Hey, since there were so many great comments, whether they were tips or requests for more information, I made a follow-up video ruclips.net/video/Fjtogsuk-CU/видео.html. Enjoy!
I would have liked more information about the old airport, Haneda. When I lived in Japan in the 80’s and early 90’s the much more convenient Haneda was used only for domestic flights. The one exception for international flights was China Airways I believe. I'm just wondering if they are allowing more international arrivals these days. Also, to people who are first timers to Japan you should probably explain that Narita is in the middle of nowhere while Haneda is practically right in Tokyo.
Very good. I agree with everything you say but I'd add one more warning about trains. If a train turns up at your platform 1 minute before your train is due, it's probably the wrong train.
Yes this happened to me when I was on my way to the airport last time I went to Japan (I had a hunch it was the wrong train but I wrongly thought they would go to the same place). Fortunately I worked out it was the wrong train and got off at the last station before it went onto a line heading west rather than continuing on the same line south to Haneda, the next train (the correct one) showed up exactly a minute after the first one.
Yesss. My sis and I have an anxiety when we see the train arrive early a minute like that and we look at the train and know it was not our train but since it is at the platform, we thought it was more or less the same too. But luckily we go with our guts and wait for the train we waited and it arrive later.geez.in my country, the train are sometimes simpler. That platform is to north and other platform is to south.hahahahaha.maybe toooo simple that ia why people prefer use car..... i like japan train.
This is true ! I didn't find a single trash can so I threw it on the floor and I was chased by Japanese residents! Scariest moment in my life good thing I'm fast
there is no excuse for throwing your garbage on the ground if you can't find a bin on the way than take it home/ to the hotel with you.. especially if you are a guest somewhere -.-
My first hour advice, if you arrive in Haneda at least: stroll through the restaurant "district" and all the shops in the lower floor and soak in the feeling of being in japan. I loved this first hour. Just sat in a random restaurant, pointed at a random dish and ate my way into japan.
Thanks, I will try that. I will arrive to Haneda in about a week! How were the prices two years ago? Usually food in airports cafe/restaurants are truly overpriced. Is this the case with Haneda?
@@vladislavglad6596 no it wasn't. In fact all of Japan is quite cheap despite what we all hear about it. True, there are some really expensive places, but you can easily have a meal for 5-6 dollars. In the airport I don't remember how much it was, but it definitely wasn't expensive at all or I wouldn't have done it (I'm a student)
@@GUITARTIME2024 forget real women, its Japan! go for anime women. you never know after seeing a anime or two you might be the next guy to order a waifu body pillow online
One small detail I learned through trial-by-fire was that you're supposed to pay some cashiers by placing your money in a small bowl. Don't hand it to the cashier, even though they will hand your change back to you. I got a bit of a scowl from a cashier for not being aware of this custom.
This might just be the most useful video for me on youtube. Thank you. You likely just saved my husband and I some serious melt downs when landing in tokyo with two excited and jet lagged kids. .
Christine McIntyre If you went East jet lag isn’t at all bad, it’s returning home which is worse. (I’m very jet lagged atm ,returned from Japan back to England, and I am waking up at 3 AM!)
For your first hour *after* leaving the airport, I personally recommend making an earnest attempt at just getting lost, though within a reasonable context. For the more open and adventurous types, it's a no-brainer why that's a good option; but I also think the non-adventurous types would get a lot out of it. I took the train straight from Narita to Shinjuku, and just wandered around with my luggage "trying" to find my hotel. My main focus wasn't actually trying to get to my hotel, but to take in the sights while being ready to settle in if I actually found it. It was a great first 2 hours, where I immediately got immersed in the culture and got to interact with the locals.
The one where I spend just under 17 minutes explaining how to tackle your first 60! And even then, I know you kind viewers will tell me all that I've gotten wrong :-) But seriously, what are the things I've missed? More importantly (because I can't change this video anymore), what would you like to see if I created a video on how to survive the next 23 hours?
I'd also add that even if something happens and you get lost or aren't sure what train to get, the locals are very friendly and are usually more than willing to help. I visited Tokyo last month and people were often coming up to me when they saw me looking at a metro map and pointing me in the right direction. I didn't feel stressed about it at all.
I read it wrong and you I thout it said “People where mad, pointing me and the right direction” LOLLL Btw this is good to know :) I’ve always been scared bout this type of stuff!
Google maps saved me so many times, but has also confused me many times. Another recommendation is bringing a coin purse or something to hold all your coins. LOL They add up.
Hi! I'm a wheelchaired person and my dream is to travel to Kyoto but I'm afraid that I won't be able to go there because all the shrines and monuments that I've seen have a lot of stairs... Could you make some video with wheelchair friendly turist spots? I would be very gratefull!
My aunt and I were in Japan beginning of December last year, and we did almost everything you mentioned in this video, save the wifi. We just used public wifi. Also, regarding the wifi, Japan has this app (I can't remember the name) that has an internal list of all the free wifi points in the country. You just download the app, register once, and then click logon in the app. It searches for an availible free wifi network and logs you in. This made it very easy to get wifi, since you don't have to search through your wifi network list and guess which might be a free system. And also, in most free wifi systems you also need to register with your email adress before you get access to the itnernet, with the app, you only have to register once, and it handles everything else.
This is really well researched! But I just want to add that in case you're in Tokyo for a short trip (like 3 days) and want to make the best of it, I highly recommend the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24,48,72hrs). You can use it on all the subway conpany but not on JR trains. I was able to go to all of the popular tourist spots in Tokyo and didn't spend a ton of transpo money coz of this. They also have a tourist train map that will show where you can go down to visit a tourist spot.
oh good you mentioned this, that is actually something most well at least most touristy cities have - Kyoto has for example a 500 yen bus ticket for the line that drives by all the famous temples ... or the Kansai region is periodically selling a three days ticket which allows you to use (I think it was) both subways and trains to get around so you can go on day trips and if you are careful about the hours you don't even have to go consecutive days; I don't remember when it expires though .. maybe two weeks or even a month after purchase?
Great video! 38 day countdown to go to Japan, yay!! My flight arrives early in the morning, so my plan is to activate the JR, pick up the pocket wifi, leave the lugagge at the hotel, have breakfast and go to Oedo Onsen on my first day
Update as requested. Back from Japan, it is amazing. I did one thing differently from my plan: activated my JR on day 2 and took a bus from the airport. All was fine, fairly easy to get by with no Japanese, onsen experience was great and only weird on the first few minutes. I would do it all over again and change nothing. Japan is so worth it.
I travel to Japan often and know how all of this stuff works. With that being said, I just want to say this video is very accurate and so so helpful for anyone that is new to all of this. I really loved how efficient and calmly you explained everything. Awesome stuff. I'll definitely be sharing
I’m doing research about being an exchange student. My final choices are France and Japan. It seems stupid, but I think I prefer Japan over France,mainly because it has a lot less pickpockets. (But I am aware of how rigorous school in Japan can be.)
Ok so I’m doing the exchange program in about a year and a half to japan! Is it possible to exchange insta handles Bc I really want someone to talk to about it. Also none of the grades you get there will be on a permanent record so u can do really bad but it is very encouraged for people to try hard. Don’t be worried.
