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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 พ.ย. 2024
- The PERFECT Plan For Japan! 7 ESSENTIAL Things To Know Before Arriving In Japan 2022 and 2023!
Long time no see everyone! I have worked VERY Hard to compile as much information as I could, while still maintaining the concise information my channel has become known for! By the end of this video, you will have a good idea of all the ESSENTIAL questions people always when it comes to entering Japan. If I get positive feedback from this video, I can easily make another one, as there is so much to know and prepare for coming to Japan. I hope you all enjoy!
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1) Tokyo Japan
2) Things To Do Before Arriving in Japan
3) Japan Travel
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#japan #japanvlog #travel #japantravel #japan2022 #tourism #japanopen #japanopen2022
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Just came back from Tokyo on 13 Dec 2022, and this is my takeaway from my short trip
- Google Maps is great. I downloaded japan navitime all, but find Google maps more user friendly and not any less accurate...(at least in Tokyo). The live view feature (where you scan your surroundings with your phone and then just follow the giant arrow on the screen) makes walking around a breeze too, although it gets bit confusing if routes involves going underground or overhead passes and it is bit less accurate when used at night.
- The Tokyo metro 24hr/48hr/72hr ticket may be really worth if your itinerary involves places along the subway lines (which usually are for first time visitors in Tokyo I think). The combo with the Narita Skyliner ticket was extra worth it.
- Suica and Pasmo cards are not only for transportation. You can use it on vending machines, convenience stores and many restaurants (where you put in order on the ticket machine at the store front).
- credit cards (master and visa) seems to be widely accepted in most shops, pharmacies and restaurants (where you order in person and not by ticket machines)... My only surprise was this souvenir shop in Tokyo Tower building that only accepts cash. Oh, and if you are buying with credit card at tax free shops, make sure the cardholder name is same and the passport holder.
- I personally still prefer carrying some local currency when I land, just in case there is trouble with your cards (especially if you are not a frequent traveller....and remember to inform your bank to activate them for overseas purchases or withdrawal of money!). But I do agree, you do not need to ensure you have cash to cover all your spending. In fact, my credit card rates were better than the rates I bought my yen with. Cash is however, a good way to control spending coz it's easy to overspend with all the nice food and things in Japan!
- do those pre-arrival procedures mentioned in the video and going through Narita would be a breeze! We arrived at 6.45am and was on the 7.29am Skyliner out of the airport!
- check your local network provider for roaming packages and do your cost comparisons. I decided to go with unlimited data roaming package (which was Rm58 or approximately USD12-13 for 7 days), which was half the cost of getting a SIM. I usually prefer to get local SIM in case you need to make any local calls -- but foreigners apparently can't get a call SIM in Japan...or at least you can't get one easily...so data roaming works fine. Apparently you don't get the emergency notifications if you don't have a local call SIM -- but they are Apps you can download for it.
Amazing comprehensive comment about your visit to Japan! I'll pin it to the top so others can get a look at your experiences since you put so much effort into sharing!
Thank you for this more glorious information from you both here about how to plan for my time there! The unlimited data roaming could be a great shout, will look into that!
Did you upload your vaccination records or?
@@ovmarvo8449 I did and I believe it is required if you don't want to do a PCR test
going to japan with some friends on march 8th...im so stoked! thanks for all these helpful tips man!
Not a problem! I hope you find all these videos useful!
Piling on the thanks for this vid. My partner and I had our fist trip to Japan about two weeks ago. We visited Osaka and Kyoto. This video definitely contributed to making it a successful first trip in that beautiful country!
I am so happy it helped you out so much. I hope you all had a good time in Japan, and hope you come back soon!
i’m going to japan for school next year (or for high school graduation) and i’m so excited dude
Hope you have a good time!
I was planing a day trip to the Sendai area. You saved me around $100 by informing me about the JR pass! Thanks!
Glad I could help! There are several different passes that could be more cost effective than JR Pass if you look hard enough!
Thank you! Your videos are so helpful and informative. My daughter and I are going to Japan in June for the first time!
Love the kind words thank you ! Stay tuned to the channel, as I have much more planned to give you more ideas for a perfect trip!
We’re traveling in Feb. your channel has provided us great information!
