*JAPAN UPDATES - 2024* | Answering your most frequently asked questions
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- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- Hey Japan friends! In this video, I answer 10 of the most common questions I got asked on Instagram regarding Japan! Hopefully this helps some of you as you plan your trip! 🤩 I included time stamps & the mentioned items below and also pinned it in the comments!
Love, Erica 🥰
❤️If you want more details to all my funtivities, you can find it in my Japan 10+ Day Itinerary Guide & Tips here 🇯🇵 buildyourmoxie.com/shop
**Items mentioned in video (in order)**
📍Detailed Japan TIPS video: • Tokyo Japan - Detailed...
📍Build Your Moxie Instagram / buildyourmoxie
📍Japan Rail Pass Calculator (one of many options!) www.jrpass.com/farecalculator
📍Suica Card: Welcome SUICA is available at Haneda & Narita airport right now. Pasmo Passport is available all over Tokyo. Learn more about IC cards here: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_0...
📍DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE TRAVEL BUDGET & PLANNER HERE www.buildyourmoxie.com/
-Video instructions here if you would like: • How To Plan & Budget F...
📍Get my Customizable Budget Spreadsheet HERE buildyourmoxie.com/shop
-Check out my money video playlist here: • *Finances & Building W...
-Download your FREE Monthly Budget Printables HERE buildyourmoxie.com/shop
-How To Budget On Paper Video: • The BEST Way To Budget...
-How to Budget On Spreadsheets Video: • How we do our monthly ...
📍Anker Battery Pack (I use for phone, etc) amzn.to/3DYJpWO
📍Anker 737 Power Bank if you need a big big battery (I use as laptop battery pack, etc): amzn.to/3KIl5fL
📍Must Have Travel Items Video (review video): • 12 Popular Travel Item...
📍Apple AirTags: amzn.to/3nWxOmf
📍Apple AirTag case: amzn.to/3Uxvw9w
📍How to get from airport to hotel (updated): • UPDATED: How To Get Fr...
📍Japan Travel & Tips Playlist: • *Japan Travel & Tips P...
📍My Travel Playlist: • *Travel Playlist*
⏰**TIME STAMPS:**
0:00 Intro
0:29 - JR PASS UPDATE
2:16 - SUICA & PASMO SHORTAGE
5:30 - SHARING TRANSIT CARDS
6:00 - CURRENCY
6:32 - HOTEL
7:19 - JAPAN PLANNING TIPS
8:48 - WIFI
11:18 - TRAVELING WITH KIDS
12:13 - AIRPORT TO HOTEL
13:11 - WHERE TO STAY
============
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Traveling solo and internationally for the first time in a couple days, so this is very helpful! Thank you so much ☺️
Thank you for sharing these practical tips in a friendly, informative, and engaging manner. Well done!
This is just wonderful advice. So detailed and thoughtful. Thank you so much!! :).
Yay!! Thank you for watching 🥰
You are so awesome! Thank you so much for your content and your free gift! Love it all 💖
😍of course!! I hope you like it!!!! 🤗
Thankyou so muchh. Love the way you explained 😢
Aw thank you so much!! You are too kind ☺️
You are amazing! Thank you for all information.
awww thank you for watching!! ❤️
Thank you for a useful and interesting video 😊
Thank you for watching!! Great to see you again 🥰
The IC card restrictions have nothing to do with a "chip shortage" otherwise they wouldn't substitute them for cards with chips that expire in 28 days. It's a mechanism to restrict an unregulated financial tool that's being used by a certain element in Japan.
Always happy to watch your videos, 😊
Aw thanks for coming back!! ☺️🤗❤️
@@buildyourmoxie I keep my notification silent, so I missed lot of your videos. But I have turned back on( I really don't like notifications of any sorts ) but made an exception this time
😍 wow what an honor!! ☺️ thank you for watching!!
Taking a trip to Japan is on our bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing.
Ooo! That is a GREAT bucket list!!!
What an absolute mad lad. Thanks for the absolute GEMS
🤗🤗
Your videos are really helpful. I'm leaving for Tokyo this week and I'm very excited 😊
😍 have a great time!!
thanks! so helpful
Thanks for watching!! 🥰
These tips are so helpful! My wife and I are planning on going to Japan again around the end of the year and your videos seem like they will be very helpful for us while we plan. Thank you for all of your helpful advice! 😁
You and your wife are going to have a blast!! Yay!!! Japan is the best!! My husband and I hoping to make it back out there around that time too! 🥳
Would you recommend upon arrival to get accommodation at one of the airport hotels?
@@dbl0fluffhi hi! I would not usually. Unless you are arriving in the middle of the night where there are no trains or buses (usually 11pm-5am) and you don’t want to wait. :)
Wow! Thank you for the Budget Planner😁🙏
😍sure thing!!
