Title

News & Announcements
Washoku Added to UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
Washoku Added to UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
"Washoku" traditional Japanese cuisine was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list on December 4, 2013. This is the 22nd Japanese asset listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, which also includes Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku. This time UNESCO's registration is for "Japanese cuisine culture," not for individual food, recognizing and affirming that washoku is closely associated with an essential spirit of respect for nature.
Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year

The N'EX TOKYO Direct Ticket (One-way) for Foreign Visitors to Japan on Sale!
The N'EX TOKYO Direct Ticket (One-way) for Foreign Visitors to Japan on Sale!
JR EAST is selling the N'EX TOKYO Direct Ticket (One-way), a discount ticket for foreign visitors to Japan. This one-way discount ticket can be used for Ordinary Car reserved seats of the Narita Express (N'EX) Limited Express train from Narita Airport Terminal 1 or Narita Airport Terminal 2 to the Designated Tokyo train area (NOT allowed to use for the opposite direction). You can buy the ticket at JR EAST Travel Service Centers in Narita Airport Terminal 1 and Narita Airport Terminal 2. It is available only to non-Japanese passport holders and passports will be checked at the time of purchase. The price is 1,500 yen (14.70 USD) for an adult (age 12 and over) and 750 yen (7.35 USD) for a child (age 6 to 11). It usually takes 2,940 yen (28.80 USD) to Tokyo Station, so you can save about 50%! Save money and enjoy a pleasant trip!
N'EX TOKYO Direct Ticket (One-way)

Tokyo Retains Largest Concentration of Three Star Rated Restaurants
The Michelin Guide Tokyo Yokohama Shonan 2014 was released in December. Although the number of three-star restaurants in Tokyo decreased by one, the number is still the largest in the world. In Tokyo, 13 restaurants were awarded three stars and 55 restaurants were awarded two stars, which includes three new restaurants. Regarding one star ratings, 175 restaurants were selected in Tokyo. For Bib Gourmands, an original series, 157 restaurants were chosen in Tokyo that are considered to be cost-effective, serving good dishes for reasonable prices of 5,000 yen (49.00 USD) or less.
MICHELIN GUIDE digital


Tokyo Department Stores Uncovered
For most of us, it can be said that one of the exciting things during travel is shopping. Among other commercial malls and shops, department stores are one of the most attractive places. They offer not only shopping opportunities, but also other interesting things. This time we will feature department stores in Tokyo.

History of Department Stores in Japan
Tokyo is home to large department stores. Actually, Japan's first department store was originated in Tokyo. In 1673, draper Echigoya started business in Nihombashi. They installed an epoch-making system in which they sold tag-priced goods in cash at the shop. Also, they were sold by piece while other drapers were selling by bolt. These ways created a reputation and the shop became popular. In 1904, succeeding Echigoya, the Mitsukoshi Department Store was established. This is the oldest department store in Japan.

As we just explained, some department stores have their origin in a draper: Isetan, Takashimaya, Daimaru, and Matsuzakaya as well as Mitsukoshi. On the other hand, some others were established by railway companies: Tokyu, Seibu, Odakyu, Keio, Tobu, and also Hankyu in the Kansai area. Aiming to draw many passengers, the railway companies built department stores at their terminals.

Each commercial area, such as Nihombashi, Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya, has several large department stores. The area's development has usually been closely related to the development of its department store, and, vice versa, the department store has been characterized by the town. Let's take a look at Tokyo's department stores district by district!

Nihombashi, A Traditional Town
Nihombashi prospered as a starting point of five major roads to other areas in Japan in the Edo period (1603-1867), and is now a traditional town with old-established department stores, including Japan's first, Mitsukoshi Department Store, and many specialty shops.

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Honten (main store)
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Honten
In general, Mitsukoshi department stores in Japan are favored by rather middle-aged and older persons, and the Nihombashi main store particularly has this tendency. It is good at dealing with luxuries. A lion statue in front of the building entrance–its symbol–will turn 100 years old in 2014 and anniversary events are scheduled to take place. The store conducts a one hour tour of the historical building on the second Saturday of each month for free.