I am so glad I could help you all out! I hope to see you in the future ! :)
Was able to get in from your tips , thank you
Glad I could help you out :)
Can you please make a breakdown or like a step by step on how to navigate google maps in Japan?
Already did check out the video!
Great list! Thanks for posting this information 😊
Thanks for being supportive and commenting!
I feel like whether you take out money before or after arriving depends a lot on what card you have, and how much you spend traveling. Also, everyone always mentions ATM fees, but a lot of banks also charge fees for using out of network ATMs, and those are frequently a lot more than the ATM fee. Taking out roughly how much cash you plan on spending during a trip is also a really good budgeting strategy. (The exchange rate between USD and the yen is pretty easy. That's not always the case.)
If you're someone who just wants to eat at food stalls, do a few activities and buy a small souvenir or two, your daily ATM limit is probably enough. If you want to eat at better restaurants, and do more shopping, while still keeping track of your budget somewhat, ordering a wad of cash from your bank ahead of time can be a better idea. Personally, I like to order the majority of the money I except to spend, barring larger purchases or more expensive meals, and divide it into envelopes by how many days I'm going to be somewhere. It's a really easy way to keep track of your spending, especially if the exchange rate is more challenging.
I could see how taking the cash out before hand and exchanging it all before hand could be a good budgeting strategy. I just personally wouldn't feel comfortable having so much cash on hand. If I lose it, there's no way to recover it.
@@harblife That's fair. That's not a super huge issue for me. I generally leave the majority of it in a locked suitcase in a reputable hotel. I can see where that's not an option for every traveler.
We are traveling in March--your tips are very informative. Thanks so much!
So glad I could help you out! 😄
would love to see a video about using google maps in Japan, your videos are super helpful thank you
After all the feedback, don't worry! It's coming very soon! 😊
This is very refreshing tips, with all the reuse japan tips videos ive seen.
I am so glad I could help you out! I hope to see you in the future!
This is so information dense! Thanks for this
Thanks ! I'm so glad I could help you out! 😎
Thank you so much for all of your helpful tips, I’ve never been to Japan and this is helping me feel a lot less anxious. Could you do a video exclusively on how to use Google Maps?
Already did! Check it out! It's titled how to master google maps 😊
Awesome video as always. Straight to the point and another day closer cannot wait!!! Roll Tide!!! I have to say I don't think anyone is going to touch Georgia.
Conciseness is what I aim for! Yea, them dawgs are tearing it up!
I subscribed your channel. Im watching always. I really loved to visit Japan. I'm visiting March 01, 2023, it will be my 6 times. Im very excited. 🇯🇵❤️🌍
I am so glad you have been a follower of the channel so far! I hope you can find many useful things from my channel and hope you have a good time in Japan!
Google maps is a lifesaver. You are so right though - you need to make sure the departure time matches the train. Sometimes we would set it up early to see how long it would take to travel and we ended up on the wrong train. When you get it right it is amazing - tells you what train number to board for faster exit and where to exit as well. I don't know how we did Japan before this. We used to print out paper maps and wing it :)
This is true. Knowing google maps to navigate Japan is like night and day. Once you actually learn how to use it, it is a game changer.
The last time I went to Tokyo, my AirBNB host had a portable Wi-Fi I could use. Since then, most wireless companies provide free International data service. This allow you to do everything like GPS, Texting, FaceTime or some sort of video chat. As long as it’s data, it’s free. You just can’t make a regular phone call. I know AT&T and T-Mobile offers this.
This is true. You can get some real value if you find a good AirBnB. But, renting portable wifi is never a bad option.
A few hotels, not all though, will even provide you with a cellphone to use. The hotel I used in Nagasaki did that.
As first time traveler to Japan a google maps video would be very much appreciated we don’t have tons of trains out here for transportation in California
Alright! I'll definitely look into a video about this! I've gotten a ton of the same feedback. Thanks !
Yes! A Cali girl here heading to Japan in 4 months. Having a better idea of how to navigate trains in Tokyo (and Osaka area) would be wonderful!!
