love that you explained the pros and cons of the change in the foreign tax free shopping protocols! i don’t mind not using my products before leaving, and it makes it so much easier to pack things myself than keeping items in those store bags
I think Japan still has a long way to go - people literally emigrate to get away from Japanese work culture and laugh at how 'easy' life is in North America.
I think the ½ price for women bbq deal was sensible with the fact that they usually eat less, sure, and though it's "not fair" I'm completely fine with it. Women get overcharged for many products like razors and skin care products compared to men, so if we're not going to fix everything all at once then everyone should just be adults and drop it.
This is a very sensible take; to be born as a woman makes things more expensive on the long run for expenses related to it (monthly period hygiene products as pads or tampons, long term contraceptive methods, etc).
Haircut too. Salons charge a high price for ladies haircut even though we only trim a little but they charge much lesser for men who cut a lot of their hair off.
I wish the Suica Cards had been there when I traveled would have saved so much money. And the luggage issue is because there are Tourists who just don't care and in my opinion should be charged double.
The tax free shopping rule change sucks. It will save time at thousands of duty free counters around Japan but create bottle necks at airports instead. It's just shifting the burden and will require departing travellers to allow for extra time to transit. Once again, the actions of a few bad actors ruin something for the masses
Discounts for women are pretty good usually, women decide where couples or families will eat. Provide discount to women and more business. Family gets a discount on a meal they probably would e eaten anyways and the business increases patronage. Win win for everyone. Bars in America have ladies nights because men go out where women are, more women=more paying men.
It's hilarious for people like you to whine about the whiners. Perhaps take your own advice and maybe don't whine about them. If you believe that companies "can charge whatever they want," then are people not entitled to complain "if they want" also, or are you charitable only towards businesses?
We are traveling to Japan this autumn. Since the ESTA form has not been fully introduced yet, are there any other requirements for us to enter? Do I need to register anywhere in advance? (I have a German passport.)
It’s not totally required, but they recommend you sign up for customs online for a smoother immigration arrival. It’s possible to do it in person, but it might take a lil longer.
Unbedingt visit japan web auf dem handy installieren und alles ausfüllen. Ersetzt das ausfüllen der papiere, welche im flugzeug verteilt werden. Ansonsten brauchst du mit dem duetschen pass nichts 😊 viel spass!!
We're going to Japan Dec. 16 (tomorrow) and I found your video very helpful. I see no problem with women getting a discount for all-you-can-eat. Women generally eat less, so it makes sense. I'm not a big eater, so I'm always careful to see if it will be worth it for me. So, c'mon, guys, give the girls a break...
@@AdamC2013 Japan is a country so there's a lot to see. I've met people who went just to Tokyo a couple times and still want to go again to see more stuff they didn't before.
The backup at the ticket counters is likely a lot worse now due to the dramatic increase in price of the JR pass. This logically results in more people traveling without a pass and then needing to buy tickets. It is easier to wait in line and have the staff ensure you have the correct fair and tickets than hope for the best form a machine. A lot of these customers would have previously flowed though the station and taken a non reserved seat.
A5 Wagyu is 2,400 yen per kg wholesale? That's about $16 per kg, which is dirt cheap. Of course, this is the wholesale price of the carcass, so some cuts will retail at much higher price. For example, a butcher in Tokyo sells A5 sirloin (A5等級神戸牛 サーロインステーキ) at 61,650 yen per kg, which is about $404 per kg. But A5 shoulder (A5等級神戸牛肩), which is used for sukiyaki, is 18,468 yen per kg ($121 per kg).
Im going to Japan in March 2025. Ive already started doing research on getting bus tickets and train tickets online and proper rules for in person purchasing. So, hopefully I won't be one of the tourists blocking everything up 😢
Since the yen got weaker more people that probably wouldn't go to japan or only wanted to tick off another destination are going there and just wing it. Don't even try to learn a few words, the culture or basic tourist etiquette. It's not only in japan unfortunately, some tourists don't know how to plan their holidays and see other people's country as an attraction.
