Aloha! We are a slow-traveling family of 5. We share tips to help you travel Japan with ease. Begin your own quest!
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I wonder if you can buy tickets to USJ using a foreign credit card if you are IN japan? Similar to how you cant add a foreign credit card to the TaxiGo app or the Shinkansen booking site unless you are physically in Japan. Have you tested this by chance?
Hi. The USJ website now accepts foreign credit cards, whether or not you’re in Japan. I still book through Klook, since I like to have all of our attraction tickets together in the Klook app. 🌸 Heidi
You only need one or the other. If you get the digital PASMO, you are all set. You can charge it with a credit card stored in Apple Wallet, or at a charging machine using cash. The PASMO Passport is a tourist IC card, so it expires after 28 days.
@@PatrickFungsca To me, the main advantage of a physical card is not needing to take out my phone to tap it each time. The card is smaller. Either one is fine, if you don’t mind charging the physical card with cash. Both you would want to use up most the balance before leaving Japan.
Thank you so much for all the great information! I will arrive at the beginning of July for 3 weeks and I have already spent a lot of time checking which pass is best and it seems it is the Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Pass. 1..Some of the trips I will start with this Pass (for instance from Kanazawa to Tsuruga but my final destination is Hiroshima. How does it work? 2. Do I need with this pass to book seats already now and do I need to pay extra money in addition to the pass? 3.do you recommend anyway to already book all train tickets and book seats for my three weeks due to the high number of tourists? Many thanks!
Hi, if you want to use the pass from Kanazawa then you might be interested in the JR West All Area Pass which will cover from Kanazawa to Hiroshima and actually as far south as Hakata. However, with this pass as well as the Sanyo one you mentioned does not include the Tokaido shinkansen, which means you cannot rid this train from Kyoto to Osaka.. You can only book your tickets once you have purchased your pass, which is one month before your travel date. I don't think you will have too much trouble getting reserved seats as long as you don't travel during a holiday and/or during commute hours.
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much for your swift response! The reason I want to use the sanyo one is because my next stop after Hiroshima is Beppu, then Kyoto. This pass is 23000yens. Did you mean no tokaido shinkamsen between Tokyo instead of Kyoto? I am travelling in July this year, is this not busy time? Last important question for me :)) once I have purchased the pass, do I need to pay in addition to the pass the reservation of the train?
This one is made from recycled polyester. TOBIQ also offers a Sleek version made of TPU coated ripstop polyester. That one is probably even more water resistant: tobiqtravel.com/products/the-tiny-anchorage-30l
Hi, the pocket WiFis that we recommend are for Japan only. However, if you get the Mobal pocket WiFi, you own it after three months and you could take it to Singapore ( Or anywhere ) and as long as you can purchase a physical SIM card you can insert that into the pocket WiFi and it will most likely work unless there is a frequency issue. For your situation you might be interested in getting a global eSIM which we discuss later on in the LIVE.
I am going to travel to Japan on this coming Thurs. I have purchased mobal esim just now. Should I activate esim now before my departure from my home country, or should I activate after my arrival to Japan? What will be your advice?
Hi, great question. Usually as you go further into the station underground the signal and connection disappears If you need your maps to work we recommend downloading your directions ahead of time so they will still work. However your GPS will still work
I used Japan Wireless pocket WiFi for the first time based on your recommendation. The first one they sent us didn’t work (kept dropping out). They sent us a replacement within 24 hours of me letting them know. I also grabbed an eSim as a backup and had a roaming pack activated. As we were a large group we got two pockets.
Question: planning to go to Fukui, wanting to catch the bus from the Fukui Station to the Dinosaur Museum in the morning, then from there, is it easy and workable to use the GO app and get a taxi to Echizen Daibutsu Great Buddha? Then, when we have finished, can we then use the app again to get a taxi from there back to the Dinosaur Museum where we will spend the afternoon, then return to Fukui Station by bus? Do taxis go out that far? Would it just be easier to get a taxi direct to Echizen Daibutsu from Fukui Station? Or too long of a trip and cost too much? I think there is public transport to Echizen Daibutsu, a bus, but it is not very frequent and we would have to walk a fair distance. We will be there in January, so walking in snow would not be our preference. We don't wish to hire a car and drive. Any advice will be appreciated. TYIA.