I'm from California and been to Japan 3 times. It's not that hard to navigate the trains with Google maps. Look at the train platform and exits in the navigation info. There are signs everywhere in English. Yes there are big stations like Shinjuku where you can get lost easily but just keep following the signs to know where you need to go. It also helps to know the difference between the JR Yamanote and all the subway lines in Tokyo. These lines can be connected at the stations.
@@ris6300 The metro lines in Tokyo are color coded plus the stations are numbered. Even if you can't remember the names, you can go by station number. In Shinjuku, I noticed there are colored lines on the floor. That was how I got myself to the Yamanote Line, following the green line.
The Japan travel app for navigating the train system is a great alternative for google maps! I used it for the 2 weeks i was there and it saved me plenty of times 👍😂
Yes! There are a couple alternatives to navigate Japan. I am just the most comfortable with google maps!
(NEW)
(1) All travelers and returnees will no longer be required to submit either a certificate of negative result of COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, or a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses or equivalent.
Yep! I have new videos talking about this news. Thanks for sharing!
Thank u soo much! Ur helping me so much cus I'm def tryns plan a japan trip to remember with my fiancé next year in September
I got your back! By next September, I will have so much more content out, you could just plan your whole trip with my channel hahahah! (Well at least for Tokyo).
@HarbLife Ayyee! U say tht, ima deadass do tht!! I even plan on us getting our 3 booster shots so it's tht much easier to do the covid stuff.
U even put me on to a possible place to ask my girl for marriage(we call each other fiancé, but ima make tht ish REAL @ shibuya sky. At least thts wat I'm thinking rn) lol
Great help. Thanks
Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you so much for these tips! I’m planning my trip to Japan and it definitely helped.
Glad I could help! Stay tuned because I have alot more in store for people coming to Japan!
Hi Harb. I’m binge watching your videos to plan my trip with my sibling to Japan. I have few topics/questions that you may want to cover in your future videos.
1. Is one day enough to visit Disneyland?
2. Will you visit Mt.Fuji via bus (tour) or train?
3. Is it OK to bring my own mobile Wifi than renting in Japan? I plan to buy my own mobile Wifi so I can use it anywhere even here i Canada. I only use my data for Google Maps.
4. Will you visit Ghibli Park? It requires online booking to visit.
And thank you for clarifying about English-speaking tourist conversing with Japanese. I would love to try local foods and hoping to order the correct food.
Also what gear do you use? Your audio is clear and I don’t see any lavalier. Maybe a shotgun mic?
Thanks for showing us around Japan. The transportation seems like a maze for me. 😂
I am so glad I could help you out so far! Stay tuned as I have much more planned!
1. Depends on Disneyland. I know that place gets CRAZY packed during the weekend. Like not even worth going. Would definitely go during the weekday.
2. I can do a guide how to visit Fuji one day. Just alot of other topics to cover right now!
3. I don't know the mobile wifi you're planning on using to give you advice on it. But, I would personally buy the wifi here. Wifi you rent here is designed to work in Japan. The one you rent in your country might not be.
4. I don't think I will any time soon.
I use a fujifilm xs-10 and a NTG Shotgun mic (RODE).
Thanks for your support! Hope to see you in the future!
Fan from British Columbia Canada. Thanks for all your informative videos. Going to Japan in April. Hope we could bump into you in Tokyo Lol
Thanks for supporting the channel and our community! I appreciate your kind words :).
Join the discord and hit me up, and I bet we could find a time to meet up!
I don't know if anyone else has mentioned it but, if Japanese ATMs are like those anywhere else in the world you should choose "without conversion" if it's an option when withdrawing money - your own bank FX rate will be better than the ATM rate.
Very True thanks for the extra tip!
This is a very informative video, it's awesome. To be honest, I have never even thought about some of the things you pointed out and they're so important haha, thank you for making this video! I would love to do Spanish subtitles for this video! If that's something you'd be interested in, please let me know! Love from Argentina
Yes!
Thanks for the kind words and glad you found the video useful! I don't know how that would work exactly, but maybe in the future if I feel my Spanish speaking audience grows considerably!
@@harblife Yes! Whenever you feel like you'd like to add Spanish subtitles, I'll be here ready to work haha. We can stay in touch over on Instagram if that's okay! Do you have an instagram account?
Amazing thank you ao much
No problem! Thank you for your support!
