Don't get lost in Tokyo: Use my affiliate links for POCKET WIFI to connect to the internet and use google maps on the go! www.sakuramobile.jp/ninjamonkeyguy-top
I’d recommend you add Airalo link, much cheaper for customers plus affiliate commission anyway without extra cost to someone. Came back last week, 12gb left of a 20gb esim for two weeks extensive nav, icloud photos, hotspots for 2x etc
if you have to ride the trains during rush hour AND you're not in a hurry AND you have baggage, luggage or gifts with you, ride the last train car. You might have to wait for a few cars to pass by to find a less crowded one but believe me, you'll be a lot more comfortable.
Thank you for this. I was in Tokyo last week and got lost at least 5 times. Got on the wrong train many times and bought so many wrong tickets. I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to go back
This is a straight forward and explicit explanation on how to use Tokyo's metro and train system. I wish this video existed before my first trip to Tokyo. I had to learn this info by trial and many errors. Great video.
Thanks ! Its the platform markings that sometimes can be confusing, particularly at the commuter trains in Tokyo. Hope they sort out the phone IC cards for Android.
Question: as in Tokyo Shinkansen green card upgrade machines will only work with SUICA, in other cities will be the same (ie: working only with the regional brand of IC card)?
This is exactly what I was looking for ! Nobody else actually shows in person what navigating the stations looks like and what to look for, thank you 👍
Question regarding Shinkansen tickets. When I get to the station do I scan in with Suica then purchase Shinkansen tickets then use that to go through Shinkansen gate? Or do u buy tickets before u enter station and use the Shinkansen tickets for all the gates. Just confused when and if Suica is need led when going in Shinkansen. Thanks in advance hope it makes sense
So we buy the shinkansen ticket on our Klook app, and then we get to the station we go to a JR ticket machine and we can use the QR code to have the ticket machine print out our ticket right there- we can reserve a seat on the klook app as well as decide if we want to go with the green seats or not- is this all correct?
What you say sounds correct but you need to check the terms with Klook, the app gives step by step instructions.. and you can always contact them for further assistance
Really appreciate the step by step within the station. A lot of other TH-camrs just kind of tell you without actually showing what the experience is like. Thank you.
@@NinjaMonkeyguy I watched it. And will watch it many times because my wife and I will be visiting in November and going from Tokyo, to Kanazawa, to Shirakawa-Go, to Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hakone, back to Tokyo. So I’ve gotta make sure we know how to get around! So the work and detail you put into this is a gem!
May I ask does the 24/48/72 hours tokyo subway pass including subway that is tag with limited express? Take for an example Tokyo skytree to Akihabara Station using Asakusa Line (limited express) thru Chuo-Sobu Line. Is the Tokyo Subway pass included in this ride? Or we can only use the subway pass for all non limited express trains?
Another question is for the Advance booked Shinkansen Ticket, if we miss the train, can we still board the next train? If we already pre-booked a reserve seat, can it be rebooked ? Any additional cost?
😲 Wow, an outstanding information video on use of trains in Japan !!! Never seen a more comprehensive presentation. If you're planning a visit to Japan, or even on your next visit, watch this video over and over and study it carefully to your benefit. Even multiple trip visitors to Japan are going to pick up new tips 👍👍👍
I'm currently in Japan and seeing this video is a good thorough review for me. I follow Google Maps GPS and helps out a lot when mentioning details like the platform, and which gate exits to take. Will keep rewatching for more clarification
Been twice now (3rd time soon) I mainly used CityMapper, bringing up the English subway map - then winging it from there! The trains are fairly simple - similar to large London stations in navigation, apart from Shinjuku lol, which can be a fun maze... Also, I mentioned CityMapper that has a cone that shows me my orientation on a 2d map. Google maps doesn't for some reason (just a blue blob) for me. Knowing which way you're facing is essential, though half the fun is getting sorta lost and exploring ;-)
For first time visitors who may be intimidated by the different types of trains, the JR lines are easier to navigate than the subway. The Yamanote loop line is particularly useful because it will take you to most (but not all) places you'll want to go. If you miss your stop, you can stay on the train until it comes around again, it takes about an hour to complete the circle. Also keep in mind there are two different subway systems with separate fares. Tokyo Metro has 9 lines and Toei has 4. If you plan to ride a lot of trains, there are day passes for each or both subways, JR local trains within the city and one for all three.
Thank you for the brilliant video. This is a huge help as I am visiting Japan in October for the first time and intend to make the most of the trains and subways to get around.😊
Some times depending on where you are you also need to use the IC card and your physical Shinkansen ticket at the same time at the gate. This really got me the first time and just went to the booth at the gate to sort it out and got it explained.