Hi, I just checked on the Go App and getting to the dinosaur museum wont be a problem but you might have difficulty with availability to get you to Daibutsu and back to the Museum. So going directly to Daibustsu will be easier but the cost could be over $50 USD depending on traffic. It is doable. while we haven't used a taxi for this route we have taken taxis to remote places without a problem. I hope this helps.
I own a condo in Okinawa, Japan. I want to buy the best pocket WIFI for that area in the US and then use in Japan. Which one can I but in the US and activate service for Okinawa, Japan?
Hi, I can't recommend any in particular but in general most should work. The key is to ask if the pocket wifi you are interested in will work in Japan. Most will not have a problem but it is possible that some US. pocket wifis may not be compatible with some of Japans frequencies.
Our top recommendation for Pocket WiFi: www.japan-wireless.com/?via=kenshoquest Save 10% with JWKENSHO. eSIM (15% OFF): www.japan-wireless.com/esim?coupon=ESIMKENSHO&via=kensho Cheat sheet of Pocket WiFis and eSIMS (2 pages): kenshoquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KenshoQuest-Japan-Internet-Options.pdf
I'm working on a video about washing laundry while traveling in Japan! On our first winter trip to Japan we stayed mostly in apartment rentals. There was a washing machine in our unit and I would hang our clothes to dry overnight. They were usually dry by the next morning. On our second winter trip to Japan we stayed mostly in hotels. I washed laundry at: hotel laundry rooms, coin laundry laundromats, rental with washer, rental with washer and dryer. The hotels tend to have machines that both wash plus dry, which wasn't the best for our clothing since it's a hot temperature and I couldn't lower the temperature. Some of our items shrunk because of that. 🌸 Heidi
I took it as a carry-on for two Japan Airlines flights. It’s within typical carry-on dimensions. It is bigger than a person item size for many airlines. 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest oh, then of course that will work. Since you're a family of 4, you're allowed a carry-on for each person. However, I think for most people, since the Tobiq will have to count as a carry-on size (and not a personal item size), they will not be able use it in tandem with a wheelie small luggage. I would still consider getting it as my carry-on, and then using a personal sized dimension backpack. Thank you for sharing!
Withdrawing cash with a credit card would be a cash advance. We never do that. We withdraw money from ATMs using our debit card. Here’s more info on that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kKccD_Ee4iw.htmlsi=n4M_xt9xtVMOUsAV
Aloha! We will be in Japan in next month (July), I downloaded the SmartEx app and have my Suica card registered from a previous trip. Our group is 7pax so we'll be making two reservations (since max is 6 pax/resv). Some ppl have physical cards (like me), others have the digital card, would you suggest we do the QR code method to get the tickets transferred to those with the digital cards? Also, if I try to book the resv (we're more then 30 days out at this point), the Hayatoku 28 and Hayatoku 21 discounts don't appear - on some trains they show but are grayed out). Do they block that discount on certain dates/trains? For example, going from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on 7/14....7/15 looks like it's a holiday so am wondering if they don't offer the discount on busy travel days? Mahalo in advance for your insights!
Aloha! The Hayatoku discounts probably aren't available on holidays. You can designate a digital IC card on SmartEX. However, you will first need to figure out your entire IC card number. From the digital card, if you click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner and select "Card Number" it only shows the last 4 digits. Here's how to get the full number: If you have a digital PASMO card, install the PASMO Finance app on your phone. When you open the app it shows your balance and your full card number. If you have a digital SUICA card, install the Suica Finance app on your phone. - Open the Suica card in Apple Wallet - Tap on the three dots icon (...) on the top right corner of the phone - Select "Card Details" - Select "Open" in Suica Finance App - In the Suica Finance app, you will see the Suica card that you added -- tap on the card and you will see the full card number.
