How do we stay in contact while in Japan?
Join our WhatsApp group. WhatsApp is an App that works on wifi and data opposed to cellular. It will allow us to stay connected via chat during our overseas adventure. Please download "WhatsApp" on your smart phone's App Store.

Join with this link:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/GfoOTwkFuxrA2bmlNTa6JO

If you have an iPhone you can also "Share your location" with Edward so we can easily find you.   

Are children allowed?
No, you must be at least Japan's drinking age of 20 to attend.

Do I need a visa for entry into Japan?
​Not if you are a United States Citizen.

How much disposable cash should I have?
We are covering all events during the two-day experience unless otherwise stated. The ideal amount we think you should have for personal spending is around $50/per day/per person. This does not consider hotel and flight which is outlined in our invitation travel guide book that you received (page 10 & 11).

What are the wedding colors?
Refer to our invitation travel guide book that you received (page 9).

​Do I have to stay at Edition Hotel Toranomon?
​No, you can stay anywhere that you'd like. Please note that the experience shuttle will only depart from and drop off at Edition Hotel Toranomon. You will need to find your own transportation back to your chosen hotel.

Unexpected Guest
Do not bring any person or pet that was not specifically invited. You and your unexpected guest will not be permitted to attend the experience.

What date should I arrive?
We recommend arriving by Oct 20, 2024, so you can adjust for jetlag, explore Tokyo, and potentially other cities in Japan. The JR Rail Pass is a good option for this. Be sure to receive it before your arrival.

What airport should I fly into?
​Tokyo has 2 airports, Narita (NRT) and Henda (HND). We recommend flying into HND because it's a lot nicer and closer to Tokyo Station, around 25-40 mins, depending on the mode of transportation you choose. NRT is roughly 2 hours by train to Tokyo Station. Tip: Try not to book a flight that arrives after 10PM. The train stops around 11:30PM and you'll be stuck with over priced taxis to get to your hotel.

How do I get internet in Japan?
You can get wifi in many places, like your hotel, cafes, and even on the bus. Getting a pocket wifi, SIM card, or eSim will be the best options for a seamless experience. Refer to our invitation travel guide book that you received (page 15).

What power outlet does Japan use? Do I need an adapter?
Refer to our invitation travel guide book that you received (page 14).

Do I need cash in Japan or can I use my card?
Japan is a cash based country, but it's getting better when it comes to cards. You should be able to use your card at about 40% of the places you'll visit in Tokyo. Be sure to check with your bank or card provider to make sure you won't be charged a conversion or processing fee for international transaction. You can also get more information in our travel guide book that you received (page 17).

Should I learn Japanese?
Although learning Japanese will make your experience way better, it's not required in Tokyo. There is a lot of English spoken in Tokyo and many native Japanese people will want to practice their English with you. If you decide to venture out into the countryside English becomes a bit more rare, but Google Translate will come in handy in these moments. Please refer to our travel guide book that you received (page 19).

 

​


 

BONUS TIPS

Flights: We know you are excited to book your flights. But remember booking your travel as early as possible is a myth. The best time to book your flight, for the best rates, is within 30-90 days of your departure. Though we'd prefer if you book by July for our peace of mind. Also, if you check google flights daily, you might stumble across a deal for your Oct departure in the month of April. Lastly, you can put on the flight tracker and Google will email you as the flight prices change.

 

Hotels: If you are on a budget for hotels and cannot stay with us at our blocked hotel. Edition Hotel Toranomon (BOOKING DEADLINE: March 31, 2024); consider "Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka". We've seen rates as low as $60. It's a hotel where you are checked in by robots.

 

American Breakfast: You may find yourself missing American breakfast during your trip. Here are our Tokyo recommendations for those pancake and bacon lovers.

1: *** 🏆👌 Jade5 (Shibuya City / Ebisu)

2: Eggs 'n Things (Shibuya City / Omotesando)

3: Buttermilk Channel (Shibuya City /Harajuku)

4: World Breakfast All Day (Shibuya City / Gaienma)

 

Hot Springs: When you land from your 10+ hour flight, one of the best things you can do to rejuvenate is to visit an Onsen (Japanese Hot Spring). If you stay at an Ryokan like "Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita", the hotel will have an Onsen for guest, you can also get a room with a private Onsen inside. If you stay elsewhere try "Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro (not a hotel)" in north Tokyo (Itabashi City), or the onsen at HND airport located in "Hotel Villa Fontaine (12th floor)", connected to the Haneda Airport Garden.

​

Exploring Japan: Many of you may want to spend time exploring Japan before or after the wedding. This video is a great all inclusive guide to budgeting for your exploration. There are a few details that we would like to add in addition to the video, so if you're interested please ask.

