Japan’s Tourism “Problem” & New ESSENTIAL Things To Know Before Arriving In Japan

Japan’s Tourism “Problem” & New ESSENTIAL Things To Know Before Arriving In Japan | Travel Update

Рет қаралды 107,669

Күн бұрын

Japan’s Tourism “Problem” & New ESSENTIAL Things To Know Before Arriving In Japan | Travel Update
Japan is seeing a MASSIVE influx of tourists. With tourism almost back to pre pandemic levels, there has been alot of talk about "too" many tourists lately -- more specifically, too many tourists in certain areas. Much like Tokyo and Kyoto before covid, local governments are beginning to raise their concerns about all the tourists clogging the streets and interrupting daily lives -- which is, in turn, causing some changes with some iconic tourist options. Watch this video and learn more about what is happening in Japan and what to expect now that there are certain steps being taken to scale tourists back in some areas. Let me know what you think of all this in the comments section below as well!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY & Support the Channel BELOW! I REALLY Appreciate You For Your Support!
Kyoto Congestion Map: kyoto.travel/en/info/maps-app...
DISCORD: / discord
Get your JAPAN WIFI HERE: p.sakuramobile.jp/idevaffilia...
Buy your JR Pass HERE: click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_...
THATCH PROFILE (SEE ALL MY SAVED SPOTS PUBLICLY):
share.thatch.co/Fsfs
Pasmo Passport: www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/
Welcome Suica: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/wel...
Seishun 18 Kippu: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pas...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Suica Card
2) Tokyo Japan
3) Japan Travel
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ツ HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOY THIS VIDEO!
👉 If you enjoy this video, Please like and share it.
👉 Don't forget to subscribe to this channel and press the bell 🔔 for more updates.
⌨ Tell us your opinion in the comments below and what video you want next.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🌟Thank you for watching this video, click the "SUBSCRIBE" button and press the "BELL"
icon to stay connected with this channel.
#japan #tokyo #suica #japantravel #japan2023 #tourism #japanopen #japanopen2023
0:00 - 1:37 Intro
1:37 - 2:31 Tourism Back In Full
2:31 - 3:51 Labor Shortage Continues
3:51 - 5:30 Over Tourism Challenges
5:30 - 6:38 Over Tourism JR Pass
6:38 - 7:32 Kyoto Bus Pass Canceled
7:32 - 8:30 Mt Fuji Overrun
8:30 - 9:54 Over Tourism Positives
9:54 - 11:57 My Thoughts (Root Cause 1)
11:57 - 12:22 My Thoughts (Root Cause 2)
12:22 - 13:40 My Biggest Recommendation
13:41 - 14:23 My Last Recommendations

Пікірлер: 403

@yooyooba 9 ай бұрын

1:37: 📈 Japan's tourism is rebounding, but it's causing unintended consequences. 3:22: 📉 The video discusses the challenges of over tourism in popular Japanese cities and the changes being made to alleviate congestion. 6:39: 🌍 Tourism in Kyoto is changing due to overcrowding, with the iconic one-day bus pass being abolished and Mount Fuji implementing a daily visitor cap. 9:57: 🌍 The video discusses the issue of over-tourism in Japan and offers recommendations for exploring lesser-known areas. 12:52: 🇯🇵 Recommendations for first-time travelers to Japan and how to enjoy the trip. Recap by Tammy AI

@KibaJovanni 9 ай бұрын

I’m leaving tonight landing Thursday for Japan HELL YEAH Quick update it’s Thursday here in Tokyo just landed 🥹

@darbydavis4762 9 ай бұрын

I’m leaving tomorrow be there Thursday too 🎉

@Omni0404 9 ай бұрын

I hope you don't go crazy on the plane ride! Good luck and stay safe.

@darbydavis4762 9 ай бұрын

@@Omni0404 14.5 hours for me and thanks!

@notprobe 9 ай бұрын

See you there… 😂omw aswell

@dabbingduskullz 9 ай бұрын

I have been here for a week enjoy 🎉

@Tanner_Video 9 ай бұрын

My wife and I go to Japan every year from the USA, we learned going the week after New Year's in January for 10 days...and booking an AIRBnb in the outskirts of Tokyo near a JR station is the way to go. I'd say go to Kyoto for a day trip then get out if you don't want to deal with the crowds, you can hit Osaka and have dinner there on the way back to Tokyo. You can have a fantastic time in Hakodate or Sendai, and even some fun times in Niigata. The price hike of the JR pass sucks but if you want to just train hop and get into less touristy places on JR lines/Shinkansen it's still worth it after doing the math. We're going back up north this winter again, and I'd highly recommend others to jump around the country a little more...especially if you get the JR pass. I won't lie I've been going to Japan for ages, and I honestly get a little frustrated seeing other foreign tourist being rude or acting like ass hats in another country they are visiting. I couldn't imagine what some locals think of having to deal with it on a daily basis.

@ripvanmarlowe 9 ай бұрын

Japan is big, and that's the problem with the JR pass price increase. By all means, restrict access to the busy Tokyo>Osaka>Kyoto route, but what they have now done is stop people travelling further afield to the more off the beaten path destinations because it will take too long or be too expensive to get there. Before it was easy to hop on the Shinkansen and head off to somewhere new, now people will think twice and smaller, less famous towns will suffer and Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo will still be as busy as ever, if not more so. This is not a smart move IMO.

@haligali386 8 ай бұрын

well flights to Osaka still exist and rental cars as well :)

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Well unfortunately, the carried out the plan and the pass is at the higher price now. We will see what effects this price change actually has on the JR pass and tourism in Japan!

