Your FIRST HOUR in Japan - 2024 Travel Guide
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- Ah Japan - the "gateway" & first destination for so many people when it comes to traveling and exploring Asia, and in this video, I continue my "first hour in" series and show you step-by-step, every thing you need to do in your first hour in Japan - and with some changes from previous years, this is the 2024 Tokyo Travel Guide whether this is your first time, or hundredth time visiting this amazing country.
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TIMELINE + LINKS
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Some of the links below are affiliate links. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
0:00 Intro
0:11 Japan Visa Requirements
🔗👉 Check if you’re Visa-exempt:
www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/v...
0:26 Wall Outlets
🔗👉 The Travel Adapter I Recommend on Amazon: amzn.to/3VnTXZC
The TESSAN adapter supplies up to a whopping 100W, which means it can simultaneously charge a MacBook Air as well as an iPhone full steam.
0:48 Emergency Cash
My recommendation is to have 10,000 Japanese Yen of backup emergency cash per WEEK of your trip. When I say “backup emergency” cash, I mean, stored completely separately from your wallet - like say, in your toiletries Dopp kit. Contrary to rumours of Japan being ridiculously expensive, I, as a 6 foot tall, 180 lb guy, can EASILY eat very full for just $10-$15 US dollars per day.
1:04 Unlocked Cellphone
As I showed in the video, more and more, myself and many folks who travel anywhere use eSIM cards. This video is NOT sponsored, but as shown on screen, I’ve used both Airalo AND Holafly at various destinations with great success. The KEY POINT is that these eSIM’s support DATA-ONLY, so if you need to make calls to landlines, you’ll want to get a local sim from a local carrier after you land.
1:16 JR Pass… Worth it?
In October 2023, Japan Rail East jacked up the prices by more than 70% to their already-previously-expensive JR Pass. The JR Pass is really ONLY a point of consideration if you will literally take a bullet train every single day of your trip (or, if you’ll be there for a month and take it at least 12-15 times).
What’s more, there are several bullet train (Shinkansen) rail companies, and this pass only supports those operated by JR East, so many folks have experienced extreme disappointment and messed up travel schedules because they discovered when they went to board, that the pass didn’t cover their particular route and they had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket (or miss their itinerary). Obviously, do your own research, but with the new price jump, I can confidently say, absolutely not worth it.
1:41 Narita vs Haneda
2:15 Forms To Fill Out
3:03 Haneda Airport Procedure
3:24 Immigration Process
3:49 Checked Bags & Customs
4:13 Task 1 of 3
5:15 Task 2 of 3
5:49 In Case You’re Still Nervous
6:13 Task 3 of 3
7:00 Suica & Pasmo
🔗👉 PASMO PASSPORT Info Website:
www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/a...
7:49 Tokyo Travel Tip 1
8:24 Tokyo Travel Tip 2
8:42 Tokyo Travel Tip 3
9:27 Tokyo Travel Tip 4
#Travel #JapanTravel #TravelTips
Want to connect more?
Instagram: @mauricemoves / mauricemoves
Let's Get It Together!
DISCLAIMERS:
Some of the links above have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Unless explicitly stated, this video was not paid for by outside persons or companies. This means that the content of this video and my opinions are 100% my own, and were not vetted or paid for by any third party.
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Do you know how freaking awesome this is for autistic people who want some agency and autonomy as they travel (either alone or with family and friends)?! With this informative they’re able to visualise exactly where they need to be, what they have to do and help them plan what they want to do - all without feeling too alone, anxious and overwhelmed. Thank you!!
I’ve been to Japan and am autistic but I will be sharing this with others in the community who are afraid of the language barrier and other obstacles.
Fellow autistic here. This info is so freaking great. My trip is only in October but I've been planning for over a month so far 😅 27 days of travel is indeed overwhelming and I'm making sure to plan days where I can drop plans (or greatly reduce) when it's necessary.
Less awesome if you’re at a different airport. I’m not diagnosed with any such things, but is anyone aware of a video like this for Narita?
@@theknightswhosay I'm not aware of a similar video for Narita, but I've been there before when I couldn't read a single character and only knew a few phrases of Japanese and I still found it extremely easy to navigate. Just read and follow the signs.