 

VISA: As of April 2024, you do not need a visa as a United States citizen to enter Japan as a tourist for up to 90 days.

 

Temples, Shrines, Churches: Did you know that Temples are not Japanese? They are Buddhist, which comes for India. Shrines are Japanese and a part of the religious practice, "Shinto". The Japanese tend to be more focused on connecting with one's self than being religious people. Meaning they don't pray to a god in the sky, they pray to kami at shrines, seeking to connect with nature, their ancestors, and the elements of the world. If you are in need of Christianity or some other higher power worship while in Japan, here is a list of Western style Churches, Mosques and Synagogues.

 

While in Japan, consider experiencing the Temples, Torii Gates, and Shrines. Here is a short list to help in your research.

• Nanzen-ji Temple

• Kinkaku-ji Temple

• Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Kaneiji

• Gokokuji Temple

• Kotoku-in

• Nanzoin

​

Lodging: We've been getting some question about lodging. Outside of our invitation book, we sent a few options in past emails. But here is a short list of recommendations. Please click the link above and fill out the form to inform us where you're staying. If we see trends, we might be able to have a shuttle pick you up, etc.

 

We recommend that you stay within a 25 min train ride from Kamiyachō Station via the Hibiya line.

Try these cities: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Omotesando, Ebisu, Tokyo, Roppongi, Ginza, Shinagawa, Yoyogi, Shimbashi, Toranomon

 

WEDDING GUEST HAVE ALREADY BOOKED THESE HOTELS:

1. Edition Hotel Toranomon (Bride & Groom Hotel)

2. Alfit Hotel & Bar Akasaka (5 min taxi to Edition)

3. Aloft Ginza (12 min taxi to Edition)

4. Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka: (8 min taxi to Edtion)

5. Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Roppongi (5 min taxi to Edtion)

 

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Sequence Miyashita Park: $150 - $400 (Edward stays here often)

2. APA Shimbashi Toranomon: $60 - $120 (Very small rooms)

3. Hotel Vista Tokyo Tsukiji: $160 - $250 (Clean & modern rooms)

 

You can also try Airbnb, though we have no specific recommendations. Just try to stay a reasonable distance from our main hotel, "Tokyo Edition, Toranomon". Ideally find a place no more than a 25 min train ride to Kamiyachō Station on the Hibiya Line.

 

• PRO TIP: If you go into Google Maps and get public transportation directions from your Airbnb/Hotel to our hotel, you'll have a good idea if the commute is worth it.

 

Note 1: Standard rooms in Japan are very very small. Like, where do I put my suitcase small. So opt for a bigger room if it's within your budget. 

 

Note 2: A note for Zipair; the internet on board is free but really bad. They do have a few free current movies to watch, but we recommend downloading some entertainment for yourself before you board. There are outlets to charge your devices. Also, the snack and food options are really affordable, with beer, lemon drops, highballs, and ramen running around $3 each, and cheese ravioli running around $11. 

 

Internet: Don't forget to order a pocket wifi, SIM card, or e-sim. We won't say any names, but someone made the comment that they won't need internet because they have us, joking or not we don't recommend this approach. You will find yourself having a terrible experience. The purpose of these emails and our invitation travel guide is to prepare you to be autonomous and independent during your trip.

• BEST OPTION: eSIM (if your phone supports it)

  • Download the Airalo App (it can be confusing to setup - Edward can help iPhone users, as he uses it a lot.)

• Pocket Wifi /SIM card: Roughly $8/day (They will mail it to the airport for pickup - you typically cannot rent it after you arrive.)
   

Trains: Also if you plan on traveling Japan or taking the train around Tokyo consider a JR Rail pass to save money on train fares. If you haven't ordered one yet, they actually just increased the price again in less than 6 months as tourism is very high in Japan. It was half the price in 2022. So map out where you'll be going, add an additional 10% contingency and decide if the new cost is worth it for your destinations. (The pass will be mailed to your house roughly 30 days before your arrival, you must bring that pass with you to any JR train station office to activate it. Once activated you cannot pause it).

NOTE: You can easily find fare cost (stop to stop) on Google Maps.

• Suica / PASMO cards: If you have an iPhone add credits to this card via your wallet app. You will only need to tap the back of your phone at the train station opposed to buying a physical ticket. You can also use this payment option at convenience stores, vending machines, and other places. This is a Japan peace of mind, efficiency cheat code.

