Once you step outside, you can visit the world famous Takeshita Dori in Harajuku. It’s the youth fashion center of Tokyo. The trendy shops and dozens of unique sweets and crepe shops make it a popular visit from teenagers and young adults. Trying a crepe is a MUST! Make sure to ask your Tokyo tour guide to come here!

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The Meiji Shrine on our tours in Tokyo

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