Awesome video 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 so informative I applaud you
Thanks so much for your kind words! I really hope you enjoy some of my other videos, and hope to see you in the future!
Something to note while traveling to Japan or other asian counties, sometimes their version of an english word will not be the equivalent meaning of the english word in your country. Simple example being "Toilet" instead of "bathroom". Try to learn some of these basic phrases before going.
Also for camera translation, I heard a lot of praise for papago over google lens translation. It's from a Korean company but supposedly has better translation due to the similarities of korean and japanese.
True thanks for adding some extra advice!
That’s normal tho, canadians say washroom, and some places they are called lavatory/loo.
Heck in another asian country, the Philippines they are called comfort room.
Gotta love the Pokemon Plushies in the background!
Thank you! They're my girlfriends! She and I are both big fans if you can't tell haha.
When I was in Tokyo from the end of June until mid july in 2018, it was sunny most of the time
It can be hit or miss during that time of year. I know there is a period where it will rain for 2-3 weeks almost everyday. Aside from that, yes I would say it's mostly sunny.
One point I never see brought up for the Japan videos is if you have Google Fi for a phone plan (at least the US provided plans), you should not need to get a SIM card or pocket wifi for most daily needs. Of course, BIG emphasis on "should" there. If you're someone who is using a lot of data-heavy apps (social media, email, net browsing etc.) then you may want it just to not drain your data before dinner. But for a traveler like me who would only be using it for maps, some translation help, and Pokemon Go, I can do all my data heavy stuff on the hotel wifi at night.
Google Fi works really well internationally, I used in in Ireland and I had no trouble getting navigation except for some really rural areas I drove through where nothing short of a satellite phone would have worked anyway. And even then by the time I got to the next town it was right as rain. It hops onto any cell provider and lets you get pretty decent coverage in anywhere a tourist could reasonably go.
Good point ! I use Google Fi actually. I don't think it's worth mentioning, because it's a huge commitment for people to switch companies just for a Japan trip. Also, I'm pretty sure it's exclusive to the US right now.
@@harblife Oh yeah, it's very much an, "If you have it" scenario. Not worth switching just to travel for, but really nice if you happen to already use it. I use them because they are really cheap for a non-data-heavy user like me, ad it works in most of the places I could possibly travel to, but it's still a small name in the carrier game. I just never see very much chatter about it being good for the occasional traveler.
@@christinewatson5205 trust me . Huge advocate of google Fi. Their payment plan makes sense. Only thing that I think sucks is their spotty connection in some places. Since they piggy back off of other carriers, I've had less than stellar speeds (specifically California)
My wife and I did the 72 hr PCR test and it was a breeze to get the blue screen needed to fly thru Narita. But to show how insipid this system is, our good friends, a couple, went 3 weeks before us, they are Vax/boosted so they uploaded vax info to get blue QR screen, but they both caught Covid right before their trip, still went despite being sick and because they are “vaxxed” it’s ok for them to enter, but if I had tested positive right before my trip I wouldn’t be able to enter. Clown world policies. Japan needs to drop these silly Covid entry policies since it doesn’t matter if you’re vaxxed or not, everyone is susceptible to catching it and spreading it, vax’d or not.
100% facts there!
Lmao hey man I don't disagree with you. I know their intent with the vaccines is to lower the chance their hospitals will get overcrowded. However, most tourists that travel are healthy and almost always is a non-issue. Either way, if there any changes to Japan's covid policy, you'll hear it from me first!
hey. no one should be allowed to travel if they have covid. tf.. they should tighten it up and make the tests free or even more inexpensive. the difference is that you're less likely to be sent to the hospital and clog it up if you've been vaxxed - that's the only point. if someone vaxxed still gets hospitalized they got an underlying condition but it has definitely helped their case.
clown world policies for sure bc why not test vaxxed tourists anymore. not the other way around.
Alex, great video!
I’m in Tokyo now and through my US career I got for $10.00 a day supposedly a plan that allows data, but I can’t seem to get internet at all unless I’m using free Wi-Fi and I was wondering if I got the wrong thing?
Also, was wanting suggestions on places go?
Hey I am sorry for the late reply. It's hard for me to say because I don't know the carrier. I would say just contact your carrier and figure where the problem is. Check out my other videos I have tons of spots to check out in Tokyo!
