55 Tips You Should Know BEFORE Travelling to Japan

Рет қаралды 30,115

Жыл бұрын

If you're travelling to Japan for the first time, what do you need to know before you go? I've put together essential first-time tips about planning your trip, key Japanese phrases to use and communication tools, as well as advice on how to pay for things, and transportation hints. Knowing these travel tips should make your first visit to Japan smoother and more enjoyable, and you won't need to carry your trash around with you!
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JAPAN CONNECTED FREE WIFI
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NORDVPN: ref.nordvpn.com/EwSsZRUdypJ
INFO ABOUT MEDICINES: www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy...
MYMIZU APP (find places to re-fill your water bottle)
Android play.google.com/store/apps/de...
iOS apps.apple.com/us/app/mymizu/...
HELP WITH TAKYUBIN (LUGGAGE DELIVERY) FORM: www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/...
CHECK THE UV FORECAST: www.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/env/uv...
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Chapters
00:21 Attractions
01:20 Language
02:46 Internet
04:09 Money
07:13 Eating Out
08:18 Transportation
10:42 Trash and Toilets
12:48 Luggage
16:06 Weather

Пікірлер: 74

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

Got any questions? Have any other tips for travelling in Japan I didn't mention? Drop them here in the comments! 🗾🏯🎎🔰

@geromyre Жыл бұрын

If I'm travelling with a large suitcase, would it be cheaper to use the same day delivery service, or just take a taxi? I don't mind taking public transportation, but if the taxi and delivery are similarly priced I may as well get there with less hassle.

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

@@geromyre Definitely the same day delivery service. Taxis are WAY more expensive here, especially from the airports - a minimum of 10 times the price of the train or bus.

@geromyre Жыл бұрын

Thanks again for these videos and your responses! I fly out in 3 days and I'm both super excited and super nervous. I just packed my bike into a luggage bag and thought of something: is there an easy to use delivery system to get luggage to the airport when I go home? What if I'm staying at an airbnb and not a hotel? I so don't want to bring this on the train with me.

@ladebbjohnson1223 25 күн бұрын

Traveling to Japan in June, and your videos have absolutely been helpful. My question.... Is it absolutely necessary to purchase a IC card. Or can I use my bank visa to tap for public transportation?

@japanunravelled 25 күн бұрын

You'll need an IC card - the tap with your bank card thing has started in a few select locations though.

@Big-Wonka Жыл бұрын

I have one huge recommendation that is probably a super rare situation that happened to me. If you get the rail pass then of course you have to go to the travel center to exchange your voucher. Someone will be in the front of the line with a calendar to ask you which days you'd like to start the pass and end the pass. My friend and I are 10000% sure we gave the correct dates. Either the woman wrote them down wrong or the next woman at the counter entered it wrong. Needless to say, she entered the end date (2 weeks later) as the start date. We didn't realize until 3 days later because that was the first day we were going to take the shinkansen. We activated it at Shinjuku station but realized it at Tokyo station. The travel center agent there sent us to customer service and after an hour she told us to go back to Shinjuku station. We went back, waited an hour in line then explained the situation again. The guy working realized they made a mistake because the date the voucher was exchanged was exactly 14 days from the start date. So obviously it was a mix up. Unfortunately, once the voucher is exchanged then it can't be corrected. The only option left was the manager allowed us to be refunded (minus 10%) since it was never used in the 3 days since we got it and we could buy new passes (at a higher price than we originally paid because I got them when the yen was at its weakest point). All in all, we were out about $200 each. Lesson learned. Just make sure you confirm over and over again the correct dates lol. Sorry for the long comment.

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, definitely confirm and re-confirm things like dates, destinations etc, because even if you write things down, mistakes still get made.

@theknightswhosay 4 ай бұрын

I have a similar story about the Eurail pass, but it wasn’t so much the agent’s fault as it was my dad’s fault for pretending he understood Spanish in Barcelona when he barely understands simple words in Latin America. Also, he thought “no reembolsable” was just a suggestion that he could talk his way out of later. So we ended up wasting over $1000 buying passes because he bought the tickets without redeeming the passes.

