It's 5,000 yen for the tax free in stores. If you're at a department store that does some things tax free usually you'll take your reciepts to the area and they'll refund the tax in money. In singular shops they'll do the discount directly. It just will take a few minutes due to the fact that they'll be stapling it into your passport. Also if you plan to do a lot of tax free shopping, get your passport with more pages as each store will use one page. Here are some important phrases to know when talking with store clerks Ikura desuka: How much is this Ooki saizu ga arimasuka: Do you have a bigger size eigo ga hanashimasuka: Do you speak english toire wa dokodesuka: Where is the bathroom Last one included because it's just something you should be able to ask if there are no signs.
Hi! Let’s say I have more room for my free baggage allowance can I put the items/products that I bought from Japan in there and check in on departure day? Or I need it to get exported thru separate cargo. Also what products should be declared in customs? Sorry it is my first time to travel Japan next year and I planned to go in famous shopping district but I don’t know how to shop smoothly.
@@chewy277 same questions here. I was planning on taking an empty suitcase for my 1 free checked bag, and filling it with things from Japan. Toys, cards, etc. Im wondering how much I can take before I get dinged. Some things like clothes Id imagine they would just assume you already owned. Trying to balance the money Id save tax free with how much Id be dinged by drawing more attention to my luggage.
I found all my Japanese went out the window the minute I landed. But I had zero issues talking to people for directions, or at conbinis. First thing I could read clearly once I was there was Karaoke... I felt proud of myself that I did learn somthing before I went... lol But I said Arigatou gozaimasu... A TON!! Always greatful for anyone putting up with me. I WANNA GO BACK!! but I need to hit the Kanji
Me too - you're guaranteed to forget words when you need them most!! It's such a sense of achievement when you can read something (most of them time it was written in english too though!!). There are a LOT of karaoke signs once you can read them!!
Thanks for these guides for Japan Amy :) really good for travellers to japan to know about these types of tricks - good to have stumbled on your channel - always fascinate with Japan and their culture this year alone ive been there during the cherry blossom season, cant wait to go back and do more vlogs myself - im seriously thinking of going december again for the winter season - maybe see the snow monkey, fox village. I think you are right - the consumption tax sometime is hidden haha - but compare to sydney, i think japan is still outright cheaper in a lot of things.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them! Yes, it's a lot cheaper than the UK too, especially for food and especially compared to London. It'd be great to visit in December - there'd be lots of Christmas things, I'm sure there'd be a lot of cute stuff! I'd like to visit Hokkaido next :-)
Yes! Getting towards the end of the Fukuoka/Kyushu vlogs, then Osaka's next. You'll love it! I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it - it's just so crazy around Dotonbori, and the view from the Umeda Sky Building is amazing! Plus Denden Town and Amemura...
To those wanting to go Japan or planning. I recommend doing it with a Tour group or with tour guide those who cant speak Japanese. I be doing with inside Japan tours in a 2024. 😊
It you use a lot of notes, you will get a lot of change. If you can see the price fir example, 1155 yen. Use 1000 yen note plus coins to make up the difference and reduce the change you are carrying.
Totally agree shopping ist very easy in Japan even if you do not speak any japanese. The kind people there try to do their best to help you getting the item you desire. I visit a lot of figure shops around Akihabara and the employees even gave me hints where to look for special items relating to the one I've been buying at their shop. But If you can speak some words japanese it is once again easier to get what you're looking for without a lot of research. Another ways to get around easy are websites like "japanican.com, tripadvisor, ect." there you may find offers from japanese people which can be rent for a few hours as translators or local guides. I find this extremely helpful if you are looking for non touristic underground spots and really rare items. As usual those people are so nice and kind and you often get a lot infos about the areas your're visiting.
Must be good to get local knowledge and recommendations from someone who knows the area! Always wish I knew someone local who could tell me the best places to go.
Absolutly depending on the things you are looking for you may need various guides... One for action figures, one for video games, one for cool spots to buy cloths... XD My guide gave me his facebook contact so I can ask him when I am back in Akihabara this is really helpful and a very nice gesture. This year I hope to find some spots of japanese tuning car guys but as far as I figured out if you are not part of their community it is nearly impossible to find such an event...
