✈️ What you need to know for Going to Japan in 2024 ✈️
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- Updates and new things you need to know if you're going to Japan in 2024! Including opening dates for major new attractions this year.
✨ Get my 300 page Japan guidebook: cakeswithfaces.co.uk/product/...
If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2024, here are all the changes and updates you need to know about, including new sections of Visit Japan Web for tax-free shopping, updates to the JR Pass, what's going on with Suica card shortages, when to get Yen and what you need to reserve in advance, in Tokyo and around Japan.
00:00 Intro
00:58 Exchange rates
01:32 Do you still need cash?
02:30 Visit Japan Web
05:29 Japan Rail Pass
07:20 Luggage on the shinkansen
07:42 Suica card shortage
10:36 Restaurants
12:39 Ticket reservations
13:51 Natural disasters
14:55 Face masks
15:58 TeamLab Borderless
16:32 Ghibli Park
17:34 Universal Studios Japan
18:03 Tokyo Disney Sea
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⚠ An update to Visit Japan Web ⚠ (why do procedures always change literally days after you make a video about them...!?) 🙈😅 They're updating their QR codes on 25th Jan, so if you got yours before then, you need to do that section again to get the updated version.
Sounds like there'll be just one QR code for customs and immigration, instead of two separate QR codes.
Here's the official announcement: vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/notice240112/
And yes - I just did mine this week, so I'll be doing mine again too...! 🙈
I've not done mine yet for our travel to Tokyo in March, great to know about this beforehand. Now I will wait until after January 25th before entering my trip into the Visit Japan Web site. Thanks Amy 🙂
Thank you for the update! I literally did mine 2 weeks ago 🤦♀️ glad i saw this
Good the two QR codes is confusing
it means i need to register again on the 25th or on the 26th? my flight is on the 26th and i've got 2 qr codes
@@Twinkle_Cutlass The system updates on the 25th at 3am Japan time. So you'll need to do that section of Visit Japan Web again after 3am Japan time. QR codes from before 25th Jan won't be valid any more; you'll need to get the new, single QR code. Have a wonderful trip!
I'm probably not going back to Japan for years but I'm still addicted to watching Japan travel videos. 😂 I miss it.
Nothing wrong with a bit of vicarious travel through videos! :-)
Same, I’m not even finished with college yet but I always watch these Japan guide videos so I can plan my dream trip in the future 😂 never wrong to dream and plan!
@@may3877 Nothing wrong with that! And you'll be ready when the time comes!
Went back with a neighbor last year. He loved it. For me it were 13 years since. Averaged about $70. CAD per night in hotels. Saw friends had fun. Showed him around Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Fukuoka. We had a great time.
I'm almost 32, and could have traveled to Japan since i was 18, but wasted so much time and money on Ordering Pizza, buying video games, eating at restaurants....hopefully 2024 will be the year once I find a Job again. My goal is to get a Job by April so that in October I can have between $3000-$4000 to finally go.
So excited! Going to Japan with my boyfriend for 2 months !!
Ah that's going to be amazing! You'll be able to do so much on such a long trip! Will you be going all around Japan?
@@cakeswithfaces We will mainly be doing the Golden Route with a lot of day trips. Instead of only a few days in cities, we want to really take our time and spend at least a week in each to gain a deeper sense of it. In December, we are already going to Hokkaido and eastern Japan so we aren’t gonna go there during the summer.
@@israelgollin8089 That sounds fantastic! And I'm glad you'll be spending time in each place to explore everywhere. There are so many good day trips around the Kansai region!
I loved this video, but the moment you said 'because I'm a vegetarian' I loved it even more because I'm a vegetarian too and I want to visit Japan next year and have been doing a lot of research to try and find vegetarian-friendly places! Surprisingly there are A LOT more than I had expected!! Definitely subscribed :)
Thanks so much! You might find my list helpful - it's restaurants with veggie options (because I travel with meat-eaters), focussing on Japanese styles of food: cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/vegetarian-restaurants-in-japan/
omg I love this!! Thank you so much! @@cakeswithfaces
Really liking these videos! I will be visiting Tokyo next month, and want to prepare. I've just ordered your guide book, as well. I am looking forward to looking through that, and learning more :)
Thanks so much! It'll be on the way to you in the post today - have a wonderful time in Tokyo! 🎶
I just bought my flights to go to Japan for 2 weeks at the end of May/early June and your videos have been a lifesaver. Thanks for the amazing content! :)
Excellent, thank you! It's a great time to go - it'll be lovely and warm! ☀️
another great video, you're one of my favorite sources for Japan travel info
Thanks so much, so happy to hear that!