@MrSpecify9 9 ай бұрын

What concerns me about visiting the less touristy areas is the potential need for more advanced Japanese proficiency. Still, I 100% support going "off the tracks" and experiencing parts of Japan that tourists don't see.

@mikesgotniceice 9 ай бұрын

Google translate + basic phrases. What do you really need from locals anyway so long as you do your best to plan ahead and stay organized. Walk around take pictures and eat stuff 😅

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

I know what you mean. Not being able to speak Japanese might be intimidating. However, most areas of Japan will be very accommodating whether you can speak the language or not! They would probably be happy you decided to go visit and learn about their town in the first place !

@drit84 6 ай бұрын

Nice vid, thanks man!

@naomiikeda5404 9 ай бұрын

Another helpful video! Thank you!

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words as always!

@Polischi 9 ай бұрын

Very insightful and thoughtful contents as always. I'll be visiting next month with family and I use your channel as a formal guide. Thank you!

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! I hope you have a good time in Japan!

@annahuilang 9 ай бұрын

Hihi, just chanced upon your video while doing research on Japan, they are fantastic!! Thank you very much!!! Cheers from 🇸🇬

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

I am glad you enjoyed the videos! I hope you find my future videos useful as well!

@kirkbird7026 9 ай бұрын

Lucky we went last week was amazing as usual

@lillygirl7238 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for the info. Traveling for the first time to Tokyo in November.

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

Hope you are having a good time!

@laurielum378 9 ай бұрын

Hi Alex We visited Japan last November as quick as we could once it opened. We were mostly in Shikoku and Kobe and once we hit Osaka and Kyoto it was nuts. We have a trip planned for this coming November, hotels all booked, rail passes going to be purchased this week and we have our Suica cards from last time. We will be in Hokkaido, Aomori, Gunma and Nagoya for most of the trip but plan to hang out in Tokyo for a few because its been awhile and as much as that city drives me nuts, we love it! From watching various video we notice that Tokyo has changed so much. Like you mentioned going to off the beaten track is nice and we've been doing that for awhile, there is so much more to Japan than the three major cities. Thanks for always providing great content. Aloha

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! Let me know where you plan on going next!

@TheBeast490 9 ай бұрын

Going next June, good to know! Thank you!

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! Check out my new video coming out to see a BIG update you might want to hear !

@senno9910 9 ай бұрын

Heading over in 2 weeks for the first time. The only Shinkansen Im taking is from Osaka to Hiroshima. I have the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass, so Ill also be travelling all around Kansai - Himeji, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Nara, Kyoto. Im taking an overnight bus to Yokohama from Kyoto, and then on to Tokyo. Im also doing overnights trips from Tokyo to Nikko and Hakone. Its the trip Ive been dreaming about for 20 years. And Im doing what I can as an ethical tourist - learning Japanese, purchasing tickets ahead, making reservations in advance, being flexible with sights to see, having accomodation booked. But I think it also comes down to Japan not being as prepared - and they should have seen it coming. People like Japan. It's now a cheap destination with a lot of english signage, many western tourist attractions (like Disney, etc), a unique identity with all the temples and shrines, and so much more. And with people waiting for years for the doors to open, Japan should have invested in infrastructure to help move tourists, put caps and reservations on locations that can't handle crowds, and provide services to locals who are inconvenienced.

@lbee5 8 ай бұрын

It's so true... Over tourism is a problem b4 covid, and locals have been frustrated for a long time

@americaninthailand8760 7 ай бұрын

Great info! We are about to book for Kyoto. May choose very early March- April seems way too crowded. The congested map is awesome!

@jonathansakura 9 ай бұрын

The over tourism was tough 😅 in August plus the heat 😅 I was in Osaka, Nara , Kyoto, mt fuji, and tokyo Greetings from Philippines 🇵🇭 😊❤

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

I hope you had a good time my man! Need to hang out when you're here next time!

@morrigan909 9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment!

@Death_Bounty 9 ай бұрын

Im so glad I got to come back in May!!! I hope that this will start to Slack off I would say I think this is just a big rush of people because Japan has been closed for such a long time and everybody was just waiting on Japan to open and now there’s just a big rush of people. Hopefully in a little bit of time it will start to dwindle out and go back to the normal. Great video as always and you know Roll Tide!!

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yea I agree it is a sense of revenge tourism, but this amount of tourism is still below what the country experienced back in 2019. I think it will still get more crowded over time, as the country is aiming for more tourism by 2030. We will see what actually happens though!

@magnustan841 9 ай бұрын

Just got back from a railway-themed trip to Kyushu a few weeks ago. I spent some time on the Minami-Aso Railway in the Kumamoto countryside. Every station I went to had a little store or cafe in it and the locals spoke pretty decent English. Combined with basic Japanese on my side, we had fun and eye-opening conversations. That railway had just reopened after an earthquake in 2016, they shared what living through that period was like and I can only imagine their gratitude of being able to return to leading a relatively normal life. The whole area was just beautiful, lush greenery, so many hills, little streams, rice fields, and small roads and towns all around. I had such a good day trip. I understand when you travel to a new country, it sounds daunting, but it is SO WORTH getting off the beaten path and discovering something for yourself.

@etherdog 9 ай бұрын

Wow, the fact that some locals had some English in Kumamoto is intriguing! I could easily be a densha otaku, and agree that getting off the beaten path is more enlightening.

@magnustan841 8 ай бұрын

@@etherdog Oh absolutely, densha otaku right here! I think when it comes to Japan, being a densha otaku is one push factor to exploring rural / less-visited areas.

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Kyushu is a fantastic area of Japan I am glad you went!

@quick_counter_pes8973 9 ай бұрын

thank god I booked my hostel stays in advance 😅, Excited heading next week 😊😍

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Have fun!!