Takashimaya Nihombashi Store
Takashima Nihombashi Store
Takashimaya is also a venerable department store. It has Imperial families and VIPs as its customers but is also popular among a wide range of people from the young to elderly. The majestic building was designated an important cultural property in 2009, which is the first such designation of a department store. Staff conducts a tour seeing around the building (reservations necessary). A concierge guides through the historical building in one hour: a gorgeous entrance, marble structure with ammonite fossils, classical elevators with female operators called "elevator girls," decorative interior and exterior, a roof-top garden, and others. If you want to join the tour, booking early is recommended because the tour is popular and the capacity is usually soon filled. After shopping, pay attention to the shopping bag! It has a picture of the building and different from other Takashimaya stores' shopping bags on which rose flowers are painted.

Department
Store
Tax Free
Method
Attend
Service
Interpretation
Service
Foreign
Exchange
Nearest
Station
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Honten
(main store)

(Map)
Available at Tax-free counter on the 2nd floor of Shinkan (new building) Available / Reservations recommended (English / Chinese) Available by specialized staff (English / Chinese) No Mitsukoshimae (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line G12, Hanzomon Line Z09)
Takashimaya Nihombashi Store
(Map)
Available at Minami (southern) Information counter on the 1st floor Available / Reservations recommended (English / Chinese) Available / Video phone interpretation via tablets (English / Chinese) at Front reception, Minami (southern) Information counter, and Cosmetics counter on the 1st floor (English / Chinese) Available at Minami (southern) Information counter on the 1st floor. 3 currencies (USD, Euro, and GBP) Nihombashi (Toei Asakusa Line A13, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line G11, Tozai Line T10)

Ginza, A Sophisticated Town
Ginza is a world renowned shopping district. With well-established shops, it has a traditional yet modern feel, blended together to make for a unique, sophisticated atmosphere. The streets are lined with department stores and long-established shops as well as international high-end designer brand shops. The 4-chome crossing boasts the most expensive land prices in all of Japan and Wako's clock tower in the vicinity is a landmark of Ginza.

Matsuya Ginza
Temp
Matsuya Ginza is the only department store whose main store is in Ginza. It completed a large-scale renovation and grand opening in September 2013. It has now particularly enhanced import brands. Attracting the urbane customers of Ginza, Matsuya's main target is women in their 30s-40s who are interested in fashion. Not just featuring the luxurious name-brands like LOUIS VUITTON, PRADA, and FENDI, the store also offers latest fashions, sophisticated designed living items, traditional kimonos and others. "Design Collection" on the 7th floor displays stylish made-in-Japan products. Go and find nice souvenirs from Japan there!

Ginza Mitsukoshi
Ginza Mitsukoshi attendant service
Ginza Mitsukoshi Attendant Service Staff
Ginza Mitsukoshi is located on the opposite side of Wako at the 4-chome crossing. It re-opened in 2010 after renovation, strengthening women's accessory lineups and cosmetics. It deals with high-class goods as the Nihombashi main store does, but has a little more of a fashionable feel, which may partly be attributed to the characteristics of the area and customers. It has a tourist information center for overseas travelers on the M2 floor. Brochures and information services in several languages are available, and from November 2013, attendant service specializing in foreign languages has just started to help overseas customers.

Department
Store
Tax Free
Method
Attend
Service
Interpretation
Service
Foreign
Exchange
Nearest
Station
Matsuya Ginza
(Map)
Available at Tax-free counter on the 3rd floor No, but support from Information counter staff is available Available by staff always are at Front entrance information counter No, but cashing for some cash cards issued overseas is available via an ATM at Customers center on the 3rd floor Ginza (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line G09, Hibiya Line H08, Marunouchi Line M16)
Ginza Mitsukoshi
(Map)
Available at Tax-free counter on the M2 floor Available / Reservations recommended (English / Chinese / Korean) Available by specialized staff (English / Chinese / Korean). When not available, Call center is available (English / Chinese / Korean). Available at Tax-free counter on the M2 floor. 8 currencies (USD, Euro, CNY, KRW, TWD, HKD, SGD, and THB)

Shinjuku, A Town Satisfying a Variety of Desires
Shinjuku is an amusing place packed with a variety of shops and mega department stores. It is home to many hotels, which you can enjoy shopping around if you see fit to do so. Everything you want can be found in Shinjuku! The area is huge and roughly divided into three districts: the East Exit side, West Exit side and South Exit side. These three areas each have a different atmosphere.