This is the best channel to preparare a trip to Japan in 2024 that I have found in the World Wide Web! Thank you for sharing it 😊
Thanks so much, that means a lot! 🥰
Thanks for lots of useful information as always. Can't wait for my 4th Japan trip in May 😊
It'll be here before you know it!
I'm going to Japan in March. I've been to Japan many times but the last time was decades ago. I speak Japanese so it should be fine, but I appreciate all the advice since I've been out of the loop for awhile.
There's always something that changes! ☺️
You helped lot with our trip to Japan last year thank you. I still watch your uploads because they are great and informative.
Thanks so much! Hope they bring back happy memories. 🥰
Such a helpful video! Glad you put this up before my trip in April, definitely going to check out the new TeamLab!
Tickets have just gone on sale (got mine already!).
Thank you, that was very informative!
Thanks, hope it helps!
wonderful video! very informative without being overwhelming 😅 and i have to say that yiur hair is amazing 🤩
Thanks so much!! 🥰
Thanks for giving all of these tips. It's a livesaver!!!
Hope it helps! Enjoy planning your trip!
Thank you for all the information! I am going in October and I cant wait!
Enjoy planning your trip! October's a great time to go!
im finally going to japan for the first time in two months and im so excited! im using your videos to prepare!!
Ooh exciting!! You'll have to let me know how it goes! I'm sure you'll love it.
I recommend the love hotels
@@manny5848 Well some have free karaoke...
Thanks! I'm getting ready for a work trip in a month and your videos always make what feels like an overwhelming situation feel more manageable!
Hope you get some free time to explore! Try as much Japanese food as you can!
Thanks for the additional info on visit Japan web (especially the photo tips).
It took quite a few goes to take a photo! 😅 But got there in the end!
Great and diverse information. Well-articulated and at the correct pace to absorb the information. Thank you very much Amy, for taking the time and effort to produce these great videos. It is much appreciated.
Thanks so much! I always try and include everything I'd want to know. Hope it helps! ☺️
I very much agree on just jumping into random restaurants. The best meal of my last trip was at a random Tsukemen shop after the first two options we had turned us down since it was full/too late. Sadly the place has closed since then, I would've loved to go there again on my next trip.
The best places are these surprise finds! Bet you're glad you didn't give up and go to a fast food place!
OMG, Thank you so much for these updates about Japan. I´m going to Tokyo by the end of january for a one week work trip, and then, leave for a week in Seoul as well. I´m whatching every single new video on YT with fresh information since things are changing real fast. Greetings from Rio.
That sounds fantastic ( if you get any free time off from work). Enjoy all the delicious food! I'd love to go to South Korea one day too.
I love how detailed your videos are. My brother is going in April and I shared your video with him. I think it'll help
Hope they help! April's a great time to go!
My trip is in May, so thank you for all this new info! ❤
Have a wonderful time!!
Really appreciate this, super helpful thank you :)
Thanks so much! Enjoy planning your trip!
Going in late March. Super excited!
Not long to go...!
Thanks for making this video! I’ll be going to Japan for the first time ever in March for the whole month. I’m so so SO excited.
How exciting! You'll be able to do so much in a whole month! Where are you planning on going?
Its really exciting! My bf has some relatives living in Nagoya, so we'll be going there first, and then meeting up with some of his friends and travelling pretty much all over the country! Of course the most popular places but some more rural areas too! :D@@cakeswithfaces
This was a great informative video!!! Very well done! Cheers from Canada
Thanks! Enjoy planning your trip!
@@cakeswithfaces Thank you!!
Thanks for this great video. I had my dream trip booked for Japan March-April 2020 and was crushed to have to cancel it then. I am finally going to Japan for the first time for a couple weeks this March - April. This video was super helpful to see what has changed. I have really enjoyed your other videos too.
So glad it's finally happening! It'll definitely be worth the wait. It'll be so good to finally experience all the plans you made!
this video was so helpful😭 thanks!!
Glad it helps! Enjoy planning your trip!
Thanks for the updates been there in December last year. It's going to be super crowded guys.😅😂
Have fun 😊
They say tourist numbers already reached 2019 levels towards the end of last year!
This video was so helpful! I thought a return ticket to Tokyo-Osaka with the Shinkansen would be more than the JR pass, but I guess not! That Japan guide was so helpful! I'm planning a 16-day trip to Japan in November, hopefully, I get to see some autumn foliage when I go! Had to cancel my March trip back in 2020 two weeks before I was going, so I hope to make it this year!
Ah that's bad luck with March 2020 - glad you could reschedule! It'll be worth the wait.
A return trip from Tokyo to Osaka and/or Kyoto was always the gauge of whether a JR Pass is worth it, because they were a similar price (I think the individual ticket's slightly less), but that rule's gone out the window now!
