JAPAN HAS CHANGED: NEW Pokemon Park! & Things you need to know before Traveling to Japan
Japan keeps them changing there are even more things to know explore and check out vending machines could be changing the way that they operate New Year celebrations at Shibuya are officially cancelled a new Pokémon theme park has been announced and there’s even competition for team labs and a lot more
To get excited for so whether you are a returned traveler over the team Japan for the very first time this information along with recently cancelled opened and upcoming attractions and events will help you know what to expect and get you excited as you plan your Japan trip but
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Helping me continue making more content attention Shibuya famous annual New Year’s countdown event is officially cancelled in a recent announcement that may come as a disappointment to many hoping to visit shria for New Year’s countdown this event has officially been canceled for the fourth year in a row
This comes as a result of concerns about ensuring Safety and Security due to the expected large influx of visitors Shibuya scramble Crossing’s famous large digital displays seen with its usual adverts will be switched off at 11:00 p.m. on December the 31st and Shibuya will also reinforce the city’s zero
Nuisance public drinking policy meaning that street drinking in the areas immediately surrounding shaba station will be banned from 6:00 p.m. on December the 31st till 5:00 a.m. on January the 1st what alternatives are there and what would I suggest the reality is that if Halloween which I
Went to and was also cancelled and last year’s celebrations that the scramble is anything to go by then sh’s countdown will continue unofficially and people will still turn up to celebrate only a much more polic events would you still go I wouldn’t recommend it I’ve never really seen the appeal of going to
Shibuya for what I’d consider to be a relatively West W style Gathering so here are some culturally enriching ways to experience the countdown to the New Year in Tokyo and other locations throughout Japan how about joining into the rich tradition of hatsumode the traditional Japanese practice of visiting shrines and temples during the
New Year’s holidays during New Year’s Eve these sacred places open their gates in the evening welcoming worshippers who wish to make the first prayers at the stroke of midnight however if you are planning to join in then be prepared for a bit of a wait to reach the inner
Temple and dress warm for the occas you’ll find temples and shrines all across the country but some notable locations around Tokyo include s SOI temple in asakusa which is probably the most crowded kand Shrine Mai Shrine or even zi temple with the illuminated tokota in the background where I
Celebrated last year and I’ll likely return to to ring in 2025 each Temple and Shrine offers a distinctive experience blending tradition and festive atmosphere there will be drams chanting B bonfires and unique food and scents it will certainly be a new year to remember alternatively Shinjuku will also hold a unique earlier countdown
That you could incorporate into your festivities taking place a bit earlier than the traditional Midnight Hour between 6:20 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. hundreds of lanterns will be sent into the sky each carrying wishes for the new year and the event auku will introduce a standing display of projection mapping
And a special appearance by everyone’s beloved zreo character Hello Kitty along with performances by picot which was known globally for his viral hit this is a pen pineapple entry to this event is free however the lantern release requires a pre-event registration but there will be areas available to enjoy
The show without a reservation the event actually takes place in the Civic Plaza of Tokyo’s Metropolitan government office situated right in front of the iconic Tokyo Metropolitan government building could vending machines be in the cusp of change as a tourist who has always admired the iconic vending machine landscape of Japan the recent
News from Coca-Cola Japan sends a wave of concern Through Me Maybe I’m overreacting but this December several thousand more vending machines are being introduced that break away from tradition as thesea machines feature Dynamic pricing where the cost of items fluctuate based on demand Coca-Cola originally tried this in May with a
Potential fullscale roll out in 2024 in theory prices could be adjusted in real time hiking them up during peak hours and lowering them when the streets are quiet and as someone who is an avid vending machine a holic is that even a word I don’t know and a fan of the
Unique experience of Japan’s vending machine culture this shift feels like a hint of change in the air a sign that the Charming static world of these machines might soon be lost to a more commercial less personal ERA this change while seemingly small symbolizes a larger transformation one that might
Forever alter the landscape of vending machines in Japan in positive news a new Pokémon theme park has been announced I am so excited in what could be a thrilling new chapter for Pokémon fans and yet another reason for Mists to flock to Japan this new Pokémon Park
Which will be called POC par Kanto will be situated as part of Yi land inspired by Japan’s Kanto region it promises a unique Fusion of Nature and Pokémon I am so excited the Park’s inspiration the country region is not just a nod to its physical location in Japan it pays
Homage to the fictional setting of the 1996 Pokemon Red and Pokémon Green video games bringing to life the Nostalgia and Adventures that has captivated Millions around the globe including me it’s unclear what Pok par Kanto means for the rumored Universal Studios collaboration at Universal Studios Japan and although