Isetan Shinjuku
Isetan Shinjuku
Isetan Shinjuku
 
Isetan Shinjuku
Information counter
for overseas tourists
On the eastern side, there is Isetan Shinjuku Department Store, boasting the top level of customers in number and sales in Japan, and well regarded for its strength in fashion. It is popular especially among young women but also men. Its men's building is full of stylish men's suits, shirts, shoes, bags and others. In recent years, more and more overseas tourists visit Isetan and among them, Japan brands like COMME des GARÇONS, Burberry's Blue Label and Black Label are some of the popular brands. In the beginning of each month when new bags of Issey Miyake's Bao Bao line are released, many overseas tourists wait in line before opening time. BeautyApothecary on the basement 2nd floor features aromatherapy goods, organic cosmetics, esthetic salons, natural foods, and other things related to beauty for women, attracting many. You are sure to find good Japanese souvenirs such as tenugui cloths at the kimono corner on the 7th floor!


Shinjuku Marui Honkan
Shinjuku Marui
Shinjuku Marui Honkan (main store) on the opposite side of Isetan is also a popular shopping mall. It attracts a wide range of customers, with trendy clothing and fashionable interior goods at reasonable prices. Le Petit Mec TOKYO, a bakery, on the 1st floor, is the first shop of the brand opened in the Kanto region.




Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store
Takashimaya Times Square
Takashimaya Times Square
Takashimaya Times Square on the southern side is a relatively new commercial complex and includes Takashimaya Department Store. Though Takashimaya is a venerable department store just like those described above, this store has a stylish and casual atmosphere. It is popular for women from their 30s to 40s but also for family. "Japanese Craft Shop" started on the 11th floor from September, 2013, which provides fine souvenirs for overseas travelers, such as traditional dolls and accessories.

Odakyu and Keio
Ginza Mitsukoshi attendant service
Odakyu Department Store Keio Department Store
On the western side, there are two railway type department stores: Odakyu and Keio. These department stores target a wide range of customers and train commuters and this has characterized the stores' goods and brands on sale. In front of the station, large-scale retailers operate and apparel-focused buildings including Halc, which holds one of the largest sports shops in Japan, are also located here.


Department
Store
Tax Free
Method
Attend
Service
Interpretation
Service
Foreign
Exchange
Nearest
Station
Isentan Shinjuku
(Map)
Available at Tax-free counter on the 6th floor of Honkan (main building) Available / Reservations recommended (English / Chinese / Korean) Available by specialized staff (English / Chinese / Korean) Available at Tax-free counter on the 6th floor. 8 currencies (USD, Euro,CNY, KRW, TWD, HKD, SGD, and THB) Shinjuku-sanchome (Toei Shinjuku Line S02, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line F13, Marunouchi Line M09)
Shinjuku Marui Honkan
(Map)
Available at Information counter on the 1st floor No, but support service is available at the Information counter on the 1st floor during the Lunar New Year holiday (Chinese) Available / Voice interpretation service by phone at the Information counter on the 1st floor (English / Chinese) No
Shinjuku Takashimaya
(Map)
Available at Tax-free counter on the 2nd floor No, but interpretation is available (English / Chinese) Available / Voice interpretation service by phone at each shop and video phone interpretation via tablets (English / Chinese / Korean) Available at Tax-free counter on the 2nd floor. 8 currencies (USD, AUD, Euro,CNY, KRW, TWD, SGD, and THB) Shinjuku (JR, Toei Oedo Line E27, Shinjuku Line S01, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line M08, Odakyu Line OH01, Keio Line KO01)
Odakyu Department Store
(Map)
Available at Tax-free counter on the 2nd floor Available by staff of overseas customer service counter on the 1st floor (English / Chinese) Available by staff of overseas customer service counter on the 1st floor (English / Chinese) No, but Travelex Odakyu Shinjuku Shop is near Central entrance on the 1st floor of Honkan (main building)
Keio Department Store
(Map)
Available at Service counter on the 2nd floor No, but a "Touch and Talk" sheet is available (English / Chinese) Available by Service counter staff on the 2nd floor (Chinese) No