@royceowens3726 9 ай бұрын

I hope my trip goes smooth. Staying 2 weeks in october/november in tokyo bit nervous! Your videos are what are helping me prep!

@southcoastinventors6583 9 ай бұрын

That's like the best time to come so enjoy it also use Airbnb if you like to save money

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

I am glad I could help you out! :)

@nolanoropeza8877 9 ай бұрын

Language barrier was my only concern when traveling japan. But it's worth it, going back in 6 days.

@violet4923 9 ай бұрын

Me too ....thinking the same thing 🫠

@Laura-nw9we 9 ай бұрын

Same 2 weeks end of October to early November

@MP-Fin 9 ай бұрын

Landing in Tokyo next Sunday at 13.05! Can not wait! I am beyond excited!

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

Hope you had fun!

@MP-Fin 7 ай бұрын

@@harblife I did! Already booked the tickets for next year (Yes literally) 😂🤝🏻

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

@@MP-Fin Perfect! Check out my new vid going live in a couple hours to see something you might find useful ;)

@TheDoRelian 9 ай бұрын

I think JR Pass price raise will have the opposite effect. People will only use Shinkansens between Tokyo and Kyoto, longer trips will be forgotten.

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

I will try to get a hold of this information! It has been a few months since this change and I am curious how many passes have actually been sold!

@ryokophreak 9 ай бұрын

Really glad now I booked the hotels for my January trip all the way back in July. Lol.

@SotoLuiis 9 ай бұрын

I’ve been to Japan 6 times and know a little Japanese to get me through but Japan is a location that does not speak English like other places (Korea or Thailand). People go to the major cities because English is spoken there. All other places outside of those major cities might not speak any English so it is harder to travel there. Yes you can find people who probably can speak English but they are far and few in between.

@johnnytan6955 9 ай бұрын

I've been to many other cities in Japan and I think it's not really that bad. I've been to many shops that don't have english menu but the owner is nice enough to let me know he will serve me the best ramen / food. I've also have a accident during cycling in the shodoshima island. I simply went to drug stores (some place called it pharmacy) and the person in charge there immediately know I need what help without saying a word. Japan has politeness and kindness that just went beyond the language barriers.

@katondragonrider 9 ай бұрын

Going in Late October. Planning to go to the big three cities but also planning to go to Hiroshima and Nagano as well. Can't wait!

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Sounds great ! Hope you had fun!

@LMFuqua 9 ай бұрын

We are going to Japan next year but only spending half of our trip in the area of the 3 cities. We are spending a lot of time in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Nagano.

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Great! Have fun!

@aayoub1 9 ай бұрын

This seems counterproductive when billions of yins spent to promote tourism and yet some cities are crying about it. I am sure the majority of businesses in koyoto would not be happy to see the number of tourists vanish or slow down. Definitely, Osaka and koyoto are not on my list. Most likely Tokyo, Yokohama, Hokkaido, and a couple of onsens and waterfalls sights. Nice video again 👍 👌

@TzarinaMystra 9 ай бұрын

As an upcoming tourist, I'm actually pleased to hear that Japan is putting caps and limits on popular attractions (provided that they implement a system that clearly communicates how to get a reservation ahead of time). Overcrowding leads to an unpleasant experience for both staff members, locals, and the tourists themselves. Reserving a day or time slot that lowers the time I spend waiting in line and jam-packed with other people is fine by me. But I agree that these are problems that the government should have started working on these issues in 2022. One of the reasons that I'm nervous about going outside the major tourist cities is because I've heard there aren't as many English speakers or signage. And I've heard that the old fashioned traditional ways are more strictly imposed when you go off the beaten path. Since this is my very first trip outside the US, I want to minimize those types of difficulties. Your channel has been a lifesaver in helping give me confidence about my trip, though!

@FollowTheSunAustralia 9 ай бұрын

What a great help , a guiding light , things a changing so quickly, I especially liked that you gave your personal opinion !! Also I do think almost anyone would have predicted what was going to happen with the massive numbers coming in , it was definitely a case where it was not a priority until too late, I also feel for the locals very much , they just want to get around like they used to

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Thanks as always FollowTheSun. YOU are the shining light always giving such positive and great comments! Please let me know when you are returning. We will have to all meet up again!

@notprobe 9 ай бұрын

I’m literally on a plane heading over there right now…

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Have fun!

@chellebcreations4358 9 ай бұрын

I was in Japan this past May for the month, one of many trips. I have found this best time to visit is in April, May and October. Yes, we’ll be there next month too. I tend to stay away from the hotels if I’m spending more then a couple of nights per city and opt for an air b&b instead. With the increase in the JR Pass if you’re only going to visit Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo then it might be cheaper to just buy individual tickets. We like to visit the small towns and villages and do a lot of day trips so the increase is still a bargain to us. From what I understand, the IC and other card, if you already have the actual card you can add to it you just can’t get new ones.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Glad to hear you enjoy Japan so much and return multiple times! I agree with all your points btw, Jr pass won't be worth it for the golden triangle anymore, air bnbs are decent out here (even though most are owned by hotels too), and the best months to visit are the ones you mentioned. I hope you have a good time when you return in October!

@c7ronaldo0o 9 ай бұрын

In fact, if it were another country, I would say yes, I should leave the three cities, and I always do that, but in Japan the feeling changes. I often hear about these cities and want to see them, and transportation between cities in Japan is worrying, so on your first visit you want to see everything major, for example, Osaka Day and Nara one day, then Kyoto for two or three days, and Tokyo for 5 to 6 days, considering going to mt.fuji. My additional problem with traveling is that I do not like to move around a lot, as it worries me. Always staying in a hotel for a reasonable period of time and having it be the starting point of the daily trip makes me more stable and comfortable, so I do not want to go further and maybe I will decide on a trip to Japan again, like your idea. Don't forget that the long commute and the high prices make me stay in the place more.