@@harblife My carrier told me I had to turn on the Roaming Feature, which I did and problem resolved.
Thank you for the video .
Do you recommend to rent a car 🚘?
Depends on where you want to go. Anywhere country it might be a good idea!
Nice! Yes, Google maps video :)
Sounds good! Look for a video like this soon!
Hello! i love your videos!
i’m travelling solo to japan and would be going to Fujikawaguchiko, tokyo, kyoto & shinjuku, & a day trip to Nara! is it worth getting the JR pass (this is so expensive😢) or Suica card?
It would probably be barely worth it. Day trip to Nara sounds super far for one day. I would definitely plan to be there for 2 days so you aren't rushing around all day.
Tried to do the atm thing and test it out too
All charged me 110¥ as a fee and family mart had the best exchange rate!
The atm was at the family mart in ginza near shimbashi station below the hotel „fresa inn“ and next to a Ibis Hôtel and a ramen shop
Thanks for contributing! Perhaps it varies between each Family Mart. I still believe 7/11 will always have the best options as they accept the most cards and consistenly has the best rates, but Family Mart is fine too.
Please do make a video on how to use Google Maps efficiently to navigate in Japan
Will do thanks for the feedback!
Great stuff Harb 😀 I certainly know about soggy sneakers in Japan 😹 last time I was prepared
Lmao yes it is a true struggle with the rainy season. rain boots go a long way in Japan!
The maps you show at 2:25, is that like some overlaid My Maps or did you manually mark all those locations in the actual Maps. If this is a My Maps I would very much like the link!
All my saved spots in Tokyo! I'll think about sharing them at some point. Right now they're all my best kept secrets :)
Great video, I use Revolut, should I first convert euro to iene or can I simply withdraw iene with my euro revolut account? Thanks
I would just pull out of the ATMs in Japan.
I always get some money from my bank before going. You get mid market exchange rate. If you need to get it in Japan the convenience store atms are the most reasonable but still more expensive that getting it at home
Thanks for your input! It has been so long since I've come over as a tourist, it's hard for me to remember that fact about the bank.
Also if your phone OS is a bit too old ie under OS8 for android you might need a pocket wifi. Do pay attention to train status screens ie line and station number. JY03 is an example, get that to match along platform and you are gold.
Perfect! Thanks for your help there Jonathan!
@@harblife np, i had a a minor incident where i wasnt sure which train i needed to take last month. i looked at the station numbers in the train car itself to see if i was on the right track. turns out i was on wrong platform and struggled to find the right platform for a bit.
Hey man! I've been following your channel for quite a while now since we've planned our trip since the beginning of the year when Japan wasn't even open yet and I just had a question about your 8th tip
Would you recommend taking out USD at home and then using the currency exchange at the airport (I've heard pretty good stuff about their rates) or do what you said about not worrying about that and directly go to 7/11 and take out JPY from there?
Thank you so much for your support!
I would just wait until you arrive at the airport to pull out Yen. Just find any any convenience store and they should have an ATM. The foreign currency exchange booths are known to have some pretty hefty exchange fees.
Also, when you use an ATM, make sure you choose to be charged in the YEN amount... not that USD amount. Let your bank do the conversion for you. The Japanese ATMs will charge another 3% conversion fee if you choose the USD option with them.
Note that pay close attention if the sim card even supports hot spot as many have it locked and you cannot use it.
So if you're bringing a laptop that doesnt have a simcard slot, portable wifi is the only option for many.
Note that the charge time on portable wifi is suprisingly good.
Also ATM 7/11 best exchange rate ^^ specially if you take out more than 10,000. the max fee from 7/11 is 220 yen, so taking out 50k is cheaper ^^
What do you mean 3 vaccines? Like the first and then 2 boosters or the two part vaccine and a booster??? I can't seem to find any information about this.
2 vaccine and a booster 👌
One thing that I find difficult to explain to people is the difference between a mall and a department store. Usually the debate is that if it has food, it’s a mall. But in japan they all do 😆
This is one topic idea you may want to make a video on, best mall or department stores and probably settle the debate on the difference. Department stores in japan are very underrated.