Thank you for the tips for travelling with kids, I have noted them down, will be handy for our family travel in December
Yay!!! Have so much fun!!! 🔥🥳
Erica you got confirmation from someone that LIVES in Japan! Can’t wait to go to Japan with all your tips!
I can’t wait for you to go to Japan too!!!! 🤩🤩🤩
I love all the info. Traveling to Japan in Oct 2023
🤩omg! So fun!! Have the best time ever!
THAT SHEET IS AWESOME
Yay! Thank you!!
Have you researched on using the Tokyo Metro pass? How to navigate the Metro lines? Change stations? Thank you for making fun and informative videos.
Hey Erica, we did our Japanese trip just before the train prices went up and followed a lot of your videos. I even dragged out my iPad at Shibuya crossing so we could double check where the great Udon place was. Very helpful and the trip was SO much fun. Great work and have a happy new year.
🤩wow!!! That is so fun and great to hear!! Thank you so much for the update 🥹. I love that it was helpful and that you had a great time!!! 🔥❤️
Could u make a video about the whole "radioactive water from fukushima" problem and the impact on tourism, please???🤩
Hey Erica! Thank you for these very detailed videos on Japan! I appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. However I can’t help but keep staring at your necklace!! Lol It looks so nice and dainty, do you mind telling me where you got it from? Thank you again!
Aww thanks so much!! For both compliments hehe! ☺️🥰. I believe my husband got it from Macy’s (2015-2016 year or so). Hopefully they still have it! It’s my fav!
I am really happy my Japan journey is part of my travel intinerary this year, so I was still able to buy the coupons and get the old price for two 21 day passes end of october. I also bought a suica here, so I can use it right, also it paid of to book flights and hotels in advance, prices took a hike.
🔥
My wife and I just returned from Japan. We watched your video and it was a big help! Thank you very much
I’m so happy to hear that!! 🥹☺️
Nice one with the Suica tip for iPhones. I haven't seen other UA-camrs mention it and it's in fact the most convenient way to travel after the shortage.
😛hehe thanks so much!!
I think i’m getting an esim. Easiest option for me. Thanks for the tips!
Good choice! Have a great time!!! =D
Thanks for the video. I live in Japan and am going to use your video in an English class that I am teaching. It'll make for a fun listening activity
Haha! That will be fun! 🤣😁
In my other videos I’ve given up on pronouncing anything in Japan. I’m pretty horrible! 😂
@@buildyourmoxie Don't worry, they kind of expect bad pronunciation from foreigners. I've been here many years and still don't sound close to a native Japanese speaker
😁
I'll have to check back in for planning my trip in early summer 2024. I know it's not an ideal time but new lands opens in DisneySea!
🤩omg that is going to be so fun!!
All and any times are ideal for Japan! 🤪🔥👌🤤🤤🤤🤤
Thanks Travel Enjoy Life 🇯🇵
4:09 Pretty sure that rhythm is from the Terminator 2 theme song? LOL!! Great video by the way. I was in Japan this August for two weeks, so I am super glad I could take advantage of using the JR Rail Pass at its current price when i went to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. I also got the Welcome Suica at the airport which worked just fine for me...good advice to load up only what you need on the card...can also be used at some convenience stores for buying groceries or snacks. If withdrawing money from ATM, preferably use the 7bank machine at any 7/11...use debit visa over regular credit cards if you want to avoid foreign ATM transaction fees with your bank.
Omg!!!!!!! You are the only one that got it!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩 you rock!!!!
Thank you for your tips Erica. I used the Suica on my phone, works great, you just tap your phone on and off the metro and you don’t even need to unlock it. I used IIJ SIM and it was very good as well, about $40 for 16 days.
that is amazing!! thank you for sharing your experience!! 🔥
you do such a great job describing everything!
😍wow thank you for such a nice compliment! 🤩
Going to japan in march with my 12year old son. Staying in Sumida right by a JR line. Can’t wait.
How exciting!! Have a blast!!!
Just an update on the Suica card in the Apple wallet, Visa seems to work to fill it up now. It didn't when I tried a few months ago when I added my old Suica card in preparation for my trip this spring, tried again now and it filled up just fine. :)
Omg that’s such GREAT news!! 😍😍 thank you so much for trying it out!! 😱🙌🔥🤩
Laundry - I usually just wash my clothes in the bathroom basin with the hotel shampoo and wring and hang it there to dry on a travel clothesline. Clothes are not gonna be very dirty, just need freshening up. That's how I only pack a carry-on suitcase and backpack when travelling to Europe or Japan or most other places.
You are amazing 😎
I’m slowly learning to be a lighter packer 😝
I cut back on 30% so far 😁
Good one
Are you able to do a checklist for staying in japan for a long-term months to a year)
Thoughts on the Hokuriku pass?