@rosietales I'm just hoping welcome suica is still available when I visit. I have an android so im doomed to the physical card or paper tickets for transport 😭
Is there a significant difference between the regular Suica card and the "Welcome" Suica card? I'm nervous about the Welcome card not having the same functions or being limited in some ways. One more question though, can the Suica card be used in pretty much any major city of Japan and for both the train and bus lines (except for the bullet trains)? I've done research but that wasn't totally clear. Planning my trip for mid November, so the card's return is great news! Thanks!!
Hello! I went on August to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and i took the Welcome Suica at HND Airport. It worths a lot! Me and my friends were there for 23 days and we took a lot of trains without any problems in those 3 cities (Although we had to buy the Shinkansen to Osaka and back). We could even take the line to Nara which i think its a different line from JR. You can recharge the card in any Station, use it at konbinis and vending machines in streets. I highly recommend it!
Only real difference is there's an expiry on welcome Suica. It's only active for 28 days. And you can't refund what's left over. Didn't have an issue when I used it recently. Used up all remaining value at the airport.
No date for its introduction has been announced by the government yet. Before you travel, just check to see if it has been introduced. You can check with the airline when you check in at the airport too. Approval is expected to be on the spot so you can still apply when you are at the check in counter.
allow me to ask, I plan to reserve oversized luggage space on Shinkansen, but I am worried about to find the others take my reservation space when I am on board, so if I find this problem what am I supposed to do?
I plant to be in japan over new year, and I was planning to purchase some knives in Kappabashi and take advantage of the tax exception. How does will it work with stuff I can't take with me on the plane? I was planning to just post the knives home
I didn't get some point, i filled visit japan site for my 7days visit and my country has no charge for visa. Isn't it enough? Should i fill another form before travelling beside visitjapan ?
At the moment, no. Once the ESTA is implemented, foreigners will be required to fill a form about their stay since they don't want illegal people staying in the country. You should only need to fill a customs form.
Let women have their discount! We do eat way less than men do and don’t require as much protein. We endure so many things as a woman, monthly menstrual cycles, child bearing, menopause, etc. And men think a small discount is unfair?
Hi, where are the all you can eat Wagyu restaurants that give discount for women? 😅 I think that’s awesome 👏🏼 because my wife doesn’t eat that much lol. And I’ll be in Japan in 3 weeks. Please let me know 🙏🏼
@@Lololol555x Hi ! Icoca is only sold in Kansai Region (includes Osaka and Kyoto) so if you are visiting these areas first, you should buy Icoca ^^ If you are in Tokyo first, buy the Suica :)
I was just there a few days ago and it was still sold out. You can either buy the welcome card (which expires) or if you have an iPhone use the wallet function.
if the govt wants tourism, then they need to invest in new UX for the train kiosks. the verbiage and workflows are not tourist-friendly. again, i dont care if they are tourist-friendly, i am stating that if japan govt themselves want to continue growing their tourism and keep strain down or optimized at known chokepoints then update the UX.
7:28 on the flip side of this promotion, how is it fair that women get smaller servings at a high end sushi house. If you are gonna give me less food. I should get it for a lower price
If you use Suica without tapping off on JR subway while boarding Keisei line (non JR) to airport, you will have your Suica blocked from using any on coming JR line. You can't even sort out the mess anywhere other than heading back to JR office where your previous boarding station was like Tokyo or Osaka. Never go on Shinkansen unless you can find a cheaper route to experience it. And avoid using JR passes unless you plan to spend most time on the train hop on and off taking photos. It's unsuitable and costly if you want to stay a few days here and there.
This video is misleading about ESTA. It has not been introduced yet as of today 15 Sep 2024. It was only announced by the Japan government in July 2024. Expected to be introduced in 2025.
As a guy, I think women getting charged less because they eat less is totally fair. I think the guys complaining about it are just being selfish and pretty because they were jealous. A real man shouldn't throw a tantrum over something trivial like that.
Just came back from Japan. After living there for major part of the early 2000's. and visiting and touring over 150+ times in past 2 decades. Japan is commiting a lot of self harm on itself. with this unregulated tourism. it's so embarrassing to see what happened to once magical places in Nara and Kyoto. Reminds me of Maya beach in thailand. Japan can do much better than this. BTW anyone noticed Osaka is as dirty as New York now?
