Short trip ideas for after meetings and events

Beyond Tokyo

Fukushima

About Tokyo
https://abouttokyo.jp/

■ Free Wi-Fi
From cafés to train stations to airports, an increasing number oflocations in Tokyo offer high-speed Internet connection via free
Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi logos are displayed where services are available.

Welcome to Tokyo!

Tokyo, one of the world's largest cities, offers a uniquely eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary attractions.
Please enjoy Tokyo and beyond during your stay for a conference, meeting or business.

1. Facts

Tokyo General Information■ Climate and clothing■ Money, tipping

Currency

Japan uses yen (Japanese: 円 , symbol: ¥, code: JPY). Coinscome in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500-yen denominations whilebills come in 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; and 10,000-yen
denominations. As of July 2023, the exchange rate is approx.
135-140 yen to the US dollar and approx. 145-150 yen to the Euro.

Credit cards

Average Monthly Temperature and Precipitation

International credit cards such as American Express, Visa,
Diners Club, and MasterCard can be used at most banks,
hotels, inns, and stores. Although not accepted at as many
locations as these cards, China UnionPay can also be used.
However, some stores do not accept any credit cards, so it is agood idea to have some cash on hand.

Cash advances (ATM)
Spring (March-May)
There may be days in March when you need a heavy jacket,
but the cold eases considerably in April and by May it can bewarm enough for short sleeves during the day. Peak cherry
blossom season runs from late March through early April.

Roughly 32,000 Japan Post Bank ATMs located throughout
Japan, as well as over 26,000 Seven Bank ATMs installed in
7-Eleven convenience stores, offer cash advances for credit
cards issued overseas. Most 7-Eleven convenience stores areopen 24/7. Logos displayed on or near the ATMs indicate
which credit cards can be used.

Summer (June-August)

Tipping

The rainy season lasts from late June through around mid-July,
with frequent rain and high humidity. After the rains, July andAugust usher in a steady stream of midsummer heat withtemperatures over 30°C, including especially hot and humid
days when the temperature rises above 35°C.

Autumn (September-November)
The temperature can rise over 30°C even in September, butboth temperature and humidity begin to fall gradually. The
peak season for viewing fall foliage starts in mid November. It
is recommended to bring a heavy jacket when you come toTokyo in November.

It is not necessary to tip for service in Japan at places such as
restaurants, bars, taxis, airports and hotels. However, hotels
and some restaurants indicate an additional service charge on
their bills or menus, respectively.

■ Cashless payment
In accordance with government policy, cashless transactions
are promoted in large stores, restaurants, and shopping malls
and can be used in many independent stores.

Japan Connected: Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi hotspot guide http://www.ntt-bp.net/jcfw/use/index.html
TOKYO FREE Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi Guide http://www.wifi-tokyo.jp/■ Electricity
Voltage in Japan is 100 V, while frequency
varies by location: 50 Hz in eastern Japan
including Tokyo and 60Hz in western Japan.
A 2-flat-pin type socket is used.

■ SmokingIn Tokyo, smoking is prohibited indoors at restaurants, drinking
establishments, accommodations and other facilities used bymany people, and only permitted in dedicated smoking rooms
inside buildings (effective from April 2020). Smoking is also
prohibited outdoors – on the streets and in parks in some areasof Tokyo. Please smoke in designated areas only.

■ Language
Japanese is the official language of Japan and English is widely
spoken in Tokyo. Information desks at various facilities areoften staffed with people who can speak English.

■ VisaJapan has a visa waiver agreement with 69 countries andregions, under which delegates can enter the country for ashort-term stay simply with their valid passport. (as of April
2nd, 2023)
For more information, please visit the website of the Ministry ofForeign Affairs of Japan:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

2. Getting There & Exploring the City
■ Transportation / Airport
A well-developed transportation network allows easy and convenient movement in and around the city, so you can come and goalmost anywhere just by trains, subways or buses.