Great info and succinctly delivered. We arrive in a few weeks for 23 days and will be going to Akita, Aomori, Hakodate, Sapporo (ice festival), Takayama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Nagoya with a week to finish in Tokyo. We were lucky to get tickets to all parts of Ghibli Park on the last day before it closes for a bit and we're standing by for tix for Borderlands. Your previous video on luggage was amazing and has helped us with our planning.
That sounds fantastic - they're great places to go! The snow festival and Hakodate are really an experience. Congratulations on managing to get Ghibli tickets!
Super helpful, thank you!
Thanks so much! Enjoy planning your trip!
After having not visited Japan for a few years now, I'm longing to go back, but it looks like things have changed a lot, so this video is extremely helpful- thanks Amy!....
Hope you can make it back there sometime! 🤞
Thanks for your videos
Thanks, hope they help!
I was so happy to finally go in Oct/Nov last year for the very first time. Between you and other Japan themed travel Tubers it made my trip a breeze. I was scared of the trains and buses, even using Navitime, but after taking them the first time it no longer scared me. I'm planning to make Japan a yearly trip now.
Ah that's so great to hear! What were the highlights of your trip?
I went to Odate, Akita for Hachi-ko's 100th birthday festival (I fell so hard in love with this small town I shall be visiting each trip), saw Fuji-san on a fully cloudless morning with fall colors and lastly while in Aomori I saw some of the first snow of the season falling. I also saw the new Godzilla movie in a Japanese theater on my last day. I also went all the way south to Ibusuki to find the Eeveelution lids and took the Queen Beetle over to Busan for an overnight.@@cakeswithfaces
same. I went in May 2023 and will be going again this October/November. Any tips or knowledge of what it's like in October in terms of weather and such?
@@killininstinct343 I'm going back again Oct/Nov. The weather, depending on where you are, isn't bad. It was a little unseasonable warm when I went though but normally temps are in the 60s-70s (F) for highs and 30s-40s for lows. If you're going up north I saw snow on Nov 11th in Aomori so it gets colder there. That being said the whole time I was there I only wore basic pants and sometimes a hoodie in the morning, only few days did I wear it the whole day, then tied it around my waist once I was too warm but otherwise I was in short sleeves.
@@killininstinct343 If it helps, all the videos in this playlist were filmed during the first two weeks of October: ua-cam.com/play/PL-YXkErUfa4lHnPn_vIoMA2tOGs3WnSiN.html It was still warm at the start of October, but it cools off as the month goes on - so t-shirts, hoodies and a light jacket should be god! Although the temperature does vary throughout Japan, so if you're going to Tohoku or Hokkaido it will be much colder.
So helpful, great video :)
Thanks, enjoy planning your trip!
Thanks for the heads up. Tomorrow, I am flying to Tokyo for the 1st time and I am looking forward to my flight.
How exciting!! Have an amazing time - and have a Fanta Grape for me!
Thanks.
Cant wait to go for 7 days to osaka in february ❤ thanks for the video ❤
Osaka's such a fun city! Enjoy Dotonbori at night!
I'm going to be studying abroad in Japan as a minor, thankyou for these!!
That'll be an amazing experience!
Two weeks to my trip to Hokkaido and snow festivals! Can’t wait!
Woop woop! Hokkaido in winter's an unforgettable experience. Have an amazing time!
Great info thank you.
Hope it helps! :-)
Thanks, very informative. My wife and myself are returning to Japan in March with a 5 night stay in Tokyo where we hope to immerse ourselves in the local culture.
The iPhone suica pass looks like a good option for us. The 3 day jr Tokyo wide pass. Probably do an organised day to Mount Fuji this time too.
Sounds good! Make the most of your Tokyo Wide Pass with some great day trips!
Good video thank you!
Hope it helps! Enjoy planning your trip 🎶
Saving this for my trip next month.
Have an amazing time!! ✨✨
I love this video because it helps me understand how to travel around my country.
Thanks, glad you like it! Do you live in Japan?
I visited in Tokyo in July 2023, when there was a shortage on the regular Suica cards. Fortunately this did not affect the availability of Welcome Suica cards, the red ones, which I bought as usual at Haneda airport. The Welcome Suica's has a limited working period of 28 days, you have to get a new one every time you visit, also anything left on the card will be lost when the card expires. I solved this by emtying the card at the vending machines at Haneda airport before leaving Japan 🙂
Glad that worked out well! It's easy to spend the leftover credit when you can use it at vending machines and some shops!
Thank you for the vids. I'm preparing for my first Japan trip in March and they've been so helpful.
Thanks for the quality content.
Thanks so much! Are you hoping to catch the cherry blossoms?