From my experience with talking to tourists who come to Tokyo the most confusing thing for them is definitely transferring. Many tourists don’t understand for example that JR is a different network than Tokyo metro, Seibu, Tobu, ect. so many end up getting lost that way or having the wrong ticket. Also many tourists struggle with Shinkansen tickets since they always end up screwing up the basic fare + hi speed ticket thing. They don’t realize you can buy the all in one ticket from outside the gate at the JR ticket office or ticket machine.
It is very intimidating and difficult when you first use the train. After a while I figured it out. The JR lines are quite simple. It’s when you don’t use a JR line that can get hairy. Or when you have to use a bus tbh. I only got lost on my way to Fuji, but then I found out I could just take the train from where I was back to Tokyo and go from there to Fuji instead and did that because it was the fore sure thing.
10 yrs ago we were in Japan and we rode the same train 3x coz it keeps skipping out stop. Now I know why 🤣 We use Android phones so we just need to buy ic or suica card for the train? We are going Osaka, Tokyo, Shizuoka and kyoto
Don't get lost in Tokyo: Use my affiliate links for POCKET WIFI to connect to the internet and use google maps on the go! www.sakuramobile.jp/ninjamonkeyguy-top
I’d recommend you add Airalo link, much cheaper for customers plus affiliate commission anyway without extra cost to someone. Came back last week, 12gb left of a 20gb esim for two weeks extensive nav, icloud photos, hotspots for 2x etc
if you have to ride the trains during rush hour AND you're not in a hurry AND you have baggage, luggage or gifts with you, ride the last train car. You might have to wait for a few cars to pass by to find a less crowded one but believe me, you'll be a lot more comfortable.
Thank you for this. I was in Tokyo last week and got lost at least 5 times. Got on the wrong train many times and bought so many wrong tickets. I loved every minute of it. Can't wait to go back
Wow! This train guide is so detailed & comprehensive. Well done Nathan!!
Thanks! took a while!
it's actually very simple to just use google maps
never had any trouble getting around Tokyo
This is a straight forward and explicit explanation on how to use Tokyo's metro and train system. I wish this video existed before my first trip to Tokyo. I had to learn this info by trial and many errors. Great video.
its easy to NOT get lost Jim hehe
@@NinjaMonkeyguy It's even easier to get lost. 😏
Thanks ! Its the platform markings that sometimes can be confusing, particularly at the commuter trains in Tokyo. Hope they sort out the phone IC cards for Android.
Good info bro
Nice to see you picked the thematic thumbnail
Question: as in Tokyo Shinkansen green card upgrade machines will only work with SUICA, in other cities will be the same (ie: working only with the regional brand of IC card)?
youve totally caught me offguard on this one! no idea!! sorry
Thank you for this video! We will be traveling to Tokyo soon and this is very helpful!
Im glad! I think it covers a lot of important bits
Great video! Went to Japan for the second time last month and Live View was really helpful again!
yes Live view is a feature some people are unaware of but I use all the time now!
This is exactly what I was looking for ! Nobody else actually shows in person what navigating the stations looks like and what to look for, thank you 👍
Im glad!!!!
Question regarding Shinkansen tickets. When I get to the station do I scan in with Suica then purchase Shinkansen tickets then use that to go through Shinkansen gate? Or do u buy tickets before u enter station and use the Shinkansen tickets for all the gates. Just confused when and if Suica is need led when going in Shinkansen. Thanks in advance hope it makes sense
You can purchase the tickets BEFORE the shinkansen tickets will be needed only for the shinkansen leg of your trip。
Fantastic guide Ninja , I always would get confused between local and express etc , would do my head in 😅
Yes those can be confusing indeed
So, the Shinkansen don’t use IC cards?
nope.. you need a separate ticket to enter the shinkansen area (you can link it to your IC card but its not straight forward)
Thanks for the informative video😊
My pleasure 😊
If you miss all trains during the night, can you take a taxi on night time?
yes but they can be expensive
So we buy the shinkansen ticket on our Klook app, and then we get to the station we go to a JR ticket machine and we can use the QR code to have the ticket machine print out our ticket right there- we can reserve a seat on the klook app as well as decide if we want to go with the green seats or not- is this all correct?
