The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has formally announced its selection of a consortium of 11 companies, including real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan Co.. and The Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings, as a business operator to redevelop an approximately 47 acre lot at the former site of the Tsukiji Market in Chuo Ward. Read more
In the intricate dance of international aviation, securing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is no simple feat for U.S. airlines. The meticulous control exercised by Japanese authorities over takeoff and landing permissions for long-haul flights at Haneda adds an additional layer of complexity.
Back in 2019, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Japanese authorities resulted in the allocation of extra slots at Haneda to select domestic carriers. These allocations, however, came with a ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ stipulation, temporarily relaxed during the pandemic but now a thing of the past as of last month.
Japan, a country steeped in tradition and seasonal holidays, has a somewhat odd and longstanding fascination with Halloween.
Arguably, it makes sense on paper — the prevalence of cosplay, liberal open container laws and a voracious appetite for entertainment. It certainly puts the Japanese concepts of “honne 本音,” and “tatemae 建前” into an interesting juxtaposition as well.
In Tokyo, Halloween has evolved into an adult holiday, with street parties abound, but none more famous than what transpires in Shibuya. But, this year, its Mayor is officially spooked.
Any traveler to Tokyo usually relies heavily on rechargeable IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, even though multi-day travel passes and single trip paper tickets are also available.
Refilling and topping up those cards, let alone purchasing physical tickets, can be a bit burdensome if you lack experience operating the ticket terminals, apps or are hesitant to speak with a ticket agent.
The temporary halt in sales of Pasmo and Suica cards last month due to a global shortage of semiconductors added an additional layer of complexity for travelers and daily commuters.
Now, a welcome and significant announcement has surfaced — major Tokyo train companies are getting ready to introduce contactless fare systems that you can pay with credit and debit cards.