Shibuya Introduces Littering Fine

Above, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the most cleanest countries in the world.

It is rare to see litter on the ground even in the most populous cities in the world such as Tokyo. Apparently, with huge numbers of foreign visitors, a litter problem is developing in the Shibuya Ward.

They are now instituting a litter fine in Shibuya.

According to the BBC:

Litterbugs in the Japanese tourist hub of Shibuya will now face an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 Japanese yen ($13; £9), as new penalties take effect amid the country's tourism boom.

The fine collection system kicked in on Monday in Shibuya Ward, a commercial and entertainment centre that is home to the famed Shibuya Crossing.

In certain districts, authorities are also handing out fines for food and beverage shop operators who do not install waste bins.

To read more, go here. 

No Trash Cans In Japan?

Above, a clean street in the Shibuya section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world.

One can visit anywhere in the country and find the streets in the cities and small towns to be immaculate. This is remarkable considering there are no (or very few) public trash cans to be found.

I first noticed this during my first trip to Japan in 2001. Since then, I have gotten used to it or know where a trash can be found. 

This is the topic of an article in USA Today.

They begin it with:

TOKYO and GIFU, Japan — The mileage my sneakers earned on my first full day in Tokyo was 12.4 miles, and impressively, some of my gum wrappers logged just as much.

As one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo requires travelers to be out for hours at a time, and I carried each day's garbage with me until I returned to my hotel at night.

Back at my hotel every night, I'd flip my tote bag upside down, and out came a flurry of konbini snacks, souvenirs, omamori (good luck charms from temples), along with empty gum wrappers, random receipts, crumpled tissues and perhaps an empty water bottle. This wasn't by choice; there are so few public trash cans in Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Monsters Exhibits #3

Since Halloween is only three days away, I am posting some photos of classic monster exhibits from Monsterpalooza and elsewhere that I took. More to come in the days ahead.

Above, the Wolf Man from Monsterpalooza 2011. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, GMK Godzilla filming suit at HMV in Shibuya, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, GMK Baragon filming suit at HMV Shibuya, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Kong atop Empire State Building at Art of King Kong exhibit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Survey: 10 Top Inconveniences of Japan Travel

Above, Shibuya Crossing (or Scramble) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following will be of interest to those who have never traveled to Japan, more so than to those who have been there.

It is results from a survey by Good Luck Trip posted by SoraNews24 on what are the top 10 inconveniences about traveling in Japan. Since I have been to Japan 8 times, none of these have been an issue for me.

They begin with:

10 things to think about before taking your trip to Japan.

Japan is an amazing place to visit. Whether you want to see historical architecture, modern pop culture, breathtaking natural scenery, or just eat some really, really good food, Japan’s myriad wonders have turned it into a top destination for international travelers.

Of course, Japan isn’t perfect, and so not every trip to the country is nonstop enjoyment. Japanese inbound tourist-focused travel website Good Luck Trip recently conducted an online survey asking people who’ve visited Japan what sort of inconveniences or problems they encountered. Responses were collected from 891 participants (106 using English, 102 Korean, 103 simplified Chinese, and 580 traditional Chinese), and the organizers have released the top 10 results.

Let’s take a look at the top 10.

To see the survey results, go here. 

Japan's COVID-19 Etiquette Tips

Above, Shibuya Crossing (or Scramble) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those who are familiar with the ways of Japan know that it is a country big on etiquette. This is the way the people live and foreign visitors would do well if they know the dos and don'ts while there.

With the country set to reopen to foreign tourists on October 11, it is advisable to know Japan's COVID-19 etiquette before they arrive.

Time Out has posted the most important things to know.

They begin with:

With Japan finally reopening to the world on October 11, anticipation is running high. While there’s a lot to be excited about, it's good to be aware of the situation to help you have the smoothest trip possible.

We understand that guidelines for safety vary by country, and Japan still has a few anti-virus measures in place. So here are some of the important Covid-19 etiquette tips to know about when visiting Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Expected To Reopen This Autumn

Above, Shibuya 109 department store from Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel and Tour World is reporting that Japan "might" reopen in autumn. That's "might" reopen.

As usual, it all depends on the rate of infections of COVID-19 in and out of the country.

They wrote:

Japan might reopen its borders this autumn with the country to host the Tourism Expo Japan 2022 in September. However, Japan’s reopening is hanging in a balance.

Japan is getting ready for inbound tourism, which has partially reopened for students and business travelers. Japan has also lifted its entry ban on non-resident foreign nationals from 106 countries including Britain, India and the US.

Regarding reopning, Japan government is evaluating the rate of infection domestic and overseas.