I bought the Hakone Free pass with Klook for 11th july, ami able to collect the ticket and upgrade my ticket to the Romance car in advance so as to save time on the actual day?
Yes! I recommend picking it up in advance, so you can get an earlier start on the day you head to Hakone. I think you can pick it up once you are within 30 days of your travel date. 🌸 Heidi
Hi. Thanks for all the information. I just have a question about Sakura mobile. You mentioned that you lost your signal when you were near Tokyo Disney. Were you able to use it inside DisneySea? How was your experience using it inside the park?
Hi, yes, lost signal nearby but once we were in Disney Sea and Disneyland the reception was much better. I thing there are some dead zones in the area so just move around if you have any issues.
Hi, if you mean a pocket WiFi, in my opinon they work great and we always rent one. if you can find a location in the city it might be lower priced. But overall, I recommend that you rent ahead of time to save time and. to choose one that fits your needs.
Hello ! I am travelling next week to japan with kids. Please confirm if I can purchase Kansai Hiroshima Wide Area pass in train station. And if i have purchased in advance, do i have to book seats as well? Can i travel in this train without prebooking seats. And lastly do all trains in this region has a non-reserved seat. And yes- If i purchase in advance, do i have to book seats prior in hello kitty trains? I would be really grateful if you can assist on this, as even after seeing most of your videos this isn't clear.
Hello. No, I don't think you can purchase the Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass in person at a train station. You can purchase it online from a travel agent or JR West. Here's more info about purchasing and coverage area: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_hiroshima/ Here's our Klook affiliate link: geni.us/kansaihiroshimapass There are days when the NOZOMI Sanyo Shinkansen operates with only reserved seating.
You arent flying for free, the flight cost you $741.36 which is the cash value of the points if you were to redeem them for deposit to your checking account or as a statement credit. Dont mislead people.
Hello, every video is sooo informative and useful. Thank you very much. We are planning to visit Japan from Mumbai ( India) from 15th October for 12/14 days. Nothing has been booked yet. Working on the same project and watching your all videos. Now on KLOOK there a offer for JR PASS 26,500 for whole of Japan. It includes all trains, metros and also bullet train. Is it worth buying, what do you say? We will be planning to visit Sapporo for one night 2 days. and to the south till Hiroshima. So please guide us. And would you please make a video on cheap yet good hotels to stay in various cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Sapporo. How should we make an itenery? Please guide me. Thank you very much.
Hi. The JR Pass for Whole Japan costs 50,000 Yen per adult for ordinary 7-day pass. Here's our affiliate link: geni.us/wholejrpass I'm not sure what you were looking at that costs 26,500 Yen. If you are traveling all the way from Sapporo to Hiroshima, then it probably will be worth getting the Whole Japan Rail Pass.
@@varshapawar7789 We've had good luck with MyStays chain of hotels. They usually have good locations and breakfast. Here's our Expedia affiliate link: expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf
Hi, we recommend that you get to the Mt Fuji area via the Fuji Excursion train. Then once you are done you can either back track to Yokohama and board the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train for Kyoto or you can take an express bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Hakone Yumoto where you will need to take a train to Odawara station where you will board the Tokaido Shinkansen. Here are a couple of videos that will help: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4828J9OtNiY.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5VGDZnafnhA.html
Since they have to mail the access code to me anyways, is it better to just get a physical sim or is esim still the way to go? Also, I want to use the Japanese number to purchase some concert tickets before I arrive in Japan that require some text verification. Will I be able to receive text messages in the US using the Japanese number before I actually arrive in Japan? Thanks for the super helpful video. This was great!
Hi, choosing between eSIM and physical SIM is really a personal preference. I've tested both from Mobal and don't really notice a difference. And sorry, you cannot receive a text outside of Japan using the Japanese SIM/eSIM and I don't think you can fully activate until you arrive in Japan. For the text verification you might try your local US number... It might work.
