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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!
Things to Do in Tokyo (2026)
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspec… 🗼 Iconic Landmarks
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspective, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya) for 2,000 yen, open until 10 PM. Both spots are less crowded on weekday mornings.
⛩️ Cultural Temples and Shrines
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito), Tokyo's oldest temple, open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. For a quieter experience, explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya), set in a large forested area and free to enter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🍜 Must-Try Food Experiences
Sample authentic ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya), where individual booths let you focus on the tonkotsu broth, starting at 1,290 yen. For a unique twist, try conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya (1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya), with plates from 100 yen. Reservations are not needed, but expect short queues.
🏯 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII bombings, with narrow lanes and traditional shops like Yanaka Ginza shopping street (3-11-1 Yanaka, Taito). For a bohemian vibe, wander Shimokitazawa (Kitazawa, Setagaya), known for vintage stores and indie cafes. Both areas are best explored on foot in the afternoon.
🚇 Getting Around
Use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks, with a 24-hour pass costing 800 yen for unlimited rides on most lines. The Suica or Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable and work on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to travel comfortably.
🌃 Best Evening Spots
Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku), where the free observation deck is open until 10 PM. For nightlife, head to Golden Gai in Shinjuku (1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku), a maze of tiny bars with a cover charge of around 500 yen. Reservations are recommended for popular bars.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April draws crowds to Ueno Park (5-20 Uenokoen, Taito), with over 1,000 cherry trees. For autumn foliage, visit Rikugien Garden (6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo) in November, lit up at night for 1,000 yen. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast for peak dates.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Buy traditional crafts at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (3-18-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito), famous for realistic plastic food samples and kitchenware. For quirky gifts, explore Don Quijote stores, like the one in Shibuya (1-16-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya), open 24 hours and offering everything from electronics to snacks. Prices are reasonable, and tax-free shopping is available for tourists.
honestly this is a solid list, you've hit the major spots. one thing i'd add is that the Tsukiji Outer Market is worth a morning even if the inner market moved to Toyosu. the stalls there for tamagoyaki and fresh uni on skewers are unbeatable, and it gets packed by 9am so go early.
for a cheap meal that slaps, try CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice. there's one near basically every station and you can customize the spice level and toppings. it's not fancy but it's a real Tokyo staple that tourists often overlook.
also if you're into temples, the walk from Senso-ji down Nakamise-dori is fun but the side streets in Asakusa have smaller shrines and old-school snack shops that are way less crowded. i stumbled on a tiny place selling matcha soft serve for 350 yen last time and it was better than the touristy ones.