JAPAN UPDATE: Winter Guide, Ultimate Tips & New Attractions

Рет қаралды 53,779

Күн бұрын

NEW ATTRACTIONS! Winter in Japan is coming. Here are some uniquely Japanese winter insights you need to know BEFORE you go To Japan and one BIG WARNING!
As Japan continues to go through big changes and tourism has finally returned, surpassing pre pandemic levels! There are new unique experience opening this Winter for you lucky tourists. So here are some Essential tips, important things you need to know before you go, recommended attractions and things you shouldn’t miss in Japan’s winter season including NEW upcoming attractions!
Travelling to Japan then check out 14 things I HATE about travel in Japan • Japan things that Suck...
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00:00 Winter is coming to Japan
00:30 What to pack for winter in Japan & Weather
01:28 Winter Accommodation in Japan
01:57 Tattoo winter tips for the onsen
02:21 Winter events: Winter illuminations in Japan
02:56 Winter events: KFC for Christmas
03:22 Winter events: Fukubukuru Lucky bags
03:50 Winter events: Sapporo snow Festival
04:06 Seasonal winter food in Japan
05:11 Special announcement from me
05:21 Japan NEW winter attractions
05:30 New Team labs for winter in Japan
05:47 New Toyosu Senkyaku Burrai hot spring theme park
06:28 New Immersive fort tokyo theme park
07:03 It's cheap to travel to Japan this winter
07:35 Pocket wifi to help with winter travel in Japan
07:56 Japan winter Warning
09:08 Japan has changed: JR PASS
09:33 Visit Japan this winter
#japan #japantravel #japanguide
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Пікірлер: 98

@ronaldguadamuzz7678 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the guide. I am off this new year for winter. Thank you.

@gumerzambrano 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video (: I'll be going for the first time in January for a whole month!

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Awesome! You're going to have a blast on your trip! Don't forget to share some photos with us on discord!! !

@coreykang5599 6 ай бұрын

I will be there in January and February. This video is very helpful.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful. It's always great to know that I'm able to provide value to my viewers.

@froglady4360 6 ай бұрын

Another awesome video! I was lucky enough to be there in 2019 when Tokyo had a freak snow storm in March. When we reach Hakone there was snow everywhere. It was so magical, but very cold for this tropical girl ❤

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Oh wow! you were so lucky! it must have been so special!

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

hmmm,... the worst is being in a " traditional " Japanese house ... in Winter it is a freezer ... waking up from under a kake-futon and seeing your own breath. And then lighting the kerosene heater (which spews out toxic gas) ... the only good thing are the Winter seafoods, they are the most yummy this season (... actually, there are fewer insect in Winter so that's good too!) ...

@musemusa9164 21 күн бұрын

Very informative channel I’m subscribed to your channel

@NinjaMonkeyguy 21 күн бұрын

Thank you :)

@jaredsharethealoha 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the great info. We are going in mid March to see snow in Yuzawa, Niigata. Being from Hawaii we don’t think about seasons or weather clothing. It’s always TShirt and shorts. Keep up the great work Aloha. Also glad you are practicing more Japanese.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Hawaii sounds amazing I wish to visit one day! .. you’ll also get cherry blossoms too!

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

大切な町と小説じゃん！ ... 「国境の長いトンネルを抜けると雪国であった。」(^_^)

@KenshoQuest 6 ай бұрын

We're headed to the Sapporo Snow Festival this winter. Super excited! ❄I'd like to add an onsen to our itinerary. That sounds like a nice contrast to the cold.🌺Heidi

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Ooh Noborubetsu Onsen in Hokkaido is quite a good option and is near the main island too ! so check that one out!

@lizzcharlotte17 4 ай бұрын

Hii Heidi, i'm Ur subscriber.. I'll visit Sapporo this Feb 9th-11th but the hotel superb expensive. Can U spill the cheapest/budget hostel in Sapporo pls? Thanx alot 🙏🙏

@seandavie3672 6 ай бұрын

I'm returning from the 24/12 to the 15/1 and can't wait to explore the Kansai region in the cool, plus avoid the worst of the Aussie summer!

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Aussie summer sounds hot! Sounds like you have a great trip planned!

@Flupke1070 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for this winter update Nathan. I replaced Kyoto by Hong Kong for my December trip 😄

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

I'm glad you found the winter update helpful! Have an amazing trip to Hong Kong in December! Hope to catch you for a little longer than 2 minutes next time soon!