​

Restaurants: In America, we are accustom to using Google, Yelp, Opentable, etc for restaurant reservations and details like hours of operations. Unfortunately, those resource are not 100% reliable in Japan. If using Google you might find yourself going all the way to a restaurant, just to find out they are closed. The best resource for this in Japan is Tabalog. We have linked the English site, but there is also a Japanese site that has more features than the English site. We recommend using your browser's translate so you can get features like "Book a Reservation", which is not available on the English site.

 

NOTE: Making a reservation in Japan is 90% phone call. Also walking into restaurants without a reservation is not guaranteed, so definitely take making a reservation serious. Lastly, web design outside of the U.S tends to be stuck in the past, like in the 90's. This is also true in Japan, so when navigating Japanese websites, try not to get frustrated with lack of intuitive user interfaces.

 

Shibuya Pass: Discover over 30 hidden parts of the world famous city Shibuya, with the Shibuya Pass. Purchase points to get great deals on everything from sightseeing spots to comedy shows, food, bars, and souvenirs.

​

Fly Smart: Be sure to book early and pick a seat at the beginning of any class section. Below is an example of how much leg room you can get. (Do not confuse this row with an exit row, it's often not the same.)

If you're not flying Business Class, this amount of leg room is game changing. Outside of the premium service and food, traveling economy can be just as comfortable.

​

Nomihodai: All you can drink. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Japan, we recommend learning the term Nomihodai. In many places you will have the opportunity to purchase all you can drink for as little as $4. A good place for this is at Yakiniku Like (grill meat restaurant chain). They have a Nomihodai lunch special, with unlimited Beer, High Balls, and Lemon Sours. Also try Ginten in Ginza, which has a Nomihodai Shochu (a type of Japanese alcohol made from barley or potato) on tap right at your table.

​

Cute Japan: As most of you are aware, Japan has transformed itself from a dangerous Samurai culture to a culture of extreme cute (Kawaii - 可愛い). To highlight this, allow us to introduce you to Nippori, a charming city just 15 minutes from Asakusa Station. This destination is a haven for cat lovers and fabric enthusiasts. Stroll through streets filled with cozy shops where you can unwind in cat cafes, find one-of-a-kind cat-themed gifts, and explore exquisite Japanese fabrics perfect for fashion designers.

 

Vintage Shopping: If you enjoy thrifting and shopping for vintage items, Japan of course has an entire city dedicated to it. The city is called Shimokitazawa; it's about a 15 minute train ride from Shibuya station.

• Expert hot spots in Shimokitazawa: There are a ton of vintage thrift shops, so just walk around. And of course when in Japan, always look up. The best shops are always in the buildings on random floors.

1. If you're into records, check out "JET SET Shimokitazawa"

2. There is a wonderful cocktail bar called "Quarter Room" two additional train stops away. Definitely worth the unique experience.

3. "Yazawa Shimokitazawa" is an amazing Japanese Wagyu restaurant that you must try. We have only been to the location in Beverly Hills CA, but we will definitely try it in Japan. Join us!

4. "Stable Meatsando" is a great place to have lunch with incredibly delicious meat filled sandwiches (image below).

 

Michelin Starred Ramen: Tokyo is not just the largest city in the world by population; it is also a culinary powerhouse, boasting the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants on the globe. Among its many culinary treasures, Tokyo's ramen scene stands out, with several ramen shops earning Michelin stars. Here are our recommendations.

​

1. Ginza Hachigo: French-inspired ramen creation, a fusion that stands out in Tokyo's diverse ramen scene.

2. Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu: Known for its delicate balance of flavors, this ramen shop has earned its Michelin star with a unique take on soba-inspired ramen.

3. Chukasoba Kotetsu: A hidden gem offering rich, flavorful ramen that has captivated the Michelin guide and local food enthusiasts alike.

4. Menya Sign: A modern ramen bar that combines traditional techniques with innovative flavors, making it a must-visit for ramen aficionados.

5. Ramen Koike: Famous for its signature broth and attention to detail, Ramen Koike provides an unforgettable culinary experience.

6. Tsuta: The first ramen shop to ever receive a Michelin star, Tsuta set the precedent for quality in ramen, though it no longer holds its star, it remains iconic, and needs to be mentioned. 

​

​

​EMAIL LINK ARCHIVE

January 2024: Budget Food in Japan (24 minutes)

February 2024: Etiquette in Japan for Tourist (5 minutes)

March 2024: What to do when I land at HND airport (7 minutes)

April 2024: Don't go to jail for medicine (10 minutes)

May 2024: Tokyo train system explained (16 minutes)

June 2024: How to use chopsticks (1minute)

July 2024: The history of Japan (9 minutes)

August 2024: Preparing for your trip (10 minutes)

September 2024: Do I need Travel Insurance?

October 2024: Our Japan traveling planning company