Based on this, it appears that a summer vacation trip for foreign tourists is not in the cards. But things can and do change. Keep your fingers crossed.

To read more, go here. 

McDonald's Japan To Raise Prices On Hamburgers and Other Items

Above, McDonald's signage in Shibuya, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've heard many stories of couples visiting Japan and one or the other does not like sushi or other Japanese delicacies and they opt instead for a McDonald's hamburger.

Well, those people will be paying a bit more for that hamburger as McDonald's Japan is going to raise prices.

According to the Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun):

McDonald’s Company (Japan) Ltd. said Friday it will raise prices on hamburgers and other menu items on March 14 from ¥10 to ¥20 to counter factors that include the rising cost of raw materials.

The hike is in response to soaring prices of wheat, beef and other raw materials, as well as increasing costs for labor and transportation.

It will be the first price hike on burgers for McDonald’s Japan since October 2019, when consumption tax went up to 10%.

 To read more, go here.

The Travel: The Best 10 Things To Do In Japan

Above, photographing Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is number one on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the Japanese government has announced an extension of their entry ban on foreign visitors to the end of February (it'll likely be extended beyond that and I'd be surprised if it isn't), we have plenty of time to plan a visit when it finally reopens.

The Travel has posted a list of best 10 things to do when visiting Japan. I've already done seven of them and are worth a visit.

They begin with:

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. It is known for being rich in culture and arts, it also houses over 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Himeji Castle, and many more. Aside from these, the country is also popular for having disciplined citizens, a high commitment to innovation, sparkling neon lights around the streets, and mouthwatering cuisine. To further explore the picturesque land of Japan, listed below are the top things to do in this country.

 To read more, go here.

Entering Japan, A Month of Shifting Rules

Above, Shibuya Crossing during pre-pandemic times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As we have 50 states, each with their own rules on regulating visitors during the pandemic, people are often confused.

Japan has people in confusion as well. Rules were announced, modified and retracted during the course of the past month. 

People are wondering, What the hell is going on?

The Japan Times tries to sort out the rules in an article posted yesterday.

They start it with:

Over the past month, Japan’s border control policies have flip-flopped over the newly discovered omicron variant of the coronavirus.

After the fifth COVID-19 wave waned and the vaccinated rate reached a high level, Japan opened up its borders to new entries by foreign nationals for the first time in almost a year.

Yet less than a month later, the country reversed course due to fears over the omicron variant, which is believed to be highly transmissible, once again shutting its borders to all arrivals except Japanese citizens and foreign residents.

For a brief period, the government even went a step further, announcing on Dec. 1 that it had asked airlines to stop taking new reservations for all international flights into Japan. But this drastic move was retracted the following day amid criticism that the measure was too strict, as it would have effectively prevented Japanese nationals from returning.

To read the full article, go here. 

Hedorah Slimes Into Shibuya For 50th Anniversary

Above, a Hedorah Bandai figure I bought in Japan in 2006. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) (a.k.a. Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster (1972 in the U.S.)) is being celebrated this month. 

What's the celebration? 

It is the 50th Anniversary of the movie's release by Toho Co., Ltd.

According to Stars & Stripes Japan:

Parco Shibuya Gallery X in cooperation with Toho Co., Ltd. salutes the 50th anniversary of Hedorah aka the Smog Monster from Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) during an art installation in Shibuya, Tokyo until November 23. Gallery X and multiple artisans have come together to champion the repulsive, often loathed, but extremely popular kaiju from the Godzilla film series.

Tune into fascinating, satirical, dark, anti-pollution themes at this psychedelic tribute happening in fashionable Shibuya. Take a trip to the basement floor and see pieces by chandelier artist, Kim Songhe, videographer, Akiko Nakayama, designers, Keiji Ito and Coin Parking Delivery and their collaborations with Marusan Toys. Also, on display are one hundred set photos, and screen-used props and diorama from the brief Hedorah sequence from Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.

The 50-year old Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, directed by Yoshimitsu Banno (1931-2017) was released to U.S. matinee houses in 1972, polarizing fans for decades, but has slithered back with a degree of fresh wind, as new Godzilla generations discover the avant-garde entry.  Banno, despite his multimedia, over the top approach was chastised by producer, Tomoyuki Tanaka upon the Japanese release.  

Banno, however continually stoking creative fires, became a film format visionary, and ultimately rose to producer on Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla films before his passing.

Above, Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno (second from right) at the Rainforest Cafe in 2005. 

Too bad we can't go to Japan to see the exhibit since there's a tourism freeze there due to the pandemic.