Your Japlanning videos are great!! I do have a question because I haven't been able to really find an answer for it and I'm paranoid about every step of my Japan trip in November. When going to the airport to leave Japan, is it easy to find where to go for your ticket and to go through security? Are there signs? I'm just worried I'm going to show up at the airport and be so confused.
It's really easy - just like any other airport! All the signs are in english and people at the airport are more likely to speak english. And because it's Japan, everything works and staff are helpful (generalisation I know!!!). Going home is the one part of my trip I never film because it's too depressing!!!
Yes, I've seen kanji in more traditional style restaurants, where they have the strips of paper/wood hung up above the counter for each menu item. But that was only a couple of places - most had full english menus :-)
Centimeters seems like a much more sensible way to size shoes. What even is a "7"? That could be a 6 with one brand and an 8 in another, and even then it sometimes depends on the style of shoe! A centimeter is always a centimeter. Does Japan do wide-width shoes? Are they easy to find, or do you have to look for a specialty shop?
Yes, centimetre measurements are more accurate between different shops, it makes sense! Not sure about the wide shoes, I'd recommend doing some research in case there are only some shops that have them (one thing I've learnt about Japan is you can't always count on coming across something by chance as things can be hidden away!)
I really loved this video - however I find that when i go to counters in Japan - even at like 7/11, the cashier insists on asking like 3 or 4 questions even though im obviously unsure about what shes saying. Its really polite of them to not completely disregard me but I feel so disrespectful by just staying silent or shaking my head no. For example - I'm not sure if this is the case but I feel like maybe sometimes they're asking if I need a plastic bag? I'm really not sure! Could you perhaps do a video - just even recording the audio between you and some cashiers in Japan and explain the process and common phrases they're asking / how to understand them or look for key words to understand them. btw - In Shibuya 109 girls come up to me and start saying about 5 sentences in under 30 seconds, is it commonly just them explaining their deals?? Sorry for all the questions but this is the one topic I'm most frustrated/anxious about!
Good point! My Japanese isn't good enough to understand everything either (especially when they talk so fast!). In convenience stores, they often say the prices of the items as they scan them. Other questions they might be asking are about your age for alcohol (when you have to press the button on the touchscreen on the till), or sometimes if you want something heated up. In these situations, if you don't know what they're saying, your best phrase is "sumimasen, wakarimasen" = sorry, I don't understand! Then if it's important they can point at the screen or the microwave, etc. I think a lot of what they say in shops (like how you mentioned in Shibuya 109) is a kind of script of promotions they have to say - so go with a polite "wakarimasen" and you're all good!
For the items that you bought as tax free, I think you are not allowed to open or consume them within Japan. There is a chance that it can make your luggage packing difficult depending on what you bought.
Gotta ask this because so many non-Japanese UA-camrs mention having to remove their shoes to get into the fitting rooms in Japan. In your country, do you just change pants and skirts with your shoes on? You could have just used the bathroom someplace or stepped on something dirty on the street.
Personally, in shop changing rooms I only take my shoes off if I need to (eg for trousers/pants). At home I don't wear shoes in the house (for the reasons you mentioned). But not everyone in the UK takes their shoes off in the house like they do in Japan.
Hooray, you're getting through that Japlanning list! A taxi might be quite pricey - I'd recommend getting a coach or train if you can. Which airport are you flying into: Haneda or Narita?
Cakes with Faces I’m going to Haneda airport. Maybe staying at shinjuku most likely. Getting the suica card and WiFi looks straight forward. I hopefully should have booked my hotel by end of this year. Then planning of things to do will begin.
If you are getting a JR Rail pass, check the line. I was travelling the equivalent from Guildford to Stanstead for my flight back and was worrying about getting across Tokyo on a Monday morning early. I was able to use Suica card to Shinjuku and called the Narita Express early. JR Rail pass could be used on the Express. Save me money having the pass. There must be similar for Haneda.
Haneda's the closest to the city so that's good news! Take the Keikyu line train to Shinagawa, then change to the JR Yamanote line, which goes to Shinjuku. It doesn't take long at all, and you can use your Suica. There's also the option of getting a coach (which some people prefer when they're carrying suitcases) www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html
Cakes with Faces 🙏 thanks that’s a lot of help. I actually visited Disneyland Paris on Eurostar Tuesday gone by. It gave me good practice travelling on my own.
