Just recently started looking for tips to travel to Japan and you guys are saying things others aren't mentioning at all! Thanks so much for your information!
Tips I saw about Pokémon Cafe tickets is that it’s better use a laptop or computer since processing is usually faster than your phone, also the spots get booked up by bots quickly (like within minutes of it opening) but a lot of times they give up the slots the night before - so you can check back every day to see cancellations for the next day and it seems like it’s easier to book at the Osaka location compared to Tokyo location - I saw some open slots around 10pm Japan time for the following day so that might be a better option than just trying to book the 31 days in advance
@@KenshoQuest also I tried another tip about waiting exactly 20 minutes after the booking time starts (so 6:20pm Japan time) and refreshing the reservation page and was able to book a table for 31 days out on 5/14
Dang - I'm glad you mentioned picking up Shinkansen tickets the day before - I have an early train booked on Klook (thanks for the code :) ) and I would have missed it I'm sure.
Thanks heaps for your valuable advice for First Timers to Japan. I have made many notes in preparation for our Autumn trip this year. I will search through your 318 videos for other Information Gems.
Thanks for great video explaining so much information for Japan. We are excited to visit Japan in 3 weeks time. We are flying in to Narita airport with 3 big luggages. Is it better to take Airport Limousine than Airport Express train to Tokyo station? Do we have to book the bus ticket?
Hi, if this is your first time and are not a regular public transportation user then we highly recommend taking the bus over the train. Because the airport express trains will take you to the major train stations ( Ueno, Tokyo, Shinjuku ) but having big suit cases and massive crowds could be overwhelming. Especially right now in crazy busy season. Even Narita airport is the busiest we have ever seen! Sounds like you will be here during Golden Week which is even more busy than right now, which is already crazy! There are many bus options and drop off points. You can purchase the bus ticket upon arrival and you can discuss with the agent where it will drop you off. Then you will know if will work for you or not. They usually speak pretty good English. Have an awesome time in Japan!
Hi, there is no set train that we recommend as Tokyo is huge and chances are that you will need to use different services. Instead, we recommend getting an IC card as recommended in the video. Fro visiting Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka we recommend purchasing individual shinkansen tickets. No passes required nor recommended. These videos will be helpful: th-cam.com/video/rKNxyGkO26g/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/mZqrVpQLRbk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/w-d-xo.html
1:59 Are there taxes on restaurant meals? Where I live, taxes plus the 15% tip amounts to 30% over the cost of the meal. Thanksfor sharing this video. 😊
Hi, yes, there are usually taxes. If so, they will often show the amount with tax and without, so you know ahead of time what the total price would be for each meal.
I'm so grateful for your informative videos. Question: I'll be traveling to east and west regions of Japan, and I need your help to determine which IC digital card I should select on my Iphone's Wallet. The choices seem to be Suica, Icoca, and Pasmo. I'll be arriving in Osaka, KIX Airport, so I need an IC card that works in that area. Are there any regional restrictions associated with any digital IC cards? Or do all IC cards work across Japan?
Hi. We use a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit card and a debit card from our Charles Schwab checking account. Here's our more recent video on payment methods accepted in Japan: th-cam.com/video/QKX8_MsuYFU/w-d-xo.html
Hi, if you want the most economical way then take the limousine bus. They are available at both Narita and Haneda. You can buy tickets once you arrive from the counter. They are many buses throughout the day. Very easy and smooth service.
Great video as always! Many thanks! Question please: - is it possible to change the Activation Date for a 7-day JR Pass (purchased via JR Pass official website) to another date? Eg if I initially put down 3rd May as my activation date, and later decide to bring it forward to 2nd May or push to 4th May (without compromising the total number of days ie 7). If change is allowed, can it be done online or has to be done in person at a ticket office? - for JR Pass purchased via official website, what if I miss the train with my reserved seat? Can I change to a next reserved seat online myself or do I have to see a ticket agent in person? - for a Green Car, if I miss the train, does it forfeit my travel in Green Car for that day, or can I simply reserve seat for the next Green Car and jump on that? Many thanks! Appreciate all your work!