Average Time to Key Destinations from Airports

Winter (December-February)Constant low temperatures make a jacket and coatindispensable, and it occasionally snows even in the city center.
Japan Meteorological Agency
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/yoho/319.html
02 Beyond Tokyo03

Getting around Tokyo
A network of train lines operatedby JR East Japan and the subway
lines of Tokyo Metro and Toei linkstations around Tokyo. Symbols
and signage at the stations are
multilingual in English, Korean andChinese. Train timetables arelocated on the platforms and arevery reliable since trains in Tokyo
run on time.

Asakusa Line
/ Keikyu Line

4. Things to Do & See■ City Tour: Asakusa
This location is home to one of the most popular tourist spots
in Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree Town®, which has the world’s tallest
free-standing broadcast tower. The area around the tower iscomplete with shopping and entertainment facilities. In
contrast to the cutting-edge tourist attractions, atmospheric
Sumida and Oshiage are crowded with people enjoying thesights of shitamachi areas, the traditional commercial andworking class neighborhoods of Tokyo. Just across theSumida-gawa river is the district of Asakusa, where you willfind the Kaminari-mon gate with its huge red lantern, and theSenso-ji Temple, both landmarks from the old days. Have apleasurable experience shopping at the shopping streets
including Nakamise, visiting sightseeing spots in a rickshaw, or
enjoying the cherry blossoms during spring and fireworks inthe summer.

■ City Tour: River Cruise■ Suica and PASMO cards■ TaxisSmart cards Suica and PASMO can be used on almost all railand bus lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and are also
accepted by a growing number of taxis. Suica IC cards areavailable for purchase at JR stations. Welcome Suica cards
which require no deposit and expire in 28 days are alsoavailable. PASMO cards are available at subway, private railway
stations or bus depots. You can also use these cards for
shopping as electronic money at an increasing number ofregistered shops.

In addition to queuing for a taxi at a taxi stand, you can also flag
down an unoccupied taxi on the street by raising your hand. The
taxi's rear left-side door will open for you automatically, so there
is no need to open it for yourself. Fares are paid at theconclusion of the ride, but some taxis cannot accept smart cards
or credit cards, so be sure to check before you get in.

Suica
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html

PASMO
https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/normalpasmo

3. Shopping & Eating■ Shopping
There are countless opportunities for you to shop for beautiful
and innovative products including exquisite green teas,
traditional sweets, attractive lacquerware, textiles, fashion andstate-of-the-art electronic products Japan is famous for.

■ Eating
Washoku, or authentic Japanese cuisine, including globally
popular sushi and tempura, has been designated by UNESCO
as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. There are plenty ofrestaurants in Tokyo and the most Michelin stars in the world.
The exquisite quality and variety of dishes, from washoku toworld cuisine, make for an unforgettable experience. You caneven try an Izakaya (local pub) for Japanese beer and yakitori(grilled chicken on a skewer) just as the locals do.

■ Taxi fares
In Tokyo's 23 wards, Musashino city and Mitaka city, taxi fares
have been raised to reflect improvements in working
conditions and an increase in fuel costs. The starting fare is
now 500 yen for the first 1.052km, beyond which 100 yen ischarged for each additional 255 meters.

Tokyo offers a diversity of cruise types, from regular services
convenient for sightseeing and traveling, to one-off services
paired with seasonal events, and even yakatabune services
featuring meals and shows. Select the ideal cruise to enjoy
according to purpose or situation.

