Kai Tanaka - Japan Travel Expert If you are planning a trip to Tokyo, you have probably noticed that Harajuku and Shibuya are right next to each other on the map. So, can you walk from Harajuku to Shibuya instead of taking the train? Yes. For most visitors, it is one of the best short walks in Tokyo. The direct walk … Read more
p>If you are arriving at JR Shinjuku Station and wondering which exit to take, here is the short answer: Kabukicho, Golden Gai, Godzilla Head, or Isetan → East Exit or Central East Exit. You usually go down to B1F. Omoide Yokocho, Yodobashi Camera, or Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building → West Exit or Central West Exit. … Read more
If you want to buy Japanese snacks, cosmetics, character goods, travel items, and extra luggage in one stop, MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya is one of the most convenient souvenir-shopping stops in Tokyo. It is also busy, bright, loud, and easy to underestimate if you visit without a plan. This guide explains the floors most travelers … Read more
The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives short-term visitors unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. As of June 2026, adult tickets cost ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours, and ¥2,000 for 72 hours. For most travelers, the pass makes sense only if you will use Tokyo … Read more
Tokyo cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to early April. In 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency recorded Tokyo’s official flowering date as March 19 and full bloom as March 28. For most visitors, the strongest viewing window was the last week of March into the first few days of April. But choosing the right … Read more
Do you need a guided tour for the Tokyo Imperial Palace? For a simple walk around the East Gardens and outer palace area, no. For the official Inner Palace Grounds, yes—you need to join the free Imperial Household Agency tour. For live English historical explanation, a paid walking tour can be worth it. The Tokyo … Read more
Shinjuku Kabukicho is Tokyo’s most famous entertainment district: neon signs, late-night restaurants, bars, arcades, host clubs, and the giant Godzilla Head above Toho Cinemas. It is also a red-light and nightlife district, so it is completely normal to ask: Is Shinjuku Kabukicho safe at night? The honest answer is not a simple yes or no. … Read more
If you are planning a trip to Tokyo as a vegan or vegetarian, you have probably heard mixed things. Some travelers say Japan is difficult for plant-based eating. Others say Tokyo is surprisingly easy. The truth is: Tokyo can be one of the best cities in the world for vegan food if you know where … Read more
If you are visiting Tokyo and want to see sumo wrestling — Japan’s national sport — you have more options than you might think. Official tournaments happen only a few times a year in Tokyo, but tourist-friendly sumo shows are usually available throughout the year with English explanation, audience participation, and a more relaxed format. … Read more
If you are searching for kimono rental Asakusa, you have probably seen prices starting from around ¥3,000. The real question is not whether that price exists — it is what you actually pay by the time you leave the shop. In this guide, you will find realistic 2026 price ranges, what is usually included, which … Read more