Update March 2024: SUICA CARDS are back!! :) The last of my Japanese series this year :) these are some updated tips you’ll need to know in 2024 if anyone’s planning to go to Japan! Like the JR Pass price increase 👀. Also, I didn’t fill out any paperwork prior to leaving LA. I just signed the customs form on the plane and turned it in at immigration :) they give you everything you need!
I was getting a pasmo passport. Next year when i go to Tokyo Japan in 2024 in July. We will be there for 13 days. Is there any other rules that i should know about?
We were there few days ago, no Suica available in any part of Japan, according to the lady working at the Travel Information Center in Tokyo. Not sure why
If you happen to visit Japan, make sure to learn some basic Japanese tourist phrases as most of the locals can't really speak English and try not to speak too loudly in public places (which most foreign visitors are guilty of)
I second this comment. I'm not going to Japan until I'm at least somewhat close to N5 level. It doesn't make any sense to spend time there and not understand what's going on.
For the airports: flying to Tokyo actually is fine into Narita (unless the flight arrives past 6pm), flying back from Haneda saves you way more time. For the Suica: They are back in stock, you can also get the JR West alternative toica in Shinagawa. The digital one is not available for any phone, just iPhone. Visa on Suica/Apple Wallet: They use a different 2-factor system which Suica just doesnt like.
@@jordanloftin9915 i think its weird, my card is visa and i had no issue using it since 2022... filling up my suica on iphone (suspect its because its going through apple pay)
@@Nnb-y1b @bliblablubstar no idee, think it has something to do that you're traveling in the rush time, and that can be an hassle, but if you use the limousin buss from Narita, its a breeze and you can spend the time to sleep some before going to your destination
My wife and I went earlier this year and we loved it so much, we are looking into going again next year! Honestly, the trains run quickly and on time, so location doesn’t really matter much in the end unless you’re doing a lot of activities in one area. We stayed in Nihombashi, a much less touristy area and saved a lot of money.
I normaly say, stay where you think you will spend the most of your time. me myself often stay out long for drinks, and often in Shinjuku though sometimes shibuya (but i have no issue walking from shibuya at night to shinjuku) though if your not a drinker staying 1 -3 sub stops from major hubs can still save a lot on hotels ^^
Google translate is your friend! You can point your camera at words and it’ll translate to English. That’ll help out a ton. You don’t really need to book a hotel in the middle of your destinations. Trains are everywhere and go everywhere. My favorite activity was walking to our air bib after the trains stop running (btw another huge tip, the trains don’t run super late lol). The streets are empty and you can just look at all of the buildings, take pictures, and reflect on your day and what not. I was sipping on some strong zeros (strong alcoholic beverage) and talking and enjoying the peace and quiet compared to the day time hustle and bustle. Feels like a dream now can’t wait to go back.
Could you recommend a good hotel for family, I love the sound of asakusa, it our first time in Japan and it's a bit overwhelming with all the information
@vaneepham5847 I did airbnb back when it wasn't abolished back then. Otherwise I mostly went there by myself and stayed at Almont Hotel (formerly known as Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa).
i had the luck of being among the last travelers of 2019 before covid hit hard, and then instantly coming back to the country just weeks when it opened again in 2022, the amount of difference from seeing how it was with lots of tourists and barely any tourists what so ever was almost eerie
In 2019 my wife and I visited Japan for the first time. On the way back, to the airport, we took the monorail. However it was stopped at one point due to an earthquake. So this last March we went. On both flying in we chose the on-airport hotel to help with jet lag, very nice accommodations. This time when we arrived around 2 am……… “did you feel that? Yeah, you too?” Yep, a minor earthquake right when we arrived. We stayed for three weeks, and we planned to make sure no problems getting into the airport, so for the day prior to leaving we again went to the on-airport hotel. They were super helpful, especially since we had a minor booking issue which admittedly we slightly caused by not watching the hotel booking website (always check those dates), they gave us a great room. The day we’re checking out………. Yep, an earthquake, ok ok Japan we get the point. So the key points of advice, use the hotel on-airport when coming in so you don’t have to stress, catch up on sleep, and wander around to get mini/tickets/Suica card stuff. Then on the way out again use the on-airport hotel to avoid any delays coming in, just in case. When using websites for hotel bookings quadruple check the check in check out dates.
actually if you go to any markets or supermarkets (which are not as common in larger city areas) there's lots of fresh veggies. there are also many "open markets" like kuromon, nishiki, ameya-yokocho... context in the video was specific to restaurants and should probably be clarified. i didn't feel like eating out one time and bought an entire shabu meal from a larger combini that had veggies + meat + soup base + fruits as well.. then just made it in my hotel room, right in the middle of tokyo. they are there, and aplenty, but you need to know where to look
i love how this one is actually about stuff you need to know when going to japan, when my dad was watching a video about what to know before going on a cruise they basically just said what to not wear at the ports (camo) and what to not pack (basically anything that can heat up)... I'm hoping to go to Japan and Germany with my bf when we graduate college (around 2028-2029) so I started my Duolingo journey 17 days ago and i have been doing really good
I’m going to Japan next week. I also took Duolingo subscription but it is sooo slow. I did mine for a month and all I can remember was mizu 😂 (if you know, you know lol). Then I decided to take Japanese lesson for conversation twice a week. Within a month (same with duolingo), I could read hiragana, katakana, and having a simple conversation in Japanese phrases.
