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Kensho Quest
Kensho Quest
Kensho Quest
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Aloha! We share must-know information for visiting Japan. As digital nomads and long-term travelers, we draw upon 20 years of travel experience.

As Amazon Associates and Influencers, George and Heidi Avelino earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through Amazon affiliate links. Shop our recommendations: www.amazon.com/shop/kenshoquest

As members of the Klook affiliate and Kreator programs we earn commissions when you purchase through our Klook affiliate links or use our Klook discount code KENSHOQUEST. Book activities and Shinkansen train tickets: geni.us/klooktokyodeals


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Комментарии
@Jonny117et
@Jonny117et 8 часов назад
We are going to Hokkaido next year and will def take advantage of the Sapporo Furano Pass. Thank you for this valuable info!
@HawaiiJapan808
@HawaiiJapan808 9 часов назад
I believe the Kurobe gorge railway had a landslide and doesn’t go to the end currently.
@GregK235
@GregK235 9 часов назад
Thanks for the suggestions. A little something for everyone. One of my favorite places is Sendai (Miyagi), combined with day trips to Matsushima, Hiraizumi (Iwate), & Yamadera (Yamagata).
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 10 часов назад
Which is your top summer destination in Japan?
@ramonahockett3549
@ramonahockett3549 10 часов назад
So grateful for all your videos. There is so much planning, I'm overwhelmed. Onegaishimasu, do you have a best recommendation for a pass if I am traveling from Narita to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima, and Hiroshima to Tokyo? Arigato gozaimasu.
@Wheretonextflight
@Wheretonextflight 11 часов назад
Great video. I have to renew my passport. I've ran out of pages. I did everything in the video. I'm confused on how to write my Thai address in the. DS-82 04-2022.
@fenchen5711
@fenchen5711 21 час назад
It was too late when I realized my trip falls within the Obon holiday in Japan.😢😢😢 I wish I watched your video earlier and chose a different date.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 19 часов назад
Just book as many things in advance as you can!
@Jaimico380
@Jaimico380 21 час назад
This video needs to be a must-watch for all those who travel to Japan! Kudos to the Kensho Quest team!!!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 21 час назад
Thanks!
@carlinrob
@carlinrob 22 часа назад
Can I use the JR Rail Pass for local Jr trains?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 21 час назад
Yes. You can use the JR Pass for local JR trains. But it doesn’t work for the subway Metro system.
@HarunDemir-f5n
@HarunDemir-f5n День назад
airalo 9 usd promo discount code GOKHAN4771
@gabecajamarca
@gabecajamarca День назад
I’m trying to reserve Ninja WiFi. But do I need to reserve it in advance or can I just get it when I arrive in the airport? Also I have a connecting flight so I got two flight numbers. When it asks for flight number, does it matter which of the two I put in?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 11 часов назад
Hi, you can rent one upon arrival but I don't recommend this for a couple of reasons. 1) they may not have any when you arrive, 2) it might be busy and you might have to wait a while. As for flight number, it should be the one for where you intend to pickup. So if you are arriving in Tokyo first and that is where you intend to pickup your pocket wifi then that is the flight number to use.
@nhiybui
@nhiybui День назад
How do you designate the IC card after purchasing ticket? I have a family account which have 4 people. How do I designate an IC for each of us after purchasing tickets?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 11 часов назад
Hi, did you install the app? If so it is explained in the video. You just need to add them one at a time.
@gerardoperez9079
@gerardoperez9079 День назад
Can I still get the Pasmo digital card if it is being discontinued by Aug 2024? I will be traveling to Japan Dec 2024. Is it safer to get the SUICA digital card even though I might encounter translation problems?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest День назад
It’s fine to get the digital PASMO. Only the tourist PASMO Passport that is valid for 28 days is being discontinued.
@gerardoperez9079
@gerardoperez9079 День назад
@@KenshoQuest Another question: Can I use a Visa credit card to top up the digital PASMO or does it have to be a mastercard credit card?