@Ricoz13th Ай бұрын

Sadly i only just found your channel now, even if you dont see this Ive been loving binge watching your videos. Love from Canada

@japanunravelled Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! Have you already come back from your trip to Japan?

@Gazumi-inOZ 2 ай бұрын

The airport transfer bus was a very important tip often not paid enough attention to. When flying into either Narita or KIX Osaka ... seriously consider taking the Keisei Bus @1300Y lots of buses, convenient ticket desks at the terminal/s arrival areas or tap IC card on the bus 🤗 ... ahhhh the ease of transfer from directly outside the arrival doors of Narita and KIX airports to Tokyo or Osaka stations provided by luggage loading attendees, riding in air-conditioned comfortable guaranteed seating, while enjoying the large-window sightseeing trip as you travel. 🚌 Only wish I realised how good the KBS's are on my 1st trip rather than my 7th. Since then, it's now the only way I go ! ... From Tokyo station you can train to anywhere on the Yamanote Loop Line easily. BTW, big tip is ... if staying in Tokyo, stay close to a station on the Yamanote line - in hindsight you'll say that was GOLD 🥇 Oh, be aware the Keisei Buses allows only 1 bag (+ carry-on/s) and no oversized items per rider .... More bags/oversized items ? take the limousine buses at av/3200Y ... Skip trains altogether 👌 And, the Keisei bus can be cheaper than trains .... Limousine bus is the expensive one but still worth it 😊

@PaulaRodriguesdeSPaula 19 күн бұрын

Uou! Very interesting. I hace never being in Japan, why are the trains bad? There are no places to sit?

@Gazumi-inOZ 2 ай бұрын

When staying in Tokyo it's super important to stay as close as you can to a station on the Yamanote Loop Line. This has you on track quickly to your destinations without having to connect from a line outside the city centre to the Yamanote line. After 8 trips to Tokyo I finally found the quiet northern area of Otsuka/Sugamo which is the best area I've stayed in out of seven different spots. It's a seniors' local area with cheaper prices all around in restaurants and supermarkets, etc. Sugamo is only 2 stations from Ikebukuro a major hub and busy city center, and places like Shinjuku and Shibuya only a few stations further on when you want to get amongst the bustling crowds. Sugamo also has a subway station next to the railway station so it's super convenient. In addition there is the Arakawa Toden Tram line as well, the last remaining tram line in Tokyo. It's a big advantage to be able to retreat from the bustling crowds at the end of each day and enjoy your mornings having breakfast in the quiet area of Otsuka/Sugamo 👍

@japanunravelled 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing the tip! I hope it helps some people out. I like to stay around Ueno usually, but it all depends on the trip.

@geromyre Жыл бұрын

Again, thank you so much for making these videos. My trip is in 6 weeks, and it's nice to watch these and give myself peace-of-mind that I'm not overlooking something. The thing about over-the-counter medicines is something I've been meaning to double check, and those links you've provided are super useful!

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

Glad it was useful! I'm sure there are things I've missed but I hope these cover the most important points.

@JasminaFun 7 ай бұрын

I went to the tokyo tourist office. They were super helpful. They recommended a Hakkaido 3 day pass. You can commute an any vehicle! Was great!

@japanunravelled 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@bigbrowntau 11 ай бұрын

Great tip about the UV! You're the only person I've ever heard mention it. Superb video, one of many you've made. Thank you so much for the effort you put into them.

@japanunravelled 11 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Gazumi-inOZ 2 ай бұрын

I've watched a few of your videos over the years and every time I come back to view another you have really good information and a common sense approach to travelling in Japan. I've just subscribed and looking forward to more of your videos .... Well done, great job 👍 ... On my 10th trip next month.

@japanunravelled 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your kindness! Lots more to come.