Hi I just want to ask if is it okay to put all the items you shop from japan in the check in baggage and what items needs to be declared in customs and what is not?
I've always just put stuff I've bought in my suitcases, but I've only ever bought merch, clothes, CDs and normal souvenir stuff! I think it varies by country (because if you're bringing goods into a country, it's that country that sets the rules) but you'd only need to declare it if you've spent a LOT (over the limit for tourists) or if you've bought anything controversial , out of the normal range of souvenirs, or a lot of cigarettes or alcohol. Or fresh food (eg veg/meat) that isn't packaged sweets or snacks (always a bad idea!).
Supposedly apologetic here but if for some reason I can't go to Japan and buy there, are there online stores. I know that there is a Tokyu Hands website. Or maybe probaly Amazon is the best? But are there more? Mostly wanted to buy figurine statues, trinkets and such. No clothing. Do I have to pay for in yen? Can I use PayPal account? I know it may be a silly question to ask but not sure if anywhere else.
Lots of shops have online stores - the problem would be if they're in english or not! The currency would depend on the website. You can buy from Amazon JP - instructions here: www.supercutekawaii.com/buy-kawaii-japan/ And there are websites selling imported items from Japan. For figures, I'm sure there'll be other people who have better recommendations, but you can get them on Ebay (if you're good at spotting fakes), Hobbylink Japan, Tokyo Otaku Mode, Eye on Asia, AnimUK, etc
Only if you buy a LOT I think!!! If you're buying a normal amount under certain limits (for personal use) you don't have to. I've always just walked on through with my purchases in my suitcases (although I don't buy a huge amount!!).
Have you ever went to a store and pick up an item that you have no idea what it is and ask the sales person to explain the item to you? I can't read or speak japanese and there are lots of japanese products with no english words on them. Most of the time google translation is weird.
Yes Google Translate is hit and miss! I don't think I've ever found anything that strange...! :-) Sometimes there's food that you're not 100% sure about - but often the packaging will have pictures. It's the fun of travelling to find new things :-)
You can't pay in dollars, you'll need Yen. You might be able to use your normal credit/debit card if it's commission free. Details are all in this video --> ua-cam.com/video/6E9CYocmhGs/v-deo.html :-)
Are there any items that are risky for tourist to buy in Japan? For example; If I bought a kitchen knife set , bladed wood carving tools or flammable modeling paint in Tokyo and I have more traveling to do, like ride the shinkansen and go to a different place or transfer to a new hotel. Will they apprehend me because of the items?
You'd just need to check the rules with your airline, and make sure they're allowed on the plane home. Japanese knives are famous for being top quality so I think it's quite common for tourists to buy them. Taking the shinkansen is just like taking a regular train - there aren't any security procedures so I think if you keep them packed safely in your luggage it would be fine.
@@cakeswithfaces What end up doing is just leave them in their original packaging, how I got them from the store, complete with the store's bag and receipt. So that if someone checks my stuff, they will see that I did not tamper the seals or anything like that. I was able to buy my paints and carving tools. I decided not to buy the kitchen knives.
hey, I'm currently in Japan on holiday and was jus wondering when u buy tax-free goods and they put it in a special bag, do u have to show the items that u purchased (tax-free) at the airport when u leave? because I was gonna put them in my check-in baggage as u can't take liquids on a plane
Was in Tokyo in Feb (2019) and noticed when paying for an item I used the tray but sometimes change was handed to me instead of the tray. Did anyone have that experience? However, at a bakery that we just loved and went to quite often near the Shinjuku station, payment was automated. Put the money in the machine and change from the machine.
I love bakeries in Japan!! Those payment machines are so interesting. I don't know the details of the etiquette about the tray - maybe it's ok for them to hand you money by the hand? Or maybe some people use it more than others. There have occasions though that I forget and held out my money or card to the cashier's hand, and they seemed a bit put off.
@@cakeswithfaces Me too. I would forget about the tray and try to give my money to the cashier and he/she would point to the tray. After a few times, it became second nature and I would look for the tray. Even now, I sometimes put my money on the counter here in the US. I get strange looks.
