Travel
Hotel
Park Hyatt Tokyo
This is where we will have the wedding reception and after party. It is our favorite hotel in Tokyo and is where we got engaged (at the hotel's New York Bar) in September 2021. The hotel was featured prominently in Eddie's favorite movie, 'Lost in Translation' and continues to be rated among the best in Tokyo. The hotel can be a bit pricey and is not very close to public transportation, however there are free shuttle buses from the hotel that will take you to Shinjuku station (one of the main train/metro arteries in Tokyo). We have spoken with the hotel about getting a group booking rate, however the hotel said that rates offered by third party sites (Booking.com, Hotels.com) would be cheaper than any rate that the hotel could offer directly (block wedding rates are apparently not a thing here in Japan). $$$$$
Hotel
Aman Tokyo
This five-star hotel is the pinnacle of luxury in Tokyo. Located near Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. $$$$$
Hotel
Hilton Tokyo
This five-star hotel is a bit more reasonable than the Park Hyatt and the Aman, and is located very close to the Park Hyatt. $$$$
Hotel
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
This five-star hotel is located right next door to the Park Hyatt. It just opened several years ago and offers fairly reasonable rates. $$$$
Hotel
Shinjuku Washington Hotel
This three-star hotel is also located very close to the Park Hyatt and has very affordable rates. $$
Hotel
Keio Plaza Hotel
This 4-star hotel is also in Shinjuku and not far from the Park Hyatt. Rates tend to be a bit more reasonable than the Kimpton. $$$
Hotel
Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel
Only for the most committed. You've been warned. $
Flight
Haneda Airport
Haneda is the closest international airport to the city and has regular direct service to the United States, Europe and Asia. Airlines operating out of this airport include Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airlines, Delta, American, United, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways. A taxi from this airport to the city center takes around 30-40 minutes and costs around JPY 8,000 (USD 55). There are regular express trains from the airport to all destinations in Tokyo. There is also a limousine bus service that will take passengers directly to locations throughout Tokyo, including major hotels. If flying into Haneda with more than one person, we recommend taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel. If flying solo, consider taking the limousine bus as it may be cheaper than a taxi. Private hire car service is also available. Important Note: When flying from the US (or Europe) to Japan, you will lose a day arriving in Japan. For example, if you depart the US on Tuesday, May 23rd, you will land in Tokyo on Wednesday, May 24th. When returning to the US, you will get that day back and will land in the US the same day that you departed Japan. Please keep this in mind when you make your reservations. Haneda Rail Access: https://bit.ly/3TR3vcw Limousine Bus: https://bit.ly/3FYwgOI Car Service: https://bit.ly/3TPjYhz
Flight
Narita Airport
Narita Airport is Tokyo's other major international airport, though it is located much further way from the city than Haneda is. If Haneda is Tokyo's Laguardia (with international service), then Narita is Tokyo's JFK or EWR. The airport services major cities around the world, including the United States, Europe and Asia. International budget airlines tend to operate out of this airport. Airlines operating out of Narita include Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Delta, American, United, Singapore Airlines and ZIPAIR. A taxi from Narita Airport to the city center takes around 1.5 hours and costs approximately JPY 25,000 (USD 182). Narita Airport is also features rail access to all points in Tokyo, and also features the "JR Narita Express" train which takes you directly to major stations in the city (1hr 10 minutes to Shibuya Station) at a reasonable fare of approximately JPY 3,000 (USD 20). There is also limousine bus service which takes you directly to most neighborhoods in Tokyo and to some of the major hotels at approximately the same cost as the JR Narita Express. Private hire car service is also available. We recommend taking the express train or limousine bus from Narita as the taxi service can be very expensive. The JR Narita Express is convenient for those staying in Shibuya, Shinagawa, Tokyo or Shinjuku stations. Narita Rail Access: https://bit.ly/3JTF4qy Limousine Bus Service: https://bit.ly/3Kjd5SC Car Service: https://bit.ly/3JWsHKj
Travel Note
IMPORTANT: Health / COVID-19 Restrictions
Visa free tourism resumed in Japan on October 11, 2022. All US citizens and citizens of most other countries that had visa free waiver programs in place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic can now enter Japan without having to secure a visa in Japan. - Fully Vaccinated Travelers: Submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination upon landing in Tokyo (e.g., via Visit Japan Web). Acceptable proof of vaccination includes the CDC-issued vaccination card or a copy thereof. Note that "fully vaccinated" means having received THREE doses of vaccines listed on the WHO's Emergency Use List. - Unvaccinated Travelers: Submit a pre-travel negative COVID-19 test (issued within 72 hours of your departure time to Japan). A new "fast track" program was implemented which allows travelers to upload their documentation and complete other forms (e.g., disembarkation card, customs declaration) in advance of flying in order to streamline the immigration/quarantine procedures at the airport in Japan. We highly recommend you utilize this Fast Track program as it will significantly reduce or eliminate your time waiting in quarantine at the airport. - Visit Japan Web (COVID-19 Fast Track): https://bit.ly/3TUBvF5 Note that there are different (more flexible) rules for children. More information on the COVID-19 entry restrictions can be found at the following websites (including information on COVID-19 vaccination/testing requirements for children). We will continue to monitor these restrictions and will send out a note if they are relaxed further in the months ahead. Note that Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website will always have the most current, up-to-date information. US Embassy Tokyo Information for US Travelers to Japan: https://bit.ly/40M7JEv Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Measures for Cross-Border Travel: https://bit.ly/3nvUCJx
Travel Note
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo has one of the best metro/train systems in the world – it is incredibly safe, always on-time and can get you almost anywhere. However, it can be difficult to navigate for first-timers (Google maps can be a great help). For those who would prefer to explore the city by metro/train, we highly recommend purchasing (or downloading to your smartphone) an express transit card (either JR’s ‘Suica’ or Tokyo Metro’s ‘Pasmo’ cards). These cards can be purchased at almost all metro/train stations, however it is probably easiest to download the apps directly to your phone (both are free apps on the US App store for iPhones). You can recharge the cards at all train stations, or if you have the App version you can charge them directly from your phone using your credit card. These cards can also be used to make purchases at most stores and services (convenience stores, supermarkets, retail stores, taxis, buses etc.) - JR Suica Card: https://bit.ly/2IKu6Ea - PASMO Card: https://bit.ly/2kjPMyD Taxis are also very easy to flag anywhere in Tokyo, however the rates are rather high compared to what you may be used to in the United States. Cabs in Japan are very safe, clean and convenient and many of them now have in-cab translation services. Uber and other ride-sharing services do not have the same penetration that they have in other countries – only private hire cabs are available on Uber here and they come at a premium. We strongly advise against using the Uber app to hail a cab. Instead, download the official taxi-hailing app from Tokyo’s taxi commission – ‘Go Taxi App’ or just flag one down on the street (they are everywhere). GO Taxi App: https://ana.ms/40riXif
Train
Bullet Trains & Japan Rail Pass
If you are planning on exploring more of Japan outside of Tokyo, the main rail operator, Japan Railways, offers a ‘Rail Pass’ to foreign tourists which allows you to ride the bullet train (shinkansen) for a flat fee. This provides significant savings over regular bullet train tickets bought over the counter. More information on the rail pass can be found at the link below. Note that the Rail Pass must be purchased in advance of your flight to Japan so please purchase this ahead of time.