@jimross7648 6 ай бұрын

Well, Winter in Japan. Cold is dependant on where you're from and what you're use to. There are a few things in this list that I definitely would want to experience. A couple of the new attractions like Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai and Immersive Fort Tokyo will be me on my list for certain. As always you got great suggestions. Even @towada 1066 had some interesting solutions that aren't on the regular tourist lists. Is it too early to be a Christmas Miracle, ya probably. I can't say I was inspired by Japan, but I have had KFC for Christmas dinner, but I just called it too lazy to cook and happened to be near a center that had KFC store.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

KFC for Christmas anywhere sounds great! Yes you are right it is dependent on where you are from for me anything under 15c is cold haha .. towards always highlights some interesting things right?!

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

For Christmas there are also performances of 「第九」... Beethoven's 9th Symphony. It is over 100 year tradition in Japan. I'm going to a performance at Suntory Hall next month... ww! I don't expect to see any foreign tourists ! (^_^)

@pinoi78 6 ай бұрын

I’m planning to visit Japan for my third time sometime between January to March of 2025. I previously went in October 2022 and 2023. I liked that the weather was a little cooler. But I’d really like to experience the snow there. So far I’m thinking about Tokyo, Kanazawa, Niigata, and finally Kyoto (cause I didn’t really go last month). Trying to not go too far since the JR Rail Pass is overpriced now. Keep up the great videos my friend!

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Hey Kanazawa is great! did you check out my two videos featuring Kanazawa? .. also the Hikuriku arch pass might be more affordable regional pass to get you to most of those places!

@panamerican0 6 ай бұрын

The cold never bothered me anyway, ikkimashou!

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

I see what you did there!

@henlolneh 6 ай бұрын

Man.. I saw some Tokyo vlogs from last winter when it was SNOWING in Tokyo! I will be in Tokyo this January for a few weeks and am hoping to catch some snow in Tokyo even though it is very rare.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your excitement! I'm glad you enjoyed my Tokyo vlogs and I hope you have an amazing time in Tokyo this January. Wishing you all the best for catching that rare snowfall!

@jordan93101 6 ай бұрын

Same!!!!!

@dyinggaul8365 6 ай бұрын

Winter is the absolutely best time to visit!

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

Some things are nice, especially fish during this season. Otherwise there is endless cleaning, writing and sending New Year cards, liver-destroying end-of-year parties and kerosene heaters spewing out poisonous gases. Kōhaku Uta Gassen used to fun but I don't watch anymore ...

@dyinggaul8365 6 ай бұрын

@@towada1066 Dude. You’re more pessimistic than even me. I like it. We should hang out and bitch about things.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

lol this is the best comment ever

@dyinggaul8365 6 ай бұрын

@@towada1066 Oh, note that I’d much rather destroy my liver at a Bonenkai than sit through Kohaku Uta Gassen. That show is so bad it gives me heartburn just thinking of all the off-key boy bands and high-pitch shrieking girls bands…I NEED to be drunk to watch that crap.

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

@@dyinggaul8365 hmmm,... also, I miss doing Joya-no-Kane ceremony and hearing the town elders marching through the streets warning people to not smoke in bed and leave the kerosene heater untended ...

@cax1175 6 ай бұрын

I'll be in Japan for New Years through mid January. I visited for the first time last April. I'll probably be spending half of my time at Hard and Book Offs looking for video games again. But I also wanna do some tourist things as well. I'm from Wisconsin in the USA, so I'm never cold lol.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

never cold! haha.. I'm from the Mediterranean so im always cold! your trip sounds great :)

@jordan93101 6 ай бұрын

Landing on Jan 24th for a week!!! Can’t wait to explore Tokyo

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

That's awesome! Tokyo is an amazing city with so much to explore. Have a fantastic trip!

@MrAchilles121 Ай бұрын

how was it? was it snowing in Tokyo?? was it too cold?

@viniciusvoon8564 6 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

@dangwhatarethose9179 6 ай бұрын

Omgg I’m so excited for my trip in December 😊 do u guys think I need thick puffy jacket for Tokyo area during December or like he said layer it up?