@@isaactristan6427 Haha, one time when I was in Japan I got into such a habit of bowing to say thank you that I did it when I got back to the UK - strange looks also...! 😝😝😝
Sizes are smaller in Japan, so you might find you need a size up from what you usually buy. In Harajuku, one size (they call it free size) is quite common - in some shops it's tiny but I think you will find clothes that fit. And you'll be fine at shops like Uniqlo etc, definitely.
At some shops, yes! Look out for the tax-free signs. (There's a minimum spend). Show them your passport at the till, and they'll take the tax off your bill. I talked a bit about it in my Kiddyland video too: ua-cam.com/video/_2H8k48mLMo/v-deo.html
It's 5,000 yen for the tax free in stores. If you're at a department store that does some things tax free usually you'll take your reciepts to the area and they'll refund the tax in money. In singular shops they'll do the discount directly. It just will take a few minutes due to the fact that they'll be stapling it into your passport. Also if you plan to do a lot of tax free shopping, get your passport with more pages as each store will use one page.
Here are some important phrases to know when talking with store clerks
Ikura desuka: How much is this
Ooki saizu ga arimasuka: Do you have a bigger size
eigo ga hanashimasuka: Do you speak english
toire wa dokodesuka: Where is the bathroom
Last one included because it's just something you should be able to ask if there are no signs.
All very useful, thank you!! Yes, they did staple something in my passport at Kiddyland!
Hi! Let’s say I have more room for my free baggage allowance can I put the items/products that I bought from Japan in there and check in on departure day? Or I need it to get exported thru separate cargo. Also what products should be declared in customs? Sorry it is my first time to travel Japan next year and I planned to go in famous shopping district but I don’t know how to shop smoothly.
@@chewy277 same questions here. I was planning on taking an empty suitcase for my 1 free checked bag, and filling it with things from Japan. Toys, cards, etc.
Im wondering how much I can take before I get dinged. Some things like clothes Id imagine they would just assume you already owned. Trying to balance the money Id save tax free with how much Id be dinged by drawing more attention to my luggage.
I found all my Japanese went out the window the minute I landed. But I had zero issues talking to people for directions, or at conbinis. First thing I could read clearly once I was there was Karaoke... I felt proud of myself that I did learn somthing before I went... lol But I said Arigatou gozaimasu... A TON!! Always greatful for anyone putting up with me. I WANNA GO BACK!! but I need to hit the Kanji
Me too - you're guaranteed to forget words when you need them most!! It's such a sense of achievement when you can read something (most of them time it was written in english too though!!). There are a LOT of karaoke signs once you can read them!!
Many thanks for your tips and advice. Watching all your videos again ready for my tokyo trip next month.
Ooh how exciting!! Almost there...!
Thanks for these guides for Japan Amy :) really good for travellers to japan to know about these types of tricks - good to have stumbled on your channel - always fascinate with Japan and their culture this year alone ive been there during the cherry blossom season, cant wait to go back and do more vlogs myself - im seriously thinking of going december again for the winter season - maybe see the snow monkey, fox village.
I think you are right - the consumption tax sometime is hidden haha - but compare to sydney, i think japan is still outright cheaper in a lot of things.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them! Yes, it's a lot cheaper than the UK too, especially for food and especially compared to London. It'd be great to visit in December - there'd be lots of Christmas things, I'm sure there'd be a lot of cute stuff! I'd like to visit Hokkaido next :-)
You've got an Osaka video coming up?! Yes! I'm going there in November :)
Yes! Getting towards the end of the Fukuoka/Kyushu vlogs, then Osaka's next. You'll love it! I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it - it's just so crazy around Dotonbori, and the view from the Umeda Sky Building is amazing! Plus Denden Town and Amemura...
To those wanting to go Japan or planning. I recommend doing it with a Tour group or with tour guide those who cant speak Japanese. I be doing with inside Japan tours in a 2024. 😊
I've always traveled independently, but I'm sure you get some unique experiences with a tour, that might be difficult to organise on your own.
It you use a lot of notes, you will get a lot of change. If you can see the price fir example, 1155 yen. Use 1000 yen note plus coins to make up the difference and reduce the change you are carrying.
