Visiting a shrine or temple is one of the biggest events to attend to in Japan on New Years

New Year's, or Omisoka, is a special time in Japan and is celebrated with many traditional customs and activities. Because it’s the biggest holiday of the year for Japan, many shops and attractions shut down around Jan 1 - 3. If you're wondering what to do in Japan on New Year, here are four things to do in Japan on New Years!

4 things to do in Japan on New Year - Table of Contents

1. Visit a shrine or temple

2. Shopping “Fukubukuro”

3. Watch the sunrise

4. Countdown parties

Visit a Shrine or Temple

One of the most popular New Year's traditions in Japan is visiting a temple or shrine to pray for good luck in the coming year. Many temples and shrines are open late on New Year's Eve and offer special services, such as bell ringing ceremonies, to mark the occasion. Popular ones such as the Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, and Zojoji Temple will be packed with a lot of people!

Meiji Shrine during New Years

1. Shopping Fukubukuro

Fukubukuro, or "lucky bags," are a popular tradition in Japan during the New Year holiday season. These bags are filled with a variety of items and are sold at a discounted price, with the contents of the bag usually a surprise until it is purchased.

Fukubukuro can vary in price and contents, with some bags costing a few hundred yen and others costing several thousand yen. The contents of the bags can include a variety of items, such as clothes, accessories, beauty products, and household goods. Some fukubukuro are themed, with the contents of the bag related to a particular brand or product line.

While the contents of fukubukuro are generally a surprise, many retailers provide a general idea of the types of items that will be included in the bags. Some retailers also offer fukubukuro with a specific theme or focus, such as beauty products or home goods.

Popular department stores such as Mitsukoshi or Takashimaya will begin selling on Jan. 2!

2. Watch the Sunrise

In Japan, it is believed that the first sunrise of the new year brings good luck. As a result, many people stay up all night to watch the sunrise and greet the new year with a special prayer or ritual. If you're planning to be in Japan on New Year's Eve and would like to experience this tradition, here are a few things to consider:

1. Choose a good location: There are many beautiful spots in Japan where you can watch the sunrise on New Year's Eve. Some popular options include mountain peaks, seaside cliffs, and observation decks. Do some research beforehand to find a location that will offer a clear view of the sunrise on the day you plan to visit.

2. Dress warmly: New Year's Eve in Japan can be quite cold, so be sure to dress warmly to stay comfortable during your sunrise-watching adventure.

3. Arrive early: If you want to get a good spot to watch the sunrise, be sure to arrive at your chosen location early. Many people visit popular sunrise-watching spots on New Year's Eve, so you'll want to get there ahead of time to secure a good spot.

Sunrise from a plane on New Years

3. Countdown Parties

There are many countdown events hosted by clubs, lounges, and restaurants throughout Tokyo during New Years. While some have been cancelled for a 3 years due to COVID (such as the popular Shibuya Crossing Countdown), many have opened up again such as the countdown event at the Womb and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Event hotel loungers will host a countdown event! Make sure to look it up in advanced as many of them can be ticket based that needs reservations.

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❓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

Narita Airport to Tokyo might seem daunting given that Narita is not in Tokyo

The two airports in Tokyo are Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Haneda is within Tokyo while Narita is outside Tokyo, making the journey a bit farther from Haneda. Below we will discuss 3 different methods of getting into Tokyo from Narita. The three methods to get from Narita to Tokyo include: the train, bus, or taxi. Hopefully, these Japan travel tips will ensure a smooth journey to Tokyo!

Best ways from Narita to Tokyo - Table of Contents

1. TLDR: Narita to Tokyo Methods

2. Train

3. Bus

4. Taxi

TLDR: Narita to Tokyo Methods

1. Train

One of the best methods is to use the various trains that Narita Airport has.

The first is Narita Express. Narita Express runs directly to Tokyo Station with less frequent trains that also go to Shibuya and Shinjuku. It’s a straight shot from the airport, with nice seating (reserved seating) and can be purchased at the airport with ease. There’s also luggage space where you can store your large suitcases if necessary. You can check the prices and times above. You can find more info and book online here.

The Keisei Skyliner is similar to the Narita Express with reserved seating and luggage storage except it heads for Nippori Station, a JR Station with great access to the East Side of Tokyo. Book at the airport counter or online here for a discounted price.

The Keisei Line is just the regular train. This train is only recommended if you are on a tight budget and don’t have much luggage to carry. You can ride this with just buying an IC Card (Suica or Pasmo) at the airport. it will roughly cost a little over 1000 Yen, so it would be good to have about 2000 Yen charged onto it. This train also heads for Nippori Station.

Keisei Skyliner

Narita Express

Normal Keisei Line

2. Narita Airport Limousine

The Narita Airport Limousine runs from Narita to major areas in Tokyo and some major hotels. It’s essentially a comfy coach that allows luggage storage options and an alternative to the trains. They also have cheaper shuttle bus options that only costs 1300 Yen, but advanced reservations cannot be made and can only be purchased on the day of.

A rare scroll painting that you can find on our Nihonbashi tour.