Hello. I checked Apple Wallet and Suico Card as well as Pasmo is available. But I heard that Suico and Pasmo are no longer available due to shortage.
Google Fi phone. .. Travel wisely Enjoy Japan 🇯🇵
Regarding the tap on bank card here is an analog story:
London has something like the Suica, I think it is called Oyster card. When we went there a few years ago our tour guide advised ppl to get it (it was a tour with lots of free time to go around the city on our own).
So when we got to the Metro station to buy it it was advertised that bank cards will work now as well.
So I just used my Visa debit card everywhere (here they had the nfc function for ages now)
It was really fun, and my only worry was that I had no idea how much money I was spending. Ok I got the spending messages but had too much fun to keep them in mind :P
🤩Haha it’s so fun to tap around the cities! Thankfully the places that have great public transportation have reasonable prices 🤣.
People wasn't to impress with the oyster idea when it first come out, it's great you can use your chip and pin cards now and it dose a daily cap like the oyster. I like to get a weekly or monthly pass on my oyster though
This popped up in my feed. I live in Japan and agree with your points.
People really should just pay and get Wi-Fi. It's such a time saver. Japanese cities can be a madhouse for transportation. For rail Google Maps tells you the rail company, schedule, the platform, the car you should be on, what to look for making connections etc. And it follows you through the ride and buzzes when its your stop.
I can't get discount rail passes so am envious of what people could do... until the price increase. The price increase isn't unfair (I'm speaking to poeople who may think it is)... it was just an insanely good deal that isn't necessary to give now. Ridership by people living in Japan is already high so the competition for seats means they can and should charge closer to what locals pay. Oh, you should mention that the Shinkansen now has new LARGE BAG POLICIES. Check into them.
😃thanks so much for the feedback!! I am surprised the JR pass price was so good for so long. It really was about time😝
Generally that the JR Pass is getting an increase is not unreasonable given the costs to run JR, the price versus normal tickets, inflation, etc. I do feel however that it is a bit too high. In my opinion the point of the JR Pass is to get people that visit Japan to move around the country and explore the country. Obviously a lot of people just do Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and that'sit'sown issue. Whenever I go to Japan, I travel around a looot and even with my pretty busy travel planning, with the new price it might be cheaper to just buy the tickets or getting a bunch of regional ones. And the problem with the regional ones for me is they seem to be only for standard car and don't have green car tickets like the JR Pass has. Personally I prefer the green one because it's less crowded and quieter since not many tourists take it.
And the addition of the Nozomi trains is silly. Because if I would take the Nozomi from Tokyo to Hiroshima it's an additional 6 500 yen, but when I look online at tickets the Nozomi train ticket is only a few hundred yen more expensive than any other Shinkansen. So not only is the JR Pass increase massive, the additional comfort of having Nozomi added which takes quite a bit less time, isn't really much of a comfort because the extra cost is disproportionate to what a normal ticket apperently is.
On my last trip in 3 weeks I went from Tokyo to Osaka, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, back to Hiroshima, Onomichi, Osaka, Tokyo, Hakkodate, Sapporo (and some smaller places via JR trains). With the new 3 week price, I would pay more for the pass than what I would pay for getting just tickets by itself or taking planes. That is a lot of travelling for 3 weeks. With the old price I saved about 290 Euros. I see how this isn't a very well balanced price for the JR Pass in that case. But with the new price I would pay 94 Euros more for the Pass than just getting tickets. Even if I would be saving just 50 Euros, that would make the JR Pass a good value proposition for me because of the convenience of just needing the one ticket.
The increase is just not very well balanced and makes the JR Pass completely useless in probably most cases. Even where people travel a lot. It's not closer to what locals pay, it's higher. Which in my opinion will force people more to just not travel around many other areas, which isn't really great for tourism outside of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and will concentrate the tourism even more in those 3 areas. I have no idea what they where thinking when they came up with the new prices. Maybe they are sticking with those for the next 10 years, but it would have been a much better choice to go with a more reasonable increase and then review every 2 years to adjust the price so it doesn't become too cheap compared to just getting normal tickets.
beautifully written!!! 🔥
@@buildyourmoxie Thank you :D
🤗
Hi! This is so so helpful and thank you so much for making these videos. I'm sorry if you have explained this somewhere and I missed it, but, the pocket wifi; I see you said you can order and then pick up at the airport, where exactly do you order from? Thanks so much
hello! =D thank you so much for watching!! What I would do is buy it online first and then select airport pick up!! Any person working at the airport can point you in the direction to pick up! We got ours from jrpass.com when we bought our JR passes because it included a discount, but you can look at a lot of different websites if you just search up Pocket Wifi in Japan =D
In Japan now, and google gives all kinds of directions that do not include JR trains. I've been using work arounds to make sure I can use the JR pass without paying more for transportation 2:05
yeah google and apple maps sends you all over the place lol!