I always end up with so many 1 yen coins!! :-)
The little tips or details you gave in this video were super interesting! I enjoyed this vid !
Aww thanks so much, that's great to hear! :-)
Totally agree shopping ist very easy in Japan even if you do not speak any japanese. The kind people there try to do their best to help you getting the item you desire. I visit a lot of figure shops around Akihabara and the employees even gave me hints where to look for special items relating to the one I've been buying at their shop. But If you can speak some words japanese it is once again easier to get what you're looking for without a lot of research.
Another ways to get around easy are websites like "japanican.com, tripadvisor, ect." there you may find offers from japanese people which can be rent for a few hours as translators or local guides. I find this extremely helpful if you are looking for non touristic underground spots and really rare items. As usual those people are so nice and kind and you often get a lot infos about the areas your're visiting.
Must be good to get local knowledge and recommendations from someone who knows the area! Always wish I knew someone local who could tell me the best places to go.
Absolutly depending on the things you are looking for you may need various guides... One for action figures, one for video games, one for cool spots to buy cloths... XD My guide gave me his facebook contact so I can ask him when I am back in Akihabara this is really helpful and a very nice gesture.
This year I hope to find some spots of japanese tuning car guys but as far as I figured out if you are not part of their community it is nearly impossible to find such an event...
Very informative video :-)
Thanks, glad you found it helpful!
It is the hair! No, the voice! It's the voice and the hair!!! :-D
Girl in Tokyo 東京の女の子 hey subscribe my channel plz
Your videos are very helpful. I am going to Japan later this month and your channel has been a great find!
Thanks! Mission accomplished for me then! Have an amazing time! :-)
Thanks
Hope it's useful!! :-)
I've been saying "kaado ii desu ka?" all this time :))
If it works & gets your message across, that's all that matters!
Your Japlanning videos are great!! I do have a question because I haven't been able to really find an answer for it and I'm paranoid about every step of my Japan trip in November. When going to the airport to leave Japan, is it easy to find where to go for your ticket and to go through security? Are there signs? I'm just worried I'm going to show up at the airport and be so confused.
It's really easy - just like any other airport! All the signs are in english and people at the airport are more likely to speak english. And because it's Japan, everything works and staff are helpful (generalisation I know!!!). Going home is the one part of my trip I never film because it's too depressing!!!
Thank you!! That makes me feel a lot better :)
Jamie Caldwell
November is the best season for Autumn foliage!
www.jrailpass.com/blog/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast
I saw one menu that used Kanji for prices during my fortnight in Japan. All the rest were Western numbers.
Yes, I've seen kanji in more traditional style restaurants, where they have the strips of paper/wood hung up above the counter for each menu item. But that was only a couple of places - most had full english menus :-)
Centimeters seems like a much more sensible way to size shoes. What even is a "7"? That could be a 6 with one brand and an 8 in another, and even then it sometimes depends on the style of shoe!
A centimeter is always a centimeter.
Does Japan do wide-width shoes? Are they easy to find, or do you have to look for a specialty shop?
Yes, centimetre measurements are more accurate between different shops, it makes sense! Not sure about the wide shoes, I'd recommend doing some research in case there are only some shops that have them (one thing I've learnt about Japan is you can't always count on coming across something by chance as things can be hidden away!)
best vid everrr
Haha thank you! 😝
I really loved this video - however I find that when i go to counters in Japan - even at like 7/11, the cashier insists on asking like 3 or 4 questions even though im obviously unsure about what shes saying. Its really polite of them to not completely disregard me but I feel so disrespectful by just staying silent or shaking my head no.
For example - I'm not sure if this is the case but I feel like maybe sometimes they're asking if I need a plastic bag? I'm really not sure!
Could you perhaps do a video - just even recording the audio between you and some cashiers in Japan and explain the process and common phrases they're asking / how to understand them or look for key words to understand them.
btw - In Shibuya 109 girls come up to me and start saying about 5 sentences in under 30 seconds, is it commonly just them explaining their deals??
Sorry for all the questions but this is the one topic I'm most frustrated/anxious about!