Also guys I just wanted to write a breakdown of how to do the exchange program if your interested (I’m doing it in a year and have been planing it for 4months now). First you want to go online and search a program that is best suited for you. I personally chose ASSA because it was relatively cheaper than the other programs and they allow free travel around the area you are going to on the break days. Second you want to talk to a school counselor about getting the credits for the year you are going abroad or just go ahead and take another year. After doing so you can start learning some basic language skills to study there. Note that some programs require you to have a certain amount of knowledge about the language but some don’t require any at all. You want to apply for the program 4-9 months in advanced to make sure you get to go to the country you want. Once applied the program will give you a set of instructions to follow and things to send over such as the past two years of schooling you’ve done or write a letter to your soon to be host family. If anyone has anymore questions please ask!! Also go follow Bella abroad on tik tok and RUclips Bc she give great tips and how to’s.
@@unicats6785 I'm not planning on exchanging to japan but this was still useful! Thank you! I plan on going to Korea in my senior year and I'm so nervous😅
Wonderful guide ! Just wanted to share my experience in getting out of narita airport travelling with children and luggages. I opted to book a hotel which was served by the airport limousine bus to avoid the transfers between the train lines and climbing up and down stairs and get point to point with less hassle. Just an option to consider for those with young kids and luggage.
I used Google Maps and Hyperdia when it came to using the trains. PRO TIP: Always pay attention to the time the train arrived. If one arrives a bit sooner than stated then it's most likely going to a different destination than yours. You would think that all the trains on your platform would go the destination since they stopped at the same platform... nope! I learned this the hard way and ended up getting on the wrong train which took me to the opposite direction I wanted to go.
The mobile wi-fi router was a godsend for us. Easy to use, 100% connectivity, no data limit issues - cost us about £40 for the 2 weeks - absolutely well worth it..!
Just like to add that if you’re landing in Haneda Airport (which is much closer to Tokyo than Narita) you can take the monorail that takes you to Hamamatsucho Station which links you to the Yamanote Line. This line does a full loop around the city which might take you to the hotel you are staying in. The monorail and Yamanote line are free if you bought the JR rail pass.
I've been to Japan about 5-6 times in the past 3 years, going again in May.. the first time I was there I wasn't so much scared or worried about how to survive as to how exciting it was. Like, you don't need to know any Japanese or any knowledge of Japan because everything is so convenient and easy to do.
Yep that first trip is meant to be exciting not scary .especially in the 1980s etc no cell phones no internet then and I can tell u from my experience much more exciting then now travel about adventure
I loved the video and it looks like a lot of work went into it. Your process of arriving is almost the same (but slightly different than mine). I always use Haneda. I hit the 7Eleven ATM, refill my Suica card, head up the escalators to platform where I grab a hot canned coffee from the vending machine and then take the monorail to Hamamatsucho. If I'm arriving in the morning, I use one of my favorite amenities in Japanese train stations, the automated lockers. This allows me to drop my luggage and go about my day, before heading to my hotel. Japan has awesome amenities at the airport, and its always a joy to arrive at Haneda.
Japan is such a respectful culture and place cause in America in air ports there are so much pushing shoving but in Japan people just mind there own business and is just so nice
We went to Japan in 2016. I found the prepaid data sims for tourists very useful. It enabled us to have internet connection everywhere including the subway. The signal is very good and is compatible to most phones. 😊
Just a tip for transport around Japan hyperdia (they have an app too) is also really good to find connections where you can dictate what modes you want to include (JR, shinkansen, busses, flight, etc.). Fairly simple to use.
I visited Japan 2 years ago for 3 months, I loved every minute of it. This video has a lot of valid & good suggestions. Would recommend it to all first time visitors. Remember, stay humble, stay polite & everyone would help you to the best of their abilities if you're ever in need of help.
shamanazakura you’re going to have a blast!! I went over the summer, and literally had the time of my life. Enjoy!! Be sure to stop by Osaka, everything is especially good there lol.
Incredibly big tip: There are many levels of trains. The normal ones would stop at every stop, but some, in many different levels, like express, only stops at major or semi-major stops. Make sure to not skip your stop!
I learned this the hardway. Saw my fellow tourist get off at station before Fushimi Inari. and asked myself why did they. Found out that the Keihan line does not stop there and skips it. You have to get off 1 or 2 stops before and ride the smaller line. Had to go ride back and go off on that stop. Still was a great experience
Hi Greg, loved this video! I've been to Japan many times and I feel that the video would definitely help someone who has never visited before! have some suggestions for surviving the next 23 hours: 1. Finding a place to eat that does not have lines (that preferably has an English Menu!) 2. Looking for restrooms in public areas 3. How to navigate Shinjuku station (because all tourists will end up going there anyway and it's really hard to find the right way out) 4. Words that will be helpful when talking to Japanese folks (like ikura = how much, doko = where) Looking forward to seeing you expand this series!
Yup. According to japan-guide, it is from March 8, 2017 to March 31, 2019, with possible extension. But it will cost more to buy in Japan. Some versions of the JR Pass, such as the JR East pass that only works in Tokyo and east side of the main island, were available for purchase at the airport way before this, though. I had purchased them multiple times before 2010. I see they now charge a little extra if bought in Japan. Back then, it was a lot of hassle to get it before arriving, but nowadays, it can be purchased online. Nice. Too bad I don't fly anymore, so it doesn't apply to me.
Sorry one more. For Kansai/Osaka arrivals/visitors, immigration queue can be very long. But moves efficiently or relatively fast, fast meaning at busiest times maybe an hour to hour/half wait to the agents. Then to customs check which is quick, but as opposed to Narita airport, in this case YES the train is your better bet, it’s very clear and if you get confused just ask someone at the airport staff. They will show you where to get the train tickets and it’s not that bad to get to Osaka, heck even Kyoto from Kansai Airport. Cheers.
I would just like to say that having traveled to Tokyo several times, this is a very informative video that I now show people instead of trying to remember all the little details (ATM vs Exchange, etc) I didn't have this kind of a guide when I first started going 16 years ago and had to figure stuff out by trial and error. One personal luxury that I end up splurging on though, instead of taking a local train from Narita into Tokyo - I spend the extra money for the Keisei Skyliner. By the time my feet touch Japanese soil, I'll have been on an airplane for 12-16 hours and the least amount of time spent before collapsing in my hotel room bed the better. As far as I know, the Skyliner is the fastest way into Tokyo at 41 min from Narita to Ueno and is much more attractive to me than the 90 min the same trip takes on local trains. It ends up being about $13/14 USD price difference, but it's much faster, has dedicated luggage areas, and are quire comfortable.
Great video! This brings back so many wonderful memories. For ATM withdrawals I recommend getting the Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account -- no foreign exchange fees, no ATM fees, no account fees or minimums. It's really a dream. I've used it all over the world and not paid a single fee.
I find travel videos very entertaining, and it satisfies my curiosity, even if I may never end up going to that place. And I don't rule out going to Japan at least once in my life, some time.
Ken narville have u even been there? I went to Japan in the summer of 2018 and the people were great in my opinion. The service was really good. One time in this restaurant the worker was a great person. When they know we had a bad time. The worker got us chocolate cookies before leaving and was saying sorry.
Ok, I don't plan to move to japan for a few years but I wanted to thank you for this video, it's a bunch of helpful advice that I haven't heard about before, I really appreciate it! Also, the shots you use make Japan (as always, it seems) absolutely stunning, and only revitalizes my urge to study!
Ohh wow, this is perfect! I'm going to be in Japan for a month in January and organizing everything has been a little nerve-wrecking. I still have over four months to prepare but this has been incredibly helpful, so thank you!
I just got back from my first time there, watching this again before I landed probably would have helped a bit. You'll love it, I know I'd go back in a heartbeat if I weren't still recovering from horrible jetlag.
@@persgodiva 2 weeks. I think the only stressful thing is the first day of figuring out the trains. Most of the signage has english in the bigger cities, and if you're not feeling too brave you can live off convenience store food XD. You'll have nothing to worry about as long as you're not in a hurry.
