Asia / Destination guide
Japan
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60 of 87 guides checked against official sources · others are editorial previews- Capital
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Fukuoka / Food
How many yatai are left in Fukuoka, by the city's own count
Fukuoka City publishes a yatai count going back to 1961 and a licensed-stall list. Here is the dated series, the areas they sit in, and where official figures disagree.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingFukuoka / Food
Mentaiko in Fukuoka: Korean Roots, Fukuya's 1949 Start and the Makers
Spicy pollock roe came from Korea; Fukuya began selling its version in Hakata on 10 January 1949. Who makes it now, what labels mean, and how to take it home.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingKyoto / Practical information
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji: Tickets and Trains
Tenryu-ji's garden costs ¥500 (buildings ¥300 more), open 8:30–17:00; the bamboo path starts outside its North Gate. Randen is 5 minutes away, JR 13, Hankyu 15.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Nightlife
Kyoto Autumn Light-Ups 2026: Dates, Hours and Prices
Kyoto's autumn 2026 night illuminations run from late October to mid-December. Dates, last entry and prices for 22 temples, gardens and events, checked 22 October.
Official sources checked 2026-10-22Kyoto / Practical information
Chion-in Light-Up and New Year's Eve Bell: 2026 Dates
Chion-in's 2026 autumn light-up runs 17 Nov–6 Dec (¥800, last entry 21:00), and its New Year's Eve bell starts at 22:20 on 31 Dec. How 2025's bell tickets worked.
Official sources checked 2026-10-22Kyoto / Practical information
Eikando Autumn Light-Up 2026: Dates, Fees and Tickets
Eikando's 2026 autumn exhibition runs 11 Nov–6 Dec (¥1,500, entry 9:00–16:00); the night light-up runs 20 Nov–6 Dec (¥1,000, 17:30–20:30). Same-day tickets only.
Official sources checked 2026-10-22Kyoto / Practical information
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Hours, Getting There and the Hike
Fushimi Inari Taisha is open 24 hours with no admission ticket listed. JR Inari Station is beside the gate; touring Mount Inari (233 m) takes about 2–3 hours.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Practical information
Ginkaku-ji Fees, Seasonal Hours and the Philosopher's Path
Ginkaku-ji costs ¥1,000 for adults since April 2026 and opens 8:30–17:00 until 30 November, then 9:00–16:30. Buses, the autumn special viewing and the Philosopher's Path.
Official sources checked 2026-10-24Kyoto / Practical information
Gion photo rules: which Kyoto lanes are private and what is banned
Hanamikoji in Gion is a public street, but the lanes off it are private and closed to photography. What the Gion rules say, the 10,000 yen sign and maiko photos.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingKyoto / Practical information
Goshuin in Kyoto: Temple Stamps and Book Etiquette
Collect goshuin respectfully in Kyoto: visit the shrine or temple first, use a dedicated book and check whether the office offers handwriting or a paper seal.
Official sources checked 2026-10-16Kyoto / Airports
Kansai Airport to Kyoto: Haruka Train vs Limousine Bus
Kansai Airport to Kyoto: the Haruka visitor ticket is ¥2,700 if bought from 1 November 2026 (¥2,200 before) and takes about 78 minutes; the bus is ¥2,800 and runs later.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Kyoto / Practical information
Kinkaku-ji Tickets, Hours and Buses from Kyoto Station
Kinkaku-ji opens 9:00–17:00 every day; entry is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for school pupils, paid at the gate. How to get there by bus or subway, and when to go.
