Japan's Entry and Exit Fees To Rise

Above, the Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Hall from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those taking a trip to Japan will find that doing so will be a little more expensive starting next year.

Various fees will be hiked on foreign visitors to help pay for infrastructure needs and airport security.

Time Out reported:

Japan is an amazing place to visit. It’s bursting with culture, great food, and fascinating history – and its capital Tokyo is home to the world's coolest neighbourhood for 2025. However, if you’re currently planning a trip to Japan for 2026, there are a few things you should know, and a few extra costs you should account for.

As of next year, the government has announced a few changes to visas and fees for tourists. This includes increasing the exit tax, and the cost of single and multi-entry visas. According to Japanese financial newspaper the Nikkei, the money raised will go towards improving infrastructure and security in airports, as well as fund national projects like making high school free.

This will be the first time the exit tax will increase since its introduction six years ago, and the first upping of visa fees since 1978. No official announcements have been made yet about exactly when these new fares will be introduced. 

To read more, go here. 

Time Out: Guide To Hakone

Above, a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR to Japan took place. It was sponsored by G-FAN magazine. 60 Godzilla/Daikaiju Eiga fans went on the tour.

One of the stops (an overnighter) was Hakone. The stop included Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and a fireworks show at Lake Kawaguchi.

Time Out Tokyo has posted a guide to Hakone, with the best things to see and do.

They begin with:

The mountainous town of Hakone lies about an hour and a half by train from Tokyo, making it a popular day trip or weekend getaway from the capital. It has had a long and illustrious tradition as a hot spring town – its name even appears in Edo-era (1603-1868) rankings of Japan’s best onsen.

But Hakone is about much more than just bathing. It’s got everything from superb art museums to an active volcano, as well as a jaw-dropping view of Mt Fuji on clear days. These are our top picks of things to do and see around the area, from central Hakone-Yumoto and beautiful Lake Ashi to posh but relaxed Gora, which is still one of the most in-demand neighbourhoods for moneyed Tokyo folks looking for a second home.

To see the guide, go here. 

Most Scenic Night Walks In Tokyo

Above, the Tokyo Skytree, Asahi Beer Hall and Sumida River from Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one suffers from insomnia due to jet lag, taking a night stroll in Tokyo is an interesting and fun experience. I have done so several times over the years and felt completely safe.

Time Out Tokyo has four of the most scenic night walks in Tokyo for visitors to enjoy, one of which is pictured above. 

They begin with:

Let’s face it, Tokyo looks its best at night. It’s impossible to think of the city without seeing the glitzy high-rises of Ginza, the changing colours of Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya’s neon lights. Better still, if you stroll along a river or head down to Tokyo Bay, you get a double dose of the city’s skyline with all the glittering lights reflected on the water.

Exploring the city at night has other advantages, too. Provided you stay away from major nightlife districts, you won’t have to deal with all the crowds you normally see during the day, even at major landmarks.

These are some of the most scenic routes to take around Tokyo at night. They’re generally well lit and surprisingly quiet – just be sure to keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss the last train home.

To read more, go here. 

5 Most Confusing Train Stations In Tokyo

Above, Shibuya Station in 2010. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Unless a visitor wants to spend money on expensive taxi cabs in Tokyo, the only alternative to getting around the city is with the subway and train system.

Navigating the Tokyo subway and train system is, to me, a lot easier than the Amtrak system in the U.S. But, there are some train stations in Tokyo that are downright confusing, even to locals.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on five of the most confusing Tokyo train stations.

They begin with:

Let’s get one thing straight: some train stations in Tokyo are so confusing that even locals routinely get lost in them. So you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that when it comes to navigating the underground labyrinth of Shinjuku Station, or finding an exit at Shibuya Station other than the one that leads to Hachiko, everyone is in the same boat. 

To make things more complicated, in the midst of the city transitioning to remote work, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and general urban development projects, many of the stations are undergoing renovations that have partially altered station exits and train lines. That’s why we’ve outlined this guide to the five most confusing train stations in the city.

To read more, go here. 