It's still not okay. Illegal immigration is not good and needs to be tackled. What might help is making things easier to settle there in terms of housing and work because the bureaucracy is terrible there.
Ngl, I thought the same. A lot of people online blame Americans for misbehaviour in Japan but apparently Chinese tourists are not that great to have around.
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Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!
As always, your videos are very helpful! Thanks, Meg!
Thanks!
Thanks to you!
love that you explained the pros and cons of the change in the foreign tax free shopping protocols! i don’t mind not using my products before leaving, and it makes it so much easier to pack things myself than keeping items in those store bags
I leave for Japan tomorrow! 🎉 so excited
how was it?
how was it??
Top quality video as always. Informative and helpful!
Wow!! Your videos are extremely informative, I’ve just subscribed thank you and can’t wait for the next one!! Keep them coming!! ❤
I plan on visiting next September. This is great information thanks!
Another very nice and informative videos.
Thanks for the comment!
Interesting and constructive
Good news in general
Thanks for the updates!
The charge to use the ATM is often cheaper on a weekday rather than weekend.
As far as females paying less at Wagyu buffets, the data supports the concepts.
I am grateful for Japan’s culture caring for mental health welfare of their workers ❤… It is horrible here in US
I think Japan still has a long way to go - people literally emigrate to get away from Japanese work culture and laugh at how 'easy' life is in North America.
I think the ½ price for women bbq deal was sensible with the fact that they usually eat less, sure, and though it's "not fair" I'm completely fine with it. Women get overcharged for many products like razors and skin care products compared to men, so if we're not going to fix everything all at once then everyone should just be adults and drop it.
This is a very sensible take; to be born as a woman makes things more expensive on the long run for expenses related to it (monthly period hygiene products as pads or tampons, long term contraceptive methods, etc).
Discrimination is okay till it is against men lol
I'm waiting for the sensibility to reach skinny people as well. They also usually eat less.
How about charge each customer based on the amount of meat that they ate?
Haircut too. Salons charge a high price for ladies haircut even though we only trim a little but they charge much lesser for men who cut a lot of their hair off.
I am travelling to tokyo in a week and your video was more than helpful thank you very much 😊
Thank you for this video. Very informative.
arigatou !!! very helpful content
Good you like it
Thats so disheartening to hear that Japan also has a big problem with customer harassment. :(((
Thank you for the video, a lot of good information 😊
I wish the Suica Cards had been there when I traveled would have saved so much money. And the luggage issue is because there are Tourists who just don't care and in my opinion should be charged double.
Why would it saved you so much money?
@@sofijones5048Since the cards where not around I ended up buying the 7 day JR Pass.
What did you use during your time there? I believe you can use Suica digitally if you have Apple Pay.
@@tunamayhoe Maybe that teeny-tiny discount if you use Suica/Pasmo for buying tickets for local public transportation (at least in Tokyo)?
The tax free shopping rule change sucks. It will save time at thousands of duty free counters around Japan but create bottle necks at airports instead. It's just shifting the burden and will require departing travellers to allow for extra time to transit. Once again, the actions of a few bad actors ruin something for the masses
I agree but I believe it is possible to sort out customs beforehand at one of their websites about it. I remember seeing a video about it.
Discounts for women are pretty good usually, women decide where couples or families will eat. Provide discount to women and more business. Family gets a discount on a meal they probably would e eaten anyways and the business increases patronage. Win win for everyone. Bars in America have ladies nights because men go out where women are, more women=more paying men.
Now do it based on ethnicity. No whites night. Half price. 😉
I've seen a video with a welcome suica vending machine at terminal 2 of Narita airport, too
They can charge whatever they want. Its up to them. If you dont like it dont go. People need to stop whining.
real
Right! Because I’m going to pay it either way 😂 I love traveling to Japan
It's hilarious for people like you to whine about the whiners. Perhaps take your own advice and maybe don't whine about them. If you believe that companies "can charge whatever they want," then are people not entitled to complain "if they want" also, or are you charitable only towards businesses?