@Luckbealauren 9 ай бұрын

We are just wrapping up our trip and I highly recommend getting off the beaten path. Kanazawa, takayama and Koyasaan were beautiful and I wish we spent more time there. Also it’s freakin hot. If you come in summer go north!

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for your added advice !

@jdavideast 9 ай бұрын

On point Alex! Just got back from Japan a couple of weeks ago. I visited the golden triangle only. Tokyo was the most crowded, but manageable. Kyoto was the slowest but the bus system was clearly overwhelmed. Some people were getting off from the back bus exit and running to the front from the outside just to pay. 45min wait was common and I found myself walking instead of waiting quite a bit. Osaka was the happy medium of the two, however I did catch COVID while in Osaka, even being booster vaccinated prior to going. I wonder if the public trains/subway staying open past midnight might spread out some of the crowds. So many places are open way past midnight in Tokyo and Osaka. I felt like I was missing out as I had to take the train before midnight to get back to the hotels.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Thanks David! That is insane that people had to get out of the bus and walk around the outside to pay. I hope they can resolve the bus issue soon! Really sorry to hear you got COVID while you were visiting Osaka. I hope it wasn't too bad. Hey if you ever are having alot of fun and will miss the train, just take a taxi! They are worth the extra money for all the fun memories you will have from a fun all nighter!

@jdavideast 9 ай бұрын

@harblife Ya...I was wondering if those people were trying to skip out paying, but they weren't, they just could not physically get to the front of the bus while ON the bus. Covid wasn't that bad this round, 4th time and knew what it was as soon as I woke up. Took 2 tests and both positive, but TBH I wasn't wearing a mask much on the trip, so it's partially my own fault. Hearing about the graffiti happening at the tourist destinations is disappointing. I didn't see it but would have been mad if I did. My 2 week trip to Japan solo was probably the best vacation in my 50yrs of life. Next year taking the wifey with me 🤪

@tomservo9254 9 ай бұрын

Had a feeling the hospitality industry was going to be slow to catch up when tourism reopened. I decided to avoid the big three cities entirely for my trip next month and it feels like it was a good call seeing all this growing talk about overtourism over the past few months.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Good call! Where did you end up going ?

@tomservo9254 9 ай бұрын

@@harblife Chugoku/Shikoku. Starting in Matsue and zigzagging southward from there down to Kochi

@tiefblau2780 9 ай бұрын

Chinese? The most dhisgusting of Tourist.... Have you seen how trah are thrown? And the Meiwaku denwa.... Even Kindergarden get calls...

@chuck6290 9 ай бұрын

When I was in Kyoto we took Lucky Cabs all over, it wasn't what I'd call cheap but it was ridiculously convenient and all the drivers were really incredibly skilled in darting all around the narrow city streets.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Sounds like a good time!

@radiantkratos5562 9 ай бұрын

I’m going in November and I can confirm that hotels are getting sold out quickly. Me and my friends are actually staying in separate hotels because the one we wanted (Senjukaku in Nagano) only had one room left. And this was back in May. So book things asap.

@SteffyGaaaooo 9 ай бұрын

This is something I calculated since mid covid. I booked my hotel one year ago for the second half of October and got a very good price for it, while if you book now it will be like 3x de price.

@glenn8272 9 ай бұрын

Indeed. My son and I are heading over in November for our first visit to Japan. I booked in July but the rooms have since gone up in price a lot

@sisterblissuk9253 9 ай бұрын

When me and my sister booked our hotels in January for our first trip to Japan in November 2023,all the hotels we wanted were either booked,closed or made into Covid Hotels, like most of the APA,s were.We found a nice three star hotel in Shin Okubo.Have a nice trip 😊

@watermage25 9 ай бұрын

really, I've had no problem finding hotels even the night before. I've been in japan for a week and staying for one more week. Hasn't been a problem at all.

@sisterblissuk9253 9 ай бұрын

@@watermage25 nice,but I am talking at the beginning of 2023 when Japan had it's borders for a few months and everyone was rushing out.I did get a nice one for my first visit,next time I will find a APA or Dormi inn

@user-dy4qn4eu8u 8 ай бұрын

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Hokkaido, Mt. Fuji, Nikko, Kawagoe, Kamakura, Takayama, and Okinawa are all wonderful tourist destinations. However, there are so many tourists that you may not be able to fully relax. On the other hand, the Tohoku region is less crowded and has many hidden gems, so it can be quite relaxing. Yamagata in particular has many hot springs and hidden tourist spots, and the food is delicious, so I highly recommend it.

@fano1th 9 ай бұрын

We'll be going to Tokyo and Kyoto (and Disneyland) in November. Will be there almost three weeks, but this time, because it's our first time, want to spend days in one location rather than going from place to place to place. For our next trip we promise to see more of the country! Oh, and we were able to find SUICA cards online from Japan Experience website (arrived today). Thanks for the Kyoto crowd calendar website. Looks very kewl.

@glenn8272 9 ай бұрын

The website is now showing out of stock for both Suica and Pasmo

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Not a problem! Enjoy your time in Japan and be sure to check out some of the hidden areas the next time you come! Also glad you were able to get some IC cards before getting here! Have fun!

@vguy488 9 ай бұрын

Hi Harb! Great insights into the situation and I applaud your reasoning; yes, the authorities knew this would happen; yes, they had time to prepare for such a huge influx of people; yes, it's valid to criticize them for not taking any action until the problem is already becoming unmanageable. Classic case of complaining about an issue instead of actually correcting the issue. I checked my reservations for the major cities we'll be staying in (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo) and luckily everything still stands a month out, but I was floored at the price increase! Easily double what we paid, and that's IF you could actually reserve it. Crazy. While I look forward to our itinerary, I'm actually a bit more excited to visit Kamakura and Enoshima, since as you say, they aren't as heavily advertised and beautiful gems ready to be admired. 22 days out and counting down, the hype is killing me! Cheers!

