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Venture beyond the city to the resort area of “eternal springtime”
Explore Tokyo’s remote islands

TOKYO NOW

March 2024
vol.156

Special Feature:
Discover Tokyo in the Metaverse
Introducing HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS

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News

Now open! &Here TOKYO UENO, a hotel for large groups and long stays

March 15, 2024 Ueno Accommodation
  • &Here TOKYO UENO
  • &Here TOKYO UENO
  • &Here TOKYO UENO
On one hand, Ueno is a hub for art galleries and museums, but at the same time thrums with the retro vibes of “shitamachi” (old “downtown”) areas like the Ameyoko open-air market. Easily accessible from Narita Airport, this super convenient terminal station becomes home to the 145-room hotel “&Here TOKYO UENO” opening on March 15. The establishment stands out by catering to large groups who plan to stay for longer periods. Seventy percent of the rooms are triples or larger, ideal for families or groups of friends. Guest rooms are equipped for long-term stays, with mini-kitchens, microwaves, and dining tables, as well as relaxing spaces such as sofas, hammocks, and tatami mats. A large public bath on the top 14th floor offers panoramic views of Shinobazu Pond.
News

OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts opens in a new complex

Around Spring 2024 Gotanda Accommodation
  • Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
  • Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
  • Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
  • Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
  • Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
  • Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
With easy access from both the Tokaido Shinkansen stop of Shinagawa Station and Haneda Airport, the streets of Gotanda teem with offices and restaurants. Recently, redevelopment has been underway, and the area is attracting attention as a hub for start-up companies. In this vibrant neighborhood, a new complex, the GOTANDA JP BUILDING, opens around spring. Standing 20 stories high with three floors underground, shared office spaces and convention halls are scheduled to open here one after the other. OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda, a 188-room hotel by Hoshino Resorts will begin operations on April 11, occupying the tower’s top section from the 14th floor upwards. The Gotanda area is renowned for being chock full of all kinds of eateries big and small. To make exploring the town even more fun, Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) of neighborhood restaurants and unique “bar-hopping” tours of buildings packed with small restaurants and bars are coming soon.
News

A beer brewery is opening again in Ebisu

April 3, 2024 Ebisu Facility
  • Ebisu
  • Ebisu
  • Ebisu
  • Ebisu
  • Ebisu
  • Ebisu
Everyone loves YEBISU GARDEN PLACE, filled with cafes and shops at the cutting edge of contemporary culture, and home to a wide range of events year round. Did you know that this was originally the site of a beer brewery? Until 35 years ago, the factory here made one of Japan's most popular premium beer brands, “YEBISU BEER,” a name so beloved it was eventually adopted by both the town and station. On April 3, the YEBISU BEER brewery will re-open at YEBISU GARDEN PLACE. At YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO, visit the museum for a sense of the brand's 134-year history, tour the brewery that will produce 130 kiloliters a year, and taste limited-edition ales in the Tap Room.
Season

A classical music festival heralds the coming of spring

March 15 to April 21, 2024 Ueno Event
  • Hinamatsuri
  • Hinamatsuri
  • Hinamatsuri
  • Hinamatsuri
  • Hinamatsuri
  • Hinamatsuri
As one of the city’s legendary cherry blossom viewing spots, Ueno hosts a classical music extravaganza on the grandest scale anywhere nationwide, the Spring Festival in Tokyo 2024, from the moment sakura first bloom until the leaves on the trees turn green. This year’s 20th edition is scheduled to last over a month from March 15 to April 21. The wide-ranging lineup from world top-class artists to popular artists representing Japan come together to perform in concerts and operas held for days on end, including a 7-part concert of Beethoven's complete piano sonatas by modern pioneer master Rudolf Buchbinder, as well as familiar tunes even children will love. Museum recitals held in museums and art galleries dotted around Ueno Park are events that can be enjoyed together with art exhibitions.

Discover Tokyo in the Metaverse: Introducing HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS

Jump into the metaverse as your own avatar, connect with people around the globe, play games and much more. On February 15, the city of Tokyo debuts in this virtual realm.