Shibuya, A Trendsetting Town with an Artistic Feel
Shibuya is famous for trendsetting and art. Department stores in are not so large. Partly because of this, people venture beyond the department stores, and this makes Shibuya more trendsetting, blending unique department stores and other exciting shops on the street. The new facility Hikarie that opened in 2012 in front of Shibuya Station houses department store ShinQs (produced by Tokyu Department Store) and “Tokyu Theatre Orb,” an authentic musical theater with 1,972 seats. With theaters, museums, fashionable cafes and clubs with live music, Shibuya also acts as an artistic hub.

Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109
Needless to say, the world famous, leading fashion mall 109 has an enormous popularity among girls. Any trendy fashion items are available at affordable prices there! The building is always full of people, but don't hesitate to join. Just by looking around, you can get the latest information on Tokyo's fashion trends and are also sure to be energized by the charismatic, joyful shop staffers.

Seibu Shibuya
Seibu Shibuya
As the store's theme is "Art meets Life," Seibu Shibuya has a stylish atmosphere offering unique products and trendy items as well as fashionable clothing. It attracts women from their 30s to 40s and the foods floor is also popular. In addition to the A and B buildings, Loft and Movida (including MUJI and Loft&) buildings featuring stylish furniture and fancy goods are a must see.


Tokyu Department Main Store
Tokyu Department Main Store
About a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station, located close to a high-class residential district, Tokyu Department Store has a rich and sophisticated feel, with high-end designer brand shops. It is popular to middle-aged women and elderly. Bunkamura, a cultural facility with a museum, hall, and theaters, is adjacent to the department store. You can enjoy music concerts, attention-drawing exhibitions, interesting films and other cultural activities there.


Department
Store
Tax Free
Method
Attend
Service
Interpretation
Service
Foreign
Exchange
Nearest
Station
Shibuya 109
(Map)
Available at 2 shops No No, but brochures and signs are available (English / Chinese / Korean) No Shibuya (JR, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line F16, Ginza Line G01, Hanzomon Line Z01, Keio Inokashira Line IN01, Tokyu Denentoshi Line DT01, Toyoko Line TY01)
Seibu Shibuya
(Map)
Available at CLUB ON DESK on the 7th floor of A building and CONCIERGE DESK on the 1st basement floor of B building No, but support is available without reservations (English / Chinese) No No
Tokyu Department Main Store
(Map)
Available at Information counter on the 1st floor and Tax-free counter on the 6th floor Available / Reservations recommended (English / Chinese) Available by information staff (English / Chinese) No, but provides information of nearby financial facilities
ShinQs (Hikarie)
(Map)
Available at ShinQs Parts Joist (2F) and ShinQs Shoes Kareido (1F) in total. Available at other tax-free shops on a case-by-case basis. No Available by information staff of Shibuya Hikarie No, but provides information on nearby financial facilities

Tips
Clearance sales are usually held twice a year, from early January and from July–different at each store–and other sales are sometimes held as well depending on the store.
And don't forget "Lucky Bag" sales for New Year! Different goods are packaged in one bag and you don't know what's been stuffed inside before you buy one. Contents are different depending on the bag and their prices usually go from thousands of yen to astonishingly sometimes 100 million yen! Are all goods in the bag you bought useful for you? It could be a "gamble" but sometimes the value is extremely higher than the price. They are usually sold on January 2nd or even the 1st in recent years. The events attract a lot of attention and many people line up waiting for the opening of stores on these dates. Why not try next year?


