FAQsFAQs

Question

When should I arrive?When should I arrive?

Answer

We recommend arriving at least 2-3 days early so you have time to settle in, adjust to the time difference, and enjoy the city before the wedding.

Question

Which airport should I fly into?Which airport should I fly into?

Answer

Tokyo is served by both Haneda and Narita. Haneda is usually the easiest for central Tokyo, while Narita is also well connected by rail and bus, including the Narita Express.

Question

Where should I stay?Where should I stay?

Answer

We recommend staying at the Andaz Tokyo or in one of these neighborhoods: Toranomon Hills, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Roppongi.

Question

What will the weather be like?What will the weather be like?

Answer

Early September can still be hot, humid, and sometimes rainy, so plan for light layers and possible showers.

Question

How do I get around Tokyo?How do I get around Tokyo?

Answer

Tokyo’s train system is very easy to use, with English signage that is increasingly common in stations and staff who can usually help. Suica or PASMO cards are the easiest way to pay for trains and buses. You can also pick up taxis on the road or use Uber. Instructions for adding and loading a Suica or PASMO card on your phone: - If you have an iPhone, this is the most convenient option because you can load it before you leave for Japan and top it up at any time. - Open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.Tap the "+" (add) icon in the top right corner. - Select Transit Cards, search for Suica or PASMO, and tap Continue. - Choose an initial amount to load onto your card and pay using Apple Pay. - Turn on Express Transit in your card details so you can tap through train gates without needing to unlock your phone.

Question

Do I need cash? Is there tipping?Do I need cash? Is there tipping?

Answer

Major cards are widely accepted, but Japan is still partly cash-based, especially at smaller shops, so it’s smart to carry some yen. There is no tipping culture in Japan.

Question

Do I need a visa?Do I need a visa?

Answer

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and passport, so please check Japan’s official guidance before booking travel. Many countries, such as the United States, have short-stay visa exemptions.

Question

What should I wear?What should I wear?

Answer

The dress code is Formal / Black-Tie Optional. For men, a tuxedo or a dark suit/tie is recommended. For women, a floor-length gown, fancy cocktail dress, or dressy jumpsuit is recommended. It is also suggested that dress is at least knee length, and shoulders be covered during the ceremony.

Question

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The wedding will primarily be indoors with some patios available for guests to enjoy.

Question

How can I find restaurants?How can I find restaurants?

Answer

We strongly recommend using the "Tabelog" app/website. Scoring is more accurate than Google Maps or Yelp. Anything above 3.4 is solid in Tokyo (Daniel says 3.6 if you want to be bougie).

Question

What are helpful apps to download before leaving the US?What are helpful apps to download before leaving the US?

Answer

1) Google Maps: Offline map of Tokyo or other places you plan to go 2) Google Translate: Download Japanese<>English beforehand. Handy to scan a menu for translation 3) Suica or PASMO (either) for public transport IC card: Can also use at convenience store to buy stuff 4) E-SIM: Misako tried Ubigi - it worked easily 5) Tabelog: Your gold mine to find great restaurants

Question

What else should I know about traveling in Tokyo?What else should I know about traveling in Tokyo?

Answer

1) Top two words: “arigatou” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry). 2) Lower your volume by 50% in public areas. 3) Do not talk on the phone on trains. 4) Let people off trains before getting on. 5) Do not eat while walking unless in touristy areas. 6) Do not tip. 7) Use the money tray. At registers, put cash or cards on the small tray instead of handing money directly to the cashier. 8) Take off shoes when the space tells you to. 9) For dinner reservations, tours, etc. being “on time” means arriving a few minutes early. 10) Do not jaywalk casually. Even if no cars are coming, many locals wait for the pedestrian signal. 11) Tokyo usually stands left and walks right (especially on escalators); Osaka often stands right and walks left. 12) Carry some cash. Cards are accepted at many major hotels, department stores, shopping centers, and restaurants, but smaller restaurants, shrines, markets, and older shops may still be cash-oriented. 13) Do not customize restaurant orders too much. Staff at many restaurants will not understand english. For allergies, be very clear and use a translated allergy card. 14) Pay at the register, not at the table, unless they bring the bill. 15) Don’t make a giant wasabi-soy slurry unless the restaurant is very casual. 16) Chopstick basics: do not stick them upright in rice, and do not pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. Both resemble funeral customs. 17) If you go to an onsen, wash first, bathe second. 18) Check tattoo rules before onsen, pools, gyms, or public baths. 19) If sick, wear a mask. 20) Have emergency numbers saved. Police is 110, fire/ambulance is 119. 21) For Shinkansen, reserve ahead for major routes. If traveling from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto, book a seat on the right side (you may see Mt. Fuji). 22) Use luggage forwarding. This is one of Japan’s best travel hacks. 23) Bring a bag for trash. There are not many garbage cans available. 24) Daniel and Misako are a text away to assist! 25) Have fun!

Question

Did Daniel use ChatGPT to write the content for this site?Did Daniel use ChatGPT to write the content for this site?

Answer

Yes, of course he did.