■ Cultural Program: Dress in Kimono/Yukata
Kimono, the beautiful national costume of Japan also calledwafuku, literally meaning “Japanese-style clothing,” has won
popularity beyond its birthplace. The garment is made withvarious materials, such as cotton and silk, and in different styles
for different purposes, from formal to casual. Few people dressin kimono on a daily basis today, but the gown remains
essential to traditional Japanese culture and is worn on special
occasions like weddings and New Year celebrations. Yukata isa variant of the kimono made with a lighter fabric. The stylish
gown comes in diverse colors, patterns, and materials. And
compared to the kimono, it’s easier to put on.
Both kimono and yukata give the wearer a taste of Japan.
Although it’s possible to dress yourself, professional services areavailable, too. It’s worth creating the opportunity to have aphotograph taken or stroll the streets of Tokyo wearing akimono or yukata.

■ A Different Flavor of Cultural Program: Sake Tasting
Tokyo also has an exceptional variety of local Japanese rice wine brands, better known as “sake.” For a real taste of Tokyo enjoy a sakebrewery tour with sake tasting in Ome or Higashimurayama, in the western part of Tokyo. The sake brewery Ozawa Shuzo in Ome offers
spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from its beautiful location. Sawanoi, one of their signature brands, is popularfor its clean, crisp flavor and refined aroma. Toshimaya Shuzo is another well-known sake brewery in Higashimurayama, established in 1596.
Their signature sake Kinkon, which has won numerous awards, is dedicated to Meiji Jingu and Kanda Myojin Shrines as their sacred sake.

5. Useful Links
JAPAN: The Official Guide
Official website of the Japan National Tourism Organization

https://www.japan.travel/en/

Official Tokyo Travel Guide: Go Tokyo
Official tourism website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
04 Beyond Tokyo

https://www.gotokyo.org/en/
The information published is as of July 2023.

05

Short Trip Ideas for after Meetings and Events: Fukushima
Yamagata

Miyagi

About Fukushima
Fukushima is the third biggest prefecture in Japan. The prefecture is located in Tohoku, which is the northern regionof Japan’s main island. Mountain ranges separate Fukushima into 3 areas: Aizu (historic area to the west),
Nakadori (central transport hub of the prefecture) and Hamadori (eastern area overlooking the ocean).

Getting from Tokyo to Fukushima

Fukushima•Tokyo Station•Tokyo Station•Tokyo Station

・Fukushima
StationFukushima Station: 1 h 30 min (via JR Tohoku Shinkansen)
Koriyama Station: 1 h 20 min (via JR Tohoku Shinkansen)
Iwaki Station: 2 h 30 min (via the JR Joban Line’s Hitachi-Tokiwa Ltd. Express Service)

Nakadori
Aizu

・Koriyama
StationNiigata

Hamadori・Iwaki
StationTochigi©Asubito Fukushima(General Incorporated Association)

Ibaraki

Gunma

NaganoTokyo

Experience
the Samurai Spirit

Hope Tourism
in Fukushima

Food andReconstruction

pp. 8-9

pp. 10-11

pp. 12-13

Interviews with people in Fukushima

Saitama

Yamanashi

Short Trip ideas

Chiba

Kanagawa

Tokyo, one of the World's Largest Cities

General Information pp. 2-5
06 Beyond Tokyo

Aizu’s Samurai Spirit

Hope Tourism

p. 14

p. 15

50km
The information published is as of July 2023.

07

Experience
the Samurai Spirit

2 Mt. Iimori

1 Aizu Nisshinkan School

2 Takino
4 Butokuden
1 Koriyama Station

3 Tsurugajo Castle

Did you know, the samurai defeat at the Battle of Aizu in Fukushima marked
the end of the samurai era? Learn about Fukushima’s history, try your hand at
martial arts studied by samurai, and get a taste for life during the samurai era.

Higashiyama Onsen

5

3 Ouchi-juku
4 Yunokami Onsen

This itinerary is designed for groups traveling via charter bus. Those not traveling as part of a group should
rent a car or use public transportation to follow this suggested itinerary. Renting a car in particular for the
3rd day of the tour is recommended.

