Please forgive any mispronunciations! I did my best 😅 I buy my eSims from SimsDirect, this is my affiliate link which costs you nothing extra but helps support my channel: simsdirect.com.au/?ref=jqszpmdn&GoAffPro This is in no way financial advice - however I use the Latitude 28 Degrees Mastercard when travelling although they’ve just introduced an $8 per month card fee! Let me know what you loved experiencing (or would love experiencing!) in Japan and Taiwan.
I've been following you for about a year since i book my first cruise and i find you to be the best Youtbuber in Australia for travel content ive found. Excellent work.
Very comprehensive vid ! I can tell, you are well researched before your trip to get the most out of your time. It’s the only way not to miss out ! Cheers Rod
Hi Adrian, great hints and tips. I would, however I would skip Tokyo Skytree and go to the Metropolitan government building in Shinjuku, which has an observation deck up top and it’s free of charge to do so. Whilst not done on your trip I would highly recommend doing Japan kart as well whilst in Tokyo.
Thanks John! We were going to the government building actually, before I realised it was only open M-F 😆 I totally forgot to mention it in the video so I’m glad you noted it here. Karting looked like fun! For those interested, an international driving permit is required so make sure you arrange that well before you arrive in Tokyo.
Excellent trip report thanks Adrian. We have been to Japan and Taiwan several times and you really hit the nail on the head with your advice and suggestions. Oh and yes the food - we always come home several kilos heavier than when we left.
looks like you both had such a fantastic time, the photos of you and micheal are lovely. i have no clue how you remember all of the cities names and the temples and food etc. you have done a fabulous job.
Great episode Adrian. This is exactly the info I need to get my wife engaged in travel. She worries about all these little things and that puts her off. This will help a lot of people.
Great video, your commentary is excellent . We went to some of the cities and visited some of the places you saw. We went to 101 tower on a clear sunny day it was part of a ship tour and one of our best days. We found the train travel was cash only in Japan. Our second time in Japan and enjoyed every port especially the north island ❤ Sue in Queensland
Much enjoyed ! Thanks 4 sharing - we enjoyed Japan so much , very kind and intriguing 😀. Taiwan is on our list early 2025. Glad you guys had a wonderful experience !
Thank you Adrian, lots of helpful advice. Visited the northern part of 🇯🇵 last year, sailing into Naha on our way down to the Philippines. We enjoyed it so much we have another cruise booked taking in SE Asia, plus Taiwan and the places you went to in Japan. Have made many notes, and saved this video. I agree with you, as bustling and busy as it was, I felt very safe in Japan, carry some Japanese Yen, 👍 cash is king.
Adrian, Thanks SO MUCH. I booked Spirit (March '25) From Taipei to Tokyo and then from Tokyo to Incheon. Your advice is great. I'm definitely going to try On-My-Own touring. Cruise ship tours are too many people and not enough freedom. Any suggestions where a cruise tour would be a better idea?
Thanks for watching! I think a ship's tour is a great idea in places where the main attraction is some distance from the port. If there are no easily accessible public transport options close to the port, I would also look to a ship's tour. Use google maps, and even ChatGPT for some advice about what might work best in certain ports if you're tying to do most, or some of it, on your own. Happy travels!
Adrian, yoiu naqiled this video. Your best yet. excellent suggestions. I use sims direct extensively and they are a great company with excellent products and more importantly service. As Japan uses cash a lot unfortunately, can you suggest how much cash you would need, and denominations,on a daily basis given buying food and basic other stuff. Once again - you nailed this one.
Wow, thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the review. Regarding money, we travelled through Japan over about 10-12 days and I brought with us 30,000JPY which at the time was about $310AUD worth. We still had a bit leftover at the end of trip... we tended to use card where we could, as it was just easier than fumbling with cash.
Is there taxi from Kobe port to Nara Park? What is the name the the restaurant for the Kobe beef? Did you book the excursion at the Kobe port and Naha port? I will sail this cruise ship next year and would like to know how fast the line to get off the ship if you do on your own excursion ? Do they call by the number, by group? Thx
The cost for this journey by taxi in Japan can be fairly high. For a ride of this distance, the fare would likely be around ¥25,000 to ¥30,000 JPY (approximately $165-$200 USD), including tolls and fees. I would take the train, as we did. Disembarking the ship in Kobe took no time - we just walked off. It maybe took 5 minutes to reach the outside of the cruise terminal from inside the ship. They only call groups if you're booked onto a cruise line excursion - but then you'll meet somewhere onboard and be escorted off together. The Kobe beef restaurant was Kobe Beef Gallery.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. We embarked on May 26th and disembarked on June 5th. The summer time is typically rainier than at other times of the year.