Thats why not just Japan but everyone to strive to Be Kind Be Nice to each other
this !!! I watched so many other vids and looked online but there was always something missing. This is the first short and concise vid that has actually soothed my anxieties about needing to know every detail and what I will run into because I cant handle any unknowns LOL. Trying to plan my first solo trip ever so I wanna get everything right
Your 3D guide with the stick figure was awesome. Thanks for putting the work into building that!
That was amazing I wish there were more animations like that for other areas like getting from JR NeX to the Shinkansen or for the multiple exits of Shinjuku Station.
Nothing can go wrong with more quality to your work then ... quantity
I wish more people made travel tip videos like this. Simple, to the point, with hands on real world reference from the perspective of the actual traveler. Nice job.
LIved in Japan for 20 years - this is by far the most concise and helpful one of these kinds of vids out. I'll be linking visiting friends + family to THIS everytime moving forwards!!!
I just got back from Tokyo a few days ago. I was able to get a Welcome Suica. This was vital for easily moving around the city. You can get one at Haneda Airport.
You can also transfer your Suica to your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can recharge it there too. But you have to stop using the plastic Suica. Just leave it packed away.
Are Suica's available at airports now?
@@alextechtai If you mean Narita, Haneda or any other airport w/ JR train ticket offices or multifunctional ticket machines, yes.
Your PASMO Passport info is outdated: There is no longer the 500 yen issueing fee. It used to be 2000 yen but now it costs 1500 yen and you get to spend all of it. Welcome Suica does not require the 500 yen deposit either. Visitors can just take these cards with them when they leave Japan, like souvenir.
He said at time of recording.
@@sarah-janegalipo3995 He must have recorded this months ago then 😜 since the 500 yen fee was waived in June 2023 when regular Suica and Pasmo card sales were suspended.
I’m pretty sure the channel only in Japan said the welcome SUICA only lasts 28 days so if you have a remaining balance, you need to spend it before leaving Japan or lose the funds.
@@inquisitvem6723 Yes both Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport will expire after 28 days and become a souvenir.
@@inquisitvem6723 both the welcome suica and pasmo passport cards work that way. fortunately it's really easy to keep track of your balance so you can be sure to spend it all before you go. if you're lucky enough to get your hands on a regular suica or pasmo, any balance you have will stay on your card for your next trip.
one quick note.. if you're heading west from tokyo, you can also look for an icoca card at the bigger train stations (i got mine in osaka) they work the same as suica/pasmo and don't seem to be in such limited supply. i had no issues getting one when i went just this past december
Note there is a difference between the Japan Rail Pass, which grants (unnecessary) nation wide train access, to regional JR passes which is WAY cheaper but come with restrictions and caveats. For example the North Kyusyu Pass does not grant you access to Sanyo Shinkansen between Hakata and Kokura because it is operated by JR west, and not JR Kyusyu who issued your pass. So your best option is to take the SONIC express.
If you are only visiting one city then there are better(cheaper) options, but if you are visiting multiple cities, JR pass is your friend.
I always plan my trip around the validity area and period of JR passes, and I think it's worthwhile to understand the rules.
If you’re spending multiple days somewhere (such as Tokyo area and Kyoto area), the national JR pass is not close to worth it. The arch pass might be, but then you can’t go directly from Tokyo to the Kyoto/Osaka area.
I've been searching for this level of detail for a first time traveler to Tokyo for quite some time. This video should be a top recommend for anyone visiting. Thank you for this!
Your suggestion about consolidating your change at 7-11 is such a great tip and something I have not seen from other videos. Thank you!
Quality video with very great details, your video really helps a first-timer. Thank you! More videos like this would be awesome!
This guide is exactly what I was looking for! Your video is so well organized with the information and visually appealing. I will be traveling to Japan for the first time and this video helps me put my mind at ease as I know what to expect
This guide is amazing. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Bro, you just saved my life! Thanks for this amazing video! 🎈
Very informative! My 2nd trip to Japan in a couple of weeks. I used to get rid of my change in the vending machines that are everywhere. Didn't realise you could dump them in 7 Elevens too. Agree with packing light - I'm taking half the clothes this time and will use the hotel washing machines...
