Aloha! Our goal is to help you travel throughout Japan with confidence. As digital nomads, we draw upon 20 years of travel experience. Japan is one of our family's favorite destinations. We visit at least once per year, to stay up to date with the best Japan travel tips.
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Im travelling this november to tokyo then to Osaka (kyoto,nara) back to tokyo. What IC Card would you recommend to purchase? 😅 I just realized japan railways isnt similar with other countries where you could just use the same card all throught out the country like in Taiwan
Hi. When you arrive in Tokyo you can get either a Suica or PASMO card. You can use the same card in Osaka / Kyoto area. Or, if you have an iPhone, you can get a digital Suica or PASMO on your phone through Apple Wallet.
I am still confused when I am booking cause it won't tell me the free domestic was included. I do the one way and for example i fly from the us to haneda to hiroshima. It would give me the full price but it doesn't tell me if the free domestic flight was included. Now as a solo traveler, i think this is worth it
Great video! Can i know the bus schedule for each station in advance? For example i’d like to make sure if there’s a bus every 15 minutes or every 30 minutes per station, the website wasn’t much of help! Thank you
Hi. You can search on Google maps and insert a "Depart at" time. It will give you a general idea, but schedules do change seasonally and due to road conditions.
Hi! I bought a 1 day studio pass and with a super nintendo area timed ticket on klook. 2 questions: 1) Do I have to print both the Studio Pass and the QR code to claim the area timed ticket? Or will digital versions on phone be sufficient? 2) Do I still have to purchase anything else to get into the Harry Potter land?
Hi. You do not need to print the QR code for your studio pass, you can scan it directly from your phone at the ticket gate. Please follow the directions you were provided regarding the Area Timed Entry Ticket. If the Area Timed Entry is for Harry Potty, you don't need anything else to enter. Here's one of our other videos about USJ: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TQ7-nILdzeU.html
You’re welcome! We also made a video on How to Plan a Trip to Japan: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5o_PFG8xWWQ.htmlsi=B-iby2xmlcTMl8_S
If you buy tickets for a group of 4 people through Klook and the reserved seats are not together, can you subsequently go to a JR ticket office and get the reservation changed, either in the office or on a machine?
Hi. There have been some updates regarding purchasing Shinkansen tickets on Klook, which makes it more difficult to change your seats. If you are traveling in West Japan (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu lines), Klook now issues a QR code that you scan directly at the automatic ticket gate. If you want to make changes, it's best to cancel and re-book. Here's our video on this new QR code method: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E_GxIrm0fdg.html If you are traveling in East Japan (heading north from Tokyo), you will still print paper tickets at a ticket machine. These are easy to change by re-inserting into the ticket machine or visiting a JR ticket office. If you want to choose your specific seats to know for sure that you're sitting together, you could book instead on SmartEX (for Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu). Here's our video on that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KglsSHuex0Q.html 🌸 Heidi
Thank you so much for this video! I got the Studio Pass + Timed Entry Area option you mentioned at 1:52. I was confused because almost nobody talks about this option. It got me some vouchers to exchange in the park at the "annual pass center". Do you have any experience with that option, is it reliable?
Hi I’m starting my trip from Fukuoka as I’m travelling from South Korea. The trip is from 01/12-12/12 I’d like to visit Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fuji and finish in Tokyo. What passes would you recommend? Thank you so much!!
Hi. You might want to consider the Whole Japan Rail Pass. It is available as 7, 14, or 21 days. You would only need it for the days that you will ride Shinkansen bullet trains, so it doesn't need to cover your entire time in Japan. Here's our video showing how to calculate whether the JR Pass is worth it for your trip: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hsrZpVYH-ls.html And here is the fare calculator website: kenshoquest.com/recommends/jrpass-fare-calculator/
oh..just what I need ! thank youuuu. And yes, I don't like carry a backpack without a rollie suitcase but there may be a time (soon?) that I would because airlines are taking more and more away so a free carry-on may be a thing of the past :( I do try using a backpack on short trips ( or where my stop is a hotel and so I don't walk in airport at all) just for practice. But I suppose it may be impossible at some point to just pack a personal item. You can only pack so little.. But maybe be fun to think of ways.
Like the organization of this video. and yes..have a video on how to pack light/minimal for a US to Japan week long trip in the cold winter ! :) IF you can. the challenge..add a brief video on "pack in personal bag only" for the same trip.. video (1 pr of shoes only, wear all oitter wear..skip the computer and the like) . Cus, some young people can do with less.
