Quick answer
SHIBUYA SKY: from November 19, 2026, overseas visitors and anyone with a Klook, Trip.com or KKday ticket must show their original passport at entry.
Tokyo National Museum: the Asian Gallery (Toyokan) and part of the main building close from November 30 to December 31. The whole museum closes on December 15 and from December 26 to 31.
J.League soccer: matches continue until early December, then the league takes a winter break until February.
Tax-free shopping: since November 1, 2026, you pay tax at the shop and get it refunded after a customs check when you leave Japan.
Imperial Palace: Inui-dori Street opens November 28 – December 6, 2026.
Leaving Japan: the departure tax has been ¥3,000 since July 1, 2026. It is usually added to your plane ticket.
We update this page at the start of every month with changes that affect visitors to Tokyo. Each item links to our full guide and to the official source.
New this month (November 2026)
SHIBUYA SKY: passport check from November 19
From November 19, 2026, SHIBUYA SKY checks passports at entry for some visitors. If you live outside Japan, or if you bought your ticket through Klook, Trip.com or KKday, bring the original passport of every person in your group. Staff compare it with the details you entered when you booked. A QR code alone will not get you in.
On November 19 only, SHIBUYA SKY opens from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm (last entry 9:20 pm), and the ticket counter is closed before 3:00 pm.
Full guide: SHIBUYA SKY tickets.
Tokyo National Museum: winter closures
The museum in Ueno has several closures coming up:
| Dates | What is closed |
|---|---|
| November 30 – December 31, 2026 | The Asian Gallery (Toyokan) and rooms 17–20 of the main building (Honkan) |
| December 15, 2026 | The whole museum (facility inspection) |
| December 26 – 31, 2026 | The whole museum (year-end holidays) |
| January 1, 2027 | Open 12:00–20:00 |
Full guide: Tokyo National Museum.
J.League soccer: last matches before the winter break
From this season, the J.League plays from August to June. Tokyo’s three J1 clubs (FC Tokyo, Tokyo Verdy and FC Machida Zelvia) have home matches until early December. After that, there is a winter break until about the third week of February. The February–June 2027 schedule will be announced in early December.
Full guide: Soccer in Tokyo.
Tax-free shopping: now a refund at departure
Since November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping works as a refund. You pay the price including tax at the shop, then get the tax back after a customs check when you leave Japan. Full guide: tax-free shopping in Japan.
Imperial Palace: Inui-dori Street opens for autumn leaves
From November 28 to December 6, 2026, you can walk this usually closed street, entering at Sakashita-mon Gate from 9:00 to 15:00. Full guide: Imperial Palace Tokyo.
Other closures and reopenings
- Todoroki Valley has been open again since March 24, 2026. See our Todoroki Valley guide.
- teamLab Planets is listed as running until the end of 2027. See teamLab tickets.
- Tama Zoo: the Lion Bus is suspended, and the Insectarium is closed until January 2027 or later. See Tama Zoo.
Still in effect: changes from earlier in 2026
These changes started earlier but still catch many visitors by surprise.
- Departure tax is now ¥3,000. Japan’s International Tourist Tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per departure on July 1, 2026. If your ticket was issued on or before June 30, 2026, the old ¥1,000 rate can still apply. Children under 2 do not pay. See Japan visa requirements.
- Akechidaira Ropeway in Nikko is closed. It is suspended for construction from January 16, 2026 to August 31, 2027 (this may be extended). See our Nikko day trip guide.
Coming later
- JESTA (online pre-travel check). Japan plans an online authorization, similar to the US ESTA, for visa-free visitors. The government is aiming for fiscal year 2028. You do not need it yet. See Japan visa requirements.
Planning a trip this month?
- Tokyo in November: weather, autumn leaves and events.
- Tokyo in December: illuminations and year-end closures.
- Tokyo weather by month.
FAQ
Do I need my passport for SHIBUYA SKY?
From November 19, 2026, yes, if you live outside Japan or bought your ticket through Klook, Trip.com or KKday. Bring the original passport of everyone in your group.
How much is Japan’s departure tax?
¥3,000 per departure from July 1, 2026. It is usually included in your plane or ferry ticket, so you do not pay it at the airport.
Is the Tokyo National Museum open in December?
Partly. The Asian Gallery and part of the main building close from November 30 to December 31, 2026. The whole museum closes on December 15 and from December 26 to 31.
How often is this page updated?
At the start of every month. The date at the top of the page shows when we last checked.
Related Articles
Sources
Every item was checked against the official sources below on November 3, 2026. Rules and dates can change, so please check before you go.
- SHIBUYA SKY: tickets (official)
- Tokyo National Museum: visitor information (official)
- J.League: 2026/27 match schedule announcement
- J.League: season timing change from 2026/27
- National Tax Agency: International Tourist Tax
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: visa
- Tochigi tourism (official): Akechidaira Ropeway