Official sources checked 2026-10-24Kyoto / Practical information
Kiyomizu-dera Hours, Night Viewing and Getting There
Kiyomizu-dera opens at 6:00 and closes at 18:00 (18:30 in July–August). Autumn night viewing runs 21–30 November 2026 until 21:30. Bus 206 or 100 to Gojozaka.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Accommodation
Kyoto Accommodation Tax: Rates per Person per Night
Since 1 March 2026 Kyoto's accommodation tax is ¥200 to ¥10,000 per person per night, set by the room-only price per person. You usually pay it at the hotel.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Transportation
Kyoto Bus and Subway Fares: ¥230 Bus, Day Passes, IC Cards
Kyoto city buses charge a flat ¥230 in the city zone and the subway ¥220–¥360. The bus-only day pass is gone; the Subway & Bus 1-Day Pass costs ¥1,100. No credit cards.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Practical information
Kyoto Imperial Palace, Katsura and Shugakuin: How to Visit
Kyoto Imperial Palace is free with no booking. Katsura Villa (¥1,000, age 12+), Shugakuin and Sento (free, 18+) need a tour place: online lottery or 8:40 walk-in.
Official sources checked 2026-10-24Kyoto / Practical information
Kyoto Railway Museum Tickets: Prices, Steam Train, Hours
Kyoto Railway Museum costs ¥1,500 for adults; the steam train ride is ¥300 extra. Open 10:00–17:00, closed most Wednesdays, 2 minutes from Umekoji-Kyotonishi.
Official sources checked 2026-10-25Kyoto / Practical information
How Many Kyoto Machiya Are Left? The City's Counts from 2008 to 2024
Kyoto City counted 47,735 machiya in 2008–09, 40,146 in 2016 and 34,580 in its FY2024 survey. What the losses mean, what the 2017 ordinance does, and how to stay in one.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingKyoto / Day trips
Kyoto to Nara Day Trip: Kintetsu vs JR and Todai-ji
Kyoto to Nara takes about 35 minutes by Kintetsu limited express or 45 by JR rapid. Kintetsu-Nara is 8 minutes' walk from Nara Park; Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall is ¥800.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Day trips
Nara Deer Crackers: Price, Feeding Rules and Safe Seasons
Nara deer crackers cost ¥200 for 10 (2024 price). Feed the deer nothing else, hand them over one at a time, and keep away from bucks in Sept–Nov and mothers in May–July.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Practical information
Nijo Castle Tickets: Prices, Hours and Honmaru Booking
Nijo Castle costs ¥800, or ¥1,300 with Ninomaru Palace. Entry 8:45–16:00, closed 29–31 Dec. Honmaru Palace (¥1,000 extra) needs a web reservation.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Kyoto / Practical information
Sanjusangendo Admission, Seasonal Hours and Getting There
Sanjusangendo costs ¥600 for adults. Winter hours from 16 November are 9:00–16:00, last entry 15:30. Bus 100, 206 or 208 from Kyoto Station, or Keihan Shichijo.
Official sources checked 2026-10-29Kyoto / Practical information
How to visit a Kyoto shrine, and how a Buddhist temple differs
You clap at a Shinto shrine and never at a Buddhist temple. The purification and worship sequence the shrines publish, and the documented Izumo exception.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingKyoto / Practical information
Tofuku-ji Autumn Leaves: Tsutenkyo Hours, Fees and Booking
Tofuku-ji's autumn period runs 14 November to 6 December: Tsutenkyo opens at 8:30, costs ¥1,000 and needs no advance booking. Fees, crowds and trains.
Official sources checked 2026-10-22Kyoto / Practical information
To-ji Temple Kyoto: Tickets, Pagoda Opening and Light-Up
To-ji's Kondo and Kodo cost ¥800; from 31 Oct to 13 Dec 2026 the pagoda's first floor opens (¥1,200 with both halls) and a ¥1,000 night light-up runs 18:00–21:30.
Official sources checked 2026-10-25Kyoto / Transportation
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen: Fares, Times and Booking
Tokyo to Kyoto by Nozomi takes about 130 minutes; smartEX reserved seats cost ¥13,970 (Green ¥18,840). JR Pass holders need a ¥4,960 Nozomi ticket; big bags need a seat booking.