As a japanese learner, I always pause the video and try to figure out the meaning of the katakana words. It is always satisfying to figure them out correctly. I was so happy when I read the “rental set” which included a bath towel and a face towel.
This video is good, I never thought about how complicated just to get out of the airport and trying to get any train ticket. It’s definitely something all first time travelers should know before trying to get to japan.
Unless you are going to be travelling to many cities (like, 6+ cities all around Japan), I have found that the Japan Rail Pass is not worth it if you want to use the Shinkansen.
I was there for 1 month and it definitely came in handy. At first, the price seemed way too much but then you see it's worth it if you decide to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto because the shinkansen would've cost like $400 round-trip.
THANK YOU so much for this! Would love to plan a trip with a friend but have nearly 0 Japanese (only what I have picked up from Miyazaki films) Been a long time viewer of your channel and super excited about this series. Would love to see a video on the best words and phrases to know. Sumimasen
Haha. In this case I don't think Sumimasen would quite work out as thank you :-) Arigatou would fit better. But if a service person helped you out, saying sumimasen and a little bow would be totally on point.
Learn some really basic phrases! My friends mom was deported to Japan for business reasons and she was able to learn japanese in an amount of 2 months.
there are a bunch of youtube vids for basic traveler japanese. my japanese training came from mainly anime and i was fine. sumimasen is very useful, so is arigato and a bow. plus if you are using google maps with the location centered, 'sumimasen' and point to the phone. failing that, stair at a map and looked confused, that helped a lot!
I have a caveman Japanese vocabulary that got me through Tokyo and Kyoto fairly well... Sumimaisen - excuse me, sorry Arigato - thank you (Domo Arigato and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu for increasing formality) Konichiwa - Good afternoon Onegaishimasu - A request for a favour, which I used in restaurants and in stores when pointing at what I want. Basically "I'm a stupid foreigner who doesn't know Japanese but I would like this please." Gomen - sorry I know a few other things I picked up form anime, but that's what I got the most use out of. Ironically, I could never figure out how to say that I couldn't speak Japanese in a way that was intelligible to anybody. But I think they figured it out :)
I think this is your best video yet - everything I've told friends about the first hour/day when visiting Japan, you've covered. Now I'm just going to point them to this video.
I am leaving for Japan with my husband and baby for a two week trip in 5 days and we haven’t had a chance to as much research or planning as we hoped. Bless you for this video because it helped me understand things so much better! I’m going to go through your playlist but if you haven’t already could you consider making a video about how to travel Japan with a baby? For example where strollers are/are not allowed, breastfeeding, diapers etc.
It's the same scale as most Western cities. Tokyo Subway (Metro+Toei): 285 stations on 13 lines. London Underground: 270 stations on 11 lines. New York Subway: 472 stations on 36 lines. Paris Metro: 302 stations on 16 lines.
I took a 4-hour transit in Narita airport 5 years ago and got myself a bottle of green tea there. Gave the cashier US$5 and got back 4 💴 ..still keep the change until now lol~
With the pictures to show the personell in store... that is so kind and thoughtful of you! Thank you for that! I would really like to travel to Japan now.
Thank you for the great video. I'm not sure whether you have already done these or not, but here are some ideas for videos: 1) Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. How to get there (take the bus that is very near an exit of Shinagawa Station), what you can do there, there's a convenience store downstairs, etc. Photo booth - I had a black & white photo rejected and I was told to take a new photo in colour, and I did that in a photo booth downstairs. Please always give them colour photos right away, not black & white photos, just to make sure you will not waste time while you are visiting the bureau. In my case they didn't like my bald head blending in with the background too well. And go there early in the morning, because in the afternoon a lot of people will come and you might have to spend the evening there. So be there right away as it is opening in the morning. 2) How to open a bank account. Where can you open an account for example if you have a student visa or other visas. And where can you get excellent customer service in English (Shinsei Bank Tokyo Branch near Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station, for example). And then also how to close the bank account! You are supposed to close it before moving away from Japan. In my case visiting at the bank has always been a very easy and pleasant experience, since I used the bank and the branch that I mentioned. The online banking services are not at the same level with the services provided by my bank in my country, but otherwise the services are easy to use and nothing to be afraid of. 3) My Number ID number. I've always had one in my country of birth, but in Japan this system was introduced recently. I had my My Number registered at the bank right away when opening an account, although it was not strictly required in that situation.
If I ever go to Japan (which I'm sure I'll do someday) I would definitely want to get something to eat! Could you make a video about how to order food at restaurants (if you haven't already)? Especially since I'm vegetarian, I would like to know what I'd be ordering. Thank you : )
Omg!! Yes!! The vegetarian part! I'm a vegetarian and a small part of wanting to visit Japan scares me. Cause I've heard fruits and vegetables can be a little bit on the pricey side of things.
If you plan in advance and research vegetarian-friendly restaurants, you should be fine. Happycow (website/app) is your friend! Fruits are pretty pricey, but cooking for yourself shouldn't be very expensive if you dare to try some japanese ingridients. Source: Am vegan and lived in Japan for a year :)
I took Japanese classes for 5 years in college, didn't study for 6 years after, then tried to remember it all in 3 months before my trip to Tokyo. I was way under prepared. Everyone always says that most Japanese people in bigger cities know basic English, but I found only 4 people in my week trip to Tokyo that spoke even a single word of it. 2 were at Narita airport, 1 at the Skytree, and 1 at this back alley shop in Harajuku. There are things that you just don't even think about that you need to learn lingo for before going, like 'check please' or 'where the heck do I pay at? I've been here for hours and nobody will take my money so I can leave!' or 'I don't know Japanese but I'm trusting you not to sign me up for any weird membership cards when I buy this bottle of juice, okay?' and my personal favorite 'I don't know what you are asking me, I thought this was a bar with video games and now I'm being badgered with questions outside the front door and neither of us are understanding anything, I just wanted a friggen beer!"
I just tried Google lens on the ticket machine (pointing my phone at the monitor) and it translated it without any issues, so that is a good way of navigationg machines that are only in Japanese :)
thanks for the video! my family and i traveled to japan and okinawa for more than 20 times in the past 5 years and we love it so much! we were planning to move to okinawa to start a new business but now still staying in a remote island of hong kong having a herbal tea shop. i love your videos! always remind me how i traveled in japan, and some of my memories and so on. wish you and your family has a wonderful life in japan, stay healthy! :-) if possible, wish to keep in touch with you, feel like my heart is attached there~ gavin
Watched this video before actually going to Japan. Now, I'm re-watching it because I feel really nostalgic. Covid ruined my plans of a short 3-month stay at Tokyo in 2020 :c Thank you so much for such high-quality content
I can’t really think what I want help with next. Maybe help with finding your way around, or ordering at a restaurant, table manners, or how about help with resolving problems like being lost on the train systems or lost walking around etc.? This was an excellent video. I’m enjoying all that you share with us.
Here's my first hour(s) experience in Japan: I arrived at Haneda airport August 2016. The first thing that struck me was the blazing heat. Apparantly this was around the hottest time of the year..I was traveling alone and for the first time as a backpacker. When I arrived at customs a guy wanted to go through all my things and asked me questions about where I was going to stay and what my plans were.."I had no plans and I hadn't booked a hotel yet" is what I told him. It was a spur of the moment trip. After clearing customs at Haneda you immediately enter the subway area. I spent a good 2 hours or so here trying to figure out how to order a ticket, where I wanted to go etc...Apparantly I looked so confused that another backpacker came up to me and asked if I wanted to come with her and her friend to Hiroshima. I declined, because I wanted to spend my first week in Tokyo. After they left I booked a random hotel and asked around how to get there. (The subway system can be very confusing the first time, but after using it a couple times it all just makes sense and its actually easy to use)
6:11 Hema SIM card ! That surprised me so much ! How does a Japanese / Canadian person find a picture of a Dutch SIM card before finding a Japanese one ?