Hmmm maybe but that is more of a thing only multiple visit veterans or residents would know or care about lol 🤣
A department store is ONE SHOP with loads of different departments. A mall is LOADS OF SHOPS inside one building.
The moment it said vaccination i became sad because my parents never took me to vaccinate or test for negative covid 19 what do i do😔
It's okay they will remove the COVID requirements next month! Stay tuned for my newest video coming out !
Great video. I was especially interested in portable WiFi vs sim cards. I'm returning to Japan in April, after covid destroyed other planned trips. I'd like to see videos of unusual Tokyo day trips please.
Glad I could help you out Sean. You are in luck! My next planned video involves some VERY interesting spots to find throughout Tokyo ;). Stay tuned for that one I think you'll really like it!
Great video! Do you have a carrier that you recommend for an unlimited prepaid sim that I can purchase at the airport upon arrival?
Thanks ! No sorry I couldn't tell ya. But I know Sakura Mobile is a pretty good brand!
@@harblife thanks! I went with that 👌🏼
where can we get the certificate? or is the covid vaccination card okay?
Vaccination card will be good enough! Just upload it on the visit japan website page
If my phone itself can be used in Japan like it has internal coverage should I get a Wi-Fi pocket?
If you have enough data to support your usage, then no.
Just discovered your channel man and I was wondering if what bus pass or train pass do I need to purchase when travel in Osaka and Sapporo?
Can't say specifically for the Osaka or Sapporo sorry. I would say just get a IC card when you're up there and you'll be good to go. If you are traveling to both areas, you might want to consider getting the Japan Rail pass though.
Please do a full Google maps video! Preparing for July 2023!
Sounds good will do! I appreciate your feedback!!!
Question! Leaving in a week. So is the mysos app not useful anymore?
Nope just use VJW
@@harblife thanks for this! It was really helpful.
Hey what website did you say I should go to so I can skip the lines?
(I’m going to Japan in March 2023)
Hi there
I am going at March. Our only option for the pocket wifi is for it to be transferred to the hotel instead of the airport. Are we able to use google maps to transport to our hotel when we land? Or we won't have any connection at all?
You won't have connection unless you have your pocket wifi on you. I would recommend screenshotting your route to your hotel.
Can u do the effective google maps video asap? I’m going Japan in two weeks 🤣
Lmao! I'll see what I can do. I have been sitting on the idea for a while. But if enough people ask on this video, definitely can do it in the next week or two.
@@harblife please do it! i’m in the same situation as this person😅
Can you do the full breakdown of Google Maps? As I am travelling to Japan Next year in March. Thanks.
Been thinking of doing it for a while now. I will see when I have time, and try to crank a video out in the next week or two!
have you heard anything esim cards and if they are any good? someone mentioned one called airalo that you use from an app
Not a big expert on the E-Sims sorry. I will say that I think pocket wifi is better even if you're alone. Can usually get bigger data rates from Pocket wifi.
In regards to Sim cards...what about e-sim? The newest phones like the Iphone 14 do not have physical sim cards anymore but are capable of using an e-sim.
Can't really say about e-sim rentals. Don't know how that would work. I think your easiest bet would be using portable wifi.
I tried downloading the virtual Suica card, but to do that you have to change your region on your phone, which is simple to do unless you have Apple Music subscription, which you'd have to cancel first before changing regions. Kind of annoying lol.
Yeah that sucks. Probably just easier getting a physical suica when you get here 👍
Thank you Alex for your tips! I will make sure to remember them when I go to Japan this spring. I just have one question regarding payment types, does Japan take Discover? I've looked around the internet and it says that merchants in Japan may take discover as they are entwined with JCB and Diner's International... please do let me know!
I am glad you have found the videos helpful :). Not too certain about Discover card. But, it's a major card company, so I would think Discover Card would be a safe bet as long as you stick to major retail stores or restaurants in Japan. Smaller shops and stores... I wouldn't count on it and rely more on cash.
Question we have a 20 hours layover inHaneda you think they will let us out the airport to travel around Tokyo? We are fully vaccinated and carry US passport, do we just show it to them?
You have to go through the same procedures as a tourist visiting Japan. I would recommend filling out your information on their visit Japan website to help speed up the process.