No date has been announced for reference Nintendo and Universal Studios announced in 2016 that they would build a Super Nintendo land in Universal studiio Japan and that did not open until 2021 what are your thoughts let me know another addition that we can look forward to right now is the footbath trains are
Back the exciting news for travelers is that ketu Railway has brought back the unique asiu train offering a one-of a-kind experience in central Japan departing from kintetsu Nagoya Station to yuyama onen Station in Kono this 1 hour 45 minute Journey takes passengers relaxing in a foot buff whilst enjoying
The scenic Beauty outside the Train’s foot Buffs provide a only in Japan moment I don’t know about you but I’m already sold this happy gin want to soak his gin feet was enjoying the scenic Beauty and traditional Japanese Hospitality this next one could be a good alternative for team Labs a new
Exhibit by Mika ninagawa a Japanese photographer is called eternity in a moment and it’s quick becoming Tokyo’s mustsee experimental art experience similar to team Labs you can immerse yourself in vibrant and enchanting Arts it’s located in the heart of Tokyo showcasing the Tokyo node exhibition space in toranomon and offers a fresh
And mesmerizing alternative to the well-known team laabs installations it’s currently only open until February the 25th 2024 so don’t miss it if you in Japan during that period the artist is known for her Vivid images of flowers and koi fish which have been transformed into a series of experimental installations filled with colorful
Digitally enhanced environments and you can bet that I’ll be visiting this installation if I get the chance and for those traveling with Japan Airlines Jal its first air buus A35 1000 has finally been introduced set to serve as its Flagship on International routes starting with Tokyo to New York the
Aircraft is part of jal’s order of 31 a350s known for their efficiency quiet cabins and environmentally friendly design the a350s introduction offers twiice enhanced comfort and service especially on Long call flights making it a significant upgrade for Global Travelers team this will likely be my last update in 2023 but I will continue
To keep an eye out for latest news and information to help you plan your trip to Japan and continue to highlight some areas and places to visit that are less popular so I do highly recommend you check out some of my other videos as this will give you great location ideas
To add to your trip that are less visited with less tourists too and I always say that having access to a data connection is a must in Japan when traveling I’m able to use my Sakura mobile pocket Wi-Fi to check train times navigate around areas and to research
Information whilst on location so I really do highly recommend you have access to an internet connection whilst traveling whether it’s a data Sim an eim a pocket Wi-Fi please consider using my affiliate link or the QR code you receive a trusted product and I’ll receive a small commission at no
Additional cost to you best of all you’ll be helping out the channel and just before I say out if you’ve watched this far then prove it by commenting with a Star Emoji even if you have nothing to say looking for more casual content and live streams then please
Check out my second channel the happy Guin thanks for watching till next time stay positive and be a happy gu in save travels Bye
More Changes and New things to know, explore and check out, Vending machines could be changing the way they operate, New year’s celebrations at Shibuya are officially cancelled, a new Pokemon theme park has been announced and there’s even competition for Team Labs and a lot more to get excited for!
So, whether you are a return traveller or visiting Japan for the first time, this information, along with recently cancelled, opened and upcoming attractions and events, will help you know what to expect and get you excited as you plan your Japan trip!
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Shinjuku lanterns info: https://tokyocheapo.com/events/happy-new-year-tokyo/
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00:00 Japan Keeps on Changing
00:31 Help me out
00:48 Shibuya Countdown info
01:33 Alternatives for NYE in Tokyo
03:03 Shinjuku Lanterns at NYE
03:55 BAD Vending machines news
05:02 NEW Pokemon Theme Park coming to Japan
06:05 Foot bath Trains are back!
06:48 Team Labs Alternative
07:41 JAL Japan Airlines is getting better!
08:15 The Last update watch more
45 Comments
I will be Nagano for new year so I'm fine. Shibuya is too crowded anyway.
First time, only one thing of interest to me. I'm not a New Years crowd type of guy. I would try the foot bath train though. The vending machine changes are another example of big business trying to extract more money from the customers they claim to care about while really only trying to increase profits. Dynamic pricing increases what they charge but if they don't meet the targets they don't lower prices they just remove service. ⭐
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I like your culturally appropriate alternatives for New Year’s. But boo on dynamic pricing giving me Ticketmaster flashbacks.
Planning a Japan trip for late 2024, your channel has been SUCH a help! More than happy to subscribe for your amazing content… THANK YOU GOOD SIR!!! ⭐
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Could someone provide a link to the Lantern Festival in Shinjuku? As unfortunately I cant find information on this online… Eg registration and location
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⭐Have a Happy Holiday 🎄and New Year 🎆
Wow, My burning question, what would the Highest price and the lowest price range for the drinks? Also, will the vending machines drop drinks during a disaster for free? Star
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Great update Nath! Much appreciated cultural inspiradoes as always! 🎉🙌🏻✨🇯🇵
⭐️ ah, star 😂 Highly recommend the Sakura Pocket Wi-Fi set up (via Nathan’s link). I did this on my recent 3 week journey and the system was faultless! ありがとう!