Hi Erica! Purchased some of your for travel i.e. cosmetic bag, stress ball, air tags!. But now, I have a back strain and was wondering what your recommendation is for lumbar support for the airplane. Traveling from Honolulu to Haneda. Do I need an airline seat cushion as well. Love your channel.
Aw so sorry you have a strain 😞. I usually just use a folded towel to be honest because it’s firm and soft at the same time. And I can shape it
A lot of the inflatable ones or cushion ones on Amazon are funky and then you can’t adjust it 😣. So I go the cheap route.
Make sure your feet are supported as well when sitting on the plane ❤️
My video coming out tomorrow/Wednesday night Los Angeles time is on posture on the plane if you want to check it out!
Awesome. Mahalo.
Hello, thank you for your videos! Question, could you pls. Make a video about renting cars in Japan and if it makes sense to do it now that the JR pass is going to be expensive?
Hello!! Where are you going to be staying? Are you traveling all over Japan? In general I wouldn’t suggest renting a car in Tokyo 😅. It’s crowded and pedestrians get the right of way. I would recommend using IC card and going on the rails generally since their transportation is so good!
@@buildyourmoxie i really appreciate you replying.❤️... I was planning to say a few days in Tokyo then renting a car on the third day to go to Nikko for a day, then Mt. Fuji, then Kyoto. we are planning to drop the car there then take the shinkansen back to Tokyo? Does that make sense? Should we just take Shinkansen directly to Kyoto spend a few days there then make our way back to Tokyo? The main reason why we wanted to rent a car was to avoid the crowd and go to the popular spots early. Thank you in advance for your help!!!
oooo!! your itinerary seems very well thought out!! I would keep the car out of the busiest places is tokyo, but other than that, you should be good!! have a great time!!
Hi Erica, do you know if a 4-year-old child needs to have a Suica card as well? Loved your vids btw!
@kahanaohana
eSims are great and save a lot of time. Just spent 2 weeks in Japan and spent less than €10 for a 5GB package that worked great.
that is amazing! 🔥
Another tip for Google/ Apple Maps: download offline Maps before you travel, pick the area you’ll be living in and boom = you Can now use Maps without wifi (the data deleted itself after 30 days)
Yes so good!!
For WiFi I used ubigi e-sim card
Adidtional suggestion: If you do end up doing a roundtrip from the same city i.e. Tokyo, buying a flight ticket can be cheaper for your return journey from Osaka to Tokyo. There is an international traveller's discount if you share your confirmation number on Japan Airlines. Taking trains down from Tokyo to Osaka with stops along the way (including reserved seats on Shinkansen) and then flying back to our departing airport ended up being cheaper than buying the 7 day JR pass for our 14 day trip.
love this ❤️
Hi, loving your vids! We are going in February 2024, family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers) we were planning on Tokyo 4 days, train to Nagano/Hakuba ski-ing 4 days then train down to Osaka 4 days then train back to Tokyo.. do you think this will be crazy expensive now? What would you suggest on getting around now? 🙌🏼
That’s what we did almost! We stayed in Tokyo, went snowboarding in Nagano, back to Tokyo, and then went down to Kyoto and back to Tokyo lol. So did two big round trips on bullet train. We had 14 day jr pass and I think we juuuuust got our moneys worth lol.
Did you buy your plane tickets yet?
One thing you could do is arrive in Tokyo on the plane then depart from Osaka.
So land in Tokyo. Hang out. Round trip bullet train to Nagano to go snowboarding. Back to Tokyo then train to Osaka. Then leave from Osaka. I don’t think there is a bullet train from Nagano to Osaka without going through Tokyo.
Sorry if that was confusing 🤓
great video! a question about pocket wifi: we will arrive at Osaka airport and exit by Tokyo. How to return the device? Thank you very much and keep on traveling!
Hello! Thanks for watching!
Depending on the place, usually they will give you a little envelope so you can mail it in. It should already be addressed. The mail box looks like a red magazine stand and there are many. A lot of people can point them out to you too if you can’t find :)
Hi Erica. Are all the pocket wifi the same or which is the more stable? Any suggestions for an 25 days plan ?
I haven't come across any good or bad ones so i would say they are pretty much the same :)
If you are traveling alone, you could probably do SIM card and be good to go. It's pretty affordable! But if you have your laptop or tablet that also needs to be connected, then possibly a portable wifi can be good :)
Hello! Thank you very much for this informative video! Is there a specific brand of pocket Wi-Fi that you recommend? I will be there next month for 21 days and I’m trying to figure out which company to go with. Any suggestions there?