Good point! My Japanese isn't good enough to understand everything either (especially when they talk so fast!). In convenience stores, they often say the prices of the items as they scan them. Other questions they might be asking are about your age for alcohol (when you have to press the button on the touchscreen on the till), or sometimes if you want something heated up. In these situations, if you don't know what they're saying, your best phrase is "sumimasen, wakarimasen" = sorry, I don't understand! Then if it's important they can point at the screen or the microwave, etc. I think a lot of what they say in shops (like how you mentioned in Shibuya 109) is a kind of script of promotions they have to say - so go with a polite "wakarimasen" and you're all good!
For the items that you bought as tax free, I think you are not allowed to open or consume them within Japan. There is a chance that it can make your luggage packing difficult depending on what you bought.
Best to keep them in the bag with the receipt - a nice present for yourself when you get home!
Gotta ask this because so many non-Japanese UA-camrs mention having to remove their shoes to get into the fitting rooms in Japan. In your country, do you just change pants and skirts with your shoes on? You could have just used the bathroom someplace or stepped on something dirty on the street.
Personally, in shop changing rooms I only take my shoes off if I need to (eg for trousers/pants). At home I don't wear shoes in the house (for the reasons you mentioned). But not everyone in the UK takes their shoes off in the house like they do in Japan.
Cool
Japan Ticket booked ✅
Travel insurance done ✅
My only main concern Amy is how do I arrange a taxi from and to the airport. Many thanks.
Hooray, you're getting through that Japlanning list! A taxi might be quite pricey - I'd recommend getting a coach or train if you can. Which airport are you flying into: Haneda or Narita?
Cakes with Faces I’m going to Haneda airport. Maybe staying at shinjuku most likely. Getting the suica card and WiFi looks straight forward. I hopefully should have booked my hotel by end of this year. Then planning of things to do will begin.
If you are getting a JR Rail pass, check the line. I was travelling the equivalent from Guildford to Stanstead for my flight back and was worrying about getting across Tokyo on a Monday morning early.
I was able to use Suica card to Shinjuku and called the Narita Express early. JR Rail pass could be used on the Express. Save me money having the pass. There must be similar for Haneda.
Haneda's the closest to the city so that's good news! Take the Keikyu line train to Shinagawa, then change to the JR Yamanote line, which goes to Shinjuku. It doesn't take long at all, and you can use your Suica.
There's also the option of getting a coach (which some people prefer when they're carrying suitcases) www.japan-guide.com/e/e2430.html
Cakes with Faces 🙏 thanks that’s a lot of help. I actually visited Disneyland Paris on Eurostar Tuesday gone by. It gave me good practice travelling on my own.
Hi I just want to ask if is it okay to put all the items you shop from japan in the check in baggage and what items needs to be declared in customs and what is not?
I've always just put stuff I've bought in my suitcases, but I've only ever bought merch, clothes, CDs and normal souvenir stuff! I think it varies by country (because if you're bringing goods into a country, it's that country that sets the rules) but you'd only need to declare it if you've spent a LOT (over the limit for tourists) or if you've bought anything controversial , out of the normal range of souvenirs, or a lot of cigarettes or alcohol. Or fresh food (eg veg/meat) that isn't packaged sweets or snacks (always a bad idea!).
Supposedly apologetic here but if for some reason I can't go to Japan and buy there, are there online stores. I know that there is a Tokyu Hands website. Or maybe probaly Amazon is the best? But are there more? Mostly wanted to buy figurine statues, trinkets and such. No clothing. Do I have to pay for in yen? Can I use PayPal account? I know it may be a silly question to ask but not sure if anywhere else.
Lots of shops have online stores - the problem would be if they're in english or not! The currency would depend on the website. You can buy from Amazon JP - instructions here: www.supercutekawaii.com/buy-kawaii-japan/ And there are websites selling imported items from Japan. For figures, I'm sure there'll be other people who have better recommendations, but you can get them on Ebay (if you're good at spotting fakes), Hobbylink Japan, Tokyo Otaku Mode, Eye on Asia, AnimUK, etc
wish you tons of subs
Tell your friends!! 😝😝
Do you just have to pay the tax anyways once your at the airport / customs
Only if you buy a LOT I think!!! If you're buying a normal amount under certain limits (for personal use) you don't have to. I've always just walked on through with my purchases in my suitcases (although I don't buy a huge amount!!).