Japan: Accepting Tour Groups June 10

Above, a view from Tokyo City View in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nikkei Asia just reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a resumption of tourism:

TOKYO -- Japan will reopen its borders to international tourists on June 10, starting with tour groups, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Thursday.

To read more, go here. 

Additionally, Time Out Tokyo posted:

Despite many setbacks, Japan has started to slowly resume travel and tourism. This month, a limited number of foreign tourists were allowed to enter on a trial basis and more border restrictions are set to ease further from June 1. 

As reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced tonight (Thursday May 26) that Japan will now allow foreign tourists to enter the country via package tours from Friday June 10, ahead of a full resumption of inbound tourism. Additionally, international flights will be expanded to cover Sapporo's New Chitose Airport and Okinawa's Naha Airport. 

To read more, go here.

Japan May Fully Lift COVID-19 Quasi-Emergency Restrictions

Above, filming near Senso-ji in Asakusa in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan appears to be slowly creeping back to some semblance of normalcy.

The country may fully lift COVID-19 quasi-emergency measures. Will allowing foreign tourists into Japan be not too far behind?

According to Time Out Tokyo:

As the number of new Covid-19 infections continues to drop, the government is considering lifting the current quasi-state of emergency in 18 prefectures including Tokyo. The emergency measures, which were extended for an additional two weeks at the beginning of March, are set to expire on Monday March 21.

The Japan Times reports that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could make an announcement as early as this Wednesday if the government decides to fully remove the quasi-emergency on March 21. 

To read more, go here.  

Shinjuku Station Is Getting A ¥72.8 Billion Makeover

Above, commuters cataching a Yamanote Line train at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, I've been there several times to catch trains to Nakano (where Mandarake stores are located at Nakano Broadway) and Setagaya (where Toho Studios is located). The most recent time I've used it was in 2015.

Shinjuku Station is reputed to be the busiest in the world and not easy to navigate. I've never had a problem with it.

But, according to Time Out Tokyo, Shinjuku station is getting a makeover to make it more user-friendly.

They wrote:

Getting lost in Shinjuku Station is an emotional experience. With 12 different train lines and 36 platforms, it’s officially the world’s busiest train station, with an estimated 3.59 million people passing through it every day. As if the sheer number of commuters didn’t make things disorienting enough, Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits that even locals have a difficult time navigating. 

There might be an end to the chaos – at least, in the distant future – with renovations underway to improve the station’s layout and make it more hospitable for those of us passing through. New features will include a footpath allowing for people to cut through the station from the east side to the west side without having to go through any ticket barriers.

Above, the walk from Shinjuku Station to see Godzilla peering over buildings is an easy one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Earthquake! While You're In The Bath

 Above, a bathtub in a Tokyo business hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my 8 travels to Japan, I have experienced a few tremors while in Tokyo. Thankfully, they were relatively minor ones (around 3.0 on the Richter scale).

But what if a major one hits and it hits while one is in a bath? 

Time Out Tokyo has an article on what to do when an earthquake hits while you're in the bath.

They begin it with:

Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, experiencing about 200 per year with a shindo (intensity) rating of level 1 or more. If you’ve spent a lot of time here, you’re probably used to the tremors that punctuate everyday life in Tokyo. For bigger quakes, the basic safety tips are simple, but have you ever worried about an earthquake hitting at an inconvenient moment? Like while you’re taking a bath? 

To be honest, we hadn’t either, but after seeing these safety tips from online bath accessory retailer Bathlier, we haven’t been able to get the idea out of our heads. Not to worry, though – Bathlier says there are just five steps to remember to ensure you can bathe with confidence again.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Checklist To Re-Enter Japan From Overseas

Above, Narita Airport arrival lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sooner or later (more likely later), foreign visitors will be allowed back into Japan for vacationing. When that happens, there will be a few things travelers will need to do and have to be admitted into the country.

Time Out Tokyo has posted a checklist of those things that travelers will likely need.

They begin with:

These days, travel requires more than just your passport and airline ticket. Covid-19 has made travelling internationally a tedious task, with many documents now compulsory for
exiting and entering countries around the globe – and Japan is no exception.