@@cakeswithfaces Nah I figured it'll be crowded, expensive and in the middle of Ramadan. I'll be there the first two weeks of March so hoping to catch the tail end of the Plum blossom festival in Setagaya (Hanegi park) and maybe the early blooms in Matsuda.
@@Panda_Roll Good call! I tend to avoid peak cherry blossom season too - unless you really want to see them, the rest of your trip will be that much more enjoyable! Many of my recent Japan vlogs were filmed at the start of March - I think it may have been unseasonably warm, but it was a lot warmer than I expected (coming from the UK at least!).
@@cakeswithfaces I really hope that's the case. I heard march's weather is a bit temperamental so praying for sunshine. Will you be updating the pop up list for 2024? I don't think there are any interesting ones in March but would love to visit if any during my stay in Tokyo.
@@Panda_Roll I update the pop-up cafes list every week or so. They don't usually announce them very far in advance, so there should be a few more coming up for March if you check back nearer the time! cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/pop-up-theme-cafes-japan-2023/
I'm currently in Japan with the 3 week JR pass. Even though it's quite an investment it just makes life so much easier if you're travelling by train. When taking a local train for example you don't need to worry about buying tickets, you just go through the ticket gates with the pass and that's it.
I also must say that Japanese face masks are a lot more comfortable to wear than the ones we are used to in the West 😅.
I also discovered Japanese second hand stores like Book Off and Hobby Off. They seem to be everywhere and the Japanese seem to take really good care of their belongings. Really recommended if you're looking for Japanese books, retro games, souvenirs,...
Great video, thank you very much for your hard work.
Why would you want to wear mask. Time to ditch them
Oh I love Book Off! We've spent many hours there searching for treasures! You're right - everything secondhand is in excellent condition.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
maybe she got sick? what do you know? everyone wear masks in japan...its not a big deal like the west wanted to make
I took my daughter to Japan, Tokyo/Kyoto /Osaka/ Nara/ for 9 days, I'm going this coming March 😊 with my husband, that's how much I love Japan!❤
You'll be able to show him round all the best places! Have a great trip!
Thanks for the tips, Kitakyushu in February !
Ooh exciting! What are you most looking forward to there?
@@cakeswithfaces Seeing my eldest daughter and just being in Japan to experience it.
@@jdeckard1243 That sounds lovely! 💖 I'll be going back to Kyushu this year too!
Woohoo, looking forward to my first trip later in the year!
Exciting!! Where are you planning to go in Japan?
@@cakeswithfaces Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and working my way back to Tokyo!
@@XNick291X Have an amazing time!!
@@cakeswithfaces I'll try
Thank you for the updates and looking forward to the new Spring videos that will be coming. In November of 2023, Delta Airlines were not requiring mask to be worn on the flight.
Thanks - I think most dropped the requirement just after I flew in spring last year. It was mostly asian airlines that required masks, but as my BA flight was a codeshare with JAL they had the rule too.
Right in time since I'll be going back next month. 🤗
Exciting!! Not long to go! Have an amazing time.
Great to hear my 2019 suika pass will still be valid!
Yes it'll be fine! I'm still using one first purchased in 2010 and it's still going strong!
@@cakeswithfaces it hasn't been used since 2019. Hoping it will still work. Seems you have used yours more frequently.
@@dwarfagp It'll be fine - they last for 10 years since they were last used.
@@cakeswithfaces OK, for some reason I was thinking it was 3 years - thanks :)
Thank you for this video Amy 👏 🫶
Thank you!! 🙌
Already planning for my return trip this year.
Never too early to start Japlanning!
Thank you so much for the exchange rate alert! Because I have a multi-currency travel card, I was able to load a bit of JPY at a great exchange rate, in preparation for my next trip :D (next year or possibly for NYE this year).
Also for me, I discovered during my last trip in spring 2023 how convenient, easy and pleasant travelling by car in Japan is. So beyond booking a flight or Shinkansen for super long distance travel, I'll probably be renting a car again. Found it quite cost effective and gave us more control over the schedule, access to rural areas that would be near impossible by train/bus and anytime luggage storage!
BTW, iirc Suica cards are valid 10 years from the last use? That would be potentially never expiring if one goes to Japan at least once a decade. I bought mine in July 2013, it was still valid (as expected) in April 2023 but I hope it's still gonna be good in 2025.
Good call with the yen!
Glad you enjoyed driving in Japan. For me, I like not having to drive when I'm on a trip (makes it feel like more a holiday/adventure!) - but it's true that there are places, especially in the countryside, that are easier to get to by car, and some places that I've skipped because of long train/bus journeys with multiple changes.
Yes - it's true about Suica cards. We still have one that was first bought in 2010 that still works!