Hi, glad you like the video :) Regarding changing your activation date. We do not know if you can do it online especially since you can actuall reserver seats. So this may not be possible! We recommend emailing them if you cannot find it on the official site. If you want to change the activation date in Japan, please do it as early as possible so you wont have issues and not have any current reservations. If you are able to change the activation date, you can do this at the JR ticketing office which are located in all major train stations such as Tokyo Station and Ueno Station in Tokyo and Osaka and Shin-Osaka in Osaka. You can definitely change your reservation if you missed or want to just change your reservation. Try to cancel your reservation if possible. It doesn't matter where you purchased your JR Pass when changing reservations which is one of the benefits of the JR Pass. If you missed a reserved seat using the JR Pass you can make new reservations by either using the reservation ticketing machine or at the JR ticketing office. For Green Car, it's the same as ordinary class. Once you purchased Green Car you have it for the whole time regardless of missing any trains. But you must reserve a seat! If Green Car is full, since they are reserved only, you certainly can ride in Ordinary class and make reservations there if you choose. Hope this helps!
Was wondering for the GO Taxi app, even if you can use the phone number of your home country, would it be better to use the number associated with the eSIM when they have to contact you? Will I accrue roaming fees or other fees if using my home number with the app when calling for a taxi?
Hi, most users do not get an eSIM with a Japanese number as almost all eSIMs for Japan are data only. If you do have a Japanese number, then yes, I recommend using that over your home number. There is one company that we recommend where you can get a Japanese number: th-cam.com/video/aQU42wIbDtU/w-d-xo.html If you do use your home number then yes you may accrue roaming fees. However, you can disable your home number after getting the app installed. Another option that worked for us on one of our phones is use a VPN from your home country and set it to Japan. This may or may not work for you if you are still in your home country or just not in Japan yet.
Yes! The digital version works just the same at the physical SUICA. Here's our video on choosing which IC card to get: th-cam.com/video/mZqrVpQLRbk/w-d-xo.html
Sorry, no. For public transportation each person needs their own separate IC card. At the train station, each person needs to tap in with their own card, and once they arrive at their destination station, tap out with their own card. That’s how the system tracks where you started and ended. 🌸 Heidi
Hi, yes you can get Manaca in Nagoya. But we recommend you get the TOICA if possible since it will be more widely accepted on JR rail/bus networks throughout Japan.
If you go on the JR pass travel calcultaor. It basically says you won't save much. But if you go online to buy online then the prices are way more expensive. $130 in the cheapest price one way from Tokyo to Horishima. That's 30% of the JR pass price. We are going to 5 cities on a round trip. Also the trains to and from the airport are included. It will be worth it. It's just that the JR pass calculator isn't correct. We will be saving over $100 each for a week. Money that can be used on great food instead 🙂
The Whole Japan Rail Pass is definitely still worth it for some itineraries. Especially if you will go round trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima within 7 days. We have a separate video on figuring out whether the JR Pass is worth it for a particular itinerary: th-cam.com/video/hsrZpVYH-ls/w-d-xo.html Which fare calculator were you using? This is the one we recommend: www.jrpass.com/farecalculator And, yes, the fare calculator only adds up going from one city to the next. It doesn't include getting from the airport or riding local JR trains. Those shorter trips help make the JR Pass worth it.
Hello. You mentioned rain in June. I've been in tropical warm weather rain, and cold freezing weather rain. For June, should I pack shorts or regular pants? Is it hot or cold? I've seen videos of people walking around in shorts, it doesn't look like it's that cold. Like what's the temperature on a typical June rainy day? Thanks.
Hi. June is hot, humid, and rainy in Japan. Similar to tropical weather. I do like a rain jacket and waterproof shoes on a rainy day, but there are also sunny hot days. The average temperature in Tokyo in June is around 66-78 Fahrenheit. 🌸 Heidi
Sorry to write this here, but i can't find the video about the card. Does the Passmo passport card have to have a minimum amount of credit to be able to start making a trip? The other day, I wanted to use it and it told me the balance was low. You know exactly what the limit is so that it does not warn you that you have to put money
Hi, sorry about that!. Yes, every IC card needs to have a minimum balance ( an amount equal to the lowest fare ) in order to use. Here are links to both: Japan Train Card Balance Apple: apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-train-card-balance-check/id1479319615 Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.cardreader&hl=en_US&gl=US
@@KenshoQuest Hi, thanks for the answer. I had 400-500 yen, to be exact, i think it was 420 yen and the trip were less than 240. The problem with this card is that they not refund the money and the mínimum to add is 1000 yen, so i don't know if this is made on purpose to keep the money of the visitors even if You make the exact calculations of your tríps to optimize the credit in your card.
Got a shinkasen ticket on Klook from Tokyo to Kyoto . Is it possible to get the ticket and board in shinagawa station and not the tokyo station ? Thank you for making these videos.