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

in Tokyo i had a 'light' puffy jacket during the day and layered it up with that. however during the night i switched to a bigger puffy one (which i bought whilst i was there from Uniqulo)

@harald_harry5196 5 ай бұрын

I am going to travel to japan for the first time in mid January to 3rd of February (17 days). I will be landing in Tokyo and will stay there for 5 days (4 nights). After that I will travel with the Shinkansen to Kyoto. After that I will go to Osaka and then Nara. At the end I will go back to Tokyo. I think this is a good route for first time visiting Japan and because it’s the end of January, I think there’s not much tourism like in the holiday season. Otherwise I thought of going to the north (since it’s Winter), but I think for the first time this could be a bit overwhelming to go straight to the countryside

@NinjaMonkeyguy 5 ай бұрын

I think the countryside is great and you might want to if you want check out some areas near tokyo on your return.. North is very snowy!

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

hmmm,... so many important Winter things missing here,... for light display, the Kobe Luminarie is beyond compare (although it's actually a death memorial for the victims of the Hanshin Earthquake). Matsubagani and buri are in season now but they live in the Sea of Japan so the freshest will be in the Tottori and Hyogo Prefectures I think. For New Year there is osechi-ryori (it is extremely traditional but I don't like it so much) and on New Years Eve there is toshi-koshi soba (it is really good). This year I have to be in Tokyo and Osaka, but otherwise I would visit Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture again. I really like the Kawabata Yasunari novel Snow Country so Yuzawa-machi is especially important to me (and skiing is really good).

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

So many things to add! Thanks Towada

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy After the New Year there is also Hatsumode (first temple or shrine visit),... but if you are not Buddhist or Shinto I think it is utterly silly and meaningless ...

@brittanyburnturner1631 6 ай бұрын

@@towada1066 Towada-san, I am visiting Tokyo with my wife for Christmas and New Year. What would you recommend we do for Christmas day and New Year's Eve? Thank you in advance 🙏

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

@@brittanyburnturner1631 hmmm,... since we are strangers it's difficult to give advice. However, I guess I can share my plans or places I like,... Christmas is kind of a romantic holiday so I think if you go to the restaurant floor of Mitsukoshi department store in Ginza you can find someplace yummy to eat together. There is also Ladurée Tokyo Ginza in the store for French macarons and tea. If this is too expensive, I really like Ginza Kimuraya across the street. Um, also next to Mitsukoshi is Ginza Motoki; I go here to buy my shirts and they always have something on sale. Meiji Shrine will be open and even though it is full of tourists I really like it (Yasukuni Shrine and nearby museum are important too I think). If you want to explore and see lots of mom-and-pop shops, Yanaka Ginza is really nice. When film directors want to show " real Tokyo " they use this neighborhood. I think for your New Year Eve,... maybe it will be fun to eat something VERY traditional,... Toshi Koshi Soba. I'm sorry, we always make at home but I'm sure any soba shop will make it for you. I've only read about this but the New Year's Eve countdown at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise seems fun. Also, in Yokohama is the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. It was created by the Bakufu government in 1859 for foreigners in Japan and looks really interesting! I want to visit !

@WNCHSTR 6 ай бұрын

Hi! We are planning to visit Hakuba in the last week of January next year. Can you please recommend an affordable Ryokan place, and what's the best ski resort for beginners? Thank you.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Hi, I cannot specifically recommend an affordable Ryokan however the tools in this video are transferrable: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gruWeaynv5i5YaM.html

@thecleeze6359 6 ай бұрын

I tried to go to Kanazawa on New Year's Day last year using the JR East Tohoku pass. I had never had any trouble booking a seat same day before, willing to accept that I might have to wait for an evening train, but all seats on all trains were booked. Travel tip, if anyone is planning to go to Kanazawa by shinkansen on/around New Year's Day, don't try to book same day tickets. Of course with travel restrictions lifted, it will be different this year than last year, and I only have last year to draw on for reference. I decided to go north that day instead. No problems getting to Shin Aomori Station. It was not crowded. Then I went to Akita Station, and it was a little crowded. Note also: Akita Shinkansen (from Morioka) doesn't use a special track, they use the normal tracks, so there were constant delays on this trip. I couldn't understand the announcements at that time, so I found this very frustrating. I couldn't tell if the delays were due to the heavy snowfall, high winds, or local trains and congestion. I'll probably never know. Pro tip: The Komachi, red train, often runs between Tokyo and Morioka, almost always attached to a green train. The Hyabusa/Yamabiko, green train, has a wider wheel base, and can't run on the local lines, but the Komachi was built to accommodate both the local train lines and the Tohoku Shinkansen elevated track. The Komachi will always be the higher numbered cars. So, the Komachi has a slightly narrower cabin in which they could not fit the standard 2+3 seats. So the Komachi uses a 2+2 configuration and the seats are wider. If you're booking a seat/using the Tohoku Pass, I always recommend booking in the Komachi section if possible and if it's an option, because it's more comfortable. Like I said, the seats are wider (but I think they might be older/from some older model train, because they do look older).