Thanks for the updates 😊If there isn't any oversized luggage Shinkansen seats left to reserve, just go to carriages 1-5 as these are unreserved seating. We did this the whole time and never reserved a seat and got the all important Mount Fuji view both ways ❤
last time i was there it was only cart 1-3 so it's been limited it seems, though it wasnt an issue when i was there in october/november 2023
I think the carriage numbers depend on the train - but it'll always say at the station which ones they are, and in the announcements too. :-)
Good tip! Glad you saw Fuji - I was unlucky last time as it wasn't clear enough but it's a lovely view when you get it!
Excellent info! I’ll be going on a trip in February with family and I’m having them watch this video too so we’re all on the same page. I haven’t been to Japan since 2019 so quite a few things have changed. Teamlabs Borderless tickets go on sale in a few days, gonna try and get some!
I'm hoping to get tickets for TeamLab too! 🤞 Good luck!
I made my first trip to Japan in Oct/Nov 2023 but I travelled a lot so am going back this year but staying 1 week in Japan and a week in South Korea looking to see flight now. Your book was a lifesaver Amy and it will be coming back with me
Thanks so much! I'd love to go to South Korea too.
@@cakeswithfaces I'm following closely your #japanuary and loving it makes me want to go back even more
@@margaretgerhardus6247 It's so good seeing all the places and experiences that other people have enjoyed!
Thank you
👍
excellent!
Thanks! 🙌
Thank you for such an informative video!
I’m taking my first trip to Japan this July. Do you have any tips for surviving Japanese summers?
I've always avoided the summer 😅 The main problem is the humidity, not just the heat, so plan to take your time and not rush around too much. Vending machines are everywhere so you can stay hydrated with cold drinks. Many people use umbrellas/parasols when it's sunny. The benefit is there are lots of festivals and fireworks to enjoy in summer! And kakigori never tasted better than when it's hot. 🍧
Thanks!
Thanks so much, that's much appreciated! 🙏 So glad you enjoyed the video! ✨
If you go to Japan, join a meetup! Meet and talk to locals who enjoy speaking English and meeting foreigners.
Thanks for the recommendation
We went to Japan from Dec '23 to Jan this year, people do still like to wear masks on public transport depending on their comfort level.
I found multiple restaurants are now using QR codes at your table to take orders.
We did order USJ tickets online before our trip, and the 3rd party site that handle the online tickets will not accept Visa cards due to using Apple Pay, only Master Card. The USJ app was useful for finding the park map info as well as attraction wait times. Also the mini games for the Super Nintendo World area were fun, but it was Packed, and we felt that it was more for small children, so we didn't stay long.
Thanks for the updates! I'll be going to USJ for the first time this year! (It's never been top of my list before, but it fits into my plans this time so I thought I'd give it a go!).
Thank you for detailed explanation)
What about transport card in Nagoya?
IC cards you can get in Nagoya are the Toica (with the chicks, in the video!) because it's in JR Central's area, and there's also Manaca, which you can get from Meitetsu Railway Stations. Both can be used around Japan, just like Suica.
Thanks ❤
No problem!
You have different kind of energy dont lose it , greetings from Turkey.
🙌🙌
We found last year in Tokyo that eating in IKEA was reasonable, with decent vegetarian options - this was in Shibuya and Harajuku. In no way authentic, but quick, cheap and easy, with no booking and pretty tasty too
They have cute themed items for Halloween at Ikea (Japan only - the UK one never does that!).
(Oops I think this sent twice) Thanks so much for your great recommendations. I would love to visit the daibutsu in Kamakura so I’ve added that and the bamboo forest to my to-do list! Two final recommendations if you please and then I’ll stop being a bother because I know you’re busy. Can you recommend an art museum to visit? I enjoy ukiyo-e prints and japanesee looking stuff of course. And finally my daughter loves anime/demon slayer and I love tokusatsu/godzilla/ultraman if you recommend any must-sees. I believe akihabara or nakano broadway should satisfy these things unless you recommend some more. Thanks again so much in advance. Subscribed and watching!
The bamboo forest in Kamakura's one of my fav places! So peaceful.
You will love the Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Harajuku for ukiyo-e.
For your daughter, you can't beat Akihabara for the atmosphere and anime excitement, so that's a must-visit. Nakano Broadway will have more Godzilla and Ultraman stuff - it's a treasure trove of all sorts of collectibles and memorabilia. Ikebukuro is an up-and-coming area for anime fans too, with the huge Namco Bandai Cross Store, Anime Tokyo Station and lots of other shops and arcades dotted around. I'm sure you have Godzilla in Shinjuku on your list (they're on the Hotel Gracery), and there's also a Godzilla statue near Tokyo Station: g.co/kgs/xj4tyvH
Tokyo, Shibukawa, Tokorozawa, Fukuoka and Saga planned for april. looking forward to it. plane for fukuoka/saga leg... love your hair color choice also!