Thanks for the simple step-by-step explanation! My father is traveling to Japan separately from us and this video will be very useful for him to know what the expect when he arrives and get him on the train to meet us in Tokyo.
I'm Japanese but haven't been in 7 years, super helpful for my upcoming trip!!
Finally!! Detailed walk through. Thank you!!!
this was very well made and i appreciate how detailed yet concise each segment was. thank you
SERIOUSLY THANK YOU!!! As a person who always has to be the one to do everything while traveling (I hate it) this was stress free for me. I'm thinking about going solo to Japan now.
This video is incredible! thank you for doing gods work on this!
By far the best video ever!! so easy and straight to the point. great music, visuals and script. u literally saved me a lot of research time online. 😀😊
Great job!! Heading there next week and I so appreciate the super practical tips!
Outstanding! I appreciate the visuals of the locations and the directions. Takes the mystery out of it
This is so good, thanks for the content!
I went to Japan 3 weeks ago, and I still could buy a physical Suica card. I love that card, it’s soooo convenient :3
did you bought it at the airport?
I think they still sell them at airports.
@@Jitliung yea I bought it at the airport. I arrived at Narita AirPort tho, don’t know how it is at Haneda but I presume the same.
@@haroldsthoughts3628 is it welcome suica or regular suica?
This is the best video I've found so far. Thank you.
What a great , informative video .
Thank you!
Watching this video makes me feel a little more comfortable about my first trip to Japan!
This was a very informative video, i really appreciate it!
For Pasmo and Suica if you happen to be an iPhone user Apple’s Wallet has Suica as a transit card option. Sadly because Japan uses a different NFC then most other countries Android phones not purchased in Japan likely won’t work.
thats great to know as I use an iPhone
Some machines only take the card though. I’d also have a physical card if I were to do it again.
@@theknightswhosay oh, in all the places I went if they took it at all they'd take the phone, though a few cities didn't take pasmo or suica and had their own small subset to use instead.
@@U1TR4F0RCE a lot of the local trains have old machines with no mobile card reader. Then they didn’t like our Suicas if we tried to use them at the gate even though they worked at all the conbinis etc.
@@theknightswhosay
You use cash for other places
Incredible video! Thank you so much
Your videos are so informative! Safe travels!
My man!! The graphics for the map at the airport... magnificent!! Thank you! Keep up the good work! 💪
this is a fantastic video. Very concise and well thought out. love it!
This is very helpful and makes travel planning much easier. Thanks!
Invaluable. Thanks for sharing. I will be there at the end of April!
This has to be one of the best videos I have seen of arriving in Japan ! well done ! so organized, great illustrations, easy maps !
Thank you for this! Was hugely informative and helpful!
I'm super impressed with this video. If ever I were to go to Tokyo it would be this video that I would want to be my side kick. SO informative and well made. So thoughtful! Fantastic information! Also, huge kudos for the fun stick figure guy in the airport layout sections. Love it! Thank you!
What an excellent video, as usual. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the pre-departure checklist!
Excellent advice, thank you! This has been bookmarked for our upcoming Japan trip. Appreciate the work you put into this Maurice, especially the guide to finding things around the airport.
I’ve wanted to go to Japan for a long time! This such a helpful video
Thanks Man! Very helpful and informative
Thank you your description and explanation was very informative and helpful.
Thanks for the video, I will use some of these tips 👍🏻
Thank you so much, so informative.
Excellent work brother, thankyou for sharing this much needed info 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Maurice, very useful information my friend!! you helped me out a lot for a trip to Japan i'm planning later this year
Man!!! You’re a lifesaver ❤❤ i mean literally dude🎉🎉
I've been wanting to make a trip to Japan for a few great reasons, but been scared because of my autism and not able to understand fully whats needed for such a trip, and out of all the video's I've come across, this has to be the best one yet.