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience and the travel tip! It's always helpful to know what to expect when planning a trip during the holiday season.

@theefatcontroller10 6 ай бұрын

We are heading to Japan from Australia and will be in Tokyo on New Years Eve. Any tips or recommendations for celebrating the new year? I understand it is often quiet as everyone goes away to the countryside for holidays.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Yes! I think new years you'd need to really really plan new years even and new years day very carefully and perhaps book a restaurant at a hotel etc. My recommendation is to do NYE the Japanese way, head to a temple/shrine about 45-60 min before midnight and you can experience a different kind of NYE . I'd prob plan a nice early dinner/drinks before and then do that and maybe be a little more adventurous and follow up with more drinks but you'll need to find out where is open and available: Check out this video from my experience! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hdiAfK-irMiqpY0.htmlsi=3xv8PHsBtfjTDnVL (on my second channel!)

@kevinsotelo7500 5 ай бұрын

Me to I’m gonna be there for new years

@tyronepinhey1867 6 ай бұрын

Hello, I will be travelling Japan for 55 days from December 23 to February 24, and I wanted to ask if you prefer the travel sim or pocket wifi ? Keep up the great content :)

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Depends on what you want to do, if its simple navigating and uploading to social media there isnt much difference. If you are travelling as a family or a group a pocket wifi will allow sharing and therefore cheaper between a group. A e-sim /sim is good for individuals! use my link to help the channel out :) www.sakuramobile.jp/ninjamonkeyguy-top

@burgerguyhi9897 6 ай бұрын

I will be traveling in japan through the new years holiday. Would you know what will be open on the 1st of January? Also will tsukiji outer market open on the 2nd? Love the channel. Thank you.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Thats an interesting question, Im actually not too sure, regarding things open on the 1st its prob the day where most things close especially tourist sites. I'd take the day and explore areas and places that dont require tickets.. Tsujiki outer market might be more limited in stalls betwen 31 December to 3 January is my guess

@burgerguyhi9897 6 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy that's what I was worried about. We fly out on the 3rd. Hoping to be somewhat productive on the 2nd and 3rd before heading out. Any idea if nakano broadway will be open on the 2nd?

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

When it comes to these questions things do close down but not everything closes down, there it can be a mixed bag.. You need to approach your trip slightly differently so that you are not disappointed or waste time. My suggestion is you go with the mindset that you might need to find alternatives during that specific period and if you are staying at a hotel you can ask the receptionist which will be able to assist. Usually bigger shopping malls and central areas are mostly open, especially chain stores and restaurants. Apart from the 1st which is def much quieter, But then again even on the 1st I managed to go up on a ropeway! so its not like everything is shut, there might also be reduced times!

@rowenajusay7397 6 ай бұрын

Hi where in Tokyo have snow..and what month? Or near in Tokyo..Thanks so much

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Near Tokyo, places like Nagano, potentially places like Tochigi and even Gunma are 'not too far' thanks to the amazing public transport! Here's a vlog from my second channel that you might like! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j7eBe9yk0s-nj5s.htmlsi=9Fz77XXifUmwT_7E

@samueljimpelaez5204 6 ай бұрын

will it be cold in the golden route area from dec 1 - dec 8 or it will still be autumn?

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

as we approach December it will get colder, best bet is look at the forcast one week in advance and also checking out other streamers live streams gives you an idea of what to wear!

