The lack of drivers will be a problem. Using a local taxi will mean you actually make it to Haneda in time, whereas share apps mean you might be stranded like being stood up for a date.

Cash only IME

Japan Taxi app?
 

We are in Tokyo, well Yokohama actually ... after spending the first week in Nikko and Hakone. Everything went great except our attempts tp find cab using app. Japan Taxi app does not work for whatever reason. When opened for the first time, it acted as if it 8s ready but then it will show out of area message. We tried downloading Go but playstore not allowing it, whether I turned on vpn or not. Didi cant work w us based credit card.

Yes, public transport works but there are times when we need cab and not having the ability to hail one is mildly annoying.

I've been to Japan several times before COVID. I don't remember ever being asked for an onward ticket. I'm a U.S passport holder.

I'm currently in southeast Asia. I'm not sure yet how many days I'll stay in Japan.. so on the immigration form on Visit Japan Web I just guessed "30 days".

I don't have an onward ticket yet because I plan to buy it later when I'm sure about the date.

Is any onward ticket technically required for U.S citizens? Again, I can't ever remember being asked for it. But I also don't know whether it was ever technically required. Since COVID, I want to see if anything changed.

I put 30 days on the form but it's possible I might stay more than 30 days. In the past, immigration would stamp my passport 90 days regardless of what I wrote. I assume this is still the case?

Thank you for any info

Yes, 90 days. I think I was asked about onward travel but don't think I was asked to show a ticket (it was only a month ago but I can't remember for sure!)

My wife and I first time visiting Japan in early February, staying for a week without the kids, and I wanted to get some thoughts on the hotel we picked. We're staying in "Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo" as it's essentially in between all the things we want to visit in Shibuya, Shinagawa, and DisneySea; we'll be travel by rail. Unsure if there are better hotels at the $150-$250/night price range or if we should stay in a different city?

You have a lot of choices in that range, but many will be 'business-hotel' like and small rooms. I guess if you want a week away, it's not very romantic or cozy staying in a business hotel.
There are lots of airbnbs as well these days, but not around the main central destinations (e.g. ginza). Where you are staying probably has a steeper price range as well (close to ginza). Around Shinagawa will have more cost efficient options.
The location is okay. Shinbashi is on the Yamanote line, which will get you anywhere in Tokyo. It is a bit of a pita to get to disney from Shinbashi though, I guess you could transfer at Tokyo. Having said that, given how spread out your 3 destinations are, you will be on public transport to get to all of them. As long as you stay near the Yamanote line, I think you will be fine.

I think the Daiichi is a decent if dull business hotel. Colleagues used to stay there 20 years ago. I'd be tempted to look for a newer hotel with more character.

Location is okay - convenient rail connections and not far from places to eat and drink. It kind of makes sense for visiting Disney Sea - although a hotel that's little closer to the southern end of Tokyo station (for the Keiyo line) or Ginza Itchome (for the Yurakucho line) would be better. But you could also consider making Disney an overnight trip, leaving most of your luggage behind. That might make it easier for you to stay near Shibuya, if that's what interests you.

As for Shinagawa ... Is there some specific site that you want to see in Shinagawa? I don't think of it as a rewarding neighborhood to explore. It's easily accessible from most parts of Tokyo.

We didn't know Dai-ichi was a business hotel, but unsure if that matters? Is there a less dull hotel around the area that y'all would recommend?

As for Shinagawa, sorry that's incorrect as we aren't going there, I meant Shibuya and Shinjuku.

In that case, I suggest staying around Shibuya or Shinjuku. I imagine that you might enjoy something like this, but I'm not you so ... :
https://www.booking.com/Share-xesvM1

Your best option for gathering information on lots of hotels is probably a review site like Tripadvisor. When you have things narrowed to a few choices, this forum is more helpful.

Agree
Find a few options that stand out to you and then we can help your narrow down
Tokyo is essentially 23 cities combined into one so the options are endless
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2025_...ss_hotels.html

Thanks for the advice y'all. We've narrowed it down to two hotels and wanted to get some thoughts, or other suggestions.

1. Keio Plaza Hotel
2. Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel

Some odd things we noticed:

• Some state bedsheets and linens are included. If it's not stated, does it mean it's not included?
• Membership rates? Just sign up free to be a member and get a discounted rate?
• Some room are twin beds only? Two separate beds? Double or queen not always an option?

I can't imagine any hotel in Japan not providing bedsheets and linens.

Twin beds are common. Unlike many other countries, it's important to correctly state the number of people staying in a room for hotel reservations in Japan. A room reserved for 1 person will often have only bedding for 1 person, and even if they happen to put you in a room that has bedding for two, the 1-person rate is not valid for 2 people. If you reserve a room for two people and it says twin beds, there will be (at least) two beds.

Membership rates are usually a free sign-up. Yes, sign-up and get a discounted rate. Don't forget to unsubscribe to their endless marketing emails though.

Keio plaza and Cerulean are both good hotels. Both are aging I think. Keio plaza only had some rooms refurbished recently and Cerulean had its executive floors refurbished recently.
In terms of location from Keio plaza it's about a 10 minute walk to Shinjuku station, before you spend another 10-30 minutes in the maze of the station. Cerulean is right next to the station, Shibuya station is almost as big though. From both Shinjuku and Shibuya you will need to take two trains to get to Disney though. Lots to do at night in both areas, probably more happening and more eats around Shinjuku I think; the crowd around Shibuya are pretty young.

Keio has a shuttle that goes to DisneySea, and is near Gold Gai which was one item on my list. Any newer hotels anyone would recommend around Shinjuku?