Fantastic - will you be going to Shibu Onsen? It looks lovely!
Where are you going in Saga? (Just getting ideas as I have a Kyushu trip planned too!).
im not sure about the onsen right now but will consider it. the wlak up the 400 something steps to the onsen? do look lovelyand scenic. not sure about actually entering the onsen for a dip for personal reasons. shibukawa areas will be a bit Initial D themed and cultural. as for saga, they have a famous temple much like Kyoto does. Saga castle ruins, , Yotoku Inari shrine, kouno park, yoshinogari historical park, hasuike park are some places im considering. might try to see if any anime sites from the series "zombieland saga project" i can visit. any other places of opportunity in saga are candidates.
@@cakeswithfaces
@@Nelsea7190 Sounds fantastic! Yutoku Inari Shrine looks amazing - I'm not sure if I'll have time to visit but I'd love to go there!
Would you consider talking about suitcase delivery from airports to your hotel, and best way to post parcels back to the UK please 🙏 thank you 😊
I'll be trying out luggage delivery (and filming a video!) soon on my next trip! It's mentioned briefly towards the end of this video (about 12:30): ua-cam.com/video/LkUqZF8ul7w/v-deo.html
I've always carried everything back with me in my suitcases (pack light on the way out!) as that's the cheapest option. But the easiest way to send parcels home is at the Post Office. You can also buy boxes there. My friends have used them when they bought a lot of figures! Yamato Delivery (who do the luggage delivery) is another option (they'll also have boxes at their stores).
Thanks for the helpful video! I saw that you can now book Shinkansen a year in advance on the JR sites (rather than a month) - do you think that’s needed for Golden Week travel or will booking a month before be ok? I’m a bit worried about getting to Takayama when it’s so busy, but it does feel quite early to book, especially as don’t think you can book Hida Express til later. Any thoughts helpful! Thank you!
I think you can only book the Hida Limited Express a month in advance (on JR West's site). If your plans depend on getting the Hida ticket, it seems like a good idea to book everything a month before. Long distance trains are busy during Golden Week and going to the country is popular - I haven't travelled during that time so I can't say how early you'd need to book, but if you know when you want to go, it makes sense to book it as early as you can, to get it locked in.
I will go to Japan from April up till June this year to Study the Japanese language in Kyoto.
Quite some things done and still to do :) The school itself, the stay at a family and the flight. Now have to look up a good internet SIM data card for my phone and the public transport. Also that digital visit japan web website once I know the exact adres I will be staying at :) I will also give your guide book a go. ^_^ Thanks again for the videos and advice given.
That'll be an amazing experience! Staying for a longer time, staying with a family and all the Japanese you'll learn - make the most of it! :-) Good luck with the planning!
Airalo is a good eSIM if your phone is compatible with it. 4G connection & was able to hotspot up to 3 devices from it.
@@bravosierra2447 thanks I will look into that.
Hello. I love your videos as much as I love your hair. Lol. I am planning to go to Japan in October. I have a question about reservations for Ghibli. When you mentioned the 10th of the month, would that be on the 9th in the USA or actually on the 10th two months before? Also, we plan to stay in Asakusa. Do you have any recommendations for hotels? I watched your videos and some others, and I am still overwhelmed. Lol. Thanks in advance for your time, and please keep doing what you are doing. I definitely appreciate all the information and tips.
It says here it's Japan time: ghiblipark.com/archives/1203#:~:text=The%20important%20thing%20in%20obtaining,every%20month%E2%80%9D%20in%20Japan%20time.
You can Google "what time is it in Japan" to make sure you've converted the time correctly. (I did that the other day to make sure I got TeamLab Borderless tickets!).
I haven't stayed in Asakusa myself, but there are hotels there with lovely views of the river and the SkyTree. The best hotel for you depends on your price range. You really can't go too wrong - just put your price range in Expedia (or your preferred hotel site), pick somewhere near a station, and do a quick check of the reviews before booking. Once you've chosen a hotel, do a quick search on Google or a comparison site like Trivago, because the prices vary on different sites.
You might have seen it already but this video should help! ua-cam.com/video/TAmhxg9MwIc/v-deo.html
Ordering book
Thanks so much, that's much appreciated! It'll be on the way to you in the post today.