At least the article has some photos to look at.

To read more, go here. 

10 Things That May Shock Foreigners In Japan

Above, the famous Shibuya Crossing (or Shibuya Scramble) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of these days, COVID-19 will be history and people will be able to travel again to Japan. Until then, all we can do now is look over different articles on Japan travel and yearn for the days when we all can experience them for ourselves.

With that in mind, Sugoii Japan has posted an article on ten things that may shock foreigners when they visit Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan is a country of contrasts. It’s one of the most densely populated countries in the world, but it also boasts some of the largest expanses of uninhabited land. The culture is steeped with tradition, but Japanese society has changed rapidly over the last few decades. It’s also one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world with innovations such as bullet trains, robots and talking toilets. But what do you really know about this fascinating country? 

We’re going to take a look at 10 things that (might) shock foreigners in Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

ANI News: Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Above, pedestrians crossing Shibuya Scramble. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For many kaiju fans, they first became aware of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing (or Shibuya Scramble) through such films as Gamera 3 (1999) and Godzilla x Megaguirus (2000). It is one of the places in Japan that they make it a point to visit.

Currently, the Shibuya shopping district is undergoing redevelopment, so it will change a bit. It was first built in 1973.

Above, the famous statue of Hachiko is near Shibuya Scramble. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

ANI News has an article on Shibuya Crossing. So whenever this pandemic ends, fans can finally be able go visit Shibuya Crossing.

To see the full article, go here.

Things NOT To Do In Japan

Above, the Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever this current pandemic ever ends, whether naturally or politicians finally come to their senses, travel to Japan will start up again.

When it does, there's a few things that first-timers should know before stepping foot in the country.

Somag News has an article on things people should not do if they travel to Japan.

They begin it with:

If you are interested in Japanese culture, you must know its rules of conduct. When you travel to a different country, you frequently come across habits and customs that are very different from those that surround you in your day-to-day life, however, when it comes to rules of conduct, it is important that you know them and adapt to them. 

Nobody wants to appear rude while visiting a different territory, instead it is attractive to know the culture that exists there and understand the lifestyle of the local people. 

Therefore, if you travel to Japan, you should know some habits that are common and very easy to follow, in this way, you can enjoy your visit without appearing rude to others.

To read what they are, go here. 

Finding The Right Travel Insurance For Japan

Above, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Of my eight trips to Japan, I've only purchased travel insurance once. That was back in 2004 for G-TOUR.

The travel company we used offered travel insurance at a reasonable rate. It was a good thing they did for one of our tour group became seriously ill and had to be hospitalized for several weeks in Japan. He bought travel insurance and it covered everything.

I haven't purchased travel insurance as I was younger then. But since my heart attack of two summers ago while on a trip in Nevada, I will likely purchase travel insurance the next time I go to Japan.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on finding the right travel insurance for Japan.

They begin with:

Apart from the obvious travel disasters (think lost luggage, pinched passports or canceled flights), getting sick abroad is, unfortunately, a possibility—and one you’d be well-advised to insure yourself against. While getting a basic prescription for medicine in Japan is generally affordable out of pocket, more serious medical considerations like hospitalization or transport back home can easily run into the thousands of dollars (US). Having a travel insurance policy can give you some peace of mind, and is something most travel experts recommend. We may be Cheapos, but we believe in playing it safe.

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Traveler Spending In Japan

Above, the Shibuya shopping district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan Tourism Agency has released the results of a new study on spending by foreign visitors to Japan.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - A new study by the Japan Tourism Agency, part of the Japanese government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, shows that the Japan travel boom is still going strong. According to the agency, during 2019 foreign travelers spent more money in Japan than ever before, with expenditures from foreign guests totaling roughly 4.8113 trillion yen ($43.739 billion). That’s a 6.5-percent increase over the year before, and also the seventh year in a row for the record to be broken. 

Chinese travelers left more of their money behind in Japan than tourists from any other nation, with the country’s contribution coming to 1.7718 trillion yen (more than a third of the total). Following China were Taiwan, Korea, and Hong Kong, with the United States, in fifth place, the highest-spending non-Asian nation.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo "Tourist Traps" and Alternatives

Above, the Shibuya 109 department store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo is one of the most populated cities in the world. This can be a problem when one adds to the local population the hordes of foreign visitors (over 30 million last year) at many of the popular tourist "traps".

But there are alternatives and Live Japan has listed 8 tourist traps to avoid with suggestions on where to go instead.

I'll have to admit that some of the places Live Japan says to avoid I actually enjoy visiting.