With the Visa thing, from experience this is only for US Visa cards - I have both a Norwegian and a UK Visa Card, and they have both always worked in Japan! Great video! ❤
I used an American Visa card in December and had no issues from convenience stores to buying shinkansen tickets. But as I understand it machines at the airports may not like them.
Thank you! Im going for the first time in July. Im both nervous and excited. Going with my sis and her husband who went there for their first time last year and loved it
enjoy man, and for heaven sake make sure you buy mini fans or anything to cool yourself off, its gonna be hot and humid, salt pills, look into maybe getting those as well before leaving
2:23 If you’re looking to download the Suica card on your iPhone before coming to Japan, update your iOS! Before this (if you have a Visa card saved on your phone), the Suica card couldn’t be loaded 😭 but I updated it and it works perfectly fine!
squatters were common up until the recent olympics, i did still see some in department stores or older buildings but usually not in hotels, esp hotels where there are lots of foreigners
I've been living in Japan for 6 years now, but it was still fun to see how tourists experience Japan. I agree with all of your tips, but I didn't know that some places don't except VISA.
You don't cut so much time because of the winds :)))) It's because you fly to the opposite direction of the Earth's rotation hence it makes you get there faster as Earth basically moves towards you and you move towards your destination as well
Thanks for all a great information. It's given me a lot to think about planning my trip next summer. I looked at the JR pass to maybe get ahead of the increase. I think they already did the increase this fall. It's already 50k yen for 7 day. Still the information got me to think about the cost of transportation. It has been very helpful.
Oh no!!! Idk why the info said 2024 if it’s already into effect now? I would say there’s no need unless you go between Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo more than once round trip!
Thank you for this video! I’m going on 30 smth days and It’s been my dream for 3 yrs or more I’m super excited I hope everyone who wants to can go someday
the thing about not having fresh veggies is really an eastern asian thing... being from the west, we're using to "raw" salads n similar preps unless it's for hot pot or a wrap, it's likely cooked or pickled.. i think that applies for lots of eastern asian cultures (japan, korea, china)
We found Delta out of ATL to be cheaper than JAL and ANA but maybe it’s because we have to take a domestic to SFA then transfer. And I was able to load my Suica app with my BOA travel Visa card but I just did it here in the USA. Thank you for this video!!!
I was able to use my Visa (Amazon Prime) credit card for my Suica on my Apple Wallet and reload it--unsure how or why it worked but was able to use it in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka recently. I'm still in Japan today at Ginza~
Keep in mind Asian countries are all different cultures and societies. Japan is structured and formal, how foreigners behave is a big concern. Have a good trip.
Just found your channel and loving the videos so far! :) I would love if you cover Korea as well! I’m debating on Japan or Korea as my first solo travel
Ahhhh I love both!! It depends if you want to immerse yourself in Korean or Japanese content / food. Both have great public transportation but Japan is slightlyyyyyy less confusing! Korea is very used to foreigners though :)
Suica cards are now available at Tokyo's major stations like: JR Ueno Station JR Tokyo Station JR Shinjuku Station Head to the JR East Travel Service Center to get one Suica. They're quite strict on selling this due to shortage. In some times, they'll ask for your passport. They give one Suica per person and that person must be present when you buy the card. 😊
Hi. I’m planning to visit Japan this year, Tokyo to be precise. My questions are: When is the best time to visit, what are the best/cheapest prices of good hotels, which area is the best? How is the nightlife? How far are the other cities what is famous for tourists away from Tokyo? I’m flying from London…If y’all have information regarding my question, or anything else. Let me know thanks
My friends and I are going to japan this year and we are going to travel around in the country. We want to see tokyo, but also osaka, kyoto, maybe hiroshima. So do yall think we should get this jr pass? I feel like it would be a good decision but im not quite sure.
I really wanna just backpack through Japan / Tokyo. I dont want to have any set plan for each day. Are a lot of hotels 24/7? Or would you recommend I plan somewhat with my hotel stays. Thank you!!