Hi! We travelled at the end of May and into June. It was crowded in Tokyo and cities like Kobe (that’s always the case…) but nothing that would put me off going back at that time. It was very hot though, and quite wet.
Could you pls tell me what month you took this cruise . I wonder what the weather would be like in September. That’s when we are planning to take this same cruise .
Hi Adrian. My cruise next year goes via Keelung. Do you recommend spending the day in that port city, or going into Taipei (either on an excursion or independently on the train). Looking for an authentic Taiwan experience in a handful of hours can be tricky. Thanks.
Hi Frances - that's a bit of a hard choice. Taipei and Keelung feel quite different. I think Keelung has plenty to see and enjoy for the day that maybe I would choose it over Taipei if I could only pick one. Taipei is special too, but feels more like a regular 'big city' where Keelung, to me, had more character.
For Australian passport holders, there are visa exemptions in place for tourism travel so we didn't need to apply for a visa for either Japan or Taiwan.
You can use pocket wifi depending on the SIM card and how it connected to the local network. You’d need to investigate with pocket wifi suppliers to see what will function best for your needs.
Please forgive any mispronunciations! I did my best 😅 I buy my eSims from SimsDirect, this is my affiliate link which costs you nothing extra but helps support my channel: simsdirect.com.au/?ref=jqszpmdn&GoAffPro
This is in no way financial advice - however I use the Latitude 28 Degrees Mastercard when travelling although they’ve just introduced an $8 per month card fee!
Let me know what you loved experiencing (or would love experiencing!) in Japan and Taiwan.
I've been following you for about a year since i book my first cruise and i find you to be the best Youtbuber in Australia for travel content ive found. Excellent work.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that.
Very comprehensive vid ! I can tell, you are well researched before your trip to get the most out of your time. It’s the only way not to miss out !
Cheers Rod
Thanks so much Rod. Appreciate it!
Hi Adrian, great hints and tips. I would, however I would skip Tokyo Skytree and go to the Metropolitan government building in Shinjuku, which has an observation deck up top and it’s free of charge to do so. Whilst not done on your trip I would highly recommend doing Japan kart as well whilst in Tokyo.
Thanks John! We were going to the government building actually, before I realised it was only open M-F 😆 I totally forgot to mention it in the video so I’m glad you noted it here.
Karting looked like fun! For those interested, an international driving permit is required so make sure you arrange that well before you arrive in Tokyo.
Excellent trip report thanks Adrian. We have been to Japan and Taiwan several times and you really hit the nail on the head with your advice and suggestions. Oh and yes the food - we always come home several kilos heavier than when we left.
Thanks Mark! Glad you enjoyed it - the food was incredible! Definitely a good excuse to come back a bit tubbier than normal 😆
Thanks. We are cruising Tokyo to Adelaide in September. This video was timely and helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your cruise in September.
Im doing this cruise in reverse in September looking forward to it thanks for all detail's 😊
Enjoy your cruise!
looks like you both had such a fantastic time, the photos of you and micheal are lovely. i have no clue how you remember all of the cities names and the temples and food etc. you have done a fabulous job.
Thank you so much!
Great episode Adrian. This is exactly the info I need to get my wife engaged in travel. She worries about all these little things and that puts her off. This will help a lot of people.
Thanks so much - hopefully you can both get over to Japan or elsewhere soon!
Great video, your commentary is excellent . We went to some of the cities and visited some of the places you saw. We went to 101 tower on a clear sunny day it was part of a ship tour and one of our best days. We found the train travel was cash only in Japan. Our second time in Japan and enjoyed every port especially the north island ❤ Sue in Queensland
Great overview Adrian. Japan has been on my bucket list forever. Maybe next year 😄
Thanks so much - hopefully you make it there next year, it's a brilliant place to explore!
We are doing this cruise next year, thanks for the great tips. Love your work 👍🏼
Thanks so much - enjoy your travels!
Much enjoyed ! Thanks 4 sharing - we enjoyed Japan so much , very kind and intriguing 😀. Taiwan is on our list early 2025. Glad you guys had a wonderful experience !
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it and totally agree about Japan - a lovely spot to travel.
thankyou Adrian , a great and informative vlog, i really enjoyed it.
So glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for mentioning mobility access as this is important to me
A great report Adrian! Thanks you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching 🙏🏼
Great video especially as we head to many similar places in October ! I have saved this video for future reference…
Glad to read that! Thanks for watching and I good you enjoy your trip in October.