For a smooth trip and easy return, we've pulled together this checklist of all the documents you'll need when returning to Japan. Do note that rules and restrictions are subject to sudden change, so you'll want to confirm all the requirements of your specific airline – and any special rules that may apply depending on the country or region you’re arriving from – through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Best Discount Train Deals and Passes From Tokyo

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from an Osaka-bound Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Japan finally reopens to foreign visitors, there are deals to be had while in the country.

One of the best deals for foreign tourists are those offered by Japan Rail and other rail companies.

Time Out Tokyo has posted some of the best discount train deals and rail passes for excursions from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Japan’s legendarily efficient train network is a thing of beauty. We love being able to zip around the country on a shinkansen for a weekend getaway, but that convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. A trip from Tokyo to Osaka can cost around ¥15,000 one-way.

Thankfully, Japan’s railway companies offer package deals for trips on a budget. Deals can include shinkansen tickets to and from your destination, unlimited public transport once you’re there, and even discounts on local attractions. 

Whether you want to spend a day exploring Tokyo, take a day trip to Nikko, or travel to Osaka for the weekend, be sure to check out these deals before you book your next trip. 

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Convenience Stores: 10 Reason Why They're Best In The World

Above, a Family Mart convenience store in the Asakusa section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there's a kind of business that there is never a shortage of in Japan, it is the convenience store.

One can find a convenience store within walking distance just about anywhere in Japan.

Unlike the ones in the U.S., Japan's convenience stores have goods and services not found anywhere else as handy.

There are reasons for why Japan's convenience stores are the best in the world and Time Out Tokyo lists ten of them.

They start with:

Japan’s convenience stores, known affectionately as konbini, are the best in the world. You can find them anywhere throughout the country, tirelessly open 24/7. In fact, it’s estimated that Japan has close to 60,000 konbini; in Tokyo alone, there are around 50 stores for every 100,000 people.

Konbini are the pulse of every neighbourhood, catering to your every need, want and whim, anytime of the day. Here are the things that make the konbini in Tokyo – and across Japan – our local superheroes, always there for us, come rain, shine, snow or typhoon.

 To read more, go here.

Best Japanese Movies With English Subtitles On Netflix

Above, Tokyo Station demolished in Shin Godzilla (2016).

So you're stuck indoors at home either due to illness, coronavirus government restrictions or just plain winter weather. What is there to do?

Well, you can watch movies. Not just your run-of-the-mill Hollywood movies but JAPANESE MOVIES. 

To help you along, Time Out Tokyo has a list of the best Japanese movies and series with English subtitles on Netflix.

Full disclosure: I don't subscribe to Netflix.

They begin the list with:

Whether you’re stuck inside on a freezing/rainy day or in the mood for a cheeky weeknight binge, Netflix is a gold mine of movies and tv shows to get stuck into when you’re bored. There is an abundance of titles in the anime category with new episodes available every week, but there are also seamlessly crafted documentaries, heart-tugging dramas and guilty pleasure reality TV shows that are just as worthy of your attention. Here are the best Japanese series and movies available with English subtitles on Netflix right now (note: regional restrictions may apply).One of the movies they list is Shin Godzilla (2016).

One of the movies available is Shin Godzilla (2016).

Here's what they have to say about it:

Shin Godzilla

Synopsis: Members of the Japan Coast Guard set out to investigate an abandoned yacht in Tokyo Bay when their boat is destroyed by something in the water. The cause of destruction, initially thought to be abnormal volcanic activity, is later confirmed to be a creature known as Godzilla. While government officials prepare to evacuate the city, experts on the case make a disturbing discovery – Godzilla is ever-evolving and becomes more dangerous every time it’s attacked. 

Overview: ‘Shin Godzilla’, directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, was the 31st installment of the Godzilla franchise (now available in full on Netflix) and marked the beginning of the Reiwa-era reboot of the kaiju series. While there are dozens of Godzilla films that have been produced since the original in 1954, the box office success of ‘Shin Godzilla’ reinvigorated enthusiasm for modern-day kaiju films and went on to win several awards for its fresh take on a Japanese classic. It’s a story that’s been told before, but the keen self-awareness of the film makes it a triumphant reintroduction to kaiju movies while avoiding the usual cliches. 