@@dereksbooks you whining about people who whine about whiners is so IRONIC 😂😂😂😂 are u fr lmaooo
@@sandrag5528 That would only be ironic if he asks others not to whine
I last holidayed in Japan on a pretty tight budget. And I remember I specifically had to shun Wagyu beef. Even in Kobe
We are traveling to Japan this autumn. Since the ESTA form has not been fully introduced yet, are there any other requirements for us to enter? Do I need to register anywhere in advance? (I have a German passport.)
It’s not totally required, but they recommend you sign up for customs online for a smoother immigration arrival. It’s possible to do it in person, but it might take a lil longer.
Unbedingt visit japan web auf dem handy installieren und alles ausfüllen. Ersetzt das ausfüllen der papiere, welche im flugzeug verteilt werden. Ansonsten brauchst du mit dem duetschen pass nichts 😊 viel spass!!
We're going to Japan Dec. 16 (tomorrow) and I found your video very helpful. I see no problem with women getting a discount for all-you-can-eat. Women generally eat less, so it makes sense. I'm not a big eater, so I'm always careful to see if it will be worth it for me. So, c'mon, guys, give the girls a break...
Yes!
I will be there in December for my 10th trip to Japan. I can’t wait.
I'm so curious to know what one plans to do on their 10th visit. I imagine not the most touristy things 😅
You have to answer this because I'm a little curious.
What's a spot you wish you never visited?
How fluent is your Japanese?
@@AdamC2013 Japan is a country so there's a lot to see. I've met people who went just to Tokyo a couple times and still want to go again to see more stuff they didn't before.
@@j1y0ni That's amazing 😍
The backup at the ticket counters is likely a lot worse now due to the dramatic increase in price of the JR pass. This logically results in more people traveling without a pass and then needing to buy tickets. It is easier to wait in line and have the staff ensure you have the correct fair and tickets than hope for the best form a machine. A lot of these customers would have previously flowed though the station and taken a non reserved seat.
all ticket machines offer various languages. they could buy it at the machine. it accets not only yen cash but also international credit cards
That's probably correct. It would be much better if the price hadn't changed.
I guess you can pre-load Suica on iPhone.
Do you know if there is a limit, behaves like a bank debit card.
Pay hotels with Suica? 🤔
Yes it is! I think it's up to ¥20,000
@ thanks for the info
When will ESTA start? I just booked air tickets for family trip for next year.
The funny pengin card is back, that's all I needed to know
I am also happy to hear that.
I left japan yesterday and saw this today 😅
@@pejuangjalanan81 Good to know
A5 Wagyu is 2,400 yen per kg wholesale? That's about $16 per kg, which is dirt cheap. Of course, this is the wholesale price of the carcass, so some cuts will retail at much higher price. For example, a butcher in Tokyo sells A5 sirloin (A5等級神戸牛 サーロインステーキ) at 61,650 yen per kg, which is about $404 per kg. But A5 shoulder (A5等級神戸牛肩), which is used for sukiyaki, is 18,468 yen per kg ($121 per kg).
Im going to Japan in March 2025. Ive already started doing research on getting bus tickets and train tickets online and proper rules for in person purchasing. So, hopefully I won't be one of the tourists blocking everything up 😢
Since the yen got weaker more people that probably wouldn't go to japan or only wanted to tick off another destination are going there and just wing it. Don't even try to learn a few words, the culture or basic tourist etiquette. It's not only in japan unfortunately, some tourists don't know how to plan their holidays and see other people's country as an attraction.
@rosietales I'm just hoping welcome suica is still available when I visit. I have an android so im doomed to the physical card or paper tickets for transport 😭
What about the duty free shops in the airport? Do you still have to go through inspection?
how to get the suica card in iphones? thank you
Is there a significant difference between the regular Suica card and the "Welcome" Suica card? I'm nervous about the Welcome card not having the same functions or being limited in some ways. One more question though, can the Suica card be used in pretty much any major city of Japan and for both the train and bus lines (except for the bullet trains)? I've done research but that wasn't totally clear. Planning my trip for mid November, so the card's return is great news! Thanks!!