Back in 2007, at Yokohama Station, I was able to find help not only from the information kiosk, but also a lovely transit attendant who was able to help me navigate that crazy map.
Awesome stuff Greg! Going there by the end of next month, last trip was 11 years ago. xD Getting through Narita and I'll be staying with other 7 family members and relatives around Narita station. Even though I mostly knew all of those, it's always nice to reconfirm the whole thing... I already got myself a JR Pocket Wi-fi, will be getting the pass later this month, and I guess everything is in check. I also got a couple of Suica cards ready. People also recommend having an external battery charger for your stuff, specially if you'll be relying on the phone for a whole ton of stuff... Google Translate, Maps, communication in general... Quite different from the last time we went... no smartphones, calls with international pay phones only, but I already used a huge laptop and Google maps to print everything and carry it around back then. xD I'm catching this video a bit late, but I imagine the next topic would be hotels and reservations... I did everything through Tripadvisor and Booking. I'd go for Airbnb but most of the people who are going with me are seniors, and they really wanted the conveniences of a hotel stay, so we went with that. Oh, I'll try subtitling your video in portuguese later today... wanna show the info for relatives. Thanks! o/
Well he did his bank research largely from a Canadian perspective and provided information about TD bank's policies. And generally, this video just fit my needs exactly because I am a Canadian using TD bank that really really wants to travel to Japan :)
Lots of good tips. I would say that using public transport (trains, subways & buses) was very easy on our first trip. We bought individual tickets for local services and used the JR Japan rail pass for all the big journeys. I will consider getting a pass for local ones if I get time.
But what do you want to know about checking into hotels? Most hotel employees usually speak passable English and it is a very self explaining process imho.
I'm asking more about cultural differences than about language, about whether typical hotel and restaurant procedures are the same there as they are in North America. Like... necessary ID, amenities, tipping, social expectations, etc. And in restaurants, seating procedures, expectations about how long guests stay, credit cards vs. cash, (again) tipping, and stuff like that. Obviously I realize the answers vary wildly depending on the type of hotel or restaurant you're in, but I'd be interested to know how it works in general.
Use JR pass for 7 days ? depend on your travel Buy JRpass , if your journey -> Tokyo - osaka/kyoto/hiroshima/fukuoka/hokaido - Tokyo Dont Buy JRpass , if your journey -> only in tokyo / Only osaka-kyoto-kobe / Tokyo - osaka (not return to tokyo)
14:20 Thanks for bringing this up. When I was in Japan. Going to an Onsen was one of my favorite places to go. Especially after walking around Japan all day. Next time I visit Japan I'm defiantly hitting up an Onsen after arriving to Japan.
Very beautiful footage. Thank you. I never really got into anime and stuff like that but I always was interested in Japan's landscapes and futuristic design along with it's history and philosophies. I never had the chance to visit but I was close to once.
Hey, since there were so many great comments, whether they were tips or requests for more information, I made a follow-up video ruclips.net/video/Fjtogsuk-CU/видео.html. Enjoy!
.....hurriedly i subscribed
XD I instantly cringed as I heard "suimasen" IT'S SUMIMASEN すみません^^
Is this for people from third world countries? Just leave Japan because we don’t want you here
I would have liked more information about the old airport, Haneda. When I lived in Japan in the 80’s and early 90’s the much more convenient Haneda was used only for domestic flights. The one exception for international flights was China Airways I believe. I'm just wondering if they are allowing more international arrivals these days. Also, to people who are first timers to Japan you should probably explain that Narita is in the middle of nowhere while Haneda is practically right in Tokyo.
Run, Forest, Run!!
I'm so impressed that you are able to make high-quality videos in a short amount of time while having a family and a job.
Well, don't be so impressed, because for the past half year I've only be focusing on making videos :-)
Hey its Yuta !
Sup Yuta?
Wow that sounds so sarcastic :P
Yuta! What's up?
Very good. I agree with everything you say but I'd add one more warning about trains. If a train turns up at your platform 1 minute before your train is due, it's probably the wrong train.
Yes this happened to me when I was on my way to the airport last time I went to Japan (I had a hunch it was the wrong train but I wrongly thought they would go to the same place). Fortunately I worked out it was the wrong train and got off at the last station before it went onto a line heading west rather than continuing on the same line south to Haneda, the next train (the correct one) showed up exactly a minute after the first one.
Yesss. My sis and I have an anxiety when we see the train arrive early a minute like that and we look at the train and know it was not our train but since it is at the platform, we thought it was more or less the same too. But luckily we go with our guts and wait for the train we waited and it arrive later.geez.in my country, the train are sometimes simpler. That platform is to north and other platform is to south.hahahahaha.maybe toooo simple that ia why people prefer use car..... i like japan train.
Yes they apologise for 20 sec early departure
Lmao so true
@@HuyLy94 Haha, I did the exact same!
No one ever mentions that bumping into a trash can in Japan is equivalent to finding a shiny legendary pokemon.
I like that because that makes Japan so safe, terrorists can't hide bombs in trash cans.
Or you know, just walk by a convenience store. There's usually one there.
This is true ! I didn't find a single trash can so I threw it on the floor and I was chased by Japanese residents! Scariest moment in my life good thing I'm fast
there is no excuse for throwing your garbage on the ground if you can't find a bin on the way than take it home/ to the hotel with you.. especially if you are a guest somewhere -.-
@@SICARIO1k 10/10
My first hour advice, if you arrive in Haneda at least:
stroll through the restaurant "district" and all the shops in the lower floor and soak in the feeling of being in japan. I loved this first hour. Just sat in a random restaurant, pointed at a random dish and ate my way into japan.
Thanks, I will try that.
I will arrive to Haneda in about a week!
How were the prices two years ago? Usually food in airports cafe/restaurants are truly overpriced. Is this the case with Haneda?
@@vladislavglad6596 no it wasn't. In fact all of Japan is quite cheap despite what we all hear about it. True, there are some really expensive places, but you can easily have a meal for 5-6 dollars. In the airport I don't remember how much it was, but it definitely wasn't expensive at all or I wouldn't have done it (I'm a student)
Thank you!
I came to Japan, reluctantly, for a holiday, in 1999. Been here 20 years. Careful, it gets under your skin.
How are the women?
@@GUITARTIME2024 Generally insane.
@@rowbearly6128 explain
@@GUITARTIME2024 forget real women, its Japan! go for anime women. you never know after seeing a anime or two you might be the next guy to order a waifu body pillow online
Ringo Kojima What.... are you okay?
First thing that happened to me when I got off the plane was being interviewed for TV lol
@ExpiredSushi There’s a popular show called “YOUはなぜ日本に？(Why did you come to Japan?)” and they find visitors to interview at the arrival gate.
One small detail I learned through trial-by-fire was that you're supposed to pay some cashiers by placing your money in a small bowl. Don't hand it to the cashier, even though they will hand your change back to you. I got a bit of a scowl from a cashier for not being aware of this custom.
that's weird...
@osnapitzasta ..what?
There’s always a little tray next to the register and u just put the money there
This might just be the most useful video for me on youtube. Thank you. You likely just saved my husband and I some serious melt downs when landing in tokyo with two excited and jet lagged kids. .