HI, that should not be a problem. If the gate beeps at you just see the attendant at either the far left or right end of the ticket gates. They will be able to help you!
Subscribe for more Japan travel tips and inspiration! 🌸th-cam.com/users/kenshoquest
Japanese ATM machines cannot handle 6-digit PINs. This is a crucial detail that travel guides fail to mention.
Just recently started looking for tips to travel to Japan and you guys are saying things others aren't mentioning at all! Thanks so much for your information!
You’re welcome!
Tips I saw about Pokémon Cafe tickets is that it’s better use a laptop or computer since processing is usually faster than your phone, also the spots get booked up by bots quickly (like within minutes of it opening) but a lot of times they give up the slots the night before - so you can check back every day to see cancellations for the next day and it seems like it’s easier to book at the Osaka location compared to Tokyo location - I saw some open slots around 10pm Japan time for the following day so that might be a better option than just trying to book the 31 days in advance
Thanks for the tips!
@@KenshoQuest also I tried another tip about waiting exactly 20 minutes after the booking time starts (so 6:20pm Japan time) and refreshing the reservation page and was able to book a table for 31 days out on 5/14
Some day ill go to Japan and learn so many cultures and people and i wanna respect the country. I ❤🇯🇵
Very informative! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks
Thank you!
Thanks! Just booked a solo trip in April and I couldn’t be more excited!!!
That is fantastic, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Great and very useful. The best channel about Japan ❤
I have been watching videos about traveling to Japan for months, and this is the Best video by far about the subject.
Thank you so much
You’re welcome! We have lots of videos here on Kensho Quest about Japan travel.
Very helpful! ありがとうございます！
Your voice is so calming, makes hearing your tips easy. Thank you guys for another helpful upload!
These tips are amazing. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Wow your videos are so helpful❤ Thank you for your knowledge it is much appreciated.
You're welcome! Are you planning a Japan trip?
Thanks! Awesome videos as I am planning a Nov trip.
Thank you!
Dang - I'm glad you mentioned picking up Shinkansen tickets the day before - I have an early train booked on Klook (thanks for the code :) ) and I would have missed it I'm sure.
Thanks a lot, that was very helpful! Always dreamt of visiting Japan. Booked the flights today👍
Exciting! Have a wonderful time in Japan.
The tip on finding out of your credit and/or debit card charges foreign exchange fees is *chef’s kiss* mint! Thank you!
(I meant foreign transaction fees lol)
I love go app! A life saver
Thanks heaps for your valuable advice for First Timers to Japan. I have made many notes in preparation for our Autumn trip this year. I will search through your 318 videos for other Information Gems.
Wow your videos are great. Super informative
Thanks!
So helpful thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Next Sunday I'm going to Osaka and stay there for 3 months due to my younger brother studying japanese language
Thanks for great video explaining so much information for Japan. We are excited to visit Japan in 3 weeks time. We are flying in to Narita airport with 3 big luggages. Is it better to take Airport Limousine than Airport Express train to Tokyo station? Do we have to book the bus ticket?
Hi, if this is your first time and are not a regular public transportation user then we highly recommend taking the bus over the train. Because the airport express trains will take you to the major train stations ( Ueno, Tokyo, Shinjuku ) but having big suit cases and massive crowds could be overwhelming. Especially right now in crazy busy season. Even Narita airport is the busiest we have ever seen! Sounds like you will be here during Golden Week which is even more busy than right now, which is already crazy! There are many bus options and drop off points. You can purchase the bus ticket upon arrival and you can discuss with the agent where it will drop you off. Then you will know if will work for you or not. They usually speak pretty good English. Have an awesome time in Japan!
Thank you, will definitely take the bus!😊👍
When traveling through Tokyo what train do you recommend?? And to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka?
Hi, there is no set train that we recommend as Tokyo is huge and chances are that you will need to use different services. Instead, we recommend getting an IC card as recommended in the video. Fro visiting Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka we recommend purchasing individual shinkansen tickets. No passes required nor recommended.
These videos will be helpful:
th-cam.com/video/rKNxyGkO26g/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/mZqrVpQLRbk/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/w-d-xo.html
1:59 Are there taxes on restaurant meals? Where I live, taxes plus the 15% tip amounts to 30% over the cost of the meal. Thanksfor sharing this video. 😊
Hi, yes, there are usually taxes. If so, they will often show the amount with tax and without, so you know ahead of time what the total price would be for each meal.