Amy, Excellent video and good to hear the latest information on Tokyo. My question is: can you manage in Tokyo without a pocket-Wi-Fi device or a data only Sim card? For my upcoming trip, I was not planning to rent/purchase one of these items. I was wondering, would that be a false saving as you really do need mobile Wi-Fi when navigating Tokyo. John, Ireland
On my first trip to Japan back in 2010, before pocket wifis were a thing, I went without any internet. It's do-able but you have to do a lot more planning and research. You can get offline maps (Ulmon City Maps 2 Go, or save an offline map from Google Maps). Most hotels offer free wifi, although it might not be fast enough if you want to stream video or watch anything in the evenings. One or two hotels I've stayed at even offered a phone with wifi that you can borrow, although you need to be careful with security and personal details. While there is public wifi around in cities, it can be a hassle having to register for it each time, and of course there can be language barrier when you're registering.
So, while it is do-able, I'd always get a pocket wifi for convenience - I think it's worth it. It makes it that much easier to be able to check opening times, see what's nearby, use Google Translate, look up restaurants (especially if you're vegan!) and have that extra flexibility to make the most of your time.
Thanks for the reply. I will check out the prices of pocket wifi rental and see if I can factor it innto my holiday budget. Thanks again John, Ireland and @@cakeswithfaces
The book I got mid last year was "claimed" by a friend...will a new updated one be made available this year for purchase? Also keep the videos comming I look forward to them!
Haha, thanks for passing it on! It's available now: updated recently so it has all the correct details about the JR Pass, etc: cakeswithfaces.co.uk/product/japan-travel-guide-book/ Just filmed this week's video!
I'm really happy they upped the JR pass cost, coz now I've got an excuse to go on a road trip around japan with friends instead of goign on the train :D
As much as I do love Japanese trains, there are some places in the countryside that are easier to access by car. Have a fun trip! Just watch out for toll roads - there are lots of them in Japan. I've never driven there myself (because the trains are so good!) but there are passes you can get that make it easier to deal with the numerous tolls.
@@cakeswithfaces Yeah, I was doing a bit of research. Tokyo > kyoto with 4 people on the bullet train is $576AUD. By car toll road, it's about $70AUD. When I saw that I was instantly like 'yeah, we driving' aha
@@dragonzord6615 For a group, it pays off. It takes longer but you might see some interesting things along the way. Enjoy the michi no eki!
No problem!
👍
Trick with the photo!
I had the same problems with uploading the passport page. Just take a photo of your passport page, move it to the screen of a PC then use the phone to upload it. So you do not upload your passport page directly.
Try it! It worked for me!
(Obvious English is not my first language. If you understand the process can you "translate" in English. Maybe it will be useful!) 🙄
Good tip! To get around the shininess :-)
And your English is perfectly understandable! :-)
@@cakeswithfaces
You helped me so much with my upcoming trip to Japan! Thank you! You are great! 🤗
@@TheMihaiMarinescu Thanks so much, so happy to hear that!
I was lucky enough to get my Suica Card in Ueno Station last December.
Glad you got one! Seems they're coming back in some places now.
1:55 Seeing that IC terminal unlocked an embarrassing memory of my first time trying to use it at a store. I kept trying to swipe the card across instead of holding it still and the machine kept turning bright red and making angry beeps. The poor cashier had to show me how it was done 😭
Machines can get very angry and bleepy sometimes!
Impatiently waiting for my November trip to japan 😂
It'll be here before you know it!
Great video as always! Do you know how the digital visa works if you don't have a hotel booked before you go? My last visit was very structured, I would like my next one to be more free-flowing, moving on to the next place when I've done everything I want to rather than time running out. (As I did in Kyoto) I think I remember it asked for the hotel address for the entire stay?
I'm not sure abut visas, but for Visit Japan Web, when you "Register a planned entry/return" and enter your trip details and dates, you have to enter an address - they're required fields. I haven't seen any instructions on what to do if you don't have any accommodation booked. If you have any hotels booked at all, I'd give those details - or maybe if you have one booked for your first night, you could use that? There's only space for one address, so when you're staying in multiple places, I'd usually put the first one.
Awesome job Amy drop like
Thank you!
Could you please do a video on mobile WiFi, SIM cards, and eSIM. Which do you use? What companies and what plans do you recommend?
I’ll be going for 2 weeks with my wife at the end of March, I think the pocket WiFi is the best option for both of us, but I’m not sure.
There's a section about it in this video (a trip planning checklist for all the things you need to get sorted!) ua-cam.com/video/OhbjDd8DqzQ/v-deo.html
Personally I like pocket wifi too, because you can share it between you and connect any other devices you have eg an ipad. Previously I've got mine from japan-rail-pass.co.uk and it's always been good. Last year I tried Sakura Mobile and tbh I wasn't impressed - it was slow and not as reliable.
These tips are so helpful. I'm curious if the Tax Free Shop would accept the Passport Card from USA in lieu of the traditional passport book. Please let me know. Much appreciated.