Hi!! Honestly they are all so good :) Sakura mobile is popular!
Does everything usually close early ? Love your videos btw
:D where will you be staying? I feel like most food places stay open late and open late at least in Tokyo!
the cities go all night...their transport systems finish around midnight though so there is usually a rush hour around that time as ppl try to get closer to home...and tokyo is massive so you could plan to have your late nights close-ish to your hotel...or just push through till the 5 am trains start again...taxis are very expensive (not so bad if you have say 4 ppl sharing the cost) and prices go up after 8pm (i think)
Dear that's is very helpful to all of your videos I have 3 qs
1- I am travelling only for one week what pass should I take if its suica card can I get for 1 week and how much.
2_suica only applicable in tokoyo and also where can I travel with suica card nearby cities of tokoyo
3_please suggest some halal cheap food option in narita
4_ please guide in this one week trip where should I travel in narita and where else using the suica card.
Thanks for touching upon laundry. I see that some hotels have a laundry icon but does that mean they have laundry service or a washer or dryer that guests can use? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Hi! Usually a laundry icon means they should have a washer dryer for you to use usually paying with coins.
I usually book through booking.com because it’s more clear if there are laundry units for us to use versus just paying them $$$ to do it
Hi Erica. Love this. Thanks for sharing. I’m planning on going to Japan in March next year. Going to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and back to Tokyo. Would a JR pass be worth it? Thank you for your time.
Hello!! :). I would say yes or probably yes! As long as you use it more than 2 long round trips so with ur itinerary you will likely get your money worth!!
Aim to use that pass everywhere haha 🤓
@@buildyourmoxie thank you, Erica. ❤️
Of course! 😃 have fun!!!
Hello! I’m going to Tokyo on July with my 11 years old daughter. I’m staying 6 days in Tokyo. Do I have to get Suica card and where is the best area to stay?
Thanks for the update ! I'm going Nov 15 to 30. Flight booked, hotel booked, concerts confirmed (on both weekends) My question concerns Shinkansen Nozomi & Mizuho. With buying JR pass after Oct. 1 you will be able to ride (after paying an extra fee). What if you buy your pass before Oct 1 ? Will you be able to ride them (after paying an extra fee) or will you have to buy a separate ticket. I can't seem to find anyone explaining this.
Good question! From my understanding, before the price increase, the JR pass is just the regular JR pass where it’s a good deal to ride local lines and do certain Shinkansen trains (but it still excludes Nozomi-Mizuho).
Once the price increase happens, you can ride the Nozomi-Mizuho with a supplemental fee.
I totally understand your question but I am not sure either as JR hasn’t been super clear with all the changes yet. I think it might come down to a mix between when you purchase the pass and also when you activate the pass too. I’m thinking in October we will know the answer to all the nuances! 🥵
Gacharic Spin (18th) & Band-Maid (26th). Planning on visiting Hiroshima, Osaka,Kyoto between shows.
You covered everything pretty well. I don’t think you mentioned kids up to 12 travel for half price on Japan trains and subways. When my kids were younger I would show their passport to station attendant and get a special IC card that made a special noise when tapping in and would charge half price. No one mentions this in Japan travel videos. 🤙🏽
🔥🔥thank you for sharing!
Really? That's amazing! Thank you for sharing! Will be taking 3 kids and will look forward to that "special noise" :D *edit*I see that Erica did show at 3:17 in video About Welcome Suica (for short term use) the second paragraph talks about Kids cards and BRIEFLY mentions "Child fares will be deducted automatically." I only saw that because I was looking for it, and I was looking for it because you mentioned it! Thank you Erica and HawaiiJapan808
@@chrisi5398 it will save you hundreds in a week. No one talks about it. I used it for years
Questions/considerations:
1)airport -> hotel (and vice versa): I suppose that train could be nice IF one chooses an hotel very close to a station directly linked to the train/monorail service.... otherwise I think a Limo-bus could be the "perfect middle option" (a bit slower, but not as "tiring" as changing two trains while dealing with large luggage and with a "raging" jet-lag...😁)
2)where to stay in Tokyo: I suppose that any of the main areas should be ok, provided it is well served by local lines... there are recently many suggestions about Ueno and also Ginza (maybe the latter has hotels which could be a little too expensive....)
Right?
Yes! We loved the airport limousine because it was so great with our luggage! Also some of the busses can stop at certain hotels too! So you can always plan your drop off in a closer area!
And correct! Anywhere in Tokyo is good! I always suggest staying close to a station so you can move around easily! 🥳
@@buildyourmoxie thanks! I am really considering Ueno, but also Asakusa or Roppongi/Akasaka....
🤩you really can't go wrong!!
going to awaji island in the fall...godzilla, we're coming for you!
🙌🔥🤩omg that is going to be a BLAST!!