You are amazing for replying so quickly! and yes I did started to register at visit japan website and will start mysos app prior departure of flight
@@jhazeldepaz sounds great! You should have no problems.
Haha thanks. I reply to every single comment on my channel! It is my way of showing respect to people who take time to contribute to the channel!
Can you do a video on e-sims in japan?
Hmmmm... I'll have to look more into that subject. I'll let you know here if I decide to do it!
@@harblife thanks!
Hey man thanks for the video information. Do you know if there is any requirement for a 2nd booster shot or if ur 1st booster has to be within a year before you go to japan? Or it doesn't matter as long as you have had 2 vaccinations + 1 booster shot you are okay to enter?
If you have 2 vaccines and a booster documented, you're good to go!
One thing I’ll add about suica/pasmo app on phone. It works great but it turns out you cant add money to it if you’re using Visa. MC/Amex will work fine but not Visa for some reason, even tho I was able to initially create it and add money thru suica app with Visa. I couldn’t add more money with a Visa card. So weird but others found this same issue.
Ahhh I did hear about that from some of the community in the discord. I should have included that in the video, but thanks for pointing that out. I'll pin your comment at the top for now so others can see this.
Stay healthy !!!
You as well!
Very interested in the Google Maps video!
Your feedback is appreciated! I have gotten a decent amount of requests for it... so I guess it's time ;)
@@harblife Awesome, thank you!
I live in Costa Rica. No Subway or big trains. THANKS for this video.
More about Google maps please.
My trip is in April. Muchas gracias.
No sé usar Google maps. Me gustaría aprender a usarlo en Japón, tengo miedo de perderme.
I've got your back! Google maps video coming soon!
Is pre registering on the visit Japan site optional or is it require for entry?
Makes it faster, but is essentially required. They will make you do the whole registration process when you get there anyway.
Howdy?, man~great recording~see you later~ 💥
Hey man! Good to see you again! I see you're still making great videos over there. Keep it up! Much love!
Was confused with #7, as a first timer, should you get yen before arriving or just rely on ATMs after you arrived?
ATMs after you arrive. I mean, if you really want to feel safe, you can bring SOME cash when you arrive. But, I wouldn't have anymore than 50-100 USD on me. You would definitely have to exchange it at one of the exchange booths, though.
Is it best to buy your JR rail/Shinkansen pass when you are in the country or before you go. It has been my dream to go to Japan for many many years and finally this year I make it a reality planning to move from Tokyo down to Osaka, maybe even Hiroshima at a push. Just wondering what the best pass is to go for, thanks for the suica card tip though will also do that! If anyone can help with my question would appreciate 🤘🏻
I would say to get the JR Rail Pass online and have it delivered to your house if you have the time for that. If not, you can order it online and pick it up at any major train station.
No problem about the suica card tip ! Always happy to help!
How do I upload my vaccines documents? I leave in 3 weeks to Japan
You go to the Visit Japan Website. Google it and you'll find the website.
google maps and conbini food. the 2 essentials
You are too right about it! Maybe another conbini food video is in order ...
Great channel, can you do timestamps in the descrption?
Hey thanks a ton for the kind words! I will think about trying it in my next video. Thanks for the feedback!
Hello!
I was wondering if you can help me find the cheapest way to get to Universal Studio Osaka from Tokyo.
Hello!
Cheapest way to Osaka could honestly be a flight if you're going from Tokyo. I believe shinkansen is slightly more expensive, but much easier to board.
If you're not pressed for time, take the highway bus from Tokyo to Osaka. Look up the Willer Express bus online and buy your ticket there. Another thing is fly from either NRT/HND - Osaka (ITM/KIX). Sometimes it's cheaper to fly than to take the Shinkansen, but bus is the cheapest of the three.
Does withdrawing money from an atm in japan work if my original currency isnt usd?
I am sure Japan's ATMs will accept almost any debit card. Just google JAPAN ATM accepted cards and you should get your answer.
Are there places where if I take USD cash I can exchange for YEN? instead of having to use my card
There are currency exchange booths throughout Japan, but using the ATMs are going to be your best bet. You would need to pull out ALOT of USD before you get here in order to not have to pull out any cash. Japan still heavily relies on hard cash.
