Carey Finn

Tokyo

Editor-In-Chief at Tokyo Cheapo

I tweet stuff about my three loves: media, education and random awesome things.

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Articles

What Is the New 9000-Yen Rail Pass in Japan?

6 days ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Railway operator JR East has starting selling a new rail pass that allows unlimited rides on local and rapid trains across the JR East network for three consecutive days. The pass is available to both tourists and residents of Japan until December. Priced at ¥9,000, the “Higashi Nihon Nonbiri Tabi Pass”, or 東日本のんびり旅パス, which loosely translates to East Japan Leisurely Pass, is being sold through JR East’s online booking platform, Ekinet (in Japanese).
9 Best Hydrangea Experiences Near Tokyo

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

June is the best time to see hydrangeas in Japan. You’ll see bursts of blue and pink ajisai all around the country, including the capital. Here are some of our favorite spots to see this underrated summer flower around Tokyo. Did you know? The color of a hydrangea is largely determined by the pH of the soil. A more acidic pH results in blue blooms, while more alkalinity fetches pink flowers. 1.
teamLab Kyoto To Open Fall 2025

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

The rumors are true — Kyoto is getting a teamLab museum of its own. Set to open this autumn, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto will be located in Minami Ward — as part of the Kyoto Station Southeast Area urban development project. The exact opening date and address have yet to be announced, but the organizers have released information about some of the artworks that you can look forward to.
You Can Send Your Bags From Station Lockers to Hotels in Tokyo

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Tokyo Metro has announced the launch of a new service to send luggage from train-station lockers to 500 hotels around Tokyo. The Tokyo Metlocker PLUS service will start running at Oshiage Station on the Hanzomon Line from May 27, 2025. There are plans to expand the service to 20 stations over time.
3 Best Yakult Experiences Near Tokyo

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

There are a number of places around Japan where you can learn more about the popular probiotic drink Yakult, but we have handpicked three favorites. Get ready for two totally different Yakult factory tours near Tokyo, plus a laidback café. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tokyo Cheapo (@tokyocheapo) 1.Yakult Ibaraki Plant Approx.
Mount Fuji Bookings To Open for 2025 Season

2 months ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Reservations for climbing Mt. Fuji are officially opening for the 2025 season. If you’re planning to hike the famous Yoshida Trail — the most popular route — you can book a spot online. Advance bookings for the Yoshida Trail are possible from 1 p.m. on April 24 (Japan Standard Time). It costs ¥4,000 per hiker, and payment can be made online. A digital ticket will then be issued.
Dates Announced for Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival 2025

2 months ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

The biggest fireworks festival in Tokyo will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 in 2025. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is a highlight on the summer events calendar, attracting huge numbers of attendees. You can expect approximately 20,000 fireworks, launched from two different locations along the Sumida River. According to The Japan News, you can also expect close to 1 million other people to attend. For more details, see our Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival event page.
3 Things To See at Glass Rock in Toranomon Hills

2 months ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Glass Rock, the newest part of the Toranomon Hills complex in Minato Ward, has officially completed its phased opening to the public as of April 9, 2025. The edgy, light-filled building is positioned between Station Tower and Mori Tower, connecting the two via a wide pedestrian walkway. There are only a small number of shops and restaurants in Glass Rock — but here’s what to see among them. 1.
"Move in With Just a Suitcase" - Instant Apartment Rentals in English

2 months ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Japanese room-rental service unito has launched English-language support on its mobile search platform, in response to growing demand for mid- to long-term stays among international travelers. Users can find rooms that are available for immediate occupancy — as soon as the next day (or in theory even the same day). The plug-and-play units include furniture, appliances, Wi-Fi, and other essentials, making it possible to move in with nothing more than a suitcase.
Tokyo Metro Launches New Tourist Pass

2 months ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Tokyo Metro has partnered with Linktivity, an e-ticketing platform provider, to launch the Tokyo City Pass, a new tourist pass that combines unlimited subway rides with discounted entry to Tokyo sightseeing spots. It joins an extensive line-up of existing Tokyo transport passes, but stands out in value for money, with potential savings of 60%-80%, as reported by the provider.