Have you ever went to a store and pick up an item that you have no idea what it is and ask the sales person to explain the item to you? I can't read or speak japanese and there are lots of japanese products with no english words on them. Most of the time google translation is weird.
Yes Google Translate is hit and miss! I don't think I've ever found anything that strange...! :-) Sometimes there's food that you're not 100% sure about - but often the packaging will have pictures. It's the fun of travelling to find new things :-)
I have a question since I'm from America can I still pay with American bills or do I go to a bank and exchange it there??
You can't pay in dollars, you'll need Yen. You might be able to use your normal credit/debit card if it's commission free. Details are all in this video --> ua-cam.com/video/6E9CYocmhGs/v-deo.html :-)
Are there any items that are risky for tourist to buy in Japan? For example; If I bought a kitchen knife set , bladed wood carving tools or flammable modeling paint in Tokyo and I have more traveling to do, like ride the shinkansen and go to a different place or transfer to a new hotel. Will they apprehend me because of the items?
You'd just need to check the rules with your airline, and make sure they're allowed on the plane home. Japanese knives are famous for being top quality so I think it's quite common for tourists to buy them. Taking the shinkansen is just like taking a regular train - there aren't any security procedures so I think if you keep them packed safely in your luggage it would be fine.
@@cakeswithfaces What end up doing is just leave them in their original packaging, how I got them from the store, complete with the store's bag and receipt. So that if someone checks my stuff, they will see that I did not tamper the seals or anything like that. I was able to buy my paints and carving tools. I decided not to buy the kitchen knives.
How would u say "can I buy this?" Is kore o katte mo ii desu ka ok to say?
You can just say "kore o kudasai" (this please). Easy and useful for a whole load of situations (ordering food too!) :-)
Ah great thanku! :D
Whats that yo Kai watch place??
hey, I'm currently in Japan on holiday and was jus wondering when u buy tax-free goods and they put it in a special bag, do u have to show the items that u purchased (tax-free) at the airport when u leave? because I was gonna put them in my check-in baggage as u can't take liquids on a plane
They've never asked me to see it, I've always put things in my suitcase and it's been ok. Hope you're enjoying your trip!
@@cakeswithfaces it's bin epic. I've been to loads of places and I still got plenty things to do.
@@kenwong237 Fantastic, that's great to hear! :-)
Was in Tokyo in Feb (2019) and noticed when paying for an item I used the tray but sometimes change was handed to me instead of the tray. Did anyone have that experience? However, at a bakery that we just loved and went to quite often near the Shinjuku station, payment was automated. Put the money in the machine and change from the machine.
I love bakeries in Japan!! Those payment machines are so interesting. I don't know the details of the etiquette about the tray - maybe it's ok for them to hand you money by the hand? Or maybe some people use it more than others. There have occasions though that I forget and held out my money or card to the cashier's hand, and they seemed a bit put off.
@@cakeswithfaces Me too. I would forget about the tray and try to give my money to the cashier and he/she would point to the tray. After a few times, it became second nature and I would look for the tray. Even now, I sometimes put my money on the counter here in the US. I get strange looks.
@@isaactristan6427 Haha, one time when I was in Japan I got into such a habit of bowing to say thank you that I did it when I got back to the UK - strange looks also...! 😝😝😝
@@cakeswithfaces I still catch myself bowing every now and then. Cant wait to get back.
@@isaactristan6427 I know that feeling! I always miss the excellent service and how people show respect to each other.
Can we buy the UK 14 size in Tokyo?
Sizes are smaller in Japan, so you might find you need a size up from what you usually buy. In Harajuku, one size (they call it free size) is quite common - in some shops it's tiny but I think you will find clothes that fit. And you'll be fine at shops like Uniqlo etc, definitely.
Can we get a tax refund for shopping? Hows the process? Thank you
At some shops, yes! Look out for the tax-free signs. (There's a minimum spend). Show them your passport at the till, and they'll take the tax off your bill. I talked a bit about it in my Kiddyland video too: ua-cam.com/video/_2H8k48mLMo/v-deo.html