Shibuya Halloween CANCELLED?? New Things To Know About Japan Before You GO!
There have been a lot of changes to Japan’s tourist situation over these past few weeks! Shibuya’s Iconic Halloween Festival is in danger of being banned! This is just one example of the many issues tourists face as Japan’s tourism policies continue to rapidly change. Japan tourism has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels faster than anyone could have imagined, with tourist numbers returning to 96% of pre pandemic levels in September! But, as the tourist numbers continue to climb, it seems that overcrowding problems and issues with unruly tourists have seemed to follow suit. In the past few months, Kyoto has banned their once iconic bus pass, Japan Rail has substantially increased the price of the JR Pass, and Mt fuji implemented a visitor cap, all to try and combat the issues of overcrowding. Now it seems this issue is starting to impact Tokyo as well, as Shibuya’s police are cracking down on disruptive public drinking, and Shibuya’s mayor even putting a “ban” on the iconic Shibuya Halloween festival.
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1) Shibuya Halloween
2) Tokyo Japan
3) Japan Travel
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#halloween #tokyo #shibuya #japantravel #japan2023 #tourism #japanopen #japanopen2023
0:00 – 1:03 Intro
1:03 – 2:26 (1) Japan Tourism is 100% back!
2:26 – 3:24 (2) Japan Tour Guide Shortage
3:24 – 4:52 (3) Shibuya Drinking Ban??
4:52 – 5:55 (4) Why Shibuya Halloween is “Banned”
5:55 – 6:15 (5) What To Expect If You Go
6:15 – 7:27 (6) My Advice On Shibuya Halloween
7:27 – 9:06 (7) Will Japan Counter Overtourism??
19 Comments
おはよう👋😃☀️
Bro I'm seeing tons of videos of people celebrating 🍾 Halloween in shibuya 😅
Protect Hachikō at all costs!
Don't need another "Shibuya Incident" #IYKYK #JJK 😅
In regards to shibuya banning loitering & drinking it’s understandable courtesy of the ridiculousness that happened Halloween 2018.
I was in Shibuya tonight around 6.30pm and it was like being in another country. Police were bussed in en masse and were on the streets keeping people moving along and stopping groups from stopping in certain areas. They also held up plastic tape to stop pedestrians from walking into the road when traffic had a green light.
The number of people on the streets was crazy and the situation just felt like it could easily get out of hand so I left and went elsewhere.
I’m currently at the airport heading to Tokyo. I’d like to experience the Halloween festivities while I can so hopefully things don’t get too outta hand
Hi Harb!
I was in Japan a few weeks ago, and while yes, there were many tourists, I don't feel like it was overcrowded as much as some people say; but then again my view may be skewed as I was too focused on the sites and not the people; the Kiyomizu-dera temple sure was packed though. What an experience it was to be at its base.
Just some tips from a recent tourist who intends to return in a couple of years (long, sorry xD):
1) Get an IC card as soon as you can. The convenience these things offer is unparalleled when riding the railways or the local buses. It may be difficult now as even ICOCA has suspended sales until further notice (I got mine with the final ones available I guess), so let's hope the chip shortage ends soon enough to resume sales. Either way, while daunting at first, the railway system is probably the most intuitive thing I've ever seen in terms of time efficiency. Iphone users have it best as you can just download the IC app; fingers crossed android users get it soon.
2) Be on your best behavior. This should go without saying, but we have to set the example as visitors in the country.
3) Rent a pocket wifi or get an eSIM. You WILL need internet. END. (P.S.: you can get these at the airport with or without a reservation.)
4) Google maps is your best friend. The app got me to where I needed to go with minimal hiccups (just 2 instances it said I should board a different train lol).
5) Keep your passport on you at all times. Other than being required, some stores offer a 10% tax waiver on purchases over 5,500 yen, so the more you spend, the more you save, but the QR code needed for this will be put into your passport. Most stores advertise this service upfront, but some don't so it doesn't hurt to ask. I got a great deal on some of my figurine hunts thanks to this.
6) Keep cash on you at all times. Japan loves cash and 80% of the stores we visited didn't accept any form of credit. I spent around $800 (plus around $500 in credit cards) and had an absolutely amazing time, so much so that I was actually splurging the money on the final days since I didn't want to bring back any of my budget (spoiler: still did xD).
7) Go where your feet take you. Having tour guides is nice, but I had way more fun just wandering around and talking to locals. I got to see some amazing things off the beaten path (secret little shrines, wonderful Mom and Pop stores, delicious street food), so don't be afraid to burn some time just having a coffee at a random shop off main street.
8) Shop around. The second-hand market in Japan is unlike anything I'd seen before. If you're looking for something in particular, mark the first place you find it, but don't buy it yet. Wander around some other stores and you just might get lucky and find it way cheaper. I got one particular anime figure (recently released), which retailed at around 8,000 yen, for just 2,000 at another store.
9) Brush up on your Japanese. Some people do speak a little English, but most don't. Being able to communicate at a basic level can't even be measured. The surprised faces some locals made when I started asking or answering in Japanese really made my day.
10) Enjoy!
Cheers!
I feel this is cause many many many people from western countries got into anime during….the pandemic, yet when I travel to Japan in 2014 it was nice not as much people, this June I went it feels like Disney world, most where guys who yet again got into the culture 3 years ago.
So glad I was able to visit before the great influx of tourist. Great video keep them coming.
‘Over-tourism’ and ‘revenge tourism’ – seems likely uniquely Japanese concepts. Lol
The Japanese government's must do more to actively encourage tourists to explore more than the traditional cities and attractions. There's so much more on offer. First time visitors will always do the golden triangle etc, but repeat visitors, or those staying for more than 10 days should be incentivised to go off the beaten track. …. So, what does JR do, increase prices… Ohh dear!
I'm returning for my third trip in 5 years over the New Year, staying three weeks, but flying into Osaka and exploring the broader Kansai region. Can't wait!
Who needs a tour guide when you have channels like these to tell you all the cool places to visit. Technology and YouTube makes traveling easy mode. First it was Christmas now Halloween what next Thanksgiving.
I was in Shibuya this morning and was bummed to find out that they closed the Hachiko statue. I thought they were renovating rhe area. Thanks for letting me know the reason they closed it.
It makes me so sad when tourists disrespect the area they are visiting (e.g., having bad behavior, damaging property / sites) just blows my mind that some people can be so rude! And then it makes all foreigners look bad!
I attended Shibuya Crossing Halloween one time and once in the dense crowd, I thought the danger of tripping and being trampled was not a risk to continue.
Man people are just ruining things for me, it's going to be my first time going to Japan in March 😭
Thanks nuisance YouTubers. Sigh.
This is disgusting to me … after the Bubble Economy collapse, instead of promoting STEM and exports, the central government told JNTO to promote foreign tourism. I agree with Shibuya mayor Hasebe seeking diversity in age groups and pushing young people away during Halloween. Itaewon last year was so horrible …
It's better to spread out to other areas without so many tourists and you'll have a better time, great update Alex and Matilda 💯