I'm so grateful for your informative videos. Question: I'll be traveling to east and west regions of Japan, and I need your help to determine which IC digital card I should select on my Iphone's Wallet. The choices seem to be Suica, Icoca, and Pasmo. I'll be arriving in Osaka, KIX Airport, so I need an IC card that works in that area. Are there any regional restrictions associated with any digital IC cards? Or do all IC cards work across Japan?
Hi. Any of the digital IC card options should work fine throughout Japan. I've personally had good experience with the digital PASMO.
i needed this, thank you! Are there any international transation fee-free cards you would recommend?
Hi. We use a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit card and a debit card from our Charles Schwab checking account. Here's our more recent video on payment methods accepted in Japan: th-cam.com/video/QKX8_MsuYFU/w-d-xo.html
I bought my ticket for Tokyo for January. who's going to the Japan Auto Salon car show ?
Thank you..... info but how would you travel from Airport to Tokyo city at the best rate??? Coach/Taxi Go/Bus/Train.... Pls adv.
Hi, if you want the most economical way then take the limousine bus. They are available at both Narita and Haneda. You can buy tickets once you arrive from the counter. They are many buses throughout the day. Very easy and smooth service.
Great video as always! Many thanks!
Question please:
- is it possible to change the Activation Date for a 7-day JR Pass (purchased via JR Pass official website) to another date? Eg if I initially put down 3rd May as my activation date, and later decide to bring it forward to 2nd May or push to 4th May (without compromising the total number of days ie 7). If change is allowed, can it be done online or has to be done in person at a ticket office?
- for JR Pass purchased via official website, what if I miss the train with my reserved seat? Can I change to a next reserved seat online myself or do I have to see a ticket agent in person?
- for a Green Car, if I miss the train, does it forfeit my travel in Green Car for that day, or can I simply reserve seat for the next Green Car and jump on that?
Many thanks! Appreciate all your work!
Hi, glad you like the video :)
Regarding changing your activation date. We do not know if you can do it online especially since you can actuall reserver seats. So this may not be possible!
We recommend emailing them if you cannot find it on the official site. If you want to change the activation date in Japan, please do it as early as possible so you wont have issues and not have any current reservations. If you are able to change the activation date, you can do this at the JR ticketing office which are located in all major train stations such as Tokyo Station and Ueno Station in Tokyo and Osaka and Shin-Osaka in Osaka.
You can definitely change your reservation if you missed or want to just change your reservation. Try to cancel your reservation if possible. It doesn't matter where you purchased your JR Pass when changing reservations which is one of the benefits of the JR Pass. If you missed a reserved seat using the JR Pass you can make new reservations by either using the reservation ticketing machine or at the JR ticketing office.
For Green Car, it's the same as ordinary class. Once you purchased Green Car you have it for the whole time regardless of missing any trains. But you must reserve a seat! If Green Car is full, since they are reserved only, you certainly can ride in Ordinary class and make reservations there if you choose.
Hope this helps!
Klook discount in Disney land tokyo
Sorry, our Klook coupon code KENSHOQUEST no longer works for Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.
Was wondering for the GO Taxi app, even if you can use the phone number of your home country, would it be better to use the number associated with the eSIM when they have to contact you? Will I accrue roaming fees or other fees if using my home number with the app when calling for a taxi?
Hi, most users do not get an eSIM with a Japanese number as almost all eSIMs for Japan are data only. If you do have a Japanese number, then yes, I recommend using that over your home number. There is one company that we recommend where you can get a Japanese number: th-cam.com/video/aQU42wIbDtU/w-d-xo.html
If you do use your home number then yes you may accrue roaming fees. However, you can disable your home number after getting the app installed. Another option that worked for us on one of our phones is use a VPN from your home country and set it to Japan. This may or may not work for you if you are still in your home country or just not in Japan yet.
Can you use iPhone SUICA card for vending machines and convenience stores?
Yes! The digital version works just the same at the physical SUICA. Here's our video on choosing which IC card to get: th-cam.com/video/mZqrVpQLRbk/w-d-xo.html
Can one IC Card be used for 2 people . or one digital IC card on the phone to be shared ??
Sorry, no. For public transportation each person needs their own separate IC card. At the train station, each person needs to tap in with their own card, and once they arrive at their destination station, tap out with their own card. That’s how the system tracks where you started and ended. 🌸 Heidi
Be in Japan in June, not sure to buy an umbrella here or in Japan. Is it cheaper/better in Japan?