Official sources checked 2026-10-19Nagoya / Food
Nagoya morning service: which chains still give breakfast free
Komeda gives toast and egg with any drink until 11:00, no extra charge. Nagoya households spend JPY 14,301 a year in kissaten against JPY 5,770 nationally.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingNaha / Transportation
Okinawa Rental Car: IDP, Naha Bus Lanes, Tolls, Typhoons
Renting a car in Okinawa: the Geneva IDP rule, Naha's weekday bus-lane hours and fines, the Naha to Kyoda expressway toll with and without ETC, and typhoon-season planning.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingOsaka / Practical information
Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory: Tickets, Hours and Access
HARUKAS 300 costs ¥2,200 for adults and ¥900 for ages 6–14 on the day, open 9:00–22:00 with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Where to buy, payment and Umeda Sky compared.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Transportation
Osaka Expressway Tolls in a Rental Car: ETC and SEP Pass
Why an ETC card is close to essential around Osaka in 2026, sample tolls to Kyoto, Kobe and Hiroshima, and when the San'in-Setouchi-Shikoku pass pays off.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingOsaka / Day trips
Himeji Castle Day Trip from Osaka: Trains, Tickets, Hours
Himeji Castle costs ¥2,500 for adults (under 18 free), last entry 16:00. From Osaka it is about an hour by JR Special Rapid or 30 minutes by Shinkansen, then a 20-minute walk.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Transportation
JR Kansai Area Pass Has Ended: What to Use from Osaka
JR West stopped selling the Kansai Area Pass on 30 September 2026. Compare the ¥3,000 Kansai Mini Pass, HARUKA one-way tickets and single fares for trips from Osaka.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Airports
Kansai Airport to Osaka: Nankai, HARUKA, Bus or Taxi
For Namba take Nankai (¥970–¥1,410, 34–43 min); for Tennoji or Shin-Osaka the JR HARUKA, whose visitor tickets rise on 1 November 2026. Buses ¥1,400–¥1,800; taxis compared.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Accommodation
Osaka Accommodation Tax: Rates per Person per Night
Osaka's accommodation tax is ¥200, ¥400 or ¥500 per person per night by room rate, and nothing under ¥5,000. Rates since 1 September 2025; how to work out yours.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Transportation
Osaka Amazing Pass: Prices, What's Included, Break-Even
The Osaka Amazing Pass costs ¥3,500 for 1 day or ¥5,000 for 2, digital only, with city trains and about 40 free entries. It pays off with 2–3 paid sights a day.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Practical information
Osaka Castle Main Tower: Tickets, Hours, Nishinomaru Garden
Osaka Castle Main Tower costs ¥1,200 for adults and is free for 15 and under; open 9:00–18:00, closed 28 Dec–1 Jan. Plus Nishinomaru Garden times and the best stations.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Transportation
Osaka Metro Fares and Day Passes: Which Ticket to Use
Osaka Metro single fares run ¥190–¥390. The Enjoy Eco Card day pass is ¥820 on weekdays and ¥620 at weekends; how many rides it takes to pay off, and when to tap a card.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Day trips
Osaka to Kobe by Train: JR vs Hankyu vs Hanshin
Osaka to Kobe by train: JR ¥420 in 21 minutes to Sannomiya, Hankyu ¥330 in 27, Hanshin ¥330 in 31. Which line suits your hotel and your part of Kobe.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Day trips
Osaka to Kyoto by Train: JR vs Hankyu vs Keihan
Osaka to Kyoto by train: JR ¥580 in 28 minutes to Kyoto Station, Hankyu ¥410 to Kawaramachi, Keihan ¥490 to Gion-Shijo. Which line suits your hotel, and seat options.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Practical information
Shitennoji Temple Admission: Fees, Hours and Free Days
Shitennoji's grounds are free; the central precinct and treasure house cost ¥500 each and the garden ¥300. Hours, the free 21st and 22nd, and the nearest station.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Shopping
Are Japan's shopping arcades half empty? What the counts show
Japan's FY2024 arcade survey put average vacancy near 11 per cent, not 50. Here is the year-by-year series, what the arcades blame, and how to read one.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingOsaka / Tax refunds
Osaka Tax-Free Shopping: The Refund System from 1 November
From 1 November 2026 Osaka tax-free shops charge tax at the till and refund it after a customs check at Kansai Airport before check-in. Rules, steps and pitfalls.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Family travel
Tennoji Zoo Admission: Prices, Hours, Closed Days and Gates
Tennoji Zoo costs ¥800 for adults and ¥200 for school-age children from outside Osaka City, open 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays. Discounts, gates and payment.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Practical information
Tower of the Sun Interior Tickets: Booking, Prices, Hours
Going inside the Tower of the Sun needs a booking by the day before: ¥1,080 adults with Expo '70 Park entry, ¥310 children. Hours, the Wednesday park closure and monorail access.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Practical information
Tsutenkaku Tower Tickets: Prices, Hours and Tower Slider
Tsutenkaku's observation deck costs ¥1,500 for adults and ¥800 for ages 5–14, open 9:00–21:45 with timed entry. Slide prices, New Year rates and the nearest stations.