Christine McIntyre If you went East jet lag isn’t at all bad, it’s returning home which is worse. (I’m very jet lagged atm ,returned from Japan back to England, and I am waking up at 3 AM!)
For your first hour *after* leaving the airport, I personally recommend making an earnest attempt at just getting lost, though within a reasonable context.
For the more open and adventurous types, it's a no-brainer why that's a good option; but I also think the non-adventurous types would get a lot out of it. I took the train straight from Narita to Shinjuku, and just wandered around with my luggage "trying" to find my hotel. My main focus wasn't actually trying to get to my hotel, but to take in the sights while being ready to settle in if I actually found it. It was a great first 2 hours, where I immediately got immersed in the culture and got to interact with the locals.
I just arrived in Tokyo yesterday!!! I will be here for a month and I’m so excited!!!
Any tips? I’m planning a trip for 2 weeks to Japan solo, I’m 20
@@kojuo180 hey same! I don't have the money to do this yet but I'm hoping next summer I can go on a solo trip where I'll be 21 by then
Did u like it?
Where did u stay? How expensive was it?
@@Thebosss-gb6ns have you gone bro?
The one where I spend just under 17 minutes explaining how to tackle your first 60! And even then, I know you kind viewers will tell me all that I've gotten wrong :-) But seriously, what are the things I've missed? More importantly (because I can't change this video anymore), what would you like to see if I created a video on how to survive the next 23 hours?
Life Where I'm From I love your channel and your sweet kids
Lots of love from India 😘😘😘😘
Life Where I'm From yeah what about Osaka?
How to survive the heat in the summer! If you come from Canada.
Places to avoid at all costs. Like bad neighbourhoods ;o
Ordering food!
The quality of this video is exceptional. I can't imagine how long all the research/planning, footage, and editing must have taken. Amazing job! 😁🇯🇵
quality is off the hook!
I'd also add that even if something happens and you get lost or aren't sure what train to get, the locals are very friendly and are usually more than willing to help. I visited Tokyo last month and people were often coming up to me when they saw me looking at a metro map and pointing me in the right direction. I didn't feel stressed about it at all.
I read it wrong and you I thout it said
“People where mad, pointing me and the right direction”
LOLLL
Btw this is good to know :)
I’ve always been scared bout this type of stuff!
Google maps saved me so many times, but has also confused me many times.
Another recommendation is bringing a coin purse or something to hold all your coins. LOL They add up.
Hi! I'm a wheelchaired person and my dream is to travel to Kyoto but I'm afraid that I won't be able to go there because all the shrines and monuments that I've seen have a lot of stairs...
Could you make some video with wheelchair friendly turist spots? I would be very gratefull!
My aunt and I were in Japan beginning of December last year, and we did almost everything you mentioned in this video, save the wifi. We just used public wifi.
Also, regarding the wifi, Japan has this app (I can't remember the name) that has an internal list of all the free wifi points in the country. You just download the app, register once, and then click logon in the app. It searches for an availible free wifi network and logs you in. This made it very easy to get wifi, since you don't have to search through your wifi network list and guess which might be a free system. And also, in most free wifi systems you also need to register with your email adress before you get access to the itnernet, with the app, you only have to register once, and it handles everything else.
did you ever find out what app this was?
does anyone know what app?
sooo any news on the app?
I would like to know too
Need that app going to japan in a couple of months and would be really helpful!
This is really well researched! But I just want to add that in case you're in Tokyo for a short trip (like 3 days) and want to make the best of it, I highly recommend the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24,48,72hrs). You can use it on all the subway conpany but not on JR trains. I was able to go to all of the popular tourist spots in Tokyo and didn't spend a ton of transpo money coz of this. They also have a tourist train map that will show where you can go down to visit a tourist spot.
oh good you mentioned this, that is actually something most well at least most touristy cities have - Kyoto has for example a 500 yen bus ticket for the line that drives by all the famous temples ... or the Kansai region is periodically selling a three days ticket which allows you to use (I think it was) both subways and trains to get around so you can go on day trips and if you are careful about the hours you don't even have to go consecutive days; I don't remember when it expires though .. maybe two weeks or even a month after purchase?
Great video! 38 day countdown to go to Japan, yay!! My flight arrives early in the morning, so my plan is to activate the JR, pick up the pocket wifi, leave the lugagge at the hotel, have breakfast and go to Oedo Onsen on my first day
I'll be there in 35 days. Have fun :)
Mariana D. I'm going in 134 days 😄
I feel your pain, I bought my ticket in July
Update as requested. Back from Japan, it is amazing. I did one thing differently from my plan: activated my JR on day 2 and took a bus from the airport. All was fine, fairly easy to get by with no Japanese, onsen experience was great and only weird on the first few minutes. I would do it all over again and change nothing. Japan is so worth it.
I travel to Japan often and know how all of this stuff works. With that being said, I just want to say this video is very accurate and so so helpful for anyone that is new to all of this. I really loved how efficient and calmly you explained everything. Awesome stuff. I'll definitely be sharing
I just watched this entire video and i live in japan.
lol ikr
what do u do for a living?
Now you know how to live for yet another hour in Japan. Times running out, Bud
I wish i was born in japan😔 america sucks
I’m doing research about being an exchange student. My final choices are France and Japan. It seems stupid, but I think I prefer Japan over France,mainly because it has a lot less pickpockets. (But I am aware of how rigorous school in Japan can be.)
you're always welcomed ;)
@@tinanag0 ぴえん
Ok so I’m doing the exchange program in about a year and a half to japan! Is it possible to exchange insta handles Bc I really want someone to talk to about it. Also none of the grades you get there will be on a permanent record so u can do really bad but it is very encouraged for people to try hard. Don’t be worried.
Also guys I just wanted to write a breakdown of how to do the exchange program if your interested (I’m doing it in a year and have been planing it for 4months now).
First you want to go online and search a program that is best suited for you. I personally chose ASSA because it was relatively cheaper than the other programs and they allow free travel around the area you are going to on the break days. Second you want to talk to a school counselor about getting the credits for the year you are going abroad or just go ahead and take another year. After doing so you can start learning some basic language skills to study there. Note that some programs require you to have a certain amount of knowledge about the language but some don’t require any at all. You want to apply for the program 4-9 months in advanced to make sure you get to go to the country you want. Once applied the program will give you a set of instructions to follow and things to send over such as the past two years of schooling you’ve done or write a letter to your soon to be host family. If anyone has anymore questions please ask!! Also go follow Bella abroad on tik tok and RUclips Bc she give great tips and how to’s.
@@unicats6785 I'm not planning on exchanging to japan but this was still useful! Thank you! I plan on going to Korea in my senior year and I'm so nervous😅
Wonderful guide ! Just wanted to share my experience in getting out of narita airport travelling with children and luggages. I opted to book a hotel which was served by the airport limousine bus to avoid the transfers between the train lines and climbing up and down stairs and get point to point with less hassle. Just an option to consider for those with young kids and luggage.
I love the Narita airport limo bus! So comfortable and turns out to be much cheaper than trains and buses
One day, I'll have my japan trip.
same ://
I used Google Maps and Hyperdia when it came to using the trains. PRO TIP: Always pay attention to the time the train arrived. If one arrives a bit sooner than stated then it's most likely going to a different destination than yours. You would think that all the trains on your platform would go the destination since they stopped at the same platform... nope! I learned this the hard way and ended up getting on the wrong train which took me to the opposite direction I wanted to go.
The mobile wi-fi router was a godsend for us. Easy to use, 100% connectivity, no data limit issues - cost us about £40 for the 2 weeks - absolutely well worth it..!