Hello, im going to Japan soon and im going to take many trains. I didnt get the JRPass because it did not cover most of my travels. I was wondering if Reserving Shinkansen and other trains is necessary or is it ok to just get a ticket at the gate. I really need to be in time to most of the places, but IDK if they normally sell out.
If you are traveling during rush hour or any Japanese holidays, definitely get a reservation. If not, then you may not have to. Worst case if it's packed on non-reserve it would be standing room only on the train until a seat opens. I'm traveling there next month and I'm reserving all trains, just in case.
:) you can always do the non-reserve section, however if you have the time to reserve your seat, it's so much more relaxing! Especially if you are in a time crunch! We reserved our seats and were so glad to know we were set 🤗
Hi!! Where can I find your travel planning excel spreadsheet you mention in this video?
Hi!! It’s in the description!! 🥰🥰
It’s labeled “download your free travel budget and planner” or something similar!
I hope you like it! 😍
My husband and I are going to Japan in April. Staying in Yokohama but spending most of our time in Tokyo. Will also be staying overnight in Osaka and spending 1-2 days in Kyoto. Would the JR pass be worth it for us?
Hi! I would NOT get the JR pass hehe :) just do suica or IC card locally. And then get round trip Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka :).
If I use my Jr pass to ride yamanote line in Tokyo would I require to validate on exit again?
Hello! Yes! Scan it in to enter. Scan it in to exit 🤪. Don’t forget to grab it after it swoops through! ☺️
Really good questions…I don’t have kids but I do have a gullible reckless lil sister and would like to keep tabs on her location since there is 1-2 activities I know she doesn’t want to do with the group 😅
Hahaha! 🤣 AirTag time!! 😂
Hi Erica, Last year, my friend got a Suica card with her name on it. Will i be able to use her card when i visit Japan next May?
*nods head* 🤫😁
Just try not to get stopped by the gate guy which only happens if the gate isn’t working for some reason when you are going through. Just make sure you have some money on it too 😛
Where do you go to get the pocket Wi-Fi? Can it be purchased at the airports in Japan?
Yes!! If you are arriving in narita airport, turn right after customs and walk 400 feet and you will see red wifi booth! You can also buy online and pick up in the airport 🫶
We will be arriving via cruise ship and spending just two days before flying out. Want to visit my Fuji. What is the best area to stay to get the most out of our visit?
=D I would stay in Shinjuku Tokyo!!! or Shibuya!! 😍 lots to do, see, and eat!
I will travel to Japan for a week upcoming Dec and stay nearby Asakusa Station, I’m still struggling to decide whether I should buy a JR pass. I want to explore Doraemon museum, and some famous the Shrines in different places, I hope to visit some places in Kyoto, Nagoya and Mount Fuji. Could you please give some advice?
Hi!! Messaged you on Instagram! 🫶
Visa did work...on the mobile suica.
Oooo!!!! That is great! You’re the first one that I’ve heard it working for! 😱🤩. Did you do anything in particular to get it to work?
Can you use Suica App when you arrived in Osaka?
YES! you can use the mobile SUICA anywhere in Japan regardless of where you arrive :)
How is the situation with COVID there atm? I heard it is very bad so I’m thinking maybe next summer would be better than now
Hello I dont know if you didnt answer it already but how do you book ticket train (for example Tokyo-kyoto) can we book before going to japan or you have to get a ticket right before gettint into the train ?
hello!! you can buy a ticket right there at the kiosk and then get on the non-reserved seat section. But since that route tends to be pretty busy, sometimes it's just worth getting the ticket ahead of time so you can reserve a seat!
Im traveling to Japan for business and I only have evenings and one full day to explore Japan. What is your opinion on finding a private tour guide in Japan?
If you have some money to spend, I think a private tour would be an great thing to do! They know all the good stops and know all the rules and transportation so if you didn’t have a lot of time to do your own research, this could be a less stressful option :). Of course planning your own trip will mean you get to do most of the things you want, but with limited time, it can be hard and you may still feel like you are missing out. What I would suggest is finding a small private tour. Not a big one with 35 people. This is so the tour guide can go at your pace instead of you waiting on others that may be slower 😅. Maybe during the nights you can just hit some local sushi and ramen places etc. It’s good everywhere! 😎
How about clothing? Am booked for Japan third week of novem 2023 what should I pack?
For the IC Card situation, it only really applies if your first stop is Tokyo/Kanto Region
If your day 0 final destination is NOT-Kanto Region, then you can get the IC Card for that region without an issue unless they start to run into shortages (Doubt it)
Suica is still available in Tohoku.