Hello! I went on August to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and i took the Welcome Suica at HND Airport. It worths a lot! Me and my friends were there for 23 days and we took a lot of trains without any problems in those 3 cities (Although we had to buy the Shinkansen to Osaka and back). We could even take the line to Nara which i think its a different line from JR. You can recharge the card in any Station, use it at konbinis and vending machines in streets. I highly recommend it!
Only real difference is there's an expiry on welcome Suica. It's only active for 28 days. And you can't refund what's left over. Didn't have an issue when I used it recently. Used up all remaining value at the airport.
@MegLog Trip from TOKYO, may I know is it easier to get Suica card or buy those tourist pass?
Nice content as always! This Etsa will be working in Feb/2025? I booked a flight for this date. Is it posible to do it online prior to arrival?
No date for its introduction has been announced by the government yet. Before you travel, just check to see if it has been introduced. You can check with the airline when you check in at the airport too. Approval is expected to be on the spot so you can still apply when you are at the check in counter.
@@papichoku2442thank you! Will do that
Hi, I bought Suica card last year in November 2023. Can I still use them for my coming trip in Japan next week?
If it's the green Suica card, yes. If it's the Welcome Suica card (usually red), then no, because Welcome Suica only lasts 28 days
@@CreepyBlackDudeMany thanks
hi can you buy a suica green card in narita airport?
allow me to ask, I plan to reserve oversized luggage space on Shinkansen, but I am worried about to find the others take my reservation space when I am on board, so if I find this problem what am I supposed to do?
Show them your ticket.
There is always a conductor aboard so tell him/her when you see the conductor.
I plant to be in japan over new year, and I was planning to purchase some knives in Kappabashi and take advantage of the tax exception. How does will it work with stuff I can't take with me on the plane? I was planning to just post the knives home
I didn't get some point, i filled visit japan site for my 7days visit and my country has no charge for visa. Isn't it enough? Should i fill another form before travelling beside visitjapan ?
At the moment, no. Once the ESTA is implemented, foreigners will be required to fill a form about their stay since they don't want illegal people staying in the country. You should only need to fill a customs form.
Let women have their discount! We do eat way less than men do and don’t require as much protein. We endure so many things as a woman, monthly menstrual cycles, child bearing, menopause, etc. And men think a small discount is unfair?
Hi, where are the all you can eat Wagyu restaurants that give discount for women? 😅 I think that’s awesome 👏🏼 because my wife doesn’t eat that much lol. And I’ll be in Japan in 3 weeks. Please let me know 🙏🏼
ill be in tokyo in 3 weeks... for 2 months!
@@iaoshua You must be having fun 😊
We are going osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Should we buy suica card or icoca card ?
It is irrelevant which IC card you buy - they work in all cities.
Then, you should buy an icoca card.
@@MegLog_JAPAN May I know why? I'm also going these 3 places. It will be my first trip.
@@Lololol555x Hi ! Icoca is only sold in Kansai Region (includes Osaka and Kyoto) so if you are visiting these areas first, you should buy Icoca ^^ If you are in Tokyo first, buy the Suica :)
Will taxes be refunded in the airport now like in South Korea?
I generally don't go to an "all you can eat" because I can't eat a lot of meat. So, the reduced price for me would draw me in.
We are a couple arriving in Tokyo October 30 this year
Are you available for a couple days
Alot if foreigners make a bad name for other good foreigner travellers. Please be considerate to others and follow Japan rules
I will fly to japan on nov9 this year
Can i get the suica on Narita airport as well?
I was just there a few days ago and it was still sold out. You can either buy the welcome card (which expires) or if you have an iPhone use the wallet function.
How about tokyo metro subway card? The card is already back stock in October 2024?
Do you mean the IC cards?
resellers always ruining everything for people
Is the new tax free system already in effect right now?
#9 is sad it not only be store policy but criminal offence
Having more luggage spots on the Shinkansen will solve the problem. Just removing 1-2 seats will free up more space.