Thank you Adrian, lots of helpful advice. Visited the northern part of 🇯🇵 last year, sailing into Naha on our way down to the Philippines. We enjoyed it so much we have another cruise booked taking in SE Asia, plus Taiwan and the places you went to in Japan. Have made many notes, and saved this video. I agree with you, as bustling and busy as it was, I felt very safe in Japan, carry some Japanese Yen, 👍 cash is king.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy your next cruise and holiday in that part of the world.
That was awesome, thanks for the review
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!
Great stuff Adrian
Japan is just awesome
Noodle Museum in Yokohama 👍🏻🇦🇺❤🇯🇵
Noodle museum sounds up my alley 😬
Fantastic video. So much info.
Glad you enjoyed the video.
Thanks Adrian! I love your review and commentary. How was the drag show?
Thanks for watching, Paul! It was actually a drag bar, not quite a show, but very fun for an hour or so! It was called Campy Bar.
@@TheCruiseandTravelGuy thanks. I am interested in visiting it and any other LGBTQ+ friendly tips you may have to offer
Adrian, Thanks SO MUCH. I booked Spirit (March '25) From Taipei to Tokyo and then from Tokyo to Incheon. Your advice is great. I'm definitely going to try On-My-Own touring. Cruise ship tours are too many people and not enough freedom. Any suggestions where a cruise tour would be a better idea?
Thanks for watching! I think a ship's tour is a great idea in places where the main attraction is some distance from the port. If there are no easily accessible public transport options close to the port, I would also look to a ship's tour. Use google maps, and even ChatGPT for some advice about what might work best in certain ports if you're tying to do most, or some of it, on your own. Happy travels!
Adrian, yoiu naqiled this video. Your best yet. excellent suggestions. I use sims direct extensively and they are a great company with excellent products and more importantly service. As Japan uses cash a lot unfortunately, can you suggest how much cash you would need, and denominations,on a daily basis given buying food and basic other stuff. Once again - you nailed this one.
Wow, thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the review.
Regarding money, we travelled through Japan over about 10-12 days and I brought with us 30,000JPY which at the time was about $310AUD worth. We still had a bit leftover at the end of trip... we tended to use card where we could, as it was just easier than fumbling with cash.
Is there taxi from Kobe port to Nara Park? What is the name the the restaurant for the Kobe beef? Did you book the excursion at the Kobe port and Naha port? I will sail this cruise ship next year and would like to know how fast the line to get off the ship if you do on your own excursion ? Do they call by the number, by group? Thx
The cost for this journey by taxi in Japan can be fairly high. For a ride of this distance, the fare would likely be around ¥25,000 to ¥30,000 JPY (approximately $165-$200 USD), including tolls and fees. I would take the train, as we did.
Disembarking the ship in Kobe took no time - we just walked off. It maybe took 5 minutes to reach the outside of the cruise terminal from inside the ship. They only call groups if you're booked onto a cruise line excursion - but then you'll meet somewhere onboard and be escorted off together.
The Kobe beef restaurant was Kobe Beef Gallery.
Great video - thank you! Can I ask what the dates of your cruise were, as the rain concerns me for planning our trip to Japan next summer. Thank you.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video. We embarked on May 26th and disembarked on June 5th. The summer time is typically rainier than at other times of the year.
@TheCruiseandTravelGuy Was is rainier towards the end of the trip or all throughout? Trying to find the best time to go to avoid rain lol
Hi! What time of year did you go and was it crowded?
Hi! We travelled at the end of May and into June. It was crowded in Tokyo and cities like Kobe (that’s always the case…) but nothing that would put me off going back at that time. It was very hot though, and quite wet.
Could you pls tell me what month you took this cruise . I wonder what the weather would be like in September. That’s when we are planning to take this same cruise .
We cruised at the end of May and into early June.
How did you make reservations for Japan cruise?? Norwegian website?? Thank you
Yes, or through your local travel agent. If you’re Australian based, you can contact us - www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au
Hi Adrian. My cruise next year goes via Keelung. Do you recommend spending the day in that port city, or going into Taipei (either on an excursion or independently on the train). Looking for an authentic Taiwan experience in a handful of hours can be tricky. Thanks.
Hi Frances - that's a bit of a hard choice. Taipei and Keelung feel quite different. I think Keelung has plenty to see and enjoy for the day that maybe I would choose it over Taipei if I could only pick one. Taipei is special too, but feels more like a regular 'big city' where Keelung, to me, had more character.
Did you obtain a Japan Visa prior to your cruise? or is there a visa exemption for foreigners on temporary port visit?
For Australian passport holders, there are visa exemptions in place for tourism travel so we didn't need to apply for a visa for either Japan or Taiwan.
How about pocket WiFi???
You can use pocket wifi depending on the SIM card and how it connected to the local network. You’d need to investigate with pocket wifi suppliers to see what will function best for your needs.