3. Taxi

Taxis are by far the easiest and most convenient options out of the three methods. However, it comes with a price. It can cost you roughly 20,000-30,000 Yen. You can pre-book taxis, but taxis are also waiting outside the airport ready at any time making it very convenient. You also don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel from the station with transfers. So, if you have the money to do it, then it’ll be a nice and easy trip for you!

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

Row boats in Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo during cherry blossom season

Tokyo has an endless amount of things to experience. Some would even say that 1 month is not enough to see all of Tokyo! This blog will cover all the best walking routes to do in Tokyo. Travel in Tokyo can easily be done by walking or commuting by train. In fact, we highly recommend taking the train and walking around Tokyo compared to using a car/taxi. Check out our top 5 places to take a walk in Tokyo below.

Top 5 Walking Routes in Tokyo - Table of Contents

1. Yanaka Ginza

2. Sumida River

3. Shimokitazawa

4. Nihonbashi

5. Nakameguro

Map created using Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android

1. Yanaka Ginza

The Yanaka Ginza shopping street is a nice afternoon walk to take a look at small mom-and-pop shops. The old town ambience survives in this district and you can experience a nostalgic blast from the past. You can start at Nippori Station’s West Exit and continue straight down the road where you will be greeted for it’s famous arches. If you’re there in the afternoon, it’s a popular photogenic spot to take a nice photo!

The starting point of our self guided audio tour in Nihonbashi

2. Sumida River

Sumida river is one of Tokyo’s main rivers that run through the city. We highly recommend starting in Asakusa right by the Azuma Bridge where you can go in either direction for a nice walk. During cherry blossom season, you’ll be greeted with nice cherry blossoms. You can even take a boat ride up the river from the port on Azuma bridge!

A rare scroll painting that you can find on our Nihonbashi tour.

3. Shimokitazawa

If you’re looking for rare, vintage, and hip, Shimokitazawa is the perfect neighborhood for a nice stroll. Known for its funky, bohemian-style atmosphere, you’ll find dozens of vintage music shops, bookstores, second-hand clothing shops, cafes, and bars. You can access Shimokitazawa through the Shinmkitazawa station on the Odakyu, or Keio-Inokashira lines.

4. Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi is one of Tokyo’s oldest districts. Upon heading into the area, you’ll notice that it has fancy department stores and financial districts. But don’t let that turn you off. Hidden inside and in between these buildings are stores that are hundreds of years old, and some of the best food that Tokyo has to offer. The history hidden behind the entire area will definitely surprise you! You can take a stroll around this area through our self-guided audio tour app, or simply start at the Nihonbashi bridge.

A massive wooden sculpture inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store - one of the stops.

5. Nakameguro

Nakameguro is a bit similar to Shimokitazawa but with more of a city feel to it. It’s got cool bars, book stores, cafes, small shops, and much more. During the cherry blossom season, you can head over to the Meguro river to see one of Tokyo’s best places to see cherry blossoms.

Interested in getting a self-guided audio tour? Make sure to download Voice Map! 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

Try a self guided audio tour around Tokyo’s old downtown district, Nihonbashi.

Traditionally, people like to take guided tours or explore on their own. These are great options to learn and get immersed into a culture. However, you might not have the patience and time for a guided tour. Or maybe you’re a bit scared to explore on your own. Then why not go for the middle solution and try a self-guided audio tour? We’ve teamed up with our friends from Voicemap and have an immersive audio walking tour where your phone will guide you through the streets of Tokyo! This GPS-triggered audio tour is like a podcast that guides you. For a limited time, we are offering our Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History self-guided audio tour for FREE (September-October ONLY)!

How to download Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History for free!

1. Download the Voicemap App from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store

2. In the “explore” tab, search for “Tokyo”

3. Scroll to Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History

4. The tour should be for free in the app or the website!

   https://voicemap.me/tour/tokyo/everlasting-edo-a-guide-to-nihonbashi-s-history

   If you enjoyed the tour, please do give us a review as it helps us promote the tour to others!

Reasons to try a Self-Guided Audio Tour - Table of Contents

1. Go at your own pace

2. Listen to an insightful story from a professional voice artist

3. Free Download

4. Works Offline

1. Go at your own pace

The beauty of a self-guided audio tour is that you don’t have to follow the schedule of a tour or your friends. All you have to do is begin playing the audio tour, and pause it whenever you feel like you want to wander on your own or stop by an interesting location! Once you download it, it will be yours to keep forever.

The starting point of our self guided audio tour in Nihonbashi

2. Listen to an insightful story from a professional voice artist

Everlasting Edo: A Guide to Nihonbashi’s History was written by Sid, a Tokyo local whose favourite city to bring tourists to is Nihonbashi. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Asian Languages. The tour is narrated by Kate, our resident war history buff, TV presenter, and professional voice artist! We guarantee you that the narration is clear and crisp!

A rare scroll painting that you can find on our Nihonbashi tour.

3. Free Download

For a limited time, we are offering this tour for free! See the directions above in the introduction on how to download our self-guided audio tour for free. Even if you don’t use it in the near future, why not download it so that you’ll already have an activity planned for when you come to Japan?

A massive wooden sculpture inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store - one of the stops.