Official sources checked 2026-10-30Osaka / Practical information
Umeda Sky Building Observatory: Tickets, Hours, Last Entry
Umeda Sky Building's Kuchu Teien Observatory costs ¥2,000 for adults and ¥500 for ages 4–12, open 9:30–22:30 with last entry at 22:00. Pass rules and the walk from Osaka Station.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Transportation
Osaka Station to Universal Studios Japan: JR Route, Passes
From JR Osaka Station, take the Loop Line from track 1 and change at Nishikujo for Universal-City: about 15 minutes. Routes from Itami and Namba, and which passes cover it.
Official sources checked 2026-11-03Osaka / Food
Why Osaka Was Called the Nation's Kitchen, and Where to See the Traces
Tenka no daidokoro meant rice warehouses, a futures market and trade, not street food. What Osaka's own sources say, and which sites and markets you can visit now.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingSapporo / Practical information
How to read a Sapporo address: the jo-chome grid explained
Sapporo addresses like Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome are grid coordinates counted from Odori Park and the Sosei River. How to read them, where the grid began, and its limits.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingSapporo / Transportation
Hokkaido Winter Driving from Sapporo: Tyres and Road Rules
Whether to drive a rental car around Sapporo in winter, what the tyres and road info sources cover, and the Japanese rules and fines that catch visiting drivers.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
How Tokyo coin laundries work: detergent, dryers, payment
Japanese coin laundries dose their own detergent and sell drying by the minute, not by the load. Here is what each machine does and where the money goes.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Shopping
Who Owns 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart in Japan, and Why It Matters
Seven & i still runs 7-Eleven Japan after Couche-Tard walked away, KDDI and Mitsubishi split Lawson 50/50, ITOCHU controls FamilyMart. Counts, dates, visitor tips.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Shopping
How to read a Tokyo drugstore label: the five words that decide
The words on a Japanese drugstore box are legal classifications, not marketing. Learn the five that decide whether you can carry a product to the register yourself.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Ghibli Museum Tickets: How Booking Works in Mitaka
Ghibli Museum tickets are sold only online through Lawson Ticket, from 10:00 JST on the 10th for the next month. Adults ¥1,000; closed Tuesdays; no door sales.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Shopping
Daiso, Seria, Can Do or Watts: choosing a 100-yen shop in Tokyo
Daiso, Seria, Can Do and Watts run different price structures and ranges. Store counts, what a 110-yen tag means at the till, and which chain to enter.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Imperial Palace East Gardens: Hours, Closed Days and Gates
Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Gardens are free, need no booking and open 9:00–16:00 from November (last entry 15:30); closed Mondays and Fridays. Gates and palace tour.