Klook is way cheaper than the Jr pass, just use Klook. Also trains are NOT always on time, especially the Renkai line (local train) . Renkai got me stranded before and I had to take a very expensive taxi cause it missed its last connection There’s tons of times where the trains have notice as to why it’s late. Many times it’s because of “body on the tracks/ injury “ which is sad
So for the tax exemption one, what do you mean when you say claiming something at customs? Do you have to claim everything you buy if you pay tax? I just need a bit more elaboration, I'm confused.
2:20 Unless the android phone is native to Japan, android phone can not download the Suica app unless they potentially hack their own android phone(s).
Great tips. We're going in October, my wife will often not finish all of her food and is always full after a couple bites. I guess we'll either be sharing or I'll be eating for 2
What is the average cost of travel so me and my wife want to go to Kyoto and we live in Texas flights are expensive we would have to fly into LA then LA to HEN them HEN to Osaka and then train to Kyoto any recommendations on flights
Hii! I might go to Japan for summer! And I was wondering would I have to learn Japanese to go to Japan? Because I have no concept about it and I’ve never learned it before, so it might be hard communicating. Also, are there guides for people who don’t know Japanese?
Im also not sure of what to learn but i feel like some good phrases would be like: Where is the washroom, where to find a place to eat, and where is the closest and safest hotel. Maybe some transportation questions im not sure.
I was just there in June and I got a Suica, Passmo, and other IC cards but these have your name on the physical card! You can still get IC cards they just can’t be the anonymous ones
Hi Maya , great video as I am going to Japan next year ! Just wanted to ask you where is your grey sweat shirt coming from (the one you’re wearing at the airport) ? xx
with the yen so cheap at the current exchange rate, it's a really really good time to go., but please do check the seasons/weather and activities before you do. i tend to like fall foliage, winter food but not weather, spring food/weather, and summer food but not weather. ticket prices jump in the summer and some parts of winter n spring.
I am going for my first time in october this year for three whole weeks! I am nervous about speaking especially but i do have a question; you said you can ship things to your hotel but could i ship things i bought back to the states?
Hi Maya do you think I'll have an issue if I bring a tripod to Japan? I'm going solo (f) next year and I haven been reading regarding the ban of them in like theme parks and maybe some temples inside of them and now I worry about even taking it out and not capture the moments while I'm there with me in the pictures. Good video btw great tips.
Great question! I had my little handheld tripod everywhere I went, but standing ones can’t be used! I believe Disney only allows handheld ones as well (& no selfie sticks)!
I def should’ve spoke on Data!! the first time I got a pocket wifi for two weeks and it was so expensive (like $150). This time I got an e-sim for 10gb of data for $20 for a week and it was perfect.
@@mayaleex3 hello Maya, do you know which data sim you got? they used to be expensive for the GB you got vs pocket wifi so i always went with pocket wifi (it was like $8-9 per day or so) but $20 per 10gb doesn't seem too bad (tho i use about 2gb per day normally)
Hi Maya : ) This video is really helpful, thank you! I am curious about speaking the language there. I am trying to learn it, so I'm definitely not super fluent. Makes me a little nervous! Do you have any advice on speaking the language there? Thank you
Hi!! Aww I wish I learned some Japanese before I went, too. I know a lot of people who use duolingo but I would want to learn some common phrases to use! Like “where is the restroom” 😂
Even being able to say please and thank you will be appreciated by people. In train stations and places like Starbucks or places that get a lot of visitors staff tend to speak a little bit of English but you can also use Google translate if needed. I learned as many basic phrases as I could remember but Google Translate did come in handy a couple of times. Don't stress about language but learn what you can in advance.
I went in December and had no trouble with my US Visa card anywhere I traveled, from hotels to convenience stores, to a taxi in Kyoto. But I used cash at the airport to buy a Welcome Suica at a machine so I did not try a credit card for that.
Ask at any hotel you stay at or when you reserve your hotel online see if they can answer via email . But try to pack light if possible anyway. I didn't use luggage shipping so can't speak to the cost but I saw it in every hotel I stayed in.
The hotel industry there has a lot of power and lobbies hard against airbnb. So they are not rampant or as common as here. Uber/Lyft is not a thing in Japan, just FYI. That said, if you are in an actual neighborhood in someone's house or apartment be aware of noise levels and being a good guest. There are like a trillion hotels of all price ranges in cites and with a hotel you are working in an established customer support situation. Just my two cents. Japan is not the west, but I get the angle of immersion with an airbnb stay.
Update March 2024: SUICA CARDS are back!! :)
The last of my Japanese series this year :) these are some updated tips you’ll need to know in 2024 if anyone’s planning to go to Japan! Like the JR Pass price increase 👀. Also, I didn’t fill out any paperwork prior to leaving LA. I just signed the customs form on the plane and turned it in at immigration :) they give you everything you need!
