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Yodobashi Lucky Bags
Your best bet for a Yodobashi bag is actually showing up at the store on January 2nd or 3rd. They usually hold back a small number of in-store sale bags that weren't part of the lottery, especially the standard electronics ones around the 10,000 yen range. The Shinjuku main store gets them first, so try heading there before noon on the 2nd.
For New Year's, do the opposite of what most tourists do and go to the Tsukiji outer market. It's actually open on the 2nd and 3rd, and the stalls are way less crowded than usual because everyone assumes it's closed. The sushi places near the inner gate are serving their first catches of the year, and you can walk right in without a reservation.
Mandarake in Nakano Broadway sometimes has leftover lucky bags from previous years if you're just after the novelty, but for current year stock you're better off checking smaller electronics shops like Bic Camera on the day itself. They don't always do the lottery system, and I've seen people walk in and grab bags mid-morning on January 2nd at the Shinjuku west exit location.
For New Year's, skip the main Meiji Jingu chaos and hit the Hie Shrine near Akasaka instead. It's way quieter, has a nice hilltop view, and you can still get the traditional omamori and hamaya arrows without queuing for an hour. The surrounding streets have a few soba shops open too, which is rare on the 1st.
Reselling Yodobashi lucky bags is a crapshoot, you might find some on Mercari or Yahoo! Auctions Japan, but expect a hefty markup. Your chances are slim, especially after the lottery.
For alternative New Year's fun, check out Meiji Jingu Shrine for the first sunrise, or explore some of the less-touristy areas like Yanaka Ginza for a more local feel. Lots of temples and shrines hold special events too, look for smaller ones outside the main city center for a quieter experience. Happy New Year!
That's really helpful, thanks! I hadn't considered the resale market being so inflated, makes sense though. Meiji Jingu Shrine at sunrise sounds amazing, I'll definitely look into that. Yanaka Ginza is a great suggestion too, I appreciate the more off-the-beaten-path recommendation. Happy New Year to you too!
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.