Thanks for the ideas. Here are the clothes I packed for winter in snowy Hokkaido Japan: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mVYkxXVLqTE.htmlsi=HyIrWDYSG1TIY5SL
Hi. Sorry you’ve encountered that issue. It’s pretty common with Japanese websites. If you don’t have any other credit cards to try, you could book on Klook, instead. Klook now issues a QR code that you scan directly at the automatic ticket gate (for the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu lines). Here’s our video about booking on Klook: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E_GxIrm0fdg.htmlsi=ZmhyYvvphycwy5qm
So i am confused. I plan to do a trip in the next couple of months for 2 weeks. I plan on visiting tokyo primarily, kyoto, hiroshima and fuji five lakes. Do i get just one IC card from say tokyo and it will do for all areas? Also i am considering a JR 7 day pass but not sure if this allows for bullet trains only or local trains as well.
Yes. You can get either the Suica or PASMO in Tokyo and use it in the other cities you visit. The Whole Japan Rail Pass covers both Shinkansen bullet trains and local JR trains (they must be JR). It also covers the ferry boat to Miyajima Island and some JR buses. It doesn't cover non-JR transportation such as the Metro and subway in Tokyo. Here's our video that goes over the details of what's covered by the JR Pass: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VyRWmVzbAjQ.html
Tbh idk what are the difference between bullet train/high speed trains with express trains since sometimes express trains have the aerodynamic nose design is it on the speed?
Limited express trains can look and feel very similar to Shinkansen bullet trains. The main difference is that most (there are a couple exceptions) bullet trains run on dedicated tracks that allow them to reach their high speeds. Limited express trains run on regular train tracks, which they often share with local trains. 🌸 Heidi
I have the previous version of this without the water bottle pocket, but it’s one of the best things I have ever bought. It’s worth every penny to never check a bag. It’s easy to organize, everything fits, and if I can do laundry somewhere I could live out of it for months. I have very colorful version so there is no way to ever confuse it with someone else’s. Also, I am under 5 feet tall and it’s not too long or heavy for me to manage.
Thank you for providing a few cities that would be good to visit outside of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. We will be coming for a month and wanted to find more local places to visit as well.
You'e welcome. You might enjoy exploring Kanazawa and other cities along the Hokuriku Arch. Here's our video on that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Z_BlVF-h_xk.html
Thank you for these videos again! If I don't have any oversized luggage, would I be better off with the Mt Fuji view seats? My wife and I will be traveling with 2 kids - 8 and 10 year olds. I used your discount codes for USJ and worked very well. I can't wait to use it to book Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
And here’s our updated video about buying Shinkansen tickets on Klook, as the process has changed: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E_GxIrm0fdg.htmlsi=ZvsE2gFIBlPjPtSz
Hi. That's my favorite Ibex wool dress that I bought 7 years ago. Unfortunately, Ibex doesn't offer dresses any more. They used to have an awesome travel / lifestyle line. 🌸 Heidi
Dang - I'm glad you mentioned picking up Shinkansen tickets the day before - I have an early train booked on Klook (thanks for the code :) ) and I would have missed it I'm sure.
You can open the lining and attach an AirTag to the handle on the inside under the lining. Requires an AirTag holder but then its hidden. I use one that requires an Allen wrench but its worth it.
Hi, thanks but can check if this new method applies to all shinkansen gates along the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu Shinkansen line? Because not sure if some shinkansen gates do not have this QR code scan.
Hi. At a Shinkansen station along this route, at least one of the Shinkansen gates will accept QR code. Under the sign “Shinkansen Tracks” there is a row of automatic ticket gates. Some accept paper tickets, some are labelled IC card, and at least one is for QR code.
“Kansai One Pass is not as widely accepted than the other 10 IC cards” what does that mean? It won’t work in another region the same way Suica will work in Osaka?
The Kansai One pass is accepted within the Kansai area. Outside of Kansai, we’re not sure how widely it is accepted. Let us know if you find out! Here’s the website kansaionepass.com/en/
My comment isn’t specific to this video. Rather I just wanted to publicly thank you for your channel. We have just returned from Japan, our first trip that wasn’t primarily a ski trip. We found your advice was very accurate and super helpful. For example we used Smart Ex to buy Shinkansen tickets and linked them to our PASMO cards - a vv convenient way to buy tickets online and then not have to collect them from a ticket office or machine. We also used your advice to decide on esims. I’ll be unsubscribing but will definitely be back when we plan our next trip. I’ve also recommended your channel to friends who have found it equally useful.
We have purchased our shinkansen tickets from Tsuruga to Kanazawa in mid-November. We would like to purchase green car tickets from Kyoto to Tsuruga. Is there an online site you can recommend where tickets can be purchased, and seat reservations made? Love your videos...always very easy to understand and helpful!