Discover “HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS” on Roblox, a gaming platform beloved by young people globally. While strolling freely through the streets of Tokyo, users can interact and play a variety of games. For children and adults alike, it’s the perfect preview before a real visit, and also a great place to make friends who can tell you what’s going on right now in Japan’s capital.

Simultaneously with the debut of “HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS” on Roblox, a connected web app named “TOKYO HUNT!” will also launch. This app directly links real-world exploration in Tokyo to virtual rewards in the Roblox game, allowing you to acquire rare items by visiting specific checkpoints in the city.
While enjoying your time in the metaverse, you can access valuable information that will make your upcoming trip to Tokyo even more amazing. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Honkan Honkan

Become best buddies in Tokyo with “HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS”

Over 70 million people are on the immersive social platform Roblox around the world every day (as of November 2023). Users create their own avatars and play games published on Roblox. Once registered, the platform is accessible for free on any device, including smartphones and computers.

HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS is set in a self-contained virtual re-creation of Tokyo. Begin your virtual journey in the “Lobby,” inspired by TOKYO SKYTREE. Once you acquire the Treasure Book, it's time to head into town. This book guides you in exploring landmarks like Tokyo Station, Tokyo Tower, and Ryogoku Kokugikan, as well as cityscapes including Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Akihabara. While wandering through the recreated world with the Treasure Book, you can engage in a treasure hunt, uncovering hidden gems throughout the city.
Honkan Honkan Honkan Honkan Honkan Honkan
As treasures that can be found if you collaborate with your friends together are hidden, let’s talk to them when you encounter other players! It could be a good chance to get detailed information on Tokyo in the game if they are real Tokyoites. Additionally, test your skills in quiz-style mini-games like "Sushi Showdown," inspired by kaiten conveyor belt sushi, with your friends.

Achieving high scores in the games not only allows you to earn rewards to enhance your avatar's appearance but also unlocks a variety of items inspired by Tokyo and Japanese culture. From "maneki-neko" beckoning cats to daruma dolls, and oodles of ramen and other tasty Japanese foods, these rewards are sure to whet your appetite for travel.

Right now, to celebrate the birth of this world, a selection of cosmetic items to decorate your avatar’s appearance, created in collaboration with Tokyo Tourism Ambassador and virtual YouTuber, including Gawr Gura-san, is also available for a limited time and in limited supply.
Honkan Honkan
Honkan Honkan Honkan
As you explore, sumo wrestlers, the legendary loyal dog Hachiko, and many other colorful Tokyo characters will pop into the virtual dimension, ready to say hello and share travel tips and trivia about the city. As you explore, you might also encounter real-life Tokyo tourist guides volunteering within the game, so don't hesitate to strike up a conversation and enrich your virtual experience!

And appearing this March, prepare to be captivated by the “Edo Area,” a further expansion featuring a vivid re-creation of Edo-Tokyo’s historical townscape. So stay tuned.
HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS official website

The Web app “TOKYO HUNT!” takes the trip to a new level

Honkan Honkan Honkan
When arriving at Tokyo, hunt for treasures in the real Tokyo with AR (Augmented Reality) through the “TOKYO HUNT!” Web app. Check-in at designated, real-world sightseeing spots and collect emblems to receive rare cosmetic items for your avatar decoration in a digital stamp collecting event linked to HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS on Roblox.

At some checkpoints characters on HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS appear in AR, so snap a picture with them at special photo spots to add a whole other dimension to your Tokyo travels. Additionally, "TOKYO HUNT!" is connected with Tokyo’s official tourism site "GO TOKYO," providing information about various checkpoints and their surrounding areas.
TOKYO HUNT! Web App

For more information, please visit the HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS official website

The official website has also been launched with all you need to know in one place, such as a video that introduces the service in an easy-to-understand way.Also posted here are the best sightseeing routes that include "TOKYO HUNT!" checkpoints.

New spots will continue to be added in the future. Taking advantage of these two services means you can enjoy your trip before you even leave home and after you return, making for an unbelievably awesome Tokyo sightseeing adventure.

Notice: Information as of February 2024.

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Issued by: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Supported by: Tourism Division, Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

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