You can get the toiCA if your first stop is Central Japan (Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Toyohashi, Nagoya, etc.) If you are in Nagoya though, the manaca is also available
West Japan from Kyoto all the way to Shimonoseki has the ICOCA
Kyushu, you have the SUGOCA, nimoca (Northern Kyushu), and Hayakaken (Fukuoka) as options
Hokkaido, you have the Kitaca
All of these IC Cards are compatible for all of Japan.
If you are in Shikoku though, then you are SOL.
So therefore, the most unavailable of IC Cards is the PASMO.
🔥amazing 🤗 thank you for sharing :)
Japan Wireless comes with a power bank, last I checked. Unsure of its MaH capacity though.
I would recommend buying a multi-port charger to save copious amounts of wall outlets.
🔥agree!!
Hi Erica, Im not sure if youd know the answer to this but im a bit confused about activating the JR Rail Pass. I have a trip coming up in November but the official website will only allow me to pick a start date a month ahead. My question is, if i pick an early start date does that mean that my 14-day pass will start on that date? I keep seeing that there is a 90-day grace period but does that include buying from the official site?
Hi! Great question! Pick up date is not the same as activating it :)
What are your dates you will be in Japan?
@@buildyourmoxie thank you for your response (: . I will be in Japan from oct. 31-Nov 21, official site is only letting me choose up to the 28th of October as my start date, which I think is different from pick up :/ . Does the 90 days only apply to resellers?
I’m pretty sure that’s okay. Just put the date they let you. Then pick it up when you get there a few days after. Then activate it for the day you want. Just because you buy it October 28 does not mean the pass starts working the 28. You have to specifically tell them in person what date you want to activate it. With your passport in hand.
What is your itinerary in Japan? Airport arrival, departure, cities. And the order?
@@buildyourmoxie perfect! Thank you so much for your response, you were correct as I was able to go back online and update the start date (: now I know I have to officially activate it once I arrive 😊
If I'm only going to take rail from airport to hotel in Shinjuku and then back.. seems easiest to just buy paper tickets?
yes! just get a paper ticket
I understand the amount I put on my Pasmo card expired after 28 days. But, if I’ve kept my card from last year, can it be reloaded or is the card itself just trash and unusable after 28 days?
Hello!! If you got a Pasmo Card or Suica card, it should still be good for 10 years!! The money does not expire until the card does
Now if you got a Pasmo Passport or Welcome Suica, the card is only good 28 days and you forfeit the unused money 😅
❤️ hope this helps!!
I keep seeing different things. Leaving next week for Tokyo and I have t mobile. Will I still be able to use google maps and such without a pocket wifi or esim?
😬😬😬i would say get pocket wifi or esim!! 😓 don’t rely on that phone plan 😉
@@buildyourmoxie I see eSims are only $40 USD I’m only there 9 days. I’ll probably go that route since I have an iPhone.
@@Grubstep666 beautiful!! 😎😎😎
Hello I am once again reminding you all not to depend on T mobiles international plan in japan. In fact, just drop T Mobile altogether, you'll be a lot happier I promise. And also not end GPSing yourself into an empty parking lot in shibuya.
🔥🔥
Oh lord thank you for this. I am a T-Mobile-er😢. So yea..I will drop them like trash before I travel . Thank you.
I've been using T-Mobile since i arrived in August. Just be mindful of using wifi calling. What seems to be the issue with it if i may ask? BTW, my phone is an older android.
@@LauraC369 I can only speak to my own experience with the service, in Canada, it was pretty convenient! In America ( at least in Michigan ) It was quite BAD, even in the city at times I found the service to be unreliable at best without the assistance of wifi. In Japan.. good lord the moment I didnt have wifi my phone became a brick. I could make calls but anything else, good luck! My GPS was comedically off and at one point did in fact lead me into an empty parking lot before correcting itself 😂|l I wont lie to you, I am a sprint/T mobile hater for many reasons but If it works for you then its all good!
@@justjoy8355 If dropping thems not in the budget I would just say make sure you have pocket wifi and you'll be ok.
I'm traveling to Japan for 8 days have a 7 day JRP, what other cards will I need in Tokyo? Can I easily get buy on the JR or do I need to plan on Suica only in the city? I don't really care about convenience as long as i'm in the area.
If you have a JRP, you can make due with just that for travel. You may need to walk a little more if you are venturing out from the JR lines.
SUICA or pasmo would be good to get if you can get it. Or get Welcome SUICA. It’s nice to have as you can take subway and pay for more things if you don’t want to pay cash or use your own card.
@@buildyourmoxie Thanks for the response. I can get the Suica in my Apple wallet and will definitely use it, but don't want to double pay for travel if I don't have to since I have the JR. There are so many different railways it's pretty overwhelming, and with only 8 days i'm just trying to optimize my trip.
I say stick to the JR pass and get as much of your moneys worth :). Especially if you already paid for it 👍
Hmm, we have Suica Cards that were last used back in 2019, they should still work right?