Shin-Shirakawa
Station4

1 Komine Castle
3

Suirakuen
Gardens

2 Shirakawa Daruma■ Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1

1

2

Koriyama
StationTakino70 min(Restaurant)

3
10 minTsurugajo
Castle4

5

Butokuden
5 min(Martial Arts
Training Hall)

10 minHigashiyama
Onsen(Hot Spring /Accommodations)

DAY 2

Higashiyama
Onsen

1
Aizu
Nisshinkan
25 minSchool2

3

Mt. Iimori
10 min4

Ouchi-juku
45 min(Edo Period Post Town)(Samurai School)
See P.14
for details

20 minYunokami
Onsen(Hot Spring /Accommodations)

DAY 3

YunokamiOnsen

1
60 min08 Beyond Tokyo

KomineCastle2
5 minShirakawa
Daruma(Shop)

3
5 min

Suirakuen
Gardens(Japanese Gardens)

4
ShinShirakawa
15 minStation09

Hope Tourism
in Fukushima

7 Minamisoma City
Ukedo elementary school
Ohirayama cemetery
The Great East Japan
Earthquake and Nuclear
Disaster Memorial Museum

An in-depth study tour of Fukushima Prefecture – the only place in the world tohave experienced an earthquake, tsunami, nuclear disaster, and the consequent
reputational damage all at once. Learn about the reconstruction efforts todate, and the challenges that are yet to come (interpreting guide needed).

6 Michinoeki-Namie
5 Ukedo district
4

Futaba Businessand
3 Incubation
Community Center
Restaurant·Food court

2 Route 6

1 TEPCO
Decommissioning
Archive Center

This itinerary is designed for groups traveling via charter bus. Those not traveling as part of a groupshould rent a car or use public transportation to follow this suggested itinerary.

6

Diﬃcult-toreturn zone

■ Suggested Itinerary

as of January 2020

Iwaki Yumoto Onsen･Annual integrated doses are over 50mSv.
･Entry is prohibited with some exceptions.
･Lodging is prohibited.

DAY 1

1
Koriyama
Station2
30 min3

Commutan
Fukushima

4

GardenRestaurant
20 minSararaLearn basic information
about the disaster throughexhibitions and videos.

Exploreon Foot

90 min

Enjoy a buffet spread
made from local produce.

6

5

Aquamarine
Fukushima

Exploreon Foot(Fukushima Ocean
Science Museum)
Badly damaged in 2011 by
the tsunami, this aquarium
is now a symbol of recovery.

30 minSpa Resort
Hawaiians

Iwaki
Yumoto15 minOnsen

The hula show,
popular now as ever,
was able to bring joy
to people after thedisaster.

(Hot Spring /Accommodations)

DAY 2

Iwaki
YumotoOnsen

1

TEPCO Decommissioning
Archive CenterGet an overview of the nuclear disaster andthe decommissioning efforts that have followed.

2

3

Route 6

Pass streets frozen in time, where barricades
still block entrance to homes and shops

60 min30 minFutaba Business Incubation
and Community Center
Restaurant · Food court

4

The Great East Japan
Earthquake and Nuclear
Disaster Memorial Museum

3 min

5

6

Ukedo District

Area heavily damaged by boththe tsunami and nuclear disaster.

7

Michinoeki-Namie

Michinoeki Namie, which opened in August 2020,is a place where you can shop, eat, and take a break.

10 min10 min30 minMinamisoma
City

Exploreon Foot
Exploreon Foot

Ukedo elementary school
Ohirayama cemetery

DAY 3

Ukedo elementary school damaged by thetsunami · The children evacuated to themountain and all were safe

Minamisoma
City

1
10 min10 Beyond Tokyo

AsubitoFukushima
Organization fostering
talented individuals
to lead the way
for future Fukushimareconstruction.

3

2
50 min©Asubito Fukushima(General Incorporated Association)

Michi-no-Eki
Madei-kan(Roadside Rest Area)

60 minFukushima
Station

Roadside Rest Area
opened as a basefor regional revitalization.