Just like to add that if you’re landing in Haneda Airport (which is much closer to Tokyo than Narita) you can take the monorail that takes you to Hamamatsucho Station which links you to the Yamanote Line. This line does a full loop around the city which might take you to the hotel you are staying in. The monorail and Yamanote line are free if you bought the JR rail pass.
Haneda isn't much closer to Tokyo than Narita - it's IN Tokyo
I've been to Japan about 5-6 times in the past 3 years, going again in May.. the first time I was there I wasn't so much scared or worried about how to survive as to how exciting it was. Like, you don't need to know any Japanese or any knowledge of Japan because everything is so convenient and easy to do.
Yass! Wing it. It's a blast!
Yep that first trip is meant to be exciting not scary .especially in the 1980s etc no cell phones no internet then and I can tell u from my experience much more exciting then now travel about adventure
I loved the video and it looks like a lot of work went into it. Your process of arriving is almost the same (but slightly different than mine). I always use Haneda. I hit the 7Eleven ATM, refill my Suica card, head up the escalators to platform where I grab a hot canned coffee from the vending machine and then take the monorail to Hamamatsucho. If I'm arriving in the morning, I use one of my favorite amenities in Japanese train stations, the automated lockers. This allows me to drop my luggage and go about my day, before heading to my hotel. Japan has awesome amenities at the airport, and its always a joy to arrive at Haneda.
Automated lockers are a good idea to show for the next 23 hours :-) I like that monorail, it's a nice, scenic ride!
Japan is such a respectful culture and place cause in America in air ports there are so much pushing shoving but in Japan people just mind there own business and is just so nice
We went to Japan in 2016. I found the prepaid data sims for tourists very useful. It enabled us to have internet connection everywhere including the subway. The signal is very good and is compatible to most phones. 😊
Just a tip for transport around Japan hyperdia (they have an app too) is also really good to find connections where you can dictate what modes you want to include (JR, shinkansen, busses, flight, etc.). Fairly simple to use.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I was just about to say that. I found it MUCH better than Google
I visited Japan 2 years ago for 3 months, I loved every minute of it. This video has a lot of valid & good suggestions. Would recommend it to all first time visitors. Remember, stay humble, stay polite & everyone would help you to the best of their abilities if you're ever in need of help.
Going to Japan tomorrow and this video helped my anxiety!!! Thank you!!!
pu pu how did it go?
how did it go?
How did it go??
Blink twice if you are alive
*AHEM* How did it go?
So, I'll be going to Japan in 2 months or so, and seeing this just made me happy and excited
shamanazakura you’re going to have a blast!! I went over the summer, and literally had the time of my life. Enjoy!!
Be sure to stop by Osaka, everything is especially good there lol.
Your videos are great! I like the fact that you shot all of the clips yourself.
Incredibly big tip: There are many levels of trains. The normal ones would stop at every stop, but some, in many different levels, like express, only stops at major or semi-major stops. Make sure to not skip your stop!
I learned this the hardway. Saw my fellow tourist get off at station before Fushimi Inari. and asked myself why did they. Found out that the Keihan line does not stop there and skips it. You have to get off 1 or 2 stops before and ride the smaller line. Had to go ride back and go off on that stop. Still was a great experience
Hi Greg, loved this video! I've been to Japan many times and I feel that the video would definitely help someone who has never visited before! have some suggestions for surviving the next 23 hours:
1. Finding a place to eat that does not have lines (that preferably has an English Menu!)
2. Looking for restrooms in public areas
3. How to navigate Shinjuku station (because all tourists will end up going there anyway and it's really hard to find the right way out)
4. Words that will be helpful when talking to Japanese folks (like ikura = how much, doko = where)
Looking forward to seeing you expand this series!
Great suggestions!
This video is simply amazing. ありがとうございました。日本は大好きです。いつか行きます。
This level of diligence is uncommon on RUclips and makes for quite a resource.
Correction : JR pass can be now purchased with in Tokyo from Tokyo Station this started from from March/ April 2017
Yup. According to japan-guide, it is from March 8, 2017 to March 31, 2019, with possible extension. But it will cost more to buy in Japan. Some versions of the JR Pass, such as the JR East pass that only works in Tokyo and east side of the main island, were available for purchase at the airport way before this, though. I had purchased them multiple times before 2010. I see they now charge a little extra if bought in Japan. Back then, it was a lot of hassle to get it before arriving, but nowadays, it can be purchased online. Nice. Too bad I don't fly anymore, so it doesn't apply to me.
Yep - it's like an extra $50-80 to buy it in Japan as opposed to your home country
Going to Japan with my wife in March-April. THIS IS WHAT I NEED. THANK YOU.
Sorry one more. For Kansai/Osaka arrivals/visitors, immigration queue can be very long. But moves efficiently or relatively fast, fast meaning at busiest times maybe an hour to hour/half wait to the agents. Then to customs check which is quick, but as opposed to Narita airport, in this case YES the train is your better bet, it’s very clear and if you get confused just ask someone at the airport staff. They will show you where to get the train tickets and it’s not that bad to get to Osaka, heck even Kyoto from Kansai Airport. Cheers.
I would just like to say that having traveled to Tokyo several times, this is a very informative video that I now show people instead of trying to remember all the little details (ATM vs Exchange, etc) I didn't have this kind of a guide when I first started going 16 years ago and had to figure stuff out by trial and error.
One personal luxury that I end up splurging on though, instead of taking a local train from Narita into Tokyo - I spend the extra money for the Keisei Skyliner. By the time my feet touch Japanese soil, I'll have been on an airplane for 12-16 hours and the least amount of time spent before collapsing in my hotel room bed the better. As far as I know, the Skyliner is the fastest way into Tokyo at 41 min from Narita to Ueno and is much more attractive to me than the 90 min the same trip takes on local trains. It ends up being about $13/14 USD price difference, but it's much faster, has dedicated luggage areas, and are quire comfortable.
Great video! This brings back so many wonderful memories. For ATM withdrawals I recommend getting the Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account -- no foreign exchange fees, no ATM fees, no account fees or minimums. It's really a dream. I've used it all over the world and not paid a single fee.
Thank you SO SO much for all of your hard work on this video, Greg. I've been a fan since LWIF only had 30 subs, and I'll be one when it has 30 mil!
it wont really hit 30 mil
Why am I watching this again?
I am not even going or planning to go to Japan.
I find travel videos very entertaining, and it satisfies my curiosity, even if I may never end up going to that place. And I don't rule out going to Japan at least once in my life, some time.
You have a sad life ..
Ken narville have u even been there? I went to Japan in the summer of 2018 and the people were great in my opinion. The service was really good. One time in this restaurant the worker was a great person. When they know we had a bad time. The worker got us chocolate cookies before leaving and was saying sorry.
Ken narville but have been there in these following years
Ken narville bro chill I have a lot work to do. Y are u so hungry for a reply? That depicts of how bad of a person u are.
Yay new video :) P.s hope you're having a good weekend, Greg!
internationally ME funny how both of you uploaded a video only one hour apart from each other :'D
Wow Angie you and Yuta liked it ! He’s awesome I need to check out your new video 👍🏼
Super helpful! I'm traveling solo to Japan and I'm super overwhelmed videos like this really help clear up a lot of my questions/concerns
I've been to Japan on holiday 4 times and I still learnt practical, helpful stuff from this video. Wild!
Ok, I don't plan to move to japan for a few years but I wanted to thank you for this video, it's a bunch of helpful advice that I haven't heard about before, I really appreciate it!