@PaulaRodriguesdeSPaula 19 күн бұрын

Great tips! Thanks!

@japanunravelled 19 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Gazumi-inOZ 2 ай бұрын

If you're confronted with a queue at a restaurant you're considering eating at, GET IN THE QUEUE then Gmap the restaurant to get reviews and menu ideas, or send someone in your group to the store window for assessment of the menu. Nothing worse after 5-10+ minutes of finally deciding to join the queue when you could be almost at the door 💡😮

@japanunravelled 2 ай бұрын

If ever I see a queue for a restaurant, I skip it.

@Gazumi-inOZ 2 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelled... 😅 me too 99% of the time ... but there's rare exceptions 😊

@charlottejsy7142 Жыл бұрын

Such a handy video. This will help a lot. Thanks 😊

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@wrinkledm 5 ай бұрын

Good stuff... excellent suggestions!

@japanunravelled 5 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

@mummaguns2435 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your videos and helpful Tips for first time travelers to Japan. There is so much to research and learn before going and your videos have been enormously helpful. Fantastic help. Thank you🤗

@japanunravelled 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words! I'm so happy when I know I've helped people!

@blueyonder1233 10 ай бұрын

Wow what a load of great tips in this video. Glad to see you included soap & small cloth to wash hands. I've been thinking of carrying a small GoToob silicon bottle to carry liquid soap, refillable at your accommodation as liquid body soap is used at most Japanese accommodation. Regarding carrying passport, while you may walk fast I was approached by a police officer and asked to show passport when lingering outside a railway station. I wasn't carrying it but was let off with a warning. Since then I carry it unless going to a public bath. As passports are such an important document it's important to protect them in a case to prevent them getting bent or wet. If I could request in a future video, the use of the microwave oven at convenience stores to heat meals where the customer is expected to use the microwave. The labels are a little challenging. Thank you.

@japanunravelled 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, I'll put it on the list.

@helenstratigos4862 4 ай бұрын

Excellent tips - thank you! 👍Excited for my very first trip to Japan in early spring! This is incredibly helpful.😍

@japanunravelled 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! Have fun! Don't forget to try some of the special kitkat flavours.

@helenstratigos4862 4 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelled Definitely! :) By the way, do you recommend two days + one night in Hiroshima (via shinkansen from our base in Tokyo), or can this be a good day trip? Thanks in advance!

@japanunravelled 4 ай бұрын

Definitely stay at least one night. I recommend staying on Miyajima if you can as a great way of avoiding the crowds early and late. You'll undoubtedly want to go there.

@helenstratigos4862 4 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelled Ah sounds good! I'll look into it. Cheers from Toronto! :)

@seandavie3672 7 ай бұрын

Combini has a loo, wow, I hadn't realised that!!

@b0hemianrage414 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the app tips. I've not heard of the mizu one and it's something I always need (I'm terrible for getting dehydrated on holiday because I forget to drink and am trying to make it more of a thing)

@japanunravelled 3 ай бұрын

Happy to help!

@melaniewray Ай бұрын

Thanks for this. All very useful. Anyone ever told you you look like Jarvis Cocker?!

@japanunravelled Ай бұрын

No, but I imagine Jarvis Cocker has been told he looks like me 🤣🤣🤣

@Fccluduslitterarius9441 Жыл бұрын

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 very much

@Bargadiel 8 ай бұрын

I read somewhere that NyQuil is no longer banned in Japan. Something about an ingredient changing a decade or so ago.

@TheScratchingKiwi 5 ай бұрын

Nyquil is still on the banned list. Check with the Consulate.

@lenhampton4986 Жыл бұрын

Hi, Great video. For those of us who tend to buy too many souvenirs can you give us a tip for posting items home? Thanks again

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

Yes, my tip is: DON'T. For reasons, if you're sending parcels to the US, UK and other countries, you have to do a whole online form filling charade at the post office. From next March, all countries will be included. It's an absolute faff, and if anything, makes the process even slower than it used to be when you could hand write the address and customs label. Check the process here: www.post.japanpost.jp/int/howto/index_en.html Do yourself a favour and just bring an extra suitcase. I know Yamato does do international delivery, but doubtless it will be just as expensive as putting an extra suitcase in the hold.