Great video I’m definitely saving this for the future
from all videos that I watched in past, even though I already went to japan, this had the most value to me :D
Fabulous video and I have been living in Japan for 20+ years, One more tip is baggage is takkybin (baggage delivery) which is at the airport and everywhere and is the best thing EVER (ex. Sagawa, Kuronekko/Black Cat, etc-Google if you are interested and select your language). If you have an itinerary firmly planned and the time, you can send your big bag to your next longer destination (e.g. hotel) and use a smaller backpack for one or two nights short stopovers and your bag will be waiting for you when you get there. You do see those people hauling suitcases on the train but I always send my luggage to the airport one or two days before my flight to avoid this. It only costs about $15 one way. Residents in Japan use takkybin a LOT. Also, the airport buses are a great alternative to taking so much luggage on the train especially during rush our as it’s cheap, they stow your luggage under the bus and they have comfy seats, some with charging ports, you can use Suica for buses so no need to buy a ticket in advance, the signage is multilingual, and they go to destinations literally all over the Tokyo metropolitan area.
This video is amazing. Thank you so much
What an amazing video! The info and the way it’s presented is really cool.
Fantastic video! Thank you so much!
Wow awesome guide. Loved your explanation. Thanks
Thank you so much for your video onto the next one
You just eliminated so much travel anxiety for my first time visit next month! Thank you!
Great video!
We are a family going to osaka but this is helpful too ❤
This was SO HELPFUL!!! thank you
Great graphics -- love the map and the walking guy -- combined with sensible and well-organized information. I wish more people made videos this informative and well-produced. Thank you!
My husband and I are going to Japan in April 2025 to see the Cherry blossoms among other things, and we're sharing a backpack. I've gotten a lot of tips from your videos, and as a fellow Canadian who's never left Canada before, I'm pretty nervous but excited.
This was super helpful. Thank you.
Dude great video! Literal life saver
That is such an informative video thank you so so so much for your hard work!
You just gained a new subscriber
thank you for this
Great video - love the way you explain it clear :)
Thx this was really helpful
Thanks for the video ! Im planning my first trip to japan on september! Very useful and clear info
VERY HELPFUL! THANK YOUUUU!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
OMG the best day was when I found your channel ❤
Great video, clear and to the point, love it
Wish I found your channel sooner! So much great and practical content. Thank you so much!
Awesome guide
Very informative - thank you!
Thank you for sharing
I wish I could've seen this sooner! Thank you so much for giving the step by step 😊
Great info!!! THANKS!
Very useful info, thank you !
THANK YOUUUU!!!
Great video and animations. Very easy to follow.
this is super helpful! thanks!
Thanks for the awesome video! I will be testing if those tips are correct in less than 5 days 😁
Great video, simple, easy to understand . Thanks
Wow 10/10 video my friend. Thank you
Your remark at around 5:15 where you say the conversion given to you is "precisely what's being withdrawn from your account" is incorrect. That second conversion rate is that ATM's machine offer of how much they'll deduct from your bank account should you choose that second option. A reason why someone may think about doing it is because their bank charges foreign transaction fees, and they may not want to withdraw in yen and rather withdraw in CAD instead. However, that's never ever the best case scenario. You're always better off picking the local currency, and the amount that's actually withdrawn is way way less than the offer that's given by the ATM machine.
Question, first timer here. So that machine is a money exchange machine where we input our local country bank log in to withdraw YEN?
Or we can use credit card to withdraw YEN?
@@nobodynobody1235 you can use either, but it's not recommended for credit cards because the cash advance rates are really high and they're effective immediately right after you withdraw it.
@@nobodynobody1235 if i understand your question correctly. No you can't put Cash Dollars in and get Yen out. You will have to use a Debit or Credit Card. And you only get Yen Cash out. the choice was 'who you let charge you the conversion rate'. either let you Bank at home charge you for conversion to Yen or the ATM company (7-eleven in this case).
im going to tokyo for the first time in october and your video was helpful. Thanks!
Great tips, thanks!
Great content! Thank you! I wish I watch ur video before we book to Narita.
Best break down of traveling to Japan I ever saw good work bro
ämazing video explanation and edition of it. nice!
Perfect video… 👍🇯🇵
great video, thank you!
Awesome ❤ Love From India 🇮🇳 ♥️
Excellent guide
Thanks so much this is a incredibly well done and informative video it would help me so much if you could make one for Hong Kong id also would love to see more like this for over places
FANTASTIC FYI DIY video ! 👍
Hey Maurice, hope u r doing great, looking forward to see the picture of u standing in the same spot as ur dad. Love from Italy❤️