You can go to a bank, but that'll take time and they'll look at you funny if you're exchanging only a couple of hundred bucks. Use ATM or go the money exchange booth at the airport.
Wait would just regular unlimited data work over in Japan?
Depends on your service provider and what their international data plan would be like.
Hi Alex, I would love to see a video on Google maps. I enjoy your videos but could you please talk a little slower, I find your pace a little hard to keep up with, thank you for everything you do.
I already made on about google maps! Check it out in my video list. It's a full breakdown how to use the app!
Can you buy JR pass when you land in Japan airports or at a JR station, instead of buying online from USA and having it mailed?
You can buy while in Japan, but it is easiest if you already purchase it and redeem it at a ticket office.
@@harblife Thank you! In Japan, can you buy them as singular tickets instead of as a whole 7 day pass?
@Mandisimo No. Minimum is 7-day I believe.
Great video especially for those that are unfamiliar with Japan.
A few things i may add:
#2 - For tourists from the U.S., some service providers like AT&T and Verizon provide whats called an International Data Plan where you get charged $10/day the moment you use text, call, or their internet. All 3 for just $10/day. This helped me out the last time I traveled to Japan and saved A LOT of money.
#4 The Google Maps will be your number one friend when traveling around Japan. The best part about this is that it also tells you how much the fare will be based on where your departure/destination is, so do some research ahead.
#5 Definitely bring an extra pair of shoes with excellent support and cushion
#7 This is no joke. Coming from the U.S., i converted what i saved (about 75-80% saved up) when the yen was ¥150 back in October. Converting my currency with my local bank, it translated to about ¥143 per $1 USD. Good thing i did because now its at around ¥136 per $1 USD as of December; if i convert any more at this moment, i'll get about ¥130 per USD. Most currency exchanges in Japan will cost a fee of about ¥3 per $1 USD so plan and exchange accordingly.
Other than that, im excited for the spring!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your own advice! Anything to help the community out is always appreciated! You coming out here for Sakura Season?
@HarbLife Yessir! Perfect timing in spite of how busy it'll get during that time of the year. Very excited to see the cherry blossoms as well as spring-exclusive merchandise.
@@tjgaminglogs11 glad to hear ! Hope you enjoy your stay out here!
Can you please make a video about travelling tokyo or major cities via buses?
I might be able to include that piece in my google maps video that I'll be releasing soon. Stay tuned for that!
Dear Sir Hi and thank you for this video. Could you tell me please if I can find foreign currency exchange booths to change cash for Yen? Thank you in advance.
Yea you will find them at the airport. Those are the easiest spots. Other than that, google maps will be your best friend to find them throughout Japan.
Great advice for language! Also bring a notepad so that you can write down what you are saying, people can read a lot better than they can listen!
A notepad is a good idea. But using google translate could act both as a notepad and translation at the same time!
My vaccine card has my married name, but my passport still has my maiden name. Will this be an issue? I am planning to bring my marriage certificate as well, so will that be able to solve any issue? Thank you in advance 🙏🏼 your videos have been so helpful!
I am sure it will be fine. But yea I would bring the marriage certificate not only for the covid info, but for your passport as well.
Waiting for a full video about JR Pass 🥺🙏🏻
Hahah I'm trying! I only have soo much time in the day to make videos please forgive me :'(
@@harblife wow thanks for noticing my comment.. I'm in the process of preparing my trip to Japan and the Whole Japan JR Pass confuses me with my friends suggesting I get a Suica as well.. so I just thought what's the purpose of me getting the Pass if I would end up using Suica anyway, Idk maybe it's just that am too of an idiot to understand 🤣
I recently got married. I have changed my name for my passport but the Covid information still shows my old name. Would that be a problem?
I would just bring your marriage documents or some proof to show your old last name matches your COVID documents. Should be good to go.
Definitely prefer the portable WI-FI
Totally agree with you!
Goggle Maps video please 🙏
You got it!
Please do the Google maps video.
Will do! Making the plans for it now!
Make sure to have an onward ticket or risk being denied boarding.
I have heard of people not having an onward ticket and still getting in. However, I highly recommend getting that onward ticket so they ask less questions.
2023 i go to Japan 😃
Nice!