@clemfandango6897 9 ай бұрын

going in October, first time out of the country, we're mostly using airbnb, still need to book for the Kyoto part of the trip, very seat of our pants. sucks being part of "the problem" but hoping to have fun, be flexible and try to find fun things to do and see that won't be so over run.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Hope you had a good time ;

@roro2k 9 ай бұрын

I'll be there next month again!

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Hope you're having a good time!

@cidiracing7481 9 ай бұрын

Altough I always go to Tokyo and Osaka to visit friends (plus even after 7 visits there is still a lot of Tokyo to explore), I usually try to get as much travel as possible in other areas as well. The last one before the pandemic was a lot of time spent in Hokkaido and Kyushu. My next one includes Takehara, Kinosaki, Takayama, Narai, Matsumoto, Nagano and Sendai. There are lots of places I would like to visit in the countryside that don't have very good public transport and require cars. And obviously there language barrier is larger in the small places between my limited japanese and less Englishs speaking people.

@SyaoranLiClow 9 ай бұрын

That's right, I'm looking new places to viist in Kyoto and Tokyo for next year's 6th trip to japan

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Great!!! I hope you have a great trip to Japan!! :)

@camj1758 9 ай бұрын

I'm currently in Japan and it's just as good, if not better than when I was there in 2018 :D bloody love this country! Ichiran and coco curry house is so good😊

@user-bc2vv5km3f 9 ай бұрын

Good now leave. Thanks

@carlvincent12 9 ай бұрын

I’m going in late Feb through early March right after the holidays and before Sakura season so hoping it won’t be as crowded with (other) tourists 🤞🏼

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

That's actually a good time to go. Let me know how it goes !

@daprinceomar 9 ай бұрын

Im only going to tokyo for 3 days with my wife and baby mid october. i hope it wont be a stressful time :(

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

I don't think it will be too bad! Enjoy your time here!

@NowstalgiaPod 9 ай бұрын

Just got back from a trip. August in Japan did not feel very busy, assumingly due to the summer heat.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Yes the heat was unbearable this year 🥺

@medellee5851 9 ай бұрын

Yes, and im visiting Japan at the end of September

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

hope you had a good time!

@biscuit4christ 9 ай бұрын

YAYYY!!!!!!!! 🤠

@KahSing82 9 ай бұрын

traveling end of year from 18 dec to 2 jan, hope winter will deter tourists, so far hotel booking is cheap n a lot choices as well. Sadly will still hav to base at osaka n kyoto, but will start off to kanazawa circling to shirakawago-takayama then to nagoya before back to kyoto. Been to kyoto last time so considering going to Uji n also do boat rides n things that r less known since already visited the temples last time. Will end in osaka just for shopping n also due to the distance from KIX, might plan for a day to Kobe. Do u think this sounds good?

@alexdavenport5042 7 ай бұрын

The Kyoto Congestion website would have been very useful on our trip last week. We only had one really bad experience late Am in Arishiyama. To be fare to the Chinese, it’s any large tour group that creates congestion, it was North Americans. After that, we only did top attractions off-peak and focused on less popular sights in the day.

@hatchetman1116 9 ай бұрын

Im planning my first trip to Japan next year and while I do plan on spending alot of my time in the big 3 cities, I also plan on doing a couple day trips and overnights. Id like to see Hiroshima/Miyajima, and Im hoping to do a day and night in Kinosaki for my birthday 😁

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Great great! First timer but already trying to go off the beaten path -- I like it!! I hope you have a great time here!

@dsadik666 9 ай бұрын

Miyajima is awesome, it's almost like a mini nara with the deer. .

@herthetraveler 9 ай бұрын

Coming back in a couple weeks (October) but I think I should have waited until late October as Typhoon seasons seems to still be in full swing. I recommend Agoda for most hotel bookings. I booked hotels 1.5 months and it was still challenging but was able to secure good 3/4 star hotels at good rates.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Let me know how your trip was !

@grumpus5248 8 ай бұрын

I started planning my trip shortly after Japan reopened to foreign tourists (US) and had things lined up months in advance...luckily getting in before the JR Pass price hike.

@ReiwaMagi 9 ай бұрын

I wish the Kyoto Congestion Map would cover Northern Kyoto as in Mt. Hiei, Kifune Shrine, and Enkou-ji.

@sugarskullsandrose 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for another really helpful video! I am visiting japan again next month and staying in nagoya to experience some new things! I am also staying in kawaguchiko for a few nights, and wanted to ask you a question if you don't mind? I really want to go to an onsen during my trip, but I need to rent a private one (I have many tattoos and will also never feel comfortable in a public bath), but I am not staying in accommodation that offer private onsen. Do you know of any day-onsen where you can rent a private room without having to stay the night? Thank you so much 🥰

@Bruxinhasorridente 9 ай бұрын

If you go a daytrip to Hakone - Hakone Yuryo has private onsens and free shuttle bus from Hakone Yumoto station. I asked one of the hotel staff on my 1st stay to call and book and all was good.

@sugarskullsandrose 9 ай бұрын

@@Bruxinhasorridente thank you so much I'll look into that!

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Looks like you were already helped! Hope you have a good time!