Official sources checked 2026-10-24Tokyo / Transportation
International Driving Permit 1949 vs 1968: Japan, EU, US
Which International Driving Permit to carry: Japan takes only the 1949 Geneva type, many others take 1968. Country table from UN treaty records and official traffic pages.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Food
Otoshi in Japan: Why Your Izakaya Bill Has a Table Charge
Understand the small dish served automatically at some Japanese izakaya, ask about the table charge before sitting down and handle dietary restrictions clearly.
Official sources checked 2026-10-16Tokyo / Practical information
January 2027 Sumo Tickets: Kokugikan Prices and Sale Date
The January 2027 sumo tournament runs 10–24 January at Ryogoku Kokugikan; tickets go on sale 5 December 2026 at new, higher prices. Seats, fees and same-day rules.
Official sources checked 2026-10-25Tokyo / Day trips
Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo: Trains, Passes and Temple Fees
Kamakura is about an hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. Great Buddha ¥300, Hasedera ¥400; Enoden passes ¥800–¥900 or Odakyu's Freepass from Shinjuku.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Day trips
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by Bus: Fares, Booking and Train Option
The Shinjuku–Kawaguchiko highway bus costs ¥2,200 per adult and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes; book up to a month ahead. How it compares with the Fuji Excursion train.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Food
Are kissaten disappearing in Japan? What Tokyo's counts show
Japan counted 58,669 kissaten in the 2021 economic census, against 154,630 in 1981. Two of the three official series break in 2021, and here is how to read each.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Safety
Bringing medicine into Japan: limits, permits and banned ingredients
Which medicines you can bring into Japan with no paperwork, when you need an Import Confirmation or narcotics permit, and why Adderall is refused and Vyvanse is not.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Meiji Jingu Hatsumode: New Year Hours, Crowds and Access
Meiji Jingu has stayed open all night on 31 December in recent years and draws several million visitors by 3 January. When to go, which station to use, how to avoid the peak.
Official sources checked 2026-10-23Tokyo / Airports
Narita and Haneda to Central Tokyo: Trains, Buses, Taxis
From Narita, take the Skyliner (¥2,580) for Ueno or the N'EX for Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya; from Haneda, the monorail and JR cost ¥720–780 to the same areas.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Transportation
Tokyo New Year Shinkansen: Reserved-Only Nozomi and Booking
Every Nozomi is reserved-only from 25 December 2026 to 5 January 2027. Seats go on sale at 10:00 a month ahead (smartEX a year ahead); top-season seats cost ¥400 more.
Official sources checked 2026-10-22Tokyo / Transportation
Renting a Car in Japan: Accepted IDPs and Translations
Japan accepts only 1949 Geneva IDPs or official translations for six licences. Check your country, the documents the counter wants, and what NOC charges cost.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Senso-ji Hours, Entry and Getting There in Asakusa
Senso-ji's main hall opens 6:30–17:00 from October to March (6:00 from April) with no entry fee listed. Asakusa Station is 5 minutes' walk; the grounds are lit after dark.
Official sources checked 2026-10-24Tokyo / Practical information
How many public bathhouses are left in Tokyo, and what one costs
Tokyo counted 417 public bathhouses at the end of 2025, down from 2,687 in 1968. The year-by-year series, why two official counts differ, and what a bath costs.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Shibuya Sky Tickets: Online vs Counter, Sunset and Rules
Shibuya Sky costs ¥2,700 online before 3pm and ¥3,400 from 3pm for adults; counter tickets cost ¥300 more. Sunset slots, rooftop rules, hours and access.
Official sources checked 2026-10-29Tokyo / Practical information
Shinjuku Gyoen Hours, Fees and Closed Days by Season
Shinjuku Gyoen costs ¥500 for adults, opens 9:00–16:30 from October to mid-March and closes on Mondays, except 1–15 November. Gates, rules and dates.