What you say sounds correct but you need to check the terms with Klook, the app gives step by step instructions.. and you can always contact them for further assistance
Study the Yamanote station names to get your bearings on where and how far is the nearest station at your current location.
can be useful ineed
Gee should've saw this vid sooner
Better late than never? Heheh
is stile requared visit japan web?
its recommended
Really appreciate the step by step within the station. A lot of other TH-camrs just kind of tell you without actually showing what the experience is like. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! I put a lot of thought into this one but it seems not many people have watched it
@@NinjaMonkeyguy I watched it. And will watch it many times because my wife and I will be visiting in November and going from Tokyo, to Kanazawa, to Shirakawa-Go, to Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hakone, back to Tokyo. So I’ve gotta make sure we know how to get around! So the work and detail you put into this is a gem!
ww! everyone gets lost in Shinjuku station ... only my girlfriend's sister knows this place (^_^)
May I ask does the 24/48/72 hours tokyo subway pass including subway that is tag with limited express? Take for an example Tokyo skytree to Akihabara Station using Asakusa Line (limited express) thru Chuo-Sobu Line. Is the Tokyo Subway pass included in this ride? Or we can only use the subway pass for all non limited express trains?
as far as im aware it does not cover limited express services, which often require additional fares or seat reservations.
@@NinjaMonkeyguy thanks for your info
Another question is for the Advance booked Shinkansen Ticket, if we miss the train, can we still board the next train? If we already pre-booked a reserve seat, can it be rebooked ? Any additional cost?
You would lose your reserved seat but you can take the non-reserved seats on any later trains on the same day.
@@NinjaMonkeyguy thanks for your info
😲 Wow, an outstanding information video on use of trains in Japan !!! Never seen a more comprehensive presentation. If you're planning a visit to Japan, or even on your next visit, watch this video over and over and study it carefully to your benefit. Even multiple trip visitors to Japan are going to pick up new tips 👍👍👍
Thanks! it took me many many hours to put together!
I'm currently in Japan and seeing this video is a good thorough review for me. I follow Google Maps GPS and helps out a lot when mentioning details like the platform, and which gate exits to take. Will keep rewatching for more clarification
In Types of Trains - Metro Trains are skipped. Why ?
Because they are local trains
@@NinjaMonkeyguy Thanks for clarifying.
Been twice now (3rd time soon) I mainly used CityMapper, bringing up the English subway map - then winging it from there! The trains are fairly simple - similar to large London stations in navigation, apart from Shinjuku lol, which can be a fun maze...
Also, I mentioned CityMapper that has a cone that shows me my orientation on a 2d map. Google maps doesn't for some reason (just a blue blob) for me. Knowing which way you're facing is essential, though half the fun is getting sorta lost and exploring ;-)
Fantastic Video! Good Work!
Thanks to you that I have confidence for my upcoming solo city trip Arigato!
Super helpful video. I’ll definitely be more prepared now 😁
For first time visitors who may be intimidated by the different types of trains, the JR lines are easier to navigate than the subway. The Yamanote loop line is particularly useful because it will take you to most (but not all) places you'll want to go. If you miss your stop, you can stay on the train until it comes around again, it takes about an hour to complete the circle. Also keep in mind there are two different subway systems with separate fares. Tokyo Metro has 9 lines and Toei has 4. If you plan to ride a lot of trains, there are day passes for each or both subways, JR local trains within the city and one for all three.
Thank you for the brilliant video. This is a huge help as I am visiting Japan in October for the first time and intend to make the most of the trains and subways to get around.😊
Some times depending on where you are you also need to use the IC card and your physical Shinkansen ticket at the same time at the gate. This really got me the first time and just went to the booth at the gate to sort it out and got it explained.
Really enjoyed the music in this video. Great information regarding the Google Live View also!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really great “how-to” guide
Perfectly timed and amazing video!!! I’m going in a few weeks so thank you!!!
Hope it has you prepared!
From my experience with talking to tourists who come to Tokyo the most confusing thing for them is definitely transferring. Many tourists don’t understand for example that JR is a different network than Tokyo metro, Seibu, Tobu, ect. so many end up getting lost that way or having the wrong ticket. Also many tourists struggle with Shinkansen tickets since they always end up screwing up the basic fare + hi speed ticket thing. They don’t realize you can buy the all in one ticket from outside the gate at the JR ticket office or ticket machine.
yes things can be confusing indeed
This comprehensive guide will be a great help for many people! 😊
I hope s o
First!
Thank You!!! VERY useful guide!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
It is very intimidating and difficult when you first use the train. After a while I figured it out. The JR lines are quite simple. It’s when you don’t use a JR line that can get hairy. Or when you have to use a bus tbh. I only got lost on my way to Fuji, but then I found out I could just take the train from where I was back to Tokyo and go from there to Fuji instead and did that because it was the fore sure thing.
I hope The guide will help purple
@@NinjaMonkeyguy am planning on possibly returning for a week in October am sure it will
10 yrs ago we were in Japan and we rode the same train 3x coz it keeps skipping out stop.
Now I know why
🤣
We use Android phones so we just need to buy ic or suica card for the train?
We are going Osaka, Tokyo, Shizuoka and kyoto
IC card for local trains yep
Super helpful. Awesome stuff @NinjaMonkeyguy