@daledude66 9 ай бұрын

I was in Kyoto for the first time last week and it was amazing. BUT, the bus ride from the main station to maybe the largest tourist area (Gion) did not make a good first impression of the city. It was extremely crowded even early afternoon on a Thursday. It didn't even seem to be mostly tourists either. The subway alternative was slower and required a transfer. As for hitting tourist spots around town, I would love to see them improve the already pretty good bike situation. Dedicated paths are scarce and difficult for tourists to find as Google maps doesn't support bike navigation or bike path overlay in Japan (why???)

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Yes I think biking is the best way to get around Kyoto. You can pretty much cover the same distance on an ebike than you could with a bus. Plus you get a little work out and it feels like more of an adventure!

@MonBriella 9 ай бұрын

Going to Tokyo next year around november but planning to buy everything starting february. This time im only going to Tokyo to avoid stressing the people there with all the tourists they are getting this time.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

I mean you can still freely travel where ever you please in Japan! Don't like some negative news affect your plans. If you want to see Kyoto or Osaka, then go for it! But, there is so much more to see in Japan as well, so try to make time for some less traveled cities as well!

@kikawaii7561 9 ай бұрын

I went to Kyoto and Osaka 2 weeks ago and it has changed so much compared to when I went a few years ago. Firstly, the people aren’t as friendly anymore. I even got scammed by the taxi driver. They also start charging for literally everything, even utensils when I ordered cake. When I stayed at a hotel 5 years ago, they offered many breakfast items and now when I went this year, I’ve been eating grass every day for breakfast. They definitely need money to heal their economy. Lesson learned. Won’t be going back there to waste my money, especially Osaka.

@Myriel67 9 ай бұрын

Actually Japanese never was really friendly. Thy just act polite to the outside. My husband is Japanese from Osaka. He told me that Japanese are not kind at all. Well I personally like people in Osaka, at least they are honest and don’t pretend. They can be very rude, but they are also incredibly amusing!!!

@ragsdale710 9 ай бұрын

@@Myriel67living in Japan it's a werid thing where people say that Japanese people are kind, they are not, apart from they drinking they seem more friendly.

@Serveck 8 ай бұрын

Im deliberately going in febuary for an event. Its the slowest time of year and the prices seem to reflect that. Ill also be avoiding downtown

@kerri-annkumar5752 9 ай бұрын

Could you do a video on these less known places please - the end was too fast

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Sorry! I have a new one coming out tomorrow . Check it out !

@maplelief_dreaming 9 ай бұрын

Going to Fukuoka later in the month, hopefully not as crowded! 😅

@ReiwaMagi 9 ай бұрын

probably won't be as crowded as the big three

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Fukuoka wasn't too bad. You'll see more koreans there than any other tourist surprisingly. Hope you have a good time there!

@maplelief_dreaming 8 ай бұрын

@@harblife yup, Fukuoka was a fun place to be. Very relaxing laid back place but the bus schedules on Google maps are very off haha.

@LozanoMotoRacing 9 ай бұрын

I just finished booking the gracery (Godzilla hotel) in shinjuku. A bunch of hotels available around the area and it’s probably the most populated area in Tokyo

@wendyon4517 9 ай бұрын

I live in Kagoshima. I saw more tourists in one minute in Kyoto than I do in a week in Kagoshima. We visited Osaka and Kyoto in early April. USJ and some culture for my daughter in Kyoto. It was a fun trip. I'm not an Osaka fan. Its just a big city to me. I live the small city feel of Kyoto though... other than the numbers of tourists in some areas. We walked from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizudera because it was quicker and more fun than taking the bus. We dropped into sanjusangendou on the way. The walk up the hill to Kiyomizudera was nice and quiet. The temple itself didn't feel super crowded. BUT the walk down with all the shops was just people, people, people. We'd gone up a different street. The bus to Kinkakuji was fine when we went. Its a long bus ride. Standing but not jammed. LOTS of elderly locals. Kinkakuji is such a pretty place and well worth the visit. Ryoanji is a short walk from Kinkakuji. If you go there WALK IN THE WOODS after visiting the zen garden. Basically turn right after leaving the building. You'll see cool trees that will give you something to talk about... I'll leave it at that. We spent one day in Kyoto and visited 4 cultural sites. They close at around 5pm. Your advice of a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto is spot on. Too bad the rail pass price is going up but... I get no discounts living in Japan.

@Bruxinhasorridente 9 ай бұрын

Oh, I'll be in Kagoshima in November.

@wendyon4517 9 ай бұрын

@@Bruxinhasorridente Autumn is my favorite season in Kagoshima because it's DRY. The humidity lowers at the very end of October and it's actually nice to be outside. You won't see much of an autumn leaf colour change here though. Too many cedar and bamboo forests for that. I'm sure that you'll find things to do. The Peace Museum in Chiran (basically the "Kamikaze Museum") is interesting but it's a bit of a drive from the city.

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience! Yea Kyoto is just packed with tourists. I need to go over there eventually and film for a video, but I am dreading it because of how crowded it will probably be. Look forward to seeing your thoughts in future videos :)

@henrychew235 9 ай бұрын

Agreed that some of the local government are to be blamed especially Kyoto . Though i do get it that they were also struggling with the bankruptcy issue during pandemic but it was foreseeable that kyoto will be packed! The biggest problem as I see it is everyone who goes to these cities all only want to see the same sights! Osaka, kyoto and tokyo has many spots that are less traveled but few tourist would try them. So while it is true that they should spread out to go other cities, it is also true they can go to view other sights!! Kiyo mizu when packed is far less attractive compared to murian villa which few people visit!

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

True! Which is why I tried to make hidden things to do videos! I hope you check those out as well!