Official sources checked 2026-10-25Tokyo / Transportation
Tokyo Train Payment: Suica, PASMO or Tapping a Foreign Card
In Tokyo, a contactless Visa or Mastercard works on Tokyo Metro, Toei and nine private railways but not JR East, so most visitors still need a Suica or PASMO.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Practical information
Watching sumo morning practice in Tokyo: who actually decides
No central system books sumo morning practice. Each stable decides for itself, most published policies refuse the public, and here is what is officially open.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Tattoos at Tokyo baths and gyms: what the rules actually say
No Japanese law bars tattoos from onsen, sento or gyms: each operator decides. What government guidance says, which gym chains allow covered tattoos, and how to check.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Tax refunds
Tokyo Tax-Free Shopping: Refunds at Narita and Haneda
In Tokyo, items bought up to 31 Oct 2026 are tax-free at the till; from 1 Nov you pay 10% or 8% tax and get it back after a customs check at Narita or Haneda.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Practical information
teamLab Tokyo Tickets: Planets vs Borderless Compared
teamLab Planets and Borderless in Tokyo both price adult tickets by date, from ¥3,600 per teamLab, ¥3,800 listed. Compare time slots, hours, water, lockers and access.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Food
How to Use a Ramen Ticket Machine in Tokyo: Ordering Decoded
Tokyo ramen and set-meal chains make you pay at a machine before you sit down. Decode the sequence, the customisation call, and which chains take which payment.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Tokyo City View and Mori Art Museum Tickets in Roppongi
Tokyo City View costs ¥2,200 online for adults and the Mori Art Museum ¥2,600–¥2,800 for Mariko Mori. Combo ticket, closures, reduced-price days, hours and access.
Official sources checked 2026-10-25Tokyo / Practical information
Tokyo Disney Resort Tickets: Prices, Sale Dates and Access
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea 1-Day Passports cost ¥10,900–¥12,400 per adult on Oct and Dec 2026 dates, go on sale two months ahead at 2 p.m., and fix one date and park.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Practical information
Tokyo National Museum Tickets: Prices, Hours, Closed Days
Tokyo National Museum costs ¥1,000 for adults and is free for under-18s and over-70s; special exhibitions are priced separately. Closed most Mondays.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Practical information
Tokyo Skytree Tickets: Prices, Weekday vs Holiday, Booking
Tokyo Skytree advance tickets cost ¥2,100 (Tembo Deck) or ¥3,100 (with Tembo Galleria) for a weekday adult, more on weekends and holidays and on the day.
Official sources checked 2026-10-12Tokyo / Food
Tsukiji Outer Market: Hours, Closed Days and Manners
Tsukiji Outer Market sells to the public 9:00–14:00 and follows the wholesale market's closed days, mostly Sundays, holidays and some Wednesdays. Dates, rules and access.
Official sources checked 2026-10-25Tokyo / Practical information
Ueno Zoo Tickets: ¥600 Entry, Free Days and Closed Days
Ueno Zoo costs ¥600 for adults and is free for children up to primary-school age. Open 9:30–17:00, closed Mondays and 29 Dec–1 Jan. No giant pandas now.
Official sources checked 2026-10-29Tokyo / Shopping
Who actually makes the skincare on a Tokyo drugstore shelf?
Japanese law names the company legally responsible for a cosmetic, not the factory that made it. What the back of the pack shows, and what it never tells you.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Why Tokyo Has So Few Rubbish Bins, and Where Your Trash Can Go Now
Official records show bins removed for summit security, COVID and safety, not a single 1995 decision. Shibuya's 2026 fines, shop-bin rules and what to do with trash.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Why Tokyo Has So Many Vending Machines: Beyond the Novelty
Read Tokyo vending machines through national figures, regional drinks, disappearing beer machines and the retail decisions behind a station stop.
Editorial preview · factual review pendingTokyo / Practical information
Tokyo Year-End and New Year Closures: Museums and ATMs
Ueno's science and Western art museums close 28 Dec–1 Jan; Tokyo National Museum closes 26–31 Dec and opens 1 Jan. Skytree and teamLab stay open; ATMs keep holiday hours.
Official sources checked 2026-10-23