Also, the shots you use make Japan (as always, it seems) absolutely stunning, and only revitalizes my urge to study!
I'm so happy I came across a video THIS HELPFUL
Ohh wow, this is perfect! I'm going to be in Japan for a month in January and organizing everything has been a little nerve-wrecking. I still have over four months to prepare but this has been incredibly helpful, so thank you!
I just got back from my first time there, watching this again before I landed probably would have helped a bit. You'll love it, I know I'd go back in a heartbeat if I weren't still recovering from horrible jetlag.
@@Moridin101 Ohh thank you, I'm actually both super excited and really really scared. How long did you go?
@@persgodiva 2 weeks. I think the only stressful thing is the first day of figuring out the trains. Most of the signage has english in the bigger cities, and if you're not feeling too brave you can live off convenience store food XD. You'll have nothing to worry about as long as you're not in a hurry.
As a japanese learner, I always pause the video and try to figure out the meaning of the katakana words. It is always satisfying to figure them out correctly.
I was so happy when I read the “rental set” which included a bath towel and a face towel.
This video is good, I never thought about how complicated just to get out of the airport and trying to get any train ticket. It’s definitely something all first time travelers should know before trying to get to japan.
Unless you are going to be travelling to many cities (like, 6+ cities all around Japan), I have found that the Japan Rail Pass is not worth it if you want to use the Shinkansen.
I was there for 1 month and it definitely came in handy. At first, the price seemed way too much but then you see it's worth it if you decide to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto because the shinkansen would've cost like $400 round-trip.
Lol, I survived on "sumimasen" in Tokyo. Video is very well done!
C. Wilson
What the hell did you even do?
Me too!
"Excuse me miss you're 50 yen short"
"I'm sorry"
THANK YOU so much for this! Would love to plan a trip with a friend but have nearly 0 Japanese (only what I have picked up from Miyazaki films) Been a long time viewer of your channel and super excited about this series. Would love to see a video on the best words and phrases to know. Sumimasen
Haha. In this case I don't think Sumimasen would quite work out as thank you :-) Arigatou would fit better. But if a service person helped you out, saying sumimasen and a little bow would be totally on point.
LMAO JUST DO WHAT LOGAN PAUL DID
Learn some really basic phrases! My friends mom was deported to Japan for business reasons and she was able to learn japanese in an amount of 2 months.
there are a bunch of youtube vids for basic traveler japanese. my japanese training came from mainly anime and i was fine. sumimasen is very useful, so is arigato and a bow. plus if you are using google maps with the location centered, 'sumimasen' and point to the phone. failing that, stair at a map and looked confused, that helped a lot!
I have a caveman Japanese vocabulary that got me through Tokyo and Kyoto fairly well...
Sumimaisen - excuse me, sorry
Arigato - thank you (Domo Arigato and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu for increasing formality)
Konichiwa - Good afternoon
Onegaishimasu - A request for a favour, which I used in restaurants and in stores when pointing at what I want. Basically "I'm a stupid foreigner who doesn't know Japanese but I would like this please."
Gomen - sorry
I know a few other things I picked up form anime, but that's what I got the most use out of. Ironically, I could never figure out how to say that I couldn't speak Japanese in a way that was intelligible to anybody. But I think they figured it out :)
I went to Japan in 2014 for work. I loved my 3 weeks so much, I plan to take my family there in a few years!
I think this is your best video yet - everything I've told friends about the first hour/day when visiting Japan, you've covered. Now I'm just going to point them to this video.
I am leaving for Japan with my husband and baby for a two week trip in 5 days and we haven’t had a chance to as much research or planning as we hoped. Bless you for this video because it helped me understand things so much better! I’m going to go through your playlist but if you haven’t already could you consider making a video about how to travel Japan with a baby? For example where strollers are/are not allowed, breastfeeding, diapers etc.
9:57 - "Do you see this map?"
*Brain explodes*
It is not that bad. Focus first on the Yamanote line, most sights that tourists want to see are near a Yamanote line train station.
It's the same scale as most Western cities.
Tokyo Subway (Metro+Toei): 285 stations on 13 lines.
London Underground: 270 stations on 11 lines.
New York Subway: 472 stations on 36 lines.
Paris Metro: 302 stations on 16 lines.
Every big city-travel line map looks like that 😒
@@RealityContradiction laughs in Rio de Janeiro
straightpipediesel well call me a country bumpkin, because all I know are streets and driving lol
I took a 4-hour transit in Narita airport 5 years ago and got myself a bottle of green tea there. Gave the cashier US$5 and got back 4 💴 ..still keep the change until now lol~
I m a frequent traveler, and you sir do a really good job at explaining the little things.
Thanks for this 4 years this is still relevant and sent to my friends who will be first timers in japan next year.
I'm planning to go to study in Kitakyushu in the next months, to do my two years Master Degree in Japan. This will be very useful for my arrival °w°
RUN FOREST, RUN! :D
He really put in!XD
I giggled at that part too. :)
Alternate title: how to be naked within 60 minutes of the plane landing without getting arrested
LOL
now..spek...I...she...wll....wi..fi....sem.
Mobail...neat.wirk ....wi.fi......wll....ane...wll...
salman khan r/ihadastroke
😂😂💀💀
With the pictures to show the personell in store... that is so kind and thoughtful of you! Thank you for that! I would really like to travel to Japan now.
Thank you for the great video. I'm not sure whether you have already done these or not, but here are some ideas for videos:
1) Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau. How to get there (take the bus that is very near an exit of Shinagawa Station), what you can do there, there's a convenience store downstairs, etc. Photo booth - I had a black & white photo rejected and I was told to take a new photo in colour, and I did that in a photo booth downstairs. Please always give them colour photos right away, not black & white photos, just to make sure you will not waste time while you are visiting the bureau. In my case they didn't like my bald head blending in with the background too well. And go there early in the morning, because in the afternoon a lot of people will come and you might have to spend the evening there. So be there right away as it is opening in the morning.
2) How to open a bank account. Where can you open an account for example if you have a student visa or other visas. And where can you get excellent customer service in English (Shinsei Bank Tokyo Branch near Yaesu Exit of Tokyo Station, for example). And then also how to close the bank account! You are supposed to close it before moving away from Japan. In my case visiting at the bank has always been a very easy and pleasant experience, since I used the bank and the branch that I mentioned. The online banking services are not at the same level with the services provided by my bank in my country, but otherwise the services are easy to use and nothing to be afraid of.
3) My Number ID number. I've always had one in my country of birth, but in Japan this system was introduced recently. I had my My Number registered at the bank right away when opening an account, although it was not strictly required in that situation.
If I ever go to Japan (which I'm sure I'll do someday) I would definitely want to get something to eat! Could you make a video about how to order food at restaurants (if you haven't already)? Especially since I'm vegetarian, I would like to know what I'd be ordering. Thank you : )
I agree!
Jaehee!! I love your profile pic
Omg!! Yes!! The vegetarian part! I'm a vegetarian and a small part of wanting to visit Japan scares me. Cause I've heard fruits and vegetables can be a little bit on the pricey side of things.
If you plan in advance and research vegetarian-friendly restaurants, you should be fine. Happycow (website/app) is your friend! Fruits are pretty pricey, but cooking for yourself shouldn't be very expensive if you dare to try some japanese ingridients.
Source: Am vegan and lived in Japan for a year :)
Ice Trex OOF, Japan is all about that meat. I went there and there were barely any vegetables.