Yes!!! Good for 10 years!!
@@buildyourmoxie thanks! I guess we are all set for our Autumn trip in a week. Can't wait to finally visit again.
@@katabwa2172 yay! Going to be a blast!!!
I just landed today in Japan in Osaka damn it’s HUMID lol don’t care ate amazing
😅 humidity in asia is no joke! 🥵
How much will be the new price for only one way travel from Osaka to Tokyo?
For the Shinkansen? I entered it on a ticket calculator and it was around $95 usd.
For a one way flight, if you don’t have a checked luggage, it could be around $50-60 usd. $80-100 if you have checked luggage.
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📍Japan Rail Pass Calculator (one of many options!) www.jrpass.com/farecalculator
📍Suica Card: Welcome SUICA is available at Haneda & Narita airport right now. Pasmo Passport is available all over Tokyo. Learn more about IC cards here: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html
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⏰**TIME STAMPS:**
0:00 Intro
0:29 - JR PASS UPDATE
2:16 - SUICA & PASMO SHORTAGE
5:30 - SHARING TRANSIT CARDS
6:00 - CURRENCY
6:32 - HOTEL
7:19 - JAPAN PLANNING TIPS
8:48 - WIFI
11:18 - TRAVELING WITH KIDS
12:13 - AIRPORT TO HOTEL
13:11 - WHERE TO STAY
I still have my Suica and Pasmo cards from 2018, would they still work in 2024?
Yes! They work 10 years!!
If you have an older SUICA card with money on it from 7 montha ago, can you still add more money and use it ?
Yes!!! 😃 good for 10 years!
@@buildyourmoxie 😄Thank you
@@danpork sure thing! 🥰
Going solo for the first time in 30 days for 30 days been watching so many videos to prep. Thank you for adding some to my list :D I'm doing both international plan and pocket wifi as well as buying an eSim.. gonna cover all the bases cause I'm worried if one goes out and the international is poo I want a fall back that and I don't want to waste what limited Data the plan gives me if I don't need to.
I love that you are prepared!! honestly, I would be doing the same 🤓
I've learned, things can go wrong and it's always great to have backup plans especially since I won't have the wifi when I touch down and won't know how to connect to the airports wifi till I deplane. My first trip to England taught me to plan ahead for these as I needed a phone number that I hadn't written down or saved that was in my emails and their wifi was giving me a hard time connecting and I didn't think to active my international plan.@@buildyourmoxie
you are a pro! =D
Can you use your personal credit cards
Hi! Yes you can :)
What are the major attractions in Tokyo like Mario world / Disney land and what is there to do on Halloween@@buildyourmoxie
Can you use public transport with big luggage?
Yes you can but it can get pretty crowded 😬. Try to go to the front car or last car. There is a bit more space!
@@buildyourmoxie thanks!
sure thing!! 🤗
Hi, you now something about bikes rental? I am soon in Tokyo and I think I go to bicycle .. can u help me on that 😅. Thanks
Hola! Take a look at these articles! They explain bike sharing and some etiquette etc. There are lots of articles on google. Just search up “biking in Tokyo” or japan etc :)
jw-webmagazine.com/best-areas-for-cycling-in-japan/#:~:text=Osaka%20is%20the%20most%20famous,of%20Japan%20and%20a%20bicycle.
biketourjapan.com/bike-rental-in-tokyo-japan-road-bikes-e-bikes-and-more/#:~:text=The%20price%20varies%20depending%20on,need%20it%20for%20everyday%20transportation.
Tokyo Broadcasting System asked 50 people in Osaka and Tokyo how much money they had in their wallet (locals, not foreign tourists). Tokyo people averaged 26,778 yen and Osaka averaged 34,908 yen. So bring cash or have a decent amount of cash on you. You’ll never when you will need cash.
🔥love this!
@@buildyourmoxie just went back in November with my mom for 13 days and tracked every expense as best as we could. We brought cash and really decided to pay cash for most everything, excluding hotel and rental car. Did use cash for a couple of things outside of that, but much less on the card when coming home. He figured about $100 a day, which included food, drinks (vending machines), goods and taxis (mainly in Tokyo area from time to time). Hotels did very far in advance, but got good prices with Agoda.
Can say that the travel insurance was a great help as I caught a sinus infection (my nose does not like cold with lots of heating air conditioning). Claim was paid very quickly once returning home with all of the documents.
I disagree MabiNerd. My wife and I traveled to Japan in May and we have T-Mobile and it worked extremely well. A few areas with unreliable coverage but we traveled quite a bit of Honshu.
I drank 2000 yen worth of iced coffee at the airport to burn up the last of my suica money lol. I was hopped up on caffeine!
😂omg! that is a lot of coffee!!!