11

Food andReconstruction

1 Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre

Garden Restaurant Sarara

Learn about research and reconstruction efforts conducted by the departmentsof agriculture and fisheries, following the nuclear disaster of March 2011. You
can also learn about the various food-related initiatives employed by
Fukushima Prefecture to guarantee the safety of locally-produced food(interpreting guide needed).
This itinerary is designed for groups traveling via charter bus. Those not traveling as part of a group should
rent a car to follow this suggested itinerary. Please note that Fukushima Prefectural Fisheries and Marine
Science Research Centre and Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre must be visited as part of a grouptour.
■ Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1

1
Iwaki
Station2

Fukushima Prefectural Fisheries andMarine Science Research Centre

30 min3

Iwaki Lalamew

4(Fish Market)

5 min

5

Wonder Farm

40 minBandai Atami
Iwaki
Onsen
Lalamew(Hot Spring / Accommodations)(Fish Market)

80 minDAY 2

Bandai
Atami
Onsen

1
30 minFukushima Agricultural
Technology Centre2

Garden Restaurant Sarara

3

Enjoy a buffet spread made from local produce.

20 min20 minCommutan Fukushima

4

Learn basic information about the disaster through exhibitions and videos.

45 minKoriyama
StationExploreon Foot

12 Beyond Tokyo

13

Interviews with people in Fukushima
Aizu’s Samurai Spirit

Hope Tourism

During the Edo Period, the Tokugawa shogunate ruled

March 11 2011 was the day of the Great East Japan

Japan from Edo, the former Tokyo. In Fukushima lived

Earthquake. Fukushima Prefecture is the only place in thethe Aizu Clan, who were trusted deeply by theworld to experience an earthquake, tsunami, nuclear

Tokugawa rulers. During the Boshin Civil War 150 years

disaster, and subsequent reputational damage, all at theago, the Aizu samurai fought loyally for the Tokugawa

same time. Despite this, Fukushima Prefecture is full of

Shogunate.

people looking forward, holding onto hope, and fighting
for a bright future, regardless of the hardships they face.

■ Aizu & the samurai code
Were they simply fighting out of obligation towards
Tokugawa? Some say their resilience came from samurai spirit.
Takahiro Iwasawa from Nisshinkan School talks about Aizu’ssamurai spirit. For Iwasawa, the samurai spirit of the Aizu
people during the Boshin War is rooted in the education
received at schools like Nisshinkan.
“Nisshinkan was founded to enable the Aizu Clan to flourish,
through raising future generations of samurai. A broad-ranging
curriculum spanning literary and military study enabled
Nisshinkan to produce countless talented individuals, leading to
its reputation as the best clan school in Japan.”
We often think of samurai solely as warriors, but, as Iwasawa
explains, “Samurai did fight. But they also set examples for
those around them about how to behave towards others.”
The Ju no Okite Code was integral to Aizu Clan education. It
consists of 7 promises, and 1 proverb: “Naranu koto ha naranu
mono desu” (“what is wrong, must not be done”). This proverb
sheds light on the determination of samurai during the Boshin War.
Aside from academic subjects, students studied combat-related
activities, including horsemanship, gunmanship, and martial
arts like kendo and kyudo (Japanese archery).
“Martial arts gave students a deep understanding of etiquetteand courtesy, which is essential to samurai culture. Practicealways begins and finishes with a bow, to show gratitude forthe opportunity to practice.”■ Experience real samurai history
Iwasawa teaches visitors the basics of kyudo at Nisshinkan, andasks that visitors start and finish the experience with a bow.