4. Works Offline

Whether you are a tourist in Tokyo, or an ex-pat, having the tour accessible offline is a huge plus. All you need to do is download the audio files before you start and it’ll work! Because it’s GPS triggered, all you need to do is have your GPS turned on, and walk according to the narration of your tour.

Explore edo street, a small street designed after the old streets of edo!

Interested in getting a self-guided audio tour? Make sure to download Voice Map! 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

Mitsukoshi Department store is the highlight of Nihonbahi.

Japan is filled with unique items, foods, toys/gadgets, and much more. If you’re joining us on Tokyo tours, you could ask your Tokyo tour guide to take you to one of these places to get your souvenir shopping done. Here are 4 places for souvenir shopping in Tokyo!

Table of Contents

1. Asakusa Sensoji

2. Nakano Broadway

3. Nihonbashi

4. Tokyu Hands/Loft

1. Asakusa Sensoji

For the most traditional, and "Japanese" souvenirs, Asakusa's Sensoji Temple is a must. Particularly their Nakamise Shopping Street. Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple. Nakamise Shopping Street is one long road with shops on both sides of the road. It leads straight into the Temple's main hall. Along this shopping street you can find traditional arts and crafts, decorative katana swords, and woodblock prints or "ukiyo-e" art. Getting hungry? The shopping street has dozens of popular vendors that people love. On our Self Guided Audio Tour, we feature our favorite food stops such as Kibidango Azuma - delicious chewy mochi sticks, and Ningyoyaki - red bean cakes in the shape of Pagodas!

Nakamise Shopping Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations both domestically and internationally.

2. Nakano Broadway

This is a niche shopping place. If you aren't into animation, manga, games, collectables or looking for a gift for someone who is into it, this might not be your spot. Akihabara is often known to be "the spot" for this niche. While this is true, and we highly recommend stopping by Akihabara too, Nakano Broadway is the TRUE treasure trove for this. It's a multilevel building dedicated to this craft. Even if you aren't into it, it's a unique visit just to see all the "otaku" goods. Some of our favorite finds were old game consoles, anime figurines, and the 8-scoop ice cream cone in the basement of the building.

You’ll find the most unique and rare items in Nakano Broadway

3. Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi is home to Mitsukoshi, the first ever department store in Japan. The main road, Chuo Dori is lined up with Mitsukoshi buildings, Coredo (another department franchise) and Takashimaya (a luxury department store). What will surprise you are the stores hidden within the department store or even next to them. Nihonbashi used to be the center of Tokyo. It’s where Tokyo’s biggest fish market used to be. So naturally, some of the stores from the Edo period (1603-1868) stuck around. Our favourites include a 500-year-old Japanese paper shop, a dashi shop operated by the store owners’ 9th generation, and Mitsukoshi’s “depachika” or basement floor where you will find hundreds of small booths selling luxury Japanese sweets and snacks for souvenirs.

A massive wooden sculpture inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store

4. Tokyo Hands/Loft

Tokyu Hands and Loft is a franchise store specializing as a “one-stop shop”. You can find almost anything here ranging from unique DIY goods, kitchenware, cosmetics, stationaries, travel accessories, toys/gadgets, and much more. Tokyu Hands and Loft can be a bit different, and depending on which one you visit they can differ quite a bit. But, they are both cool stores to find a unique gift for someone back home! Their stores in Shibuya are one of the largest ones and offer endless amounts of cool and trendy items. We recommend visiting just to browse!

Tokyu Hands is a green colored store while Loft (not pictured) is a yellow colored store.

Interested in visiting one of these places? Make sure to join us on our food 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

You’ll eat at Gad-Shita on our Tokyo food tour. All the restaurants are underneath the railroad tracks!

Japan is often known for their sushi and ramen. Besides those main foods, how many other Japanese dishes can you name? If you’re unfamiliar with many other Japanese foods, we got you covered. Here are some of the top picks to eat on our Tokyo food tour!

1. Curry Udon

Japanese curry might be a popular food amongst tourists in Japan. But, have you heard of curry udon? Rather than rice, you top off udon (noodles) with curry soup! Our top spot is at Gado Shita where you can eat curry udon at a small one-man stand, underneath the railroad tracks!

Our friendly chef Kikuchi-san at the Gado Shita curry udon stall.

2. Imo Kenpi

This is quite possibly one of the more underrated foods on our Tokyo food tour. Most people have never heard of Imo Kenpi before, but end up falling in love with it! It’s a deep-fried, sweet, sugar-glazed sweet potato! Once you try one, you won’t be able to stop. Our top spot in Nihonbashi is made fresh every day. Beware, you will become addicted…

Entrance of the Yanaka Shopping Street in Tokyo

3. Fruits sandwich

The fruit sandwich is one of the most popular foods on our Tokyo food tour. To westerners, a sandwich is often thought of as savoury. In Japan, sandwiches can be a dessert too! You’ll have the chance to try a sweet and juicy fruit sandwich from a popular shop inside the Tokyo Station!

Popular fruit sandwich shop in Tokyo.

Interested in visiting one of these places? Make sure to join us on our food 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

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!

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❓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.