@serio4465 6 ай бұрын

Hey all. Going to Japan with a friend and we plan on staying around end of Jan or early February for about 9 days (1 day for traveling). Atm Were thinking of landing in Tokyo and visiting Hokkaido first for a couple days and then finishing our trip in Tokyo. Would that be the most efficient way to spend the week during that time frame or should we rearrange the route and/or add in another city? Also maybe worth noting we would be returning sometime next year to experience a different season the southern half of Japan with a larger friend group.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

There really isn’t a bad way to visit, however in your case i would be tempted to try to get to Hokkaido first via domestic flight and leave Tokyo for the end. I booked my flight all the way straight to hookaido from my country and then worked my way back to Tokyo on one trip and it worked well.. starting and ending in Tokyo with a Hokkaido trip in the middle might waste a lot of time

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

hmmm,... I love Hokkaido for all the Russian culture and Meiji Era style. Hakodate is my most cherished city instead of ugly Tokyo. The seafood here is the best. Noboribetsu is really nice for hot spring water but I'm always worried because Hokkaido is so infested with bears and I worry when hiking. People here eat bear meat but I haven't tried it. For another city,... this is utter tourist place but, very historical and beautiful ... Kamakura ... if I ever win the lottery I will buy a place in Zushi !!!

@jojosmith1097 6 ай бұрын

Are the illuminations an annual thing?

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Yes

@Omni0404 6 ай бұрын

How long do you all normally spend in an onsen? I enjoyed them, but after like 15 - 20 minutes I was ready to get out. They were amazing when your muscles are sore 🤤

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Ah, the onsen struggle! It's like a battle between relaxation and overheating. 15-20 minutes sounds about right though. Just enough time to soak up the benefits without turning into a prune! I tend to get in and out of an onsen and might spend up to an hour going in and out! Sometimes going in the morning and then in the evening :)

@towada1066 6 ай бұрын

When the parent brings their small child into the public bath, I get out immediately ! (^_^)

@solidsn2011 6 ай бұрын

I just booked a business trip to Tokyo on the first week of February. It's going to be my 3rd time in Japan (first time for work) but first time in a cold month. I was wondering if at night open izakayas in omodie yokocho are still open or if it's really cold to sit outside. Is there anything in particular you would recommend beginning of February in Tokyo? It will be just me and a friend.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Ah, the dilemma of wanting to enjoy the open izakayas in Omodie Yokocho but not freeze in the cold! It's a tough one. many locations have outside heating if the weather is right. It will likely be coldest in the late afternoon / night and you'll prob need a warmer / bigger jacket. The great thing about big cities in Japan is you'll be able to find anything you need from heated pads to thermals! And while you're there in February, don't forget to try some delicious hot sake to warm you up!

@solidsn2011 6 ай бұрын

@@NinjaMonkeyguy thanks for your suggestion! I definitely wanna try amazake. I’ll be going with a good friend so I’m sure alcohol at night and some kairos will keep us warm!

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Amazake is nice but not to alcoholic! give it a go and top up with warm sake ;) @@solidsn2011

@cidiracing7481 6 ай бұрын

Kinosaki Onsen is one of those places that are tattoo friendly. :)

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

With so many onsen its difficult to keep track of which are and which are not, dont for get Kinosaki onsen is an area with many onsen bath houses so you'd need to check individual ones

@cidiracing7481 6 ай бұрын

@NinjaMonkeyguy There are a lot of towns yes. :) For the 7 public onsen they have, all of them are tattoo friendly. The Ryokans may vary though.

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

@@cidiracing7481 thanks for the info!

@Tampines-gl1uz 6 ай бұрын

❤ wishing you a Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 2023 and a happy new year 🎉 2024 from Singapore 🇸🇬 ! Happy Birthday Jesus 🎂 God ❤️ You and the world and Japan

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Happy christmas (in advance too)

@AlejandroMorales-cx2mh 6 ай бұрын

I got the advice to avoid eating raw food in winter since your body immune system is a weaker with the cold weather and you don't want to spend some of your days in Japan with belly cramps and having to go the bathroom often right?

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Oh, I've heard about that too! It's a good idea to be mindful of what you eat during the winter, especially when you're traveling. Don't want to ruin your trip by spending all your time in the bathroom, right? Thanks for the reminder!

@dms2331 6 ай бұрын

Will you avoid sushi and other raw seafood?

@Rachit114 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Can you please also make a video for VEGETARIAN tourists? Like the best places to get vegetarian food, famous japanese vegetarian dishes, and how to ask someone in Japan for a vegetarian food (without meat, fish and eggs). This will be very helpful, as I am vegetarian and it was very difficult to find Veg food in Japan. Thanks👍

@NinjaMonkeyguy 6 ай бұрын

Great suggestion! Its the kind of video that would work well if i can collab with a vegetarian! I'll be on the look out!