Hi. You should be able to purchase Thunderbird Limited Express train tickets from Kyoto to Tsuruga Station on the JR West website: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/route_search/ There is an option for Green Car on there. (As a side note, I just contacted Klook to ask if they plan to add this route to their platform.) 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest Thank you for directing me to this website. It worked perfectly for this portion of our travels! It will be our first time traveling to Kanazawa. Thanks again!
We will arrive in Osaka and go straight to Kyoto from the airport. My husband and I will use Suica on our cell phones. We have 2 children and I would like to know if I can buy the physical card in Kansai, and which card should I buy?
Hi. At the JR Office at Kansai Airport, you should be able to buy the Child ICOCA card for ages 6 to 11-years-old. You will need to show their passport to prove their age. We made a video showing how to get a Child Suica card, and the process for Child ICOCA card should be very similar ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BbvQurJdOnc.html
@@KenshoQuest We will travel to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo, in that order. Is the Icoca child card well accepted when we travel to these cities, to move on them?
Thank you so much this video. Extremely helpful. The demonstration was God sent. Im staying very close to Mimaru East Tokyo, within 5 mins of train station to DisneySea. On my last day in Tokyo, my family of 4 with an 8 and 10-year old are going to Disneysea. The train ride there is 40 min. Do you think I should move to a different hotel within mins from the Park? I will head out to Kyoto the next day after the park. Thank you!
Hi, so glad the video is helpful! Your hotel location is excellent. Considering your kids age, I think you need to gauge if they will do better by getting up earlier the morning of you journey to Kyoto if staying near Disney or not. My assumption is you are taking the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station and your hotel is already very close to Tokyo Station and if this is your first time at Tokyo Station, you don't want to be late. Also consider what you are doing the previous days in Tokyo. Chances are they are not anywhere near Disney. I hope this helps :)
@@KenshoQuest Those are extremely helpful things to think about, esp being late to Shinkansen. Regardless if we move hotel or not, we will ship out our luggage 2 days before arriving in Kyoto. You are right. We will be in Shibuya the day before DisneySea. An hour ride to Tokyo Bay instead of 30 min to Tokyo East. Since we will be staying at DisneySea until 9PM, I don't think we will be able to get up early for our trip back to Kyoto. Departure time will probably be around 10AM or later. I wonder if you could share how your young family handled DisneySea/Land?
@@pmachiavellih1726 Disneyland was a bit stressful, with the super long lines. We enjoyed our time at DisneySea more. We went before the new Fantasy Springs area opened. You need either a Standby Pass or Disney Premier Access to enter Fantasy Springs. More info here: www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/special/en/fantasysprings/admission_method/ And here's our video about DisneySea: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sT-mu-14X14.html
Hi, I've been trying to search from the replies and the various options but not entirely sure. I'm going to be traveling to Haneda from Honolulu but we arrive at 7:30PM. Seems like some of the limo services aren't serving Haneda after October, and the bus services stop after 5PM. Is the only option to do a private shuttle service or taxi? We're trying to get to Ginza :)
Hi, I don't know why but the service to Ginza has been suspended. One option is to take the limousine bus to Tokyo Station then from there hire a taxi. Or if you don't mind taking the train. Otherwise, a private shuttle is a good option.
Thanks a bunch for the detailed review! I was really leaning towards Ninja Wifi because of my high data usage, but I’m already in Japan and the closest pick-up spot is about 45 minutes away by public transit. So, I ended up going with Japan Wireless, which seems pretty good too and is closer to my pick-up location. The website was really easy to navigate and I was able to check out with Apple Pay. They also offer free same day delivery to your hotel which others didn’t provide.
Thanks for sharing your experience and information! Japan Wireless is one of the easiest to either pickup or have delivered making it hard to beat. Have a great trip!
I've been in Matsumoto for 7 days with 2 more to go. It isn't enough time to really do everything here. Lake Suwa area south is a day trip in itself! It's not too much of a drama though because it will give me a reason to come back in the future. 😊
@KenshoQuest visiting the Fujigen Guitar factory in Omachi was a dream come true. Lake Suwa was an amazing experience too, a festival was on as a beautiful sunset started. Matsumoto is a magical area!
Hello, Could I please check if I should buy the tickets from Klook when I am in Japan, or before I arrive Japan? If I buy it in Japan via Klook website, i should choose Yen for the payment? Thank you! X
Hi, you can certainly purchase while in Japan, we do that all the time :) As for choosing Japanese Yen, you can compare with a currency converter to see if you are getting a better rate. But overall, in our experience it changes dynamically to reflect a consistent price among currencies. Here is an updated video as Klook as made some changes to routes heading west: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E_GxIrm0fdg.html