There are plenty of good quality umbrellas available in Japan. It's probably easier to purchase in Japan than bring on an airplane.
Dear Kensho Quest, how to get IC Card in Nagoya? Is it Manaca? Can it be used in Tokyo and Osaka also? Thank you
Hi, yes you can get Manaca in Nagoya. But we recommend you get the TOICA if possible since it will be more widely accepted on JR rail/bus networks throughout Japan.
@@KenshoQuest Thank you Kensho quest
If you go on the JR pass travel calcultaor. It basically says you won't save much. But if you go online to buy online then the prices are way more expensive. $130 in the cheapest price one way from Tokyo to Horishima. That's 30% of the JR pass price. We are going to 5 cities on a round trip. Also the trains to and from the airport are included. It will be worth it. It's just that the JR pass calculator isn't correct. We will be saving over $100 each for a week. Money that can be used on great food instead 🙂
The Whole Japan Rail Pass is definitely still worth it for some itineraries. Especially if you will go round trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima within 7 days. We have a separate video on figuring out whether the JR Pass is worth it for a particular itinerary: th-cam.com/video/hsrZpVYH-ls/w-d-xo.html
Which fare calculator were you using? This is the one we recommend: www.jrpass.com/farecalculator And, yes, the fare calculator only adds up going from one city to the next. It doesn't include getting from the airport or riding local JR trains. Those shorter trips help make the JR Pass worth it.
@@KenshoQuest We have our passes already. Will will be there in July and visiting 5 or 6 cities. Can't wait. Great videos by the way.
@@michaelairley2015 Have a wonderful time in Japan!
Hello. You mentioned rain in June. I've been in tropical warm weather rain, and cold freezing weather rain. For June, should I pack shorts or regular pants? Is it hot or cold? I've seen videos of people walking around in shorts, it doesn't look like it's that cold. Like what's the temperature on a typical June rainy day? Thanks.
Hi. June is hot, humid, and rainy in Japan. Similar to tropical weather. I do like a rain jacket and waterproof shoes on a rainy day, but there are also sunny hot days. The average temperature in Tokyo in June is around 66-78 Fahrenheit. 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest thank you for the info.
How can I get klook 5% discount , kindly share link.
Sorry, Disneyland no longer allows Klook Kreator coupons. Our KENSHOQUEST coupon might work on other activities than Disneyland.
Sorry to write this here, but i can't find the video about the card.
Does the Passmo passport card have to have a minimum amount of credit to be able to start making a trip? The other day, I wanted to use it and it told me the balance was low. You know exactly what the limit is so that it does not warn you that you have to put money
Hi, sorry about that!. Yes, every IC card needs to have a minimum balance ( an amount equal to the lowest fare ) in order to use.
Here are links to both:
Japan Train Card Balance
Apple: apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-train-card-balance-check/id1479319615
Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.cardreader&hl=en_US&gl=US
@@KenshoQuest Hi, thanks for the answer. I had 400-500 yen, to be exact, i think it was 420 yen and the trip were less than 240. The problem with this card is that they not refund the money and the mínimum to add is 1000 yen, so i don't know if this is made on purpose to keep the money of the visitors even if You make the exact calculations of your tríps to optimize the credit in your card.
Hi where can I find the Harry Potter train station?
Still heavily reliant on using cash... in this sense Japan is quite backward....
There is a reason why
Yeah, because of the constant natural disasters, when there are no electricity cash is always the king.
Not really backwards. I would say its a wise. Cash will always be the king.
日本で現金がよく使われる理由は
日本は災害大国なので、台風や地震でライフラインが壊れた時でも商品を購入することが出来るため、現金が使われます。
また、日本の通貨は偽物が非常に少ないので信頼されています。
日本のキャッシュレス化が遅れているわけでは無くて、理由があるのです。
キャッシュレスで買い物できる店もたくさんありますよ。
This is a dumb statement. Cash forces people to be disciplined with their money. Credit card allows people spending money they don’t have.
Got a shinkasen ticket on Klook from Tokyo to Kyoto . Is it possible to get the ticket and board in shinagawa station and not the tokyo station ?
Thank you for making these videos.
HI, that should not be a problem. If the gate beeps at you just see the attendant at either the far left or right end of the ticket gates. They will be able to help you!
Thank you for the travel tips! Really helpful.
You're welcome! Are you heading to Japan soon?