@shengdavis4597
@shengdavis4597 День назад
You guys have the best videos!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest День назад
Thanks! Are you visiting Japan soon?
@shengdavis4597
@shengdavis4597 День назад
@KenshoQuest we are! We are going on July 18th and I'm trying to figure out how to get to Tokyo/Shinjuku from Haneda Airport 😄😄😄
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 23 часа назад
@@shengdavis4597 Here is a video with details about that. One method is to take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda to Shinagawa Station, then change to the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station. But if you have a lot of luggage you might consider taking a bus. Again, the video will help point you in the right direction :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YImX1rMFRrk.html
@shengdavis4597
@shengdavis4597 22 часа назад
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much!! Your videos are always so helpful to me!!!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 22 часа назад
@@shengdavis4597 Here's the video link about arriving at Haneda ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YImX1rMFRrk.html
@capt.borrel621
@capt.borrel621 День назад
Pasmo passport has just been discontinued 2 days ago. I will be in Narita at 1st of August, do you have any tips on which card to use for multiple cities?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 11 часов назад
Hi, according to JR East they will have regular Suica available at NRT: Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station ・ JR EAST Travel Service Center Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2・3 Station
@joanneong8187
@joanneong8187 День назад
Hi, which area do you stay in Tokyo and which hotel?
@neshatscorner
@neshatscorner День назад
That was super helpful! it is not easy to find out this information just by google search🙈 information out there is so complicated!
@jasondowding4024
@jasondowding4024 День назад
I feel as if japan has a massive plastic waste problem (still). I lived in japan over 20 years ago and even back then I used to think "why all the single use plastic", it's excessive.
@scaleartsg
@scaleartsg День назад
Apps make travelling to japan so so easy!
@spy_i5815
@spy_i5815 День назад
Used Japan Wireless, also using your discount code (Thanks !). It worked fantastic ! Set up a reservation ahead of time. Picked it up upon arrival at Haneda. 6 cities, 2 weeks, tons of trains all over Japan ... worked great. No issues. Used to navigate, all over. The spare battery pack was a bonus that most other pocket wifi companies di not offer, but we did not need it much. A tip to other families ... if you have teenagers, put them in charge of carrying it and MAKING SURE it get's charged EVERY night --- they WILL get it done, once they realize THEIR internet depends on that pocket wifi ! Lol. When leaving Japan, we slipped the Return mailing package into a Japan Post mailbox, BEFORE going through Security. 2 days later, we got a nice email from them, thanking us, and letting us know they received our unit back. Use them, it works great. About $76 for 16 days. Thanks again for your helpful videos !
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 23 часа назад
Thanks for sharing your experience and your tips!
@Blackbelt42008
@Blackbelt42008 День назад
It works great ! Watched a bunch of your videos, including this one, prior to our trip several weeks ago. Two weeks, 6 cities, all over Japan, 3 times using luggage forwarding ... no issues. Was hard to trust (let go) the first time, knowing all of your clothing 'could' possibly disappear. But packed 2 days' worth of clothing in our backpacks, and sent our luggage to the next location. I sure appreciate ALL of the info you folks have given us 'first-timers', when it comes to Japan travel. ALL of it, is right on the money ! And yes, like most first-timers, we can't wait to return.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest День назад
Excellent! Thanks so much for letting us know. Now for planning your next trip to Japan!
@GayleMin
@GayleMin 2 дня назад
Thank you for your video. Where did you get the dress that you are wearing on the video? I love it!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Thanks! I bought it from Ibex seven years ago, and unfortunately they don't sell dresses any more. I have links to other brands of wool dresses in the description box below my video on my minimalist travel wardrobe: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RMRREldoBqY.html
@kennethnuyens1430
@kennethnuyens1430 2 дня назад
Have enjoyed all your Japan videos!
@kennethnuyens1430
@kennethnuyens1430 2 дня назад
Will be arriving by cruise ship to port Muroran as first stop. Would it be possible to have pocket wifi delivered somewhere where it could be picked up to use in 4 other stops before arriving in Yokohama. Will be there for 3 days before flying out of Narita?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 11 часов назад
HI, it is possible but you will need an address where it can be shipped. So if you know somewhere maybe even with the cruise ship that can receive a package then it probably can be done. Also contact the pocket WiFi company, they might have some ideas for you.
@niajef
@niajef 2 дня назад
i didnt watch the video yet, but ima just tell u guys the best way, this concept isnt japan specific, it should work with most countries, but my experience is with japan. so basically u just need 2 cards, 1 credit 1 debit, both with no forex fee built in as one of the features, this way ur exchange rate will be mastercard or visa's rate, which is VERY close to XE rate, and no banks in ur own country or japan, nor any other currency exchange place will be able to beat it. then for places that accept credit card, which most places in japan do, just use ur credit card. and for places that need cash, like street food or certain small restaurants, use the debit card and withdraw cash from a 7/11 ATM, thats it. the key is, make sure the card does work in their 7/11, and does not charge ATM fees. for canadians, ima save u the time to do research, cuz i already did it. the credit card used to be brim, but no more, so the best option now is scotiabank passport visa infinite, there is 150 annual fee, but if u have a scotiabank ultimate chequing account, that will waive the credit card's annual fee, and if u keep 6k cash in there, then u also dont have to pay for the chequing accounts monthly's fees. and as for the debit card, its EQ bank's card, i already used it, and can confirm it works. wealthsimple card might also work, but i dont have personal experience with it.
@jefuryo
@jefuryo 2 дня назад
JR Rail Pass and Welcome Suica. That’s it.
@randyestiller
@randyestiller 2 дня назад
I think it helps to mention that only one Apple Wallet IC card should be used. In October 2023 I had both Suica and Pasmo on my iPhone. I was able to use Suica successfully but not my Pasmo. I found out after uninstalling Suica at the airport heading home, I was then able to use my Pasmo. I ended up buying snacks and gifts with that money.
@terrapinalive6192
@terrapinalive6192 2 дня назад
Why do you say Sa'poro when you know it is pronounced Sapo'ro? Stress over po ,not over Sa
@jvrcamacho1
@jvrcamacho1 2 дня назад
Do you have any recommendations for men? I plan on visiting the Tokyo area soon and would like to wear shorts and tank tops but I heard it may be frowned upon. Any advice?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
George wears shorts and tee shirts in the summer. Especially if you are visiting a temple, shrine, or castle, I would opt for a tee shirt with shoulders covered, rather than a tank top.
@rg516
@rg516 2 дня назад
Is it true that if I have the JR pass, I only have to pay a little bit extra to ride the Nozomi? For Example, if I want to go from Tokyo to Hiroshima, I have to pay an additional 6,500 yen per person. Also, I have seen videos that I cannot reserve seats in the Nozomi until we arrive in Japan, is that correct? I have not seen any videos about purchasing Nozomi tickets with the JR Pass. Please help. Love your videos, they are so informative. Thank you so much!! ❤
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Hi, yes you can pay extra to ride the Nozomi and that amount sounds about right. If you purchase the whole JR Pass then correct, you cannot reserve the Nozomi because it is not included with the JR Pass as it is a private company train. So you will need to wait until you get to Japan and upgrade from a shinkansen ticket machine or at the JR ticket office. However, if you decide to just purchase individual tickets to go from Tokyo to Hiroshima then you can certainly reserve on the Nozomi ahead of time and buy online from sites like Klook or Smart EX. BTW, if you purchase individual tickets the Nozomi doesn't cost anymore than the other trains. I hope this helps.
@rg516
@rg516 2 дня назад
@@KenshoQuest thank u so much for responding! This does help….just wish I could purchase the nozomi tickets before we arrive!! I know I can pay the full price and purchase in advance but, bc we already purchased the whole Japan railpass, why would I pay full price for the nozomi right?!?? Can’t wait for our trip! I still have family there and haven’t seen them in many years. Thank u again for all ur informative videos and response!!
@aimee_g
@aimee_g 2 дня назад
Very helpful video! I’m looking forward to exploring your channel to learn more about how to prep for my trip to Japan!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Welcome!
@Navigator200
@Navigator200 2 дня назад
Love your videos on these topics. The only critique I have is I think it would benefit the viewers if you gave the price in Yen, and dollars when discussing train cost.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Noted. We usually don't convert prices to USD, as the exchange rate is constantly fluctuating. If we say the price converted to USD in a video today, it might be different by the time someone watches the video a month later. Plus it's good to start getting practice doing the conversions oneself, before arriving in Japan. 🌸 Heidi
@erictayet
@erictayet 2 дня назад
Oh wow! These tips are going to save our lives when we go to USJ later this year. We're Potter heads but it looks like other areas are fun too so maybe we'll come back for 2 days.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Lots to look forward to! Here's my more recent video with tips for visiting USJ: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TQ7-nILdzeU.html
@RadarAustralia
@RadarAustralia 2 дня назад
I started to get confused with options. However, because you helpfully reply to others questions these clarified my use of a card in Kyoto.
@erictayet
@erictayet 2 дня назад
Thanks for the tip. My family bought Named Suica cards from Ueno station machine right after Japan reopened in 2022, and it only expires 10 years after your last rail or bus trip in Japan. Another advantage of Named Suica cards is the value is transferable to another Named card. Good to know we can use it in the Kansai + Nagoya regions. It's a bummer that the JR Pass is so expensive now so we may just pay for our Shinkansen rides without a Regional pass since our upcoming Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka is spread over 14 days.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Thanks for adding that! Yeah, the JR Pass isn't the amazing deal it once was.
@erictayet
@erictayet 2 дня назад
Nice tips. I find that it's much easier to bring a mid-size suitcase and putting one of our teens' small suitcase into that one to be the best solution. Expandable bags are a hassle especially during winter when you have to juggle winter jackets, a backpack, a luggage and a floppy bag. We only use expandable bags for dirty clothes and snacks. We have filled up that medium size suitcase to the brim during our recent Japan and Taiwan (separate) trips because there were so many things to buy! This is for a 2-weeks itinerary. Coming back, it's important to take note of the weight of the extra luggage but for the 4 of us, the airlines are usually not fussy about 1 overweight luggage spread amongst 4 other luggage as long as they are not overweight combined. This is important for winter travel due to winter gears being heavy.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Thanks for sharing your packing strategy and tips!
@8bg201
@8bg201 2 дня назад
FYI we just bought Suica cards at Shinjuku Station (JR East office at the New South Gate entrance). Didn't even need to show passports!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Thanks for the update!
@rishacrow99
@rishacrow99 2 дня назад
already subscribed......Great video up-load
@jenniehasimjaya
@jenniehasimjaya 2 дня назад
Hi, if i want go to amanohashidate, can i use the hokuriku arch pass ?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Hi, I just looked at the map and I don't think it goes quite that far. I can see it goes as far as Kameoka but from there you might need to pay separately to get to Amanohasidate.
@jenniehasimjaya
@jenniehasimjaya 13 часов назад
@@KenshoQuest Hi, thank you for your response. I looked at the map, I can go to the amonohashidate with JR limited express from kyoto station, the name is JR hashidate. Is JR Hashidate included in the hokuriku arch pass ?
@pianoetudes4755
@pianoetudes4755 2 дня назад
I don't have iphone, can I use android?
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Sorry, digital IC cards only work on Android phones that are sold in Japan. You can get a physical plastic IC card.
@noelfrancisco5778
@noelfrancisco5778 2 дня назад
thanks again for providing helpful tips a traveler will require to Japan, very helpful. :) may I ask if you have a link to Japan Wireless? I can't even see it from Klook since I want to reserve prior to our trip this Oct.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Hi. Thanks for asking. Here are my affiliate links. Japan Wireless Pocket WiFi: www.japan-wireless.com/?via=kenshoquest Save 10% with coupon JWKENSHO Japan Wireless eSIM for data only: www.japan-wireless.com/esim?coupon=ESIMKENSHO&via=kensho Follow my link to save 15%
@noelfrancisco5778
@noelfrancisco5778 День назад
@@KenshoQuest Thank you :)
@user-yi6tk4qg7f
@user-yi6tk4qg7f 3 дня назад
Really great videos you guys make! I need confirmation to which is the best way of transportation for a family of 3adults and 2kids when we visit Japan next month for 2wks. Itinerary: tokyo - tokyo bay (disney) - osaka - kyoto - tokyo.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Hi. You can use IC cards for local transportation within a city, such as taking the train to Disneyland. I recommend getting SUICA/Welcome SUICA cards when you arrive in Tokyo. If the adults in your party have iPhones, you can get digital SUICA or PASMO cards before your trip. Here's our video on getting Child SUICA cards for children ages 6-11 years old: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BbvQurJdOnc.html Or you may be able to get them a Child Welcome SUICA. For traveling from Tokyo to Osaka and then Kyoto to Tokyo you can buy individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets. Here's our video showing how to easily buy tickets online from Klook: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GD0Tp7zGSeo.html
@user-yi6tk4qg7f
@user-yi6tk4qg7f 2 дня назад
Thanks so much for the tip! Will do that❤
@playero35
@playero35 3 дня назад
I bought the Kansai One Pass in Osaka and used it without problem in Tokyo.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Thanks for sharing!
@anni5217
@anni5217 3 дня назад
very helpful for 1st timer. thank you!
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
You're welcome. Glad it was helpful!
@Zamudio3889
@Zamudio3889 3 дня назад
Thank you this literally answered all my questions. Amazing video.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Glad to have helped.
@aa240sx
@aa240sx 3 дня назад
just returned from a 14 day trip to the area and picked up 3 suica cards at Tokyo Station. The CSR reps there were super helpful! The odd thing is we wanted the Welcome Suica card but they weren't available and we also had a child in our party and a child suica card wasn't available.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Thanks for sharing this update!
@user-oy6bp4ku3b
@user-oy6bp4ku3b 2 дня назад
Thank you so much. At the start of my trip 2 june i got a pasmo at narita airport, but really wanted a suica and i needed it longer then 28 days. So I saw this comment and went to a JR east service center at Tokyo Station and yes I got a regular Suica. 😃
@bordz68
@bordz68 3 дня назад
This video helps me a looooooooot! As budget traveller I needed this! You guys have no idea how you helped me on the other day is on my flight
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Glad to have helped!
@weronikaniemczyk5233
@weronikaniemczyk5233 3 дня назад
Hi . I’m in Tokyo now and today I scan my QR code from klook reservation , and I got 2 tickets , but I Book reserved tickets . Is it correct ? Thank You for replaying
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 3 дня назад
Hi, if you have a reserved seat then one of the tickets will have your train number and seat number, do you see that?
@weronikaniemczyk5233
@weronikaniemczyk5233 3 дня назад
@@KenshoQuest Hi. I have one fare ticket and second with car number and seat place . I don’t have this one small ticket ( like for subway ), that’s why I was wondering if these 2 tickets Is enough .
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
@@weronikaniemczyk5233 Those two tickets are enough. You don't need a small ticket like a subway ticket for riding a Shinkansen bullet train.
@hannabattung4488
@hannabattung4488 3 дня назад
Hi, should I book our train tkt in advance from KIX to Osaka or better to buy it in the train station when we arrive in KIX at 7pm? Thank you so much.
@KenshoQuest
@KenshoQuest 2 дня назад
Hi, you can certainly wait. There are trains about every 45 minutes and shouldn't have any problems getting tickets unless you are in the middle of a major holiday.
@hannabattung4488
@hannabattung4488 17 часов назад
@@KenshoQuest thank you for the info.