They begin with:

If you plan to visit Japan, Tokyo is most likely at the top of your list for many reasons. Being the capital city of Japan, the center of business and one of the most important and iconic cities in the world, Tokyo is the ultimate urban destination. 

As the world’s most populated city, Tokyo brings in millions of tourists every year and the trend is increasing. According to surveys by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in 2018 there were about 14 million foreign visitors to Tokyo. And almost 6 trillion yen was spent by these visitors while in Tokyo. That is a lot of tourist money, meaning hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions are competing for tourist attention and dollars. 

And although anywhere in Tokyo is filled with amazing things to do and see, some places are a little over-crowded and have a distinct "touristy" vibe. Here is a list of nine places that might be considered tourist traps and some alternatives if you want to skip the long lines and discover someplace new.

To read more, go here.

Things to Do At The New Shibuya Scramble Square

Above, Shibuya Scramble (or Shibuya Crossing) in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shibuya Scramble (or Shibuya Crossing) is a familiar place in Tokyo to many due to such movies as Lost In Translation and Gamera 3.

It is currently undergoing a "major transformation" with construction. One new edifice has gone up and will be opening this coming Friday. It is called Shibuya Scramble Square.

Time Out Tokyo has an article giving readers a peek at five things to do at Shibuya Scramble Square.

They begin with:

Shibuya Scramble, the busiest and most iconic pedestrian crossing in the world, attracts hordes of tourists keen to not only witness but also join in the action. Many visitors, however, are often puzzled by the surrounding prime real estate, where a number of buildings look to be perpetually under construction. The scaffolding is a sign that Shibuya is going through a monumental transformation that will see the city reinvent itself completely by 2027. 

Come Friday November 1, Shibuya will unveil a new addition to the city with the opening of Shibuya Scramble Square’s highly anticipated east building. The 47-storey shopping-and-office complex positions itself as a new Shibuya landmark offering these new attractions.

To read more, go here. 

Best Restaurants In Shibuya

Above, Shibuya Crossing (or Shibuya Scramble). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the joys of visiting Japan is to partake in Japanese food.

For those of you who visit Japan but don't particularly like Japanese food, well, there's always McDonalds. There's plenty of them in Japan.

But this blog post is for those who enjoy Japanese cuisine and are also in the Shibuya section of Tokyo.

Time Out Tokyo has a list of the best restaurants in Shibuya.

They begin with:

Tokyo is the world's best food city, and we have the Michelin stars to prove it. But there are many, many other restaurants worth visiting besides those bestowed with a star, or three. So we have put together a list to make it easier for you to hunt down an exemplary restaurant – if you're in Shibuya. We've expanded our search beyond the immediate surroundings of the iconic scramble crossing and ventured into the adjacent neighbourhoods of Daikanyama, Harajuku and Yoyogi, which are within the Shibuya ward. 

Whether you're looking for an elaborate kaiseki meal that celebrates the season, a hearty yakitori meal paired with natural wines, progressive Japanese-French cuisine, or even an updated take on the local fast food staple gyoza, start eating through this list. Oh, and we have included a vegetarian restaurant in here too, one that would wow even the meat-lovers. 

 Bon Appétit!

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Consumption Tax Raised From 8% to 10%

Above, the Shibuya shopping district in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here we go again!

Today, the Japanese consumption tax is now 10% (with some confusing differences) from 8%. The last time the consumption tax was raised, it caused a huge uproar in Japan.

No doubt the new tax rate will cause another uproar.

According to Time Out Tokyo:

Nope, this isn't a spooky Halloween joke. Beginning today, October 1, Japan's consumption tax is raised from 8 to 10 percent, despite the outroar of controversy. This means most items purchased, such as household goods, souvenirs, clothing, etc, is subject to the new price. However, this tax hike comes with a set of complications, confusing both consumers and retailers because not everything will be taxed at 10 percent. Baffled? Let us explain some of the nitty-gritty details.

This means travelers to Japan will have to budget a little more for their trip.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo Night Walking Tours

Above, Shibuya Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one should find themselves in Tokyo and want to take an evening or night stroll, Tokyo Cheapo has five recommendations to choose from.

Summers in Japan are sweltering, but at night, the temperatures cool down to more comfortable levels.

They begin with:

The sweltering days of summer are upon us, and they will continue well into September. For many, keeping cool means staying indoors until the inferno of summer months in Tokyo has passed. But before you get a bout of cabin fever, why not make most of the cooler evening hours and venture out at night? Here are our five favorite self-guided Tokyo night walking tours, featuring a bit of everything, from glittering skylines to beaches and quiet leafy promenades.

To read more, go here.