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Above, Itsukushima Shrine's grand vermillion torii gate at Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of these days, tourists will flock again to Japan to enjoy its scenic beauty and take in Japanese culture.

Until then, all we can do is read about it and catch a video of Japan on YouTube and other sources.

Japan has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for people to visit and Time Out Tokyo has listed the best ones.

They begin with:

It’s no secret that Japan is filled with some of the most picturesque sightseeing spots in the world – we’re talking soothing bamboo forests, summer festivals and winter villages. So many of Japan’s historic sites have been damaged or destroyed in natural disasters and wars, so the ones that still remain are considered rare and therefore special.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, or Unesco, aims to preserve global cultural, historical or natural landmarks by designating them as World Heritage Sites. And Japan boasts a whopping 23 World Heritage Sites, ranging from traditional villages to Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples, and more.

Thanks to preservation efforts, both tourists and residents can still visit these ancient sites and learn about the history of Japan. Here are some of Japan’s best Unesco World Heritage Sites, from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial to Kyoto’s ancient monuments. 

To read more, go here. 

 

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum By Virtual Tour

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to COVID-19, travel to Japan is out of the question for the time being.

However, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is commemorating the 75th anniversary (which is today) of the August 6, 1945 atomic bombing of the city with a virtual tour of the museum.

Time Out Tokyo reported:

The 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima takes place this August 6, but Japan’s travel restrictions due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic have made it impossible for many people to visit the city and mark the occasion as planned. As a way to commemorate the anniversary while sustaining social distancing protocols, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has partnered with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as Japanese and American artists to curate materials for a virtual tour of the museum so that people can still visit the site from home.  

The online tour consists of 3D renderings of the museum and its artefacts, including everyday objects which survived the bombing. The new online exhibition, complete with multimedia components, is available from August 6, which marks the anniversary of the bombing.

To read more and to take the virtual online tour, go here. 

All Nippon Airways: ¥2,020 Flights To Tohoku

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People heading to Japan this summer can get a real bargain while there.

Flights to and from Tohoku for only ¥2,020 ($18.49)!

Time Out Tokyo reported:

This summer, the world will be travelling to Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Most travellers will hit up the traditional tourist route – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka – but those looking to get off the beaten path should head up north to the Tohoku region.  

Good thing All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be offering cheap tickets at the symbolic price of just ¥2,020 for 18 domestic flights flying to and from Aomori, Odate Noshiro (in northern Akita), Akita, Shonai (in Yamagata), Sendai and Fukushima from July to September 2020. These flights are centred around Tohoku because ANA is hoping the campaign will raise awareness and improve reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 

Flight reservations start in spring.

To read more, go here. 

Where To Get The Best View of Mount Fuji

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a bullet train. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Of all of the eight times I've been to Japan, the only times I've been able to get decent enough views of Mount Fuji were during G-TOUR in 2004 when we were actually on the side of the mountain (at the timberline) and during the fireworks festival at Lake Kawaguchi and during a 2015 shinkansen trip to Kyoto and Osaka.

Above, the top of Mount Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The mountain, during other times, was obscured by cloud cover.

However, Time Out Tokyo has an article on five of the best places to view Mount Fuji.

They begin with:

The highest peak in Japan at 3,776m, Mt Fuji is stunning for its elegant, perfectly symmetrical shape. It is the icon of Japan, one that many tourists want to see on their trip to Tokyo. While it’s possible to get a glimpse of the mountain in the capital – when the weather is super clear – you should travel slightly out of the city to the areas surrounding the mountain for the perfect view. 

Of course, the best is still to go hiking up the mountain in summer from July to September. But if you’re not keen on the physical workout, these five scenic spots in Yamanashi and Kanagawa – easily reachable from Tokyo as a day trip – are your next best bet for a spectacular view of Mt Fuji. Just try to get there early in the morning or late afternoon as the mid-day clouds tend to block the view (especially in the summer).