@lenhampton4986 Жыл бұрын

@@japanunravelled Thanks for your straightforward assessment (tip) 😀 We are carry-on only travelers.😁

@japanunravelled Жыл бұрын

As a one-bag guy, I salute you! Haven't used their international shipping service, but Yamato might be a more straightforward option: www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/send/services/oversea/

@eggymixes 4 ай бұрын

On the pocket WiFi and eSIMs, why not just use international data plan from your normal provider. ATT is maximum of $100 ($10/day capped at 10 days.)

@japanunravelled 4 ай бұрын

Yes, another option. It always depends on what your provider offers.

@alongesundheit9210 3 ай бұрын

Some of them throttle speed after X amount of GB

@FluffyBunny9002 2 ай бұрын

I'm not sure what I'm going to do, as I use StraightTalk and it's all prepaid. There are no international plans that would allow me to use my phone from Japan to call the States, but maybe that's for the best.

@ksbma 10 ай бұрын

awesome video! Can I go into the ticketing office to reserve Shinkansen tickets a few days prior to the trip? Or are the only available for same day reservations?

@japanunravelled 10 ай бұрын

Cheers! Any time up to a month before, you can make reservations at the ticket office.

@ksbma 10 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelled thank you for your quick response!

@carolinavillalba5127 4 ай бұрын

I love you videos! I have one questions, I am traveling to japan to study Japanese for 3 months. Do you have any tips? I've always wondered about the train tickets with discounts vs the suica card for example. which one would be best? I appretiate your help beforehand!

@japanunravelled 4 ай бұрын

Well it depends a lot on where you're going to be. If you're going to be doing the same journey everyday to go to school, you should look at getting a commuter pass - it will save you a ton over a plain suica card. Will look and work the same though. Most importantly, bring enough deodorant and especially the scent-free one.

@carolinavillalba5127 4 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelled Thanks for the tip! I'll make sure to look into the commuter pass once the school give me more info. And yes, I already have extra deo packed! 😅THANKS!

@shpeen8835 3 ай бұрын

I've learned to never try to avoid bicycles. If you try to dodge them they will likely hit you. Let them steer around you.

@japanunravelled 3 ай бұрын

Very true! Thanks for sharing!

@shpeen8835 3 ай бұрын

@@japanunravelledBeware the squeaky brakes from behind you

@carpet765 4 ай бұрын

Great help, thank you! I 'd like to ask you about Pasmo card: i will arrive in Osaka and leave from Tokyo after 14 days. Is Pasmo card the best solution? I mean, can I buy it in Osaka and return in Tokyo? Thanks in advance

@japanunravelled 4 ай бұрын

You can buy an ICOCA card in Osaka, but you won't be able to return it in Tokyo. You can't buy Pasmo in Osaka. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bZ1lrJN-1MW3cpc.html

@wildfire9782 18 күн бұрын

Why would you want to return it? The pass will remain valid for 10 years, and the money you put on will also remain valid so just use it next time you visit!

@ninadaon1077 9 ай бұрын

I always use a color photocopy of my passport when I touring abroad (Europe/US). Do you think it is acceptable in Japan?

@japanunravelled 9 ай бұрын

If you mean, "do I think police would find it acceptable over seeing your original passport?" then the answer would be, I don't think so. I really wouldn't want to try it.

@seandavie3672 7 ай бұрын

Call ahead to check if they are open... most tourists can't really get a phone plan?

@japanunravelled 7 ай бұрын

Mobal has sim cards with voice, but you can easily do calls with apps like Skype, etc...

@Gazumi-inOZ 2 ай бұрын

You can use public telephones ... They're normally a low set green phone, or sometimes a phone booth ... You can always ask someone where is the public phone ? 📞