Japan travel tips for first-time visitors

Short videos with Hako the cardboard box, written up and checked against official sources.

Before you go

Tokyo Bookings: 3 Things to Book Before You Land

Some of Tokyo's most popular experiences need a booking. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka admits visitors by advance reservation only, and tickets for each month go on sale at 10 a.m. Japan time on the 10th of the month before. Observation decks such as SHIBUYA SKY sell admission tickets on their official websites. For restaurants, if your plans change, cancel as early as you can: some places take a deposit or a card and may charge a fee for a missed booking.

By Ready in JapanUpdated 3 official sources

Video cover: Tokyo Bookings: 3 Things to Book Before You LandVideo out Oct 25

The 22-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.

The 3 things to know

  1. Ghibli Museum: tickets go on sale on the 10th

    Tickets for the following month go on sale at 10 a.m. (JST) on the 10th of each month. All admission is by advance reservation only.

  2. Observation decks: check the official ticket page

    SHIBUYA SKY sells admission tickets on its official ticket page. Check it before your trip.

  3. Restaurants: cancel early if plans change

    If you cannot make a booking, cancel as early as you can. Some places ask for a deposit or a credit card, and the deposit may be kept or a fee charged if you miss the booking or cancel too late.

Quick answers

When do Ghibli Museum tickets go on sale?

At 10 a.m. Japan time on the 10th of each month, for the following month.

Can I just turn up at the Ghibli Museum?

No. All admission to the Ghibli Museum is by advance reservation only.

What if I cannot make my restaurant booking?

Cancel as early as possible. Some places require a deposit or a credit card, and may keep the deposit or charge a fee if you miss the booking or fail to cancel with enough notice.

Read the video transcript

Heading to Tokyo? Don't land without these three bookings.

One. Ghibli Museum tickets go on sale on the tenth for the next month, and they go fast.

Two. Popular observation decks sell sunset slots early.

Three. Famous restaurants often book out weeks ahead.

Book the must-dos first. Fill in the rest later.

Sources & how we checked

The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:

  1. ghibli-museum.jpGhibli Museum, Mitaka - Tickets
  2. shibuya-scramble-square.comSHIBUYA SKY - Tickets
  3. japan.travelJNTO - Making Reservations
Updated
Video
22 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
Good to know
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