To read more, go here. 

Best Shops In Tokyo's Kappabashi "Kitchen Town"

Above, you know you're in Kappabashi when you see the giant chef. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one is a big food fan (or "foodie), everyone has to eat and that means good food preparation tools are a must-have.

There's a section in Tokyo, Kappabashi, that is known as "Kitchen Town" where food preparation and other goods are sold in a pretty large cluster of specialty shops. I first visited there in 2014 and bought some chefs knives.

Above, my favorite cutlery shop, Kama-Asa Shoten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on what they consider to be the "best shops" in Kappabashi. The cutlery shop where I bought the chefs knives, Kama-Asa Shoten, is one of their favorites.

They begin the article with:

Asakusa's Kappabashi is a haven for homecooks and professional chefs. If you’re in the market for kitchen utensils, you will want to set aside at least half a day to explore the roughly 800m-long street as there are hundreds of shops catering to every conceivable cooking, baking, dining, drinking and serving need – and that’s not counting the side streets, which have dozens more speciality shops. 

While the selection may be overwhelming, the prices are reasonable. You can easily spend less than ¥100 on a cheap pair of chopsticks and around ¥10,000 for a proper Japanese kitchen knife that you can personalise on the spot and which will last you a lifetime. You will find items you never thought you needed – think mini frying pans for single eggs, spoons in all shapes and sizes, kawaii branding irons for toasts and pancakes, and all the fake food you can imagine. 

As most stores in Kappabashi tend to cater to restaurateurs or wholesale buyers, we’ve narrowed down a list of our favourite shops for casual shoppers, whether you’re a dab hand in the kitchen, keen to learn or just looking for that perfect souvenir.

To read more, go here. 

Best Budget Sushi Restaurants In Tokyo

Above, Sushizanmai's Asakusa restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like anything else anywhere in the world, there are pricey restaurants and budget restaurants in Tokyo.

But one doesn't have to a Michelin-rated Tokyo sushi restaurant to get a good meal. There are plenty of budget sushi restaurants to partake at.

Time Out Tokyo has listed several they consider to be the best.

They start with:

Tokyo is a foodie paradise, where you can enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering Japanese food from tonkatsu and yakitori to soba and udon. And the great thing about eating sushi in the capital is that this world-famous delicacy can be found in a range of price points. From pricey Michelin-starred omakase sets to cheap standing eateries and everything in between, there are many ways to enjoy a quality sushi meal in the capital. You can even combine a visit to the Toyosu Market with a sushi meal after catching the tuna auction.  

Regardless of the sushi joint you pick, you can be rest assured that budget sushi doesn't always mean that the quality is compromised. Head to a kaitenzushi or conveyor-belt sushi joint, where a decent serving usually starts from as cheap as ¥80. Standing sushi bars are also a good option, where you can order fresh sushi directly from the chefs behind the counter for just a couple of hundred yen per plate. At prices this reasonable, best start loosening your belt for an unforgettable sushi feast in the city. 

One of my favorites in Tokyo is Sushizanmai. I have been to two of their locations, Tsukiji and Asakusa. Even though they aren't listed, I still recommend Sushizanmai.

To read more, go here. 

Cheap Transport Deals For Tourists In Tokyo and Japan

Above, a shinkansen (bullet train) arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Besides allowing people from around the world to travel from one country to another, one's passport also opens doors to deals in Japan. All one has to do is just show the passport.

Time Out Tokyo has an article on cheap transport deals one can get in Tokyo and Japan tourists can get by just showing their passports.

The begin with:

Flash your foreign passport and get access to a host of discounted tickets for trains, buses, metro, flights and even the shinkansen 

Everyone keeps telling you how expensive Tokyo is, right? Don't let the naysayers get the better of you. There are means to beat the budget-blowing travel expenses that come with sightseeing around the city and beyond. One of the best money-saving tips is to get a travel pass that gives you unlimited rides on the city’s efficient and extensive public transportation network with just a one-off payment. Here are your options. Some of these will require you to show your passport upon purchase or use.

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.