@kurlevstemmer3359 9 ай бұрын

I can confirm this is 100% accurate. We are going late next month to Nov. We planned our trip since January 2023, booked flight and accommodation by February, and somehow my husband predicted that this will happen, more tourist specially during autumn which is his preferred season. specially the JR Passes going up so made sure we got them 2 months before since we will be using it to over 5 cities.. it would be too expensive.. accommodations that we have booked no longer have the same deals so we had to pay a little bit more to change one hotel. Overall it's always worth it to plan holidays waayy in advance 😉

@bryan112886 9 ай бұрын

THis makes me glad that I go to other places like Sendai

@leonolszewski3342 9 ай бұрын

You da maaaaan !

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Thanks maaaannnn

@goldentype 9 ай бұрын

we start the ball last yr

@patriciamurashige6879 9 ай бұрын

We are going to be there sept 27th!! So sorry but Japan is the perfect country to visit!! My favorite!!

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Don't worry about it!

@alal815 9 ай бұрын

hi can you talk a bit on the cease of halloween celebration this year in shibuya. thanks.

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

I released a video about it just a couple weeks ago! I hope you check it out sometime!

@kevsonkeyboard 9 ай бұрын

I went there for about 2 weeks back in late March/early April, just in time for the Sakura blooms. As it was my first time in Japan, I did stick to the more well-traveled Tokyo/Yokohama (1week) + Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe, also 1 week). Kyoto was so incredibly crowded while I was there (that one coffee shop near the river in the Arishiyama area had a massive queue!!!!). The next time I ever wanna go to Japan again, I may try to go to "less busy areas" with Hokkaido, Hiroshima/Nagasaki/Miyajima, Fukuoka, Okinawa in mind (If there are other "less travelled areas" I should consider, please let me know!). I am somebody who likes to stick to one area for at least a week, without a ton of moving and logistics so that's either something I have to get out of, or plan around.

@kevsonkeyboard 9 ай бұрын

Note: I did NOT use a JR pass for this trip, as I only took the shinkansen one-way from Tokyo to Osaka, then flew back home from Kansai International.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Sounds like a good plan!

@licandresalvarez 9 ай бұрын

Hey Alex. How can I buy the Kyoto bus day pass from USA? I am planning to go to japan in 3 weeks I can still use them but not buy them after september. Your help would be much appreciated my man. Thanks a lot for all the good advice.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

They will be discontinuing those so I don't know if you'll be able to buy one. You would have to buy them in person .

@gin-powered8352 9 ай бұрын

It's kinda funny, I'm doing it 'backwards' this time around. I usually only spend a day or two in the big cities and hit the outlying areas but this time I'm doing six days each in Tokyo and Kyoto with the intention of seeing some sites and museums that aren't the big ones, like the Ichiyo Higuchi memorial museum and such.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Still sounds like a good plan! I hope you have fun!

@juleelee732 9 ай бұрын

I'm going in November for the maple 🍁 kowning it will be pack. Purchase all my hotel and plain tickets way back in June. For those really hot tourist spots plan the day at 7am. Plan early!!! And please study their culture customs before you go. Things we are use too might not so with them. Please all treasures Japan and keep it beautiful

@tanchichii 9 ай бұрын

flight to japan is on sundayyyy

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Niceeeeee

@mike-fp1bw 9 ай бұрын

I will be there in March for 12 days .we only plan on staying in tokyo .any recommendations on a hotel in akihabara for 3 people?

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

If you want more in depth help, you can contact me on my business email and can show you some services I can provide to help you out!

@MrTM4 9 ай бұрын

Cant wait to go for 2nd time this year to Japan. In 3 months. 🥳🥳🥳 Xmas, meeting friends and illumination spots 😬 Also at end of next year, we are going for 3 months around Japan by car and visiting all the remote places we can. From Hokkaido to Okinawa. 🙏 Thanks always on updates on Japan, keep up the good work. This year will be last chance to use the cheap version of JR Pass. After will be also the local Passes more expensive, not just the all Japan pass. 😢 So in future flying or overnight buses or ferries to use.

@jkayrichardson3366 9 ай бұрын

Going on my Japan trip next Friday, its so close now its nerve wracking, can't believe its here. Thankfully I've had most of my hotel's booked since last November, so no have any issues there

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Sounds like you have alot of great things planned! I appreciate your kind words and will keep up the vids just for you!

@Aj.whynot 9 ай бұрын

Am going mid October for 8 days. Its my second time so am not as worried as before (in 2016 with my Japanese friend). Do i need to buy the JR + Pocket wifi? or should i just get it from the airport? Also if you're saying there is free wifi, does that mean I dont even need to buy the wifi device?

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Don't need to buy the JR Pass anymore, but I would buy the wifi. They have free wifi spots in Tokyo, but you'd have to connect to one everytime you move.

@punggol8 9 ай бұрын

Was wondering if anyone know within Tokyo which location of Owndays spectacles shop is the biggest? Thanks for replying

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Sorry couldn't tell ya. I'm not familiar with this shop

@avalokitesvara1989 9 ай бұрын

Hey ! Will suica cards on Kyoto buses? What's the alternative if pass isn't available

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Yes IC Cards will work on buses.

@avalokitesvara1989 8 ай бұрын

@@harblife thank u but I came back from Japan had a great trip hehee ,❤️

@traceford4904 9 ай бұрын

Going in Oct. I don't think it'll be any better considering Oct is the month that JP cools down and is the end of Typhoon season.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yeppp. We will just have to see!

@Natesoph 9 ай бұрын

I’m having issue with registering the smart-ex account. Will I be ok waiting to buy the Shinkansen tickets when I land in Tokyo? We’ll be travel from Tokyo to Nagoya to Kyoto and back to Tokyo. There are 5 of us too.

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Yes you can buy shinkansen tickets no problem here.