Adjusting prices on vending items during peak hours like that should be illegal!!! UGH! Greedy AF…
Death star emoji? I got you fam. 🌑💀⭐BOOOOOOM!!! Alderaan chunks everywhere. – Lord Vader
hmmm,… for New Year Eve there is Joya-no-Kane … (bell ringing at some temples) … but for this and hatsumode, if you aren't Buddhist, it seems silly to attend I think. Right now at Sompo Museum of Art in Shinjuku there is an exhibit of still lives by van Gogh. I went yesterday and it is really nice. The George Pompidou Centre is undergoing renovation so they're lending lots of wonderful art to the western art museum in Ueno. The cubism exhibit is really, really good !
After 24 hour journey to arrive in Tokyo on December 31, would you recommend another alternative for midnight?, are most of attractions and restaurants closed on January 1?..
Thankfully I'm in Tokyo 8th-24th Feb so I'll definitely be checking out that digital art exhibition. Team Labs is great, so seeing some competition for it is awesome!
The vending machine price changes make sense for some areas, just hope it never happens to gacha machines!
so greedy vending machines then, ok I go for the cheapest tea or water then…
⭐️Happy New Years! I'm currently in Japan by myself for 2+ months and appreciate your updates. Cheers 🎉
I miss Japan and my c.c lemon 😣
For my only New Year in Japan back in 2018, I was in Kyoto and decided to go up Fushimi Inari before midnight and when I decended at 11 PM, the temple was packed for Hatsumode. Did mine next day in Uji, a much more smaller temple.
About the ending machine part, that's a low blow and cheap shot for japanese and tourist alike. Will get my drinks from the super market in advance and take them with me from my hotel. Much cheaper to buy stuff in the supermarket
Thank you for all your hard work throughout 2023 Nathan san, here's to 2024 😌🎉✨
Thank you for these news! Unfortunatelly I'm currently in Kitakyushu, in the Kyushu region, so I'm quite far away from all those places. Byt in the future I hope to be able to visit those locations. My only fear is to not have enough time, because I arrived here on late september and I'm supposed to stay here only for two years, for my master's degree (unless they propose me a PhD or I find a job here). And in these first 6 months is quite difficult for me to move around, because I'm full of lessons and still waiting for news related to a possible tuition waivering (I'm here without a scholarship, so it's very heavy for me, economically speaking). I hope to be able to organize something soon, to move around a bit. I already went to Shimonoseki, to visit their fish market (best sushi I ever had in my life, and very cheap °w°), and in two days I'll go fora bit in Fukuoka with the university. But I would like to find some time to visit a lot more places, between here, Hiroshima, Osaka/Kyoto, Tokyo, Ginzan Onsen etc.etc..
⭐️thanks for the video! I was wondering if you had one on late night arrivals at haneda or narita?
Saved me from going to Shibuya for sure! Lantern festival is the new trip location. thanks for the update! 🌟
⭐ Awesome updates! Kudos!
Yeah, that vending machine thing sounds annoying. I can picture myself staring at my watch saying, "Let's see, if I wait 7 minutes, Pocari will be 20 yen cheaper…"
I will go to the Pokemon theme park if I can, even though I'm not a Pokemon fan. It should be an interesting experience regardless of that fact, and very 'Japan'.
Great update
Looking forward to 2024. Thanks for keeping us informed and entertained ⭐️
⭐thank you for the updates
The peak price of vending machines will still have to be below the combini's, otherwise who'd bother. The 7-Eleven etc are never far away.
You should add timestamps
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Outstanding information Ninja 💯 JAL looks so good they are the best as far as im concerned just not using them because of price
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Thanks for the update mate. We will be in Tokyo on the 27 December this year so are finding your videos very helpful. We are travelling from Australia so looking forward to experiencing the richness of the Japanese culture. Your guides have been a great help.
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Planning a trip for May/June of 2024. Your channel has been so helpful. Wish I could ask specific questions and get help. This will be our first international trip and a once in a lifetime experience.
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⭐ thanks for all the useful updates :)! I'm planning a trip in March/April so looking forward to more of your videos in the new year ^^!
Pokemon, as I'm 55, I don't get it…but a footspa train? Now we're talking. ⭐
I'm getting Japan fatigue lol 😅
Now everyone and their mom makes japan content
I may be moving there in 3 months after living in Korea 4 years
We'll see what happens