I'm so grateful for your informative content. I've used many of your amazon links, will buy July luggage, and now have questions about transport before I use your affiliate links to buy public transportation passes. 1st time traveling to Japan and need your help please. Which Shinkansen, Regional pass, Hokuriku, JR pass, etc. should our family of 4 get for our 20-day trip. Details: 7.25.24 (day 1) arrive in Osaka ITM, (day 1-3 stay in Osaka). Travel Osaka to Kyoto (days 3-8 stay in Kyoto) with a day trip to Nara. Kyoto to Takayama (stay in Takayama days 9-10) with a day trip Nikko. Go Takayama to Kanazawa (stay in Kanazawa day 11-13). Kanazawa to Tokyo (stay in Tokyo days 14-20) with day trip to Hakone and other areas. Fly out of Tokyo Narita Airport. Thank you so very much for your help, I'm lost when it comes to public transportation, but feel encouraged by your videos that I'll be able to manage it with your help.
Hi. For the first portion of your trip, you could use an IC card to pay for local transportation. When you arrive in Osaka you can each get an ICOCA card. It's a rechargeable card that you can use to pay for local trains and buses. That should be sufficient for the Osaka, Kyoto, Nara portion of your trip. For going from Kyoto to Takayama, you may wan to consider the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, which is a 5 day pass (19,800 Yen). Here is the info: touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/ Where do you want to visit as a side trip from Takayama? Nikko is very far from there. Perhaps Shirakawago? After using the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass you would still need to buy a ticket for the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo (which is around 14,380 Yen for an ordinary reserved seat). Another option would be to get the Hokuriku Arch Pass which can take you from Kyoto to Toyama. You would need to pay separately to get from Toyama to Takayama. The Hokuriku Arch Pass would also cover Kanazawa to Tokyo. It's a 7-day pass and costs 30,000 Yen per adult. This is probably the option I would choose, but please look at the map: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/hokuriku-arch-pass/ It only covers the specific route on the map, so going other places like Takayama or Shirakawago you would need to be paid for separately from the pass. Within Tokyo you can again use the ICOCA IC card for local transportation. For a day trip to Hakone I recommend getting the Hakone Free Pass. Here's our video on that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XpuGU_2zNuQ.html You might also find our other video on traveling Japan by train helpful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7ejmnpcFFJg.html 🌸 Heidi
Help! Can a military family that's stationed on Okinawa get JR Passes? Wife and I are in the United States trying to get all these passes so when we all land in Heroshima so we can use them all over Japan Thank you Dale Sorensen 9:42
Hi. I don't think that a military family stationed in Japan would be eligible for Whole Japan Rail Passes. You must have "temporary visitor" status stamped into your passport when you arrive in Japan to be able to get a JR Pass.
@KenshoQuest it states that when you fly from Okinawa to Hiroshima you go through customs and can request a stamp, but I'm not sure if this is true. If not, what are our options? For all 7 of us for transportation?
@@DaleSorensen-cq1mi What type of Visa will you enter Japan with? Military, work, dependent? Only tourists who enter as “temporary visitors” qualify for the Whole Japan Rail Pass. You could alternatively purchase individual Shinkansen tickets. We have separate videos on that.
@KenshoQuest OK, we watch the video of yours, and we will have to do individual train tickets and get IC cards. Thank you very much for your response and help understanding. Dale Sorensen
Can you add IC card later? We won't have them until we get to Japan but want to see if we can get a discount by buying early like it was suggested in the video. Mahalo in advance!
Thank you so much for all this valuable information when planning a trip in Japan! The video answered most of my questions regarding travelling in Japan.
We saved our credit card info in the Go Taxi app. It shows an estimate of the cost when we book a ride. And then it charges our credit card through the app when we arrive at our destination.
I purchased 4 tickets on the smartex app. If I’m to use the QR code at the gate, do I scan the code again after each person passes through? Thanks for the video. It’s very helpful.
Hi, yes, just make sure each person picks up their seat information at the other end of the gate. You might be asked by the train attendant to show this. Also, consider printing out the QR code as some users have issues.
@@KenshoQuest we had a large group (7, we have a big family). But my wife and I went to a ryokan and kids went to their own hotel with private onsen. Everyone loved it (our kids are older with 3 adults so no issue them splitting off from us).