@jorgecruz1235 9 ай бұрын

Just returned from my trip to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka,and Kyoto) and yes it was PACKED with tourists, especially Kyoto but still totally worth it! I recommend not staying in the main tourist sites like shinjuku or shibuya in Tokyo but do stay by the main Yamanote line. Also do not recommend the JR pass. It was not worth the price or hassle even before the price hike

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience! I am glad you had a good time in Japan and hope you come back soon!

@L-Man-Gaming 8 ай бұрын

I got in at the right time back in May. I never felt like anything was overcrowded or maybe it was overcrowded and that was what I thought was normal lol. Either way it did not bother me.

@TheBeast490 9 ай бұрын

Where can we get the map for Congestion?

@harblife 7 ай бұрын

It is on a website. I think I provided the link in the description, but let me know if you can't find it.

@Katie000Bear 9 ай бұрын

Hi Alex, My question is this. I will be coming to Tokyo in Novemeber. I am asking how busy does everything get for Japan's Thanksgiving Labour Day 23rd Nov?

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

It isn't too bad. Let me know if you experienced something different . Sorry for the late reply !

@Iknowitsweird 9 ай бұрын

It's hard not to feel guilty about going on the golden route (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka). My honeymoon was postponed 3 years due to COVID and our plan hasn't really changed, but we worry about being part of the overcrowding problem. We plan to walk a lot, get up early, and only go to iconic places we desperately want to see. I've been there before for college, but my husband deserves a chance to see what he wants to see, most of which is in big cities. Next time I'm determined to visit Hokkaido, Aomori, and even some less popular towns and prefectures!!! I just wish places like Fuji and Everest weren't held up as such lifetime achievements when most people need a lot of help or take the easiest routes, leading to dangerous crowding.

@kmichael1850 9 ай бұрын

Go there and enjoy. There is nothing to feel guilty about.

@americaninthailand8760 7 ай бұрын

Good luck! We are going to try in early March of 2024 to Kyoto.

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Don't feel guilty ! If that's where you want to go then feel free to visit ! It's just to point out that there are other cities to visit in Japan !

@RandomShowerThoughts 8 ай бұрын

The world has waited around 3 years to visit this beautiful city. We’re a bit excited, but I hope we don’t ruin things

@MJ-vg1fo 9 ай бұрын

Is Feb a busy month to visit Tokyo Osaka Kyoto?

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Nope actually one of the best months to visit Japan!

@notatallheng 9 ай бұрын

It's not necessarily true that tourists only go to the three cities mentioned. I was up in western Nagano about six years ago. At the Kurobe Dam, about one-third of the conversations around us were not being conducted in Japanese. In a mall in Matsumoto City, they had Chinese announcements coming over the PA (something about being careful on the escalators). Or maybe I'm just being optimistic because I'll be spending 8-odd days in Shikoku next month and am hoping to avoid the flood of other tourists...

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Definitely not all of them!

@anthonyxavier6300 9 ай бұрын

My sister is in Tokyo right now and she said there's a lot of foreigners hanging outside the convenience stores and drinking. Some were shouting at people and most of them left trash after they left.

@kornbroetchen99 9 ай бұрын

Yeah I’ve heard because of that local governments want to even ban outdoor drinking.

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

Yeah it's a common thing in popular tourist areas in Tokyo unfortunately. This was a thing before the pandemic too and we will see if more measures are taken against this type of behavior.

@drlink7691 9 ай бұрын

our trip last fall in two of our booking it dont have cleaning service and if we wanted to get it clean it was an extra charge, we had to leave the trash out side the room together with a bag with our towels and the cleaning amenities we had to go down to the mian entrance and also all of booking we had the chance to auto check in we did it with help with most hotels and almost all of the foreign turism that we saw and kioto was the worst of them all even when it just re open was from asian turist and the buses in kioto where full, i think this fall and next year should be full and next summer of next year 2024 should go down since the hipe will go down.

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

I am sorry to hear you had some stressful experiences when you visited last year. I hope the next time you travel to Japan, you can enjoy it without alot of these crowds!

@seansimpson7745 9 ай бұрын

I'll be in Tokyo on the 28th!! will my Suica card still work? I also have an ICOCA card..

@MonBriella 9 ай бұрын

you can get Welcome Suica in Narita airport if i remember well

@harblife 9 ай бұрын

Yep! ICOCA will be fine too!

@davidvasta 9 ай бұрын

On the way...see you soon!

@harblife 6 ай бұрын

Hope you had a good time !!

@RogueSahara 9 ай бұрын

I'm currently planning my honeymoon for October 2024 and I would love to see more places that are off the beaten path and less "touristy". However, my fear is that the farther from the major cities we go, the use of English will be seen less and less. As much as I am trying to learn as much Japanese as I can before we go, I don't think I'll be super confident with it if we go to a very rural part of the country. Is this fear warranted? I suppose Google Translate and other apps could be helpful?

@pdes1280 9 ай бұрын

Use google translate. 😊f

@johnnguyen4152 9 ай бұрын

Google map for going to 1 place to another. Especially you need to know " Live" function. App like Papago is a must. It translate from scanning japanese words, such as menu. Google translate is ok. Most of the time I use picture of my attraction to get taxi drive. Anyway, use Google map for direction is the best.

@harblife 8 ай бұрын

You can definitely go to a rural part of the country no problem -- that's part of the adventure! You should think about how life was before translating apps and such. It was still possible and people had a good time back then as well! Just use the app "DeepL" to translate if you get to a wall with a Japanese person. That will help out alot.

@EhCloserLook 8 ай бұрын

Sucks for tourists that the JR Pass is spiking… however, good for Japan and JR. At least they are addressing overcrowding on the Shinkansen and profiting off “over-tourism” in Japan.