Tbh I'm not sure; I'm not familiar with US passport cards. I think for tax-free shopping, they check the stamp in your passport that you get when you land in Japan as proof that you're a short stay foreign tourist, so it could be that you need the full passport book - but that's just my guess. To get the QR code for shopping on Visit Japan Web, you have to take a photo of the landing stamp, so that's part of the proof they need.
Hi Amy, I've been watching your old (before pandemic) Japan videos again and I'm just wondering how much of it is still relevant today? Will you be making some sort of update videos by revisiting the locations? Thank you.
How up to date they are really depends on the place. Some places don't change much, and others do eg lots has closed in Odaiba.
Most of the info in my Japlanning series is still relevant - except details about the JR Pass which is now different.
I try not to repeat content too much, but there are some places I'll always go back to, and make new videos while I'm there.
Feel free to ask in the comments if you're not sure about anything. I always get notification about comments, even on old videos.
@@cakeswithfaces We're finally planning for our first trip to Japan since 2019 and researching for places to go seems trickier now in some ways compared to back then. Most of the Japan travel videos in UA-cam are from before the pandemic, and because of the constant change, some of the newer videos seem outdated and you really have to cross check everything just to be sure.
@@georgebenta3435 Some things have changed, and some things not so much - it really does depend! Of course, as soon as you mention any details in a video, they're bound to change the day after...!
Definitely not as crazy busy over here at the moment, unlike last year.
Suica still not easy to get in Tokyo and there’s signs everywhere stating “not available “
Thanks for the update! At least there are lots of Suica card alternatives.
Last May, COVID-19 was transferred to category five in Japan. Since then, this spring is the first cherry blossom season. 🌸
So I think it's going to be very crowded this spring. 😂
By the end of last year, tourist numbers reached and then exceeded numbers from 2019, so yes - I think it'll be very busy in springtime!
Thank you so much ! how do you find a hotel or house to rent for three days in kyoto? My budget is under 100 dollars per day.
This video might help - it's the process I use for choosing hotels in Japan: ua-cam.com/video/TAmhxg9MwIc/v-deo.html
9:55 Toica
10:38 Restaurants
14:25 what to do earthquake!
🙌🙌
What is that, that you’re eating 12mins20 into the video? It looks divine! X
Okonomiyaki! One of my favs - I always miss it as they hardly ever have it at Japanese restaurants abroad. A mix of batter, shredded cabbage & very tasty sauce on top. 😋
@@cakeswithfaces amazing!! Thank you :)
Logged in a while ago. It looks like there's no need for re-submission of the details. There's one code for both, immigration clearance and customs declaration. Happy days!
That's good to know! At least we don't have to fill in that section again!
Do you happen to have any videos or tips on eating out in Japan? I went last year and as a fellow vegetarian I struggled somewhat and ended up relying a lot on 711, pizza, and the rare vegan café. I think there's even a high chance I likely ate ramen with fish in the broth as I didn't realise that's incredibly common...
It can be tricky, but it's do-able if you're prepared! Here's my list of restaurants with vegetarian options. I travel with meat-eaters so it focussed on places that serve meat and have a veggie option, and Japanese styles of food (because if you've travelled all the way around the world to Japan, you want to try authentic local food!) cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/vegetarian-restaurants-in-japan/
The rate for the Yen will get better btw for those wondering.
Why's that?
@@cakeswithfaces Japan didn't increase interest rates like most other countries did during covid, which is a big part of the reason of why their currency got weaker. With other countries interest rates now stopping rising, people think Japan's currency will strengthen back.
However, the issue of it's struggling economy due to the aging population is outweighing the above. Not to mention they have th highest national debt in the world of any country, these along with a number of other reasons (one of which being foreign investment in Japan losing traction due to businesses not trusting Japan's currency and economy) are driving investment out of Japan.
Essentially, if there are small gains back to the Yen, I personally expect them to be short-lived. Plus, we're much rather going to see them slightly weaken, then sustain, then weaken again as time goes on.
Although the strong drive into tourism is going great for the country, this will only slow the weakening of the currency.
In essence, your risk of getting a good rate now isn't worth exchanging, as the likelihood is the Yen will get weaker is far higher than it getting stronger, in my opinion. It'll probably only be slight and gradual so if you're planning a trip for the end of the year (like I am, I'm moving there for a year in September from the U.K), i'd advise buying your currency later down the line.
I expect when I arrive in Japan the exchange rate will have gone from £1 = ¥187.61 to £1 hitting ¥200 at least.
Just edited this post as of 4th April 2024 and it's at ¥192.50 to £1.
@@ThisMusicIsToogood The best rate I've had so far is 192. We'll see I guess!! It's good for tourists but not so great for people living in Japan.