■ What is Hope Tourism?
“The kyudo experience isn’t just shooting arrows; it’s trying
what samurai actually studied.”Nisshinkan visitors can be sure their Japanese culture
experiences are authentic: “Whether it’s kyudo, tea ceremony,or zazen meditation, visitors can have fun while being taught
by experienced teachers.”
While greatly respected, samurai education had a darker side.
During the Boshin War, a group of teenage samurai belonging
to a brigade called the Byakkotai tragically took their own lives
on Mt. Iimori.
Iwasawa explains, “These 19 boys, who chose their fate
upon seeing their castle in flames, were students at
Nisshinkan.”
This event, and the sense of honor that led to it, was tragic.
However, Iwasawa believes we have much to learn fromcertain aspects of samurai spirit, even today.

■ Passing on the legacy“Samurai spirit teaches us how to live lives full of considerationfor others, that positively influence those around us.”In fact, a modified version of the Ju no Okite Code is taught
to current-day Aizu students. As Iwasawa puts it, “Thesamurai spirit of thoughtfulness and integrity lives on in new
generations.”
Nisshinkan, faithfully reconstructed in the 1980s, is the only
remaining complete clan school facility in Japan.
It continues to be an important symbol for the Aizu
people, and should not be missed during your trip.
Experience the Aizu samurai spirit yourself at thisincredible place.

Takahiro Iwasawa,
Nisshinkan School

Hope Tourism is a project started in Fukushima Prefecture,
which runs educational trips allowing participants to reflect onlearning from the disaster and overcoming challenges in theface of adversity. This is achieved through its participants
seeing the current state of Fukushima with their own eyes, andmeeting people working tirelessly for a bright future.
William McMichael of Fukushima University, who is involved in
the project and in training interpreting guides, spoke to us
about Hope Tourism.
“The year after the disaster, I started inviting students fromabroad to Fukushima University as part of a fieldwork program(Fukushima Ambassador Program). Students would visit various
areas in the prefecture and interact with local people.
Program participants always return home as Fukushima fans.
This is true of Hope Tourism participants too. Ignorance breeds
misunderstanding, but knowledge allows understanding andconnection.”■ The 3 pillars of Hope Tourism
Hope Tourism has 3 main pillars: “Seeing,” “Listening,” and“Reflection.”“Scenes of broken buildings, streets abandoned during
evacuation orders, and piles of huge, black bags leave deep
impressions on visitors. But seeing these shocking aspects ofFukushima allows visitors to fully understand and reflect on thestrength of its people when listening to their stories.”
The nuclear disaster has led to prolonged reconstruction workin Fukushima. Some areas have remained unchanged since
March 11 2011, whereas confident steps towards
reconstruction are being taken in many other areas.

Tour participants can see firsthand the real situation in Fukushima,
something not always accurately conveyed on television or online.
“The most important thing is talking to local people; listening
to their stories and learning about what motivates them. Just
visiting these areas alone doesn’t afford you the ability to
uncover the stories that live here.”This act of connecting visitors with people involved in local
reconstruction efforts is at the heart of Hope Tourism.
McMichael continues, “I think ‘Expressing & Connecting’ canbe added as the 4th pillar of Hope Tourism – a pillar of hope.”
Participants discover hope in the places they visit, and, in turn,
local people feel hope through their interactions with participants.

■ Participating in a Hope

Tourism tour

Hope Tourism has organized school trips, staff training tours,
area observation tours, and more, to fit the needs of participants.
“Science and Engineering, Radiology, Psychology, Sociology...
no matter your academic background, there is much to learn
from the people of Fukushima Prefecture.”
Lastly, McMichael smiles and says, “Fukushima Prefecture ishome to the story of the Akabeko; a cow that brings good
fortune in times of need. When tour participants come and see
Fukushima with their own eyes, learn from local people, andshare what they learn with those close to them, they will
become a beacon of hope for the people of Fukushima, likethe story of the Akabeko cow.”

Prof. William McMichael,
Fukushima University*Please note, it is necessary to book appointments with local guest speakers in advance.

14 Beyond Tokyo

15

Short trip ideas for after meetings and events

Beyond Tokyo

All information in this booklet is as of July 2023 unless otherwise stated.

Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau