UPDATE: This video contains SOME outdated information. Please check my latest video with the most up-to-date information: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xVW7UYirAec.html
When I went to Japan the first time. On one day I had entered a station and I was so tired from the day I just could not figure out where to go as it had structural works everywhere with not alot of signs, I asked someone and they walked with me a few minutes to exactly where I needed to go. The guy was so nice 😭😭😭 I thanked him so much
For anyone who has used the Japan Rail Pass before the pandemic, it’s been drastically changed for the better. In place of the little booklet pass, it’s now the same as any reserved seat ticket and can be passed through the turnstiles instead of shown to the ticketing staff. The only issue I had was keeping it separate from other tickets since it looks the same (but with a QR code and it says Japan Rail Pass with the dates on it).
I have a question about it since I'm going to buy it this month. How does it work in the Shinkansen? Because I'll be travelling with bigger luggage, I will need the seat at the back with more space. Can I purchase those in advance do you know? Also, Do I just show the staff the pass when I'm boarding or do I use the pass to purchase the ticket for Shinkansen?
This far and away the best video showing what to do before and when arriving in Japan. It manages to cover everything, from someone who knows what they are talking about and without endless me-me- me waffle and promotion. Such a change from all the You-tubers and influencers who base their info on their one trip. I particularly appreciated all the footage of signages and ticket machines. So much has changed from my first trip twenty years ago. Would definitely recommend this video to first-time visitors
I was 22 years old when I visited Japan (my first foreign country in 1981). Now, more than forty years later, I want, much more, I need to visit Japan again. At that time I was in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka and other cities whose names I have long forgotten. This video is very good for my case. Thank you very much, Andreas.
This video has a lot of great information. I feel like I have to make a comment regarding using a SIM card or pocket wifi. SIM cards are throttled and basically only give 2G speeds, whereas a pocket wifi will give you up to 5g depending on the unit. On one of my trips I had both and tested the bandwidth rates, the pocket wifi easily won. Another option is to have an international plan on your phone, but that can be expensive depending on data usage. Personally I prefer Japan Wireless and have it waiting for me at my hotel. Whether you fly into Haneda or Narita, you will have free wifi. I plan my route before I leave the airport and take screenshots of the route and already have the google maps for the area I'm staying in downloaded to my phone. Another option for a physical Pasmo or SUICA card is to have the app loaded on your phone, although I have heard of recharging issues at some train stations, but they can easily be recharged at 7/11. One more thing, not all ATMs accept foreign debit cards, but all 7/11s have at least one ATM that does. Personally I try to make sure I have more cash than I plan for because a lot of smaller shops and restaurants still don't accept credit cards or ATM. Have fun!
Yes. Very good feedback. As far as using Suica/Pasmo on your phone, I've noticed it only works on iPhone. If only in Japan for a short time, its my opinion that using the card is just simpler and you'll have it as a souvenir.
for the Pocket wifi, is it better to reserve in advance or is it easy to pick up at the airport? Is there any difference in price in reserve in advance or buying at airport?
This video turned me from a guy who has hardly ever traveled except for work into being confident I could get around Japan with only a few minor screwups. Excellent info.
My friends are coming to Japan, so I've been looking for helpful videos to send them. Will definitely be sending them this video! Also, thank you for including the tips on train etiquette and respecting Japanese culture! (From a foreigner living in Japan for 13 years)
I have a question if you don’t mind I’m planning on visiting Japan soon is it worth it to get the rail pass that gives me access to all trains and buses or should I just pay individually like in this video
Make sure you carry your passport at all times on your person because the police can stop you and request your passport to see if your not staying longer than allowed to
My wife and I are looking forward to our first trip, we have wanted to go for 18 years. This video definitely helped with some of my anxiety about this travel. Thank you!
I'm all booked and in the final planning stages of my trip to Japan. I've lived and traveled in two other foreign countries, but regardless of that experience, I cannot express how amazingly helpful this video is. Reading about it these things is great and preps you a bit, but seeing it first hand (especially since I've been to Haneda before on a layover) is invaluable. I'll be flying into Narita this time, but your summaries and video footage truly is exceptional. Thank you!
I’m traveling to Okinawa via Japan this fall and it’s also my first international travel. You have no idea how much this video has eased my nerves! Thank you!!!
Thank you SO much for your kind words! I don't do this to be popular. I do it to help others.. If there is a video that would help with your visit to Japan, please let me know and I may be able to produce it.
Thank you for this helpful video. I checked out a few online first visits but you filled in a lot more very useful information. For a single woman traveling alone I just feel much more at ease. I know the Japanese people are friendly and helpful so I'm studying up on the etiquette because it's important. Thanks for the reminder!
Many, many, many thanks for the great video. I have never seen a video with so much great information summarized. Much of what I was afraid of has now calmed down. I'll be in Japan in April and now I'm much more relaxed :-)
I am traveling by myself to Japan next week and am super nervous. This video helped answer several of my questions about trains and currency. Thank you for making it!
I’m coming to run in the Japan Marathon on March 5. You’re video was incredible. The transportation system is quite daunting; however, you helped easy some of my concerns. Thank you so much!
Am I the only one that thinks that all videos should be made like this. do your voice overs after you make the video. This was so respectful towards everyone. I loved it! Subscribe!!!
I couldn't have dreamed of all this when I moved to Tokyo in 1989...especially the luggage forwarding service. We had to haul our bags from the airport out to Shimotakaido, where we were staying with friends. Transit passes such as Suico would have been great. Instead, the best we had was a printed "card" that showed what subway lines we could use and the starting/ending point. I had one from Nakanosakaue Station to Tokyo Station. Cellphones weren't even a thing...I had pre-paid calling cards (still have a couple of the cooler ones).
I remember these things as well. I first visited Japan in '87. I remember that subway "card". Remember the ticket checkers at the subway entrances - constantly clicking their ticket punches? I do recall seeing one cell phone. It was as big as a briefcase that some woman was carrying like a shoulder bag. Hahaha. My-my how things have changed. Proud to be a "boomer". Those were good times!
@@DiscoveringJapan1 Yeah, I remember the ticket punch folks...never missed a click. One I recall used to swing his around every once in a while like a butterfly knife when he thought nobody was watching. It took us about 5 months, but we finally obtained a landline telephone when one of the teachers I worked with was leaving the country...we bought his line. So odd how that all worked then. In some ways, I'd love to go back, but I fear that the warm memories I have through the haze of 32 years might be dashed by a return visit. Looking at Google Earth, the Ramen shop we used to go to is gone...the whole area is high-rise buildings now. The apartment we lived in is still there (landlord's home, with 8 units behind it...), even still has their last name on the building. I imagine the son owns it now. I'd love to stroll through Akihabara again, go see the dancing Elvises and all the brides in Yoyogi (assuming that's still a thing or if they've moved on...lol). One of those life eras that I wish I'd taken more pictures and could find more negatives of the images I did snap.
Leaving for Japan with a few friends in a couple weeks. It’s my first time being outside the US/Mexico so I want to make sure I’m prepared with as many tips so I don’t look too much like the bumbling foreigner! Thank you for the information!
This is super-helpful. Makes arriving way less intimidating, by breaking it down into smaller pieces I can find quickly. Started planning a long trip for 2028.
its the language thing thats so helpful, travelling alone, and if you are stuck, you need to be able to speak to ppl. Thanks so much. I haven't seen that in any other vid.
I’ve been hesitating to step into the land of the rising sun due to language barrier and complexity of the transportation system but with your video, I think this fear will haunt me no more. Thank you so much.
Pimsluer, and japanese pod 101 are both amazing ways to learn japanese. japanese pod 101 has free lessons on RU-vid or you can get access to most of their lessons any time you want through the innovative app
Having lived there myself and studied Japanese for 20+ years I can say that most places do NOT have English accessibility. “You’ll be fine” shouldn’t be a standard when going to a foreign country. I would suggest making an effort to learn basic language and try your best to use it. Respect is paramount in Japan. Japanese appreciate when foreigners try. Of course apps can help. Even Duolingo for a few months is better nothing.
IMPORTANT UPDATE!!! Due to a global shortage of semiconductors, as of August 2 2023, all sales of NEW Suica and Pasmo cards will be temporarily suspended! (Nobody knows for how long) The Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passports are still available to foreign tourists only. Welcome Suica will only be available at Major Japan airports. As of now, Pasmo is available at Major airports and still available at some locations outside the airport. They have also waived the ¥500 deposit. Also EVERY traveler needs their own separate card (one card for every traveler). Please check the following links for more information: www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/ www.getaroundjapan.jp/archives/9326
What a wonderful video! I’m autistic and super anxious, and this is the step-by-step guide in perfect clear language that I needed to help me travel solo in Japan! ❤
It's probably going to be a few years before I can get to Japan but it was still fun to watch this guide, great job on the video and thanks for sharing!
Hello From France ;) well documented video, I knew a lot of things but I've learned a little bit more . I will use applications that you have mentionned on my phone. Thanks !!! See you soon in Japan 🤩
SO SO SO SO Awesome I found this!!! I'm about to hit Tokyo in 5 days from seeing this, & it has been SO incredibly Helpful. It's made me so much more excited for Japan. BTW, you can chalk up another subscriber dude!
This video is so helpful and well thought out, I’d love to see more!! I’m going to Japan solo in less than 3 months and I already feel a little bit more confident to travel! Is there anything you think you could go over for a young solo female traveler? Thank you ☺️
Thankyou so much for this, i am autistic and really anxious about arriving alone. People say “just do X” but i often find it hard to notice the right signage etc. Seeing what exactly i need to look for in advance is soooo reassuring for me!
Thank you SO much for your kind words! I don't do this to be popular. I do it to help others.. If there is a video that would help with your visit to Japan, please let me know and I may be able to produce it.
HOW DARE YOU Make an exceptional video ...with easy to understand instructions ...that was also helpful and insightful ........ ...with resource links ........ AND AN EXAMPLE AT THE END OF HOW YOU CAN USE THIS INFORMATION IN THE REAL WORLD?!?!?!?!?!?! ... ..... I respectfully subscribe to your channel. GOOD DAY, SIR! 😤
I’ll be in Japan this Friday ..it my very first time your video is very helpful…Thank you hoping you are still in Japan…is OTA city far from I really want to see the 3D cat…and more sight seeing …Thank you for your videos
FINALLY I UNDERSTAND THE JR PASS, suica, Passmo, SIM &Mobile wifi, luggage transportation..., AND HOW IT WORKS FINALLY I KNOW I WILL NEVER GET LOST THERE FINALLY I COULD TRAVEL TO JAPAN EASILY FINALLY I DON'T NEED TO SEARCH ABOUT IT ON YT CUZ THIS IS WHAT I NEED TO KNOW I, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP, and knowing we the foreigners struggle with those specific things the most.... i really subscribed with a BIG smile on my face
I’m going to Japan solo in April for the first time. I’m kinda nervous but after watching this video that has great tips and advice my %99 fears left me. 😅
Its easy out here nothing to worry about. I’ve been living out here for years. And all you need is Google Maps to get around honesty. Everything else is easy to figure out.
I have been looking for this kind of video. For a first timer, i have a sense of anxiety looking for which train should i go etc. This video is really helpful. Thank you!
Excellent instructional video. While I have traveled in Tokyo several times before, I have never been brave enough to take the local rail system. This video has changed my apprehension regarding this. Thanks so much for making this once daunting task, much easier to navigate. Cant wait for July and the sights, sounds and smells of Tokyo and Kyoto. Thanks and be well my friend. Hugs from Sanford, NC.
Everything about this wasw so beautiful and perfectly represented. Thank you so much for taking the time to do all of this! It almost felt as though I was there with you at times. I can't wait to visit Japan one day soon. I love their culture and mix of modernism and tradition.
If you're a NZer or Aussie and don't want a credit card but want all the same advantages (particularly Airpoints from spending), I strongly recommend Qantas Cash Card or Air NZ One Smart card. Both are loaded with your own money and allow you to quickly gain Air Points along with fee-free use of some currency like JPY and USD.
I will be travelling to Tokyo for a month next spring. Very concern with the subway/trains/buses etc. Seems very complicated......But this video has been very helpful with tips on google maps etc.TY👍
This was a great video. On my first trip it was a lot of just figuring out everything for me and my family I will be using these tips on my next trip in April. Thanks again for the video