I took Japanese classes for 5 years in college, didn't study for 6 years after, then tried to remember it all in 3 months before my trip to Tokyo. I was way under prepared. Everyone always says that most Japanese people in bigger cities know basic English, but I found only 4 people in my week trip to Tokyo that spoke even a single word of it. 2 were at Narita airport, 1 at the Skytree, and 1 at this back alley shop in Harajuku. There are things that you just don't even think about that you need to learn lingo for before going, like 'check please' or 'where the heck do I pay at? I've been here for hours and nobody will take my money so I can leave!' or 'I don't know Japanese but I'm trusting you not to sign me up for any weird membership cards when I buy this bottle of juice, okay?' and my personal favorite 'I don't know what you are asking me, I thought this was a bar with video games and now I'm being badgered with questions outside the front door and neither of us are understanding anything, I just wanted a friggen beer!"
and your point is....?
I just tried Google lens on the ticket machine (pointing my phone at the monitor) and it translated it without any issues, so that is a good way of navigationg machines that are only in Japanese :)
this came at literally the best time, im going to japan in a month and was just starting to look at what to do once i arrive
James how was the trip?
We're taking our parents to Japan for the first time in a few weeks, this is going to be a GREAT guide for them. Can't WAIT to see their reaction!
Updated video: Guide to First 14 days in Tokyo, Japan.... sit in isolation in your hotel room.... fun!
why
thanks for the video! my family and i traveled to japan and okinawa for more than 20 times in the past 5 years and we love it so much! we were planning to move to okinawa to start a new business but now still staying in a remote island of hong kong having a herbal tea shop.
i love your videos! always remind me how i traveled in japan, and some of my memories and so on.
wish you and your family has a wonderful life in japan, stay healthy! :-)
if possible, wish to keep in touch with you, feel like my heart is attached there~
gavin
"Because I'm dedicated to my craft, I went to both." This man is godly.
Ikr 😂
Watched this video before actually going to Japan. Now, I'm re-watching it because I feel really nostalgic. Covid ruined my plans of a short 3-month stay at Tokyo in 2020 :c
Thank you so much for such high-quality content
I can’t really think what I want help with next. Maybe help with finding your way around, or ordering at a restaurant, table manners, or how about help with resolving problems like being lost on the train systems or lost walking around etc.? This was an excellent video. I’m enjoying all that you share with us.
You're amazing, thanks a lot!
Rip koari
Here's my first hour(s) experience in Japan:
I arrived at Haneda airport August 2016. The first thing that struck me was the blazing heat. Apparantly this was around the hottest time of the year..I was traveling alone and for the first time as a backpacker. When I arrived at customs a guy wanted to go through all my things and asked me questions about where I was going to stay and what my plans were.."I had no plans and I hadn't booked a hotel yet" is what I told him. It was a spur of the moment trip.
After clearing customs at Haneda you immediately enter the subway area. I spent a good 2 hours or so here trying to figure out how to order a ticket, where I wanted to go etc...Apparantly I looked so confused that another backpacker came up to me and asked if I wanted to come with her and her friend to Hiroshima. I declined, because I wanted to spend my first week in Tokyo.
After they left I booked a random hotel and asked around how to get there. (The subway system can be very confusing the first time, but after using it a couple times it all just makes sense and its actually easy to use)
6:11 Hema SIM card ! That surprised me so much ! How does a Japanese / Canadian person find a picture of a Dutch SIM card before finding a Japanese one ?
i'm going to assume it's a royalty free photo
Back in 2007, at Yokohama Station, I was able to find help not only from the information kiosk, but also a lovely transit attendant who was able to help me navigate that crazy map.
One of the best videos about how to get around in Japan. Thanks for thanking the time to post a video.
I'm Japanese so I don't really go out of Japan....so really helpful 👍
I'm still a kid so don't really know much...
How come your english is so good?
@@whuzzzup EXPOSED i think
JAYJAY Playz Education in Japan may be different from yours. I’m pretty sure they learn English from a young age. Of course, they learn Japanese too.
@@deanl4575 I said i think
Awesome stuff Greg!
Going there by the end of next month, last trip was 11 years ago. xD
Getting through Narita and I'll be staying with other 7 family members and relatives around Narita station.
Even though I mostly knew all of those, it's always nice to reconfirm the whole thing...
I already got myself a JR Pocket Wi-fi, will be getting the pass later this month, and I guess everything is in check. I also got a couple of Suica cards ready.
People also recommend having an external battery charger for your stuff, specially if you'll be relying on the phone for a whole ton of stuff... Google Translate, Maps, communication in general...
Quite different from the last time we went... no smartphones, calls with international pay phones only, but I already used a huge laptop and Google maps to print everything and carry it around back then. xD
I'm catching this video a bit late, but I imagine the next topic would be hotels and reservations... I did everything through Tripadvisor and Booking. I'd go for Airbnb but most of the people who are going with me are seniors, and they really wanted the conveniences of a hotel stay, so we went with that.
Oh, I'll try subtitling your video in portuguese later today... wanna show the info for relatives. Thanks! o/
Yep, hotels and reservations will definitely be another video!
Oh wow as a Torontonian this video fits my needs exactly.
Why does this video fit the needs of every citizen living in Toronto?
Well he did his bank research largely from a Canadian perspective and provided information about TD bank's policies. And generally, this video just fit my needs exactly because I am a Canadian using TD bank that really really wants to travel to Japan :)
same, I'm from Montreal so this is all very useful
This video is a must see for anyone on their first trip to Japan!
Lots of good tips. I would say that using public transport (trains, subways & buses) was very easy on our first trip. We bought individual tickets for local services and used the JR Japan rail pass for all the big journeys. I will consider getting a pass for local ones if I get time.
I think checking into hotels and and finding/ordering food are the obvious next step, yes? I know I'd like to learn about them, in any case.
But what do you want to know about checking into hotels? Most hotel employees usually speak passable English and it is a very self explaining process imho.
I'm asking more about cultural differences than about language, about whether typical hotel and restaurant procedures are the same there as they are in North America. Like... necessary ID, amenities, tipping, social expectations, etc. And in restaurants, seating procedures, expectations about how long guests stay, credit cards vs. cash, (again) tipping, and stuff like that. Obviously I realize the answers vary wildly depending on the type of hotel or restaurant you're in, but I'd be interested to know how it works in general.
Absolutely no tipping in Japan unless you're staying at old traditional five-star Japanese ryokan
Use JR pass for 7 days ? depend on your travel
Buy JRpass , if your journey -> Tokyo - osaka/kyoto/hiroshima/fukuoka/hokaido - Tokyo
Dont Buy JRpass , if your journey -> only in tokyo / Only osaka-kyoto-kobe / Tokyo - osaka (not return to tokyo)
thanks for the tip!
thank you for the info! i will travel from tokyo to kyoto and will take the plane back to germany from osaka airport. Which ticket should i buy?
What about traveling from narita to tokyo?
My first hour would be going through customs and stuff😂
I'm not even going to Japan anytime soon, but this video was so well put together and would definitely be a huge help to people travelling there.
14:20 Thanks for bringing this up. When I was in Japan. Going to an Onsen was one of my favorite places to go. Especially after walking around Japan all day. Next time I visit Japan I'm defiantly hitting up an Onsen after arriving to Japan.
We need a video like this but for food. thanks
WoW, thank you for the effort, kind sir.
EU/EEA credit/debit card holders: withdraw fees are illegal since about 10 years back.
if the ATM doesn't charge you, neither will the bank.
Glad you mentioned finding the line... that was definitely the most difficult part of getting around in the main cities.
Very beautiful footage. Thank you. I never really got into anime and stuff like that but I always was interested in Japan's landscapes and futuristic design along with it's history and philosophies. I never had the chance to visit but I was close to once.