Since JR is a private company, it would be difficult and likely unprofitable.
if the govt wants tourism, then they need to invest in new UX for the train kiosks. the verbiage and workflows are not tourist-friendly. again, i dont care if they are tourist-friendly, i am stating that if japan govt themselves want to continue growing their tourism and keep strain down or optimized at known chokepoints then update the UX.
Doesn't duty free go into effect in 2026?
Yes, I think it does. We are not sure yet.
Hi . Have you been on the Gran Bullet train we are coming to Japan next . Chris and kitty Liverpool England.
That tax free one hurts … ouch
Honestly all I want is that Suica Card.
7:28 on the flip side of this promotion, how is it fair that women get smaller servings at a high end sushi house. If you are gonna give me less food. I should get it for a lower price
Can I buy Suica card at Yokohama??
Where do you arrive? Airport? Harbour?
Customer Harassment means not being allowed into a restaurant? ;)
I am so sorry Japan has had its share of bad tourists and illegals! I hope you won't change your culture because of this.
Wagyu was fine, people like to complain.
Good marketing and fair
But it's a good quality
If you use Suica without tapping off on JR subway while boarding Keisei line (non JR) to airport, you will have your Suica blocked from using any on coming JR line. You can't even sort out the mess anywhere other than heading back to JR office where your previous boarding station was like Tokyo or Osaka. Never go on Shinkansen unless you can find a cheaper route to experience it. And avoid using JR passes unless you plan to spend most time on the train hop on and off taking photos. It's unsuitable and costly if you want to stay a few days here and there.
Thanks
Pls put and romanian language in automatic translate, tks🎉
Do we have to wear masks in Japan too?
If you would like to blend in, put them on.
Not really, it's all up to you!
@@sofijones5048 I am blond blue eyes… tough to blend in among the Japanese people
@@sofyameytus710 I mean to blend in if all other people e.g. in the room/waggon are wearing masks. 😅
@@sofijones5048 that is common sense, I understand
The yen1000 fee is lower than luggage forwarding. Luggage forwarding doesn't work for me as I'm staying in Airbnb.
Then reserve ahead of time? It's not that hard ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You can reserve luggage space for free in advanced... 😑
Can't stop a holes, like anthony, from visiting japan, unfortunately
The fine of bringing an oversized luggage to the shinkansen is only JYP 1,000 which means it's cheaper than sending it by logistic company 😅
Do we know when in 2025 this tax free change will be active?
From April 2025
This video is misleading about ESTA. It has not been introduced yet as of today 15 Sep 2024. It was only announced by the Japan government in July 2024. Expected to be introduced in 2025.
That's what I mentioned
As a guy, I think women getting charged less because they eat less is totally fair. I think the guys complaining about it are just being selfish and pretty because they were jealous. A real man shouldn't throw a tantrum over something trivial like that.
ESTA is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard: they have all info on visitors: tickets, databases, cameras…
god forbid women get ONE THING
Well, you get to live longer.
😂 if only I was working in Japan those harassments from customers wouldn't be happening.
How come....
Just came back from Japan. After living there for major part of the early 2000's.
and visiting and touring over 150+ times in past 2 decades.
Japan is commiting a lot of self harm on itself. with this unregulated tourism. it's so embarrassing to see what happened to once magical places in Nara and Kyoto. Reminds me of Maya beach in thailand. Japan can do much better than this. BTW anyone noticed Osaka is as dirty as New York now?
You're not going to catch a virus from your TH-cam viewers, by the way 😂😂
Lol
😂 yeah. If you’re just shy, don’t be. You look good 👍
@@MegLog_JAPANshow your beautiful face.😊Truly grateful for all your videos.❤
My thoughts exactly.
Maybe a stalker.
are you allergic to the camera?
1500 illegal immigrants is nothing... Isn't Japan in need of young people? Such a shame.
It's still not okay. Illegal immigration is not good and needs to be tackled. What might help is making things easier to settle there in terms of housing and work because the bureaucracy is terrible there.
“Customer harassment” why do mainland Chinese tourists come to mind??
Ngl, I thought the same. A lot of people online blame Americans for misbehaviour in Japan but apparently Chinese tourists are not that great to have around.
Thanks!
Thanks to you, too!