Did you Know? Fun Facts About Tokyo: The Kid's Lunch Set, "Okosama Lunch"
Okosama Lunch
Have you ever found an Okosama Lunch, or kid's lunch set, on a restaurant menu in Japan? This is a lunch set special for kids which is often seen in family restaurants. It includes small portions of deep-fried shrimp, hamburger patty (hambagu), or deep-fried chicken (karaage), among other dishes popular with children, and chicken rice or omelet rice all served in one plate. On top of the bowl-shaped rice, a small flag is set up. With its joyful appearance and the opportunity it presents to eat various kinds of foods, most children love this dish.
The origin of the Okosama Lunch actually dates back to restaurants in department stores. A person in charge of the restaurant of Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihombashi devised a set menu serving several kinds of popular foods in one plate for kids in 1930. It was priced at about 30 sen in those days (sen=0.01 yen), which translates to about 1,200 yen (11.75 USD) in recent currency value. The following year, a restaurant in the Ueno Matsuzakaya Department Store started serving a similar lunch set. They named it "Okosama Lunch" (okosama is an "honorific" expression designating children). Since then, the name has stuck and the dish has been attracting many children.
Although as the name implies, adults are not allowed to eat this set at some restaurants, there are more than a few who want to eat Okosama Lunch if possible, partly because a variety of foods are available with a small volume, and also partly because some adults have a good, nostalgic memory of having enjoyed the lunch set in childhood. Why not try one when you find it in the menu? It can also be recommended for those who are on a diet.


Event Information
Sumidagawa Hanabi (Sumida River Fireworks Festival)
Sumidagawa Hanabi (Sumida River Fireworks Festival)
- Sumida-ku, Tokyo
First venue: From Sakurabashi to Kototoibashi (7:05 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Second venue: From Komagatabashi to Umayabashi (7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
- Late July 2014
* The festival will be cancelled in case of rain.

The fireworks festival is the quintessential charming event of summer. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo has a long history, beginning in the 18th century. Many people died of starvation in the great famine of 1732 and contagious diseases spread in its aftermath. The Tokugawa Shogunate held a ceremony on the Sumida River to pray for the souls of the victims and drive away the evil diseases. With the government's permission, restaurants near Ryogoku Bridge launched fireworks for the ceremony.
Today, about 20,000 fireworks elegantly light up the sky over the water at the center of the metropolis against the backdrop of TOKYO SKYTREE®. Many women dress in colorful summer yukata (light cotton kimono) for the occasion. It is one of the biggest and most famous fireworks festivals in Tokyo. The venues are crowded so arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
Sumidagawa Hanabi

Tokyo Koenji Awaodori (Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival)
Tokyo Koenji Awaodori (Tokyo Koenji Awa Dance Festival)
- Suginami-ku, Tokyo
From the South Exit of Koenji Station to Ome Kaido Street
Shopping streets around JR Koenji Station and Tokyo Metro Shin-koenji Station, and eight outdoor stages along Konan-dori Street
- August 23 (Sat)-24 (Sun) 2014, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Koenji hosts a big event of local/regional folk dance, Koenji Awaodori, at the end of August every year. First started in 1957 with only 38 participants and 2,000 visitors, now, some 12,000 dancers of about 190 teams now participate in this exciting parade and dance to the accompaniment of jaunty musical rhythms, and more than one million people converge to watch the event. Many teams come from all over Japan, joining local teams dancing and generating more excitement. Koenji Awaodori is the biggest Awaodori dancing event in eastern Japan, and was created with the concept of blending Tokyo with the traditional musical accompaniment and dancing of Tokushima, the home of Awaodori.
Tokyo Koenji Awaodori (Japanese Only)


No Negative Impact on Our Health: Updated Radiation-related Information in Tokyo
Radiation dose after touring Tokyo for one day (July 9, 2012) Report on field measurements (Japan Tourism Agency)
According to the survey on radioactivity in Tokyo conducted by the Japanese Tourism Agency, the measured air dose was below the global average.
Radiation dose after touring Tokyo for one day (July 9, 2012) Report on field measurements

Radiation Level in the Air (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health)
Environmental radiation levels in Tokyo

Radiation Level in Tap Water (Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
No radioactive substances have been detected either from raw water or at the water purification plants of Tokyo since April 2011.
Latest information related to the effect on purified water by radioactivity

List of banned foods and shipping restrictions
Food products are monitored every day for radioactive materials. The Japanese government restricts distribution and consumption of food products containing any level of radiation that exceeds the regulatory standards.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Information on the Great East Japan Earthquake

Q&A on Foods and Fishery products
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Questions and answers on rice, meat and eggs, milk, dairy products, mushrooms, and edible wild plants (as of December 19, 2012)
Fisheries Agency: Questions and answers on fishery products

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