Sister can i join your UA-cam 🎉
I was getting a pasmo passport. Next year when i go to Tokyo Japan in 2024 in July. We will be there for 13 days.
Is there any other rules that i should know about?
We were there few days ago, no Suica available in any part of Japan, according to the lady working at the Travel Information Center in Tokyo. Not sure why
❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉😂🎉😂😂🎉🎉😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂🎉😂🎉😂😂😢😢😢🎉😢🎉🎉😢😂😂🎉😢😢😢🎉😢😢😢🎉😢😢😂😂😂😂😂😂 😂😂😂🎉😢🎉😢😢🎉😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢🎉😢😢😢😢🎉😢🎉,😢
😢
Unfortunately, I don't use cash. I always use credit card.
If you happen to visit Japan, make sure to learn some basic Japanese tourist phrases as most of the locals can't really speak English and try not to speak too loudly in public places (which most foreign visitors are guilty of)
I second this comment. I'm not going to Japan until I'm at least somewhat close to N5 level. It doesn't make any sense to spend time there and not understand what's going on.
Most *American* tourists are guilty of.
For the airports: flying to Tokyo actually is fine into Narita (unless the flight arrives past 6pm), flying back from Haneda saves you way more time.
For the Suica: They are back in stock, you can also get the JR West alternative toica in Shinagawa. The digital one is not available for any phone, just iPhone.
Visa on Suica/Apple Wallet: They use a different 2-factor system which Suica just doesnt like.
Hi, why past 6:00 pm is not good?
i am also cruious about the 6pm thing?
Visa now works with the latest iPhone updates
@@jordanloftin9915 i think its weird, my card is visa and i had no issue using it since 2022... filling up my suica on iphone (suspect its because its going through apple pay)
@@Nnb-y1b
@bliblablubstar no idee, think it has something to do that you're traveling in the rush time, and that can be an hassle, but if you use the limousin buss from Narita, its a breeze and you can spend the time to sleep some before going to your destination
My wife and I went earlier this year and we loved it so much, we are looking into going again next year! Honestly, the trains run quickly and on time, so location doesn’t really matter much in the end unless you’re doing a lot of activities in one area. We stayed in Nihombashi, a much less touristy area and saved a lot of money.
I normaly say, stay where you think you will spend the most of your time. me myself often stay out long for drinks, and often in Shinjuku though sometimes shibuya (but i have no issue walking from shibuya at night to shinjuku) though if your not a drinker staying 1 -3 sub stops from major hubs can still save a lot on hotels ^^
Google translate is your friend! You can point your camera at words and it’ll translate to English. That’ll help out a ton. You don’t really need to book a hotel in the middle of your destinations. Trains are everywhere and go everywhere. My favorite activity was walking to our air bib after the trains stop running (btw another huge tip, the trains don’t run super late lol). The streets are empty and you can just look at all of the buildings, take pictures, and reflect on your day and what not. I was sipping on some strong zeros (strong alcoholic beverage) and talking and enjoying the peace and quiet compared to the day time hustle and bustle. Feels like a dream now can’t wait to go back.
I usually stay in Asakusa. Cheap, convenient and I love experiencing 2 sides of Japan. Past on one side and present on the other 😊😊😊
Could you recommend a good hotel for family, I love the sound of asakusa, it our first time in Japan and it's a bit overwhelming with all the information
@vaneepham5847 I did airbnb back when it wasn't abolished back then. Otherwise I mostly went there by myself and stayed at Almont Hotel (formerly known as Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa).
Thank you! I'm going for the first time in the spring and your videos have been really helpful with planning.
I went to Tokyo in September 2005 as solo traveller and everything was awesome!
i had the luck of being among the last travelers of 2019 before covid hit hard, and then instantly coming back to the country just weeks when it opened again in 2022, the amount of difference from seeing how it was with lots of tourists and barely any tourists what so ever was almost eerie
In 2019 my wife and I visited Japan for the first time. On the way back, to the airport, we took the monorail. However it was stopped at one point due to an earthquake. So this last March we went. On both flying in we chose the on-airport hotel to help with jet lag, very nice accommodations. This time when we arrived around 2 am……… “did you feel that? Yeah, you too?” Yep, a minor earthquake right when we arrived. We stayed for three weeks, and we planned to make sure no problems getting into the airport, so for the day prior to leaving we again went to the on-airport hotel. They were super helpful, especially since we had a minor booking issue which admittedly we slightly caused by not watching the hotel booking website (always check those dates), they gave us a great room. The day we’re checking out………. Yep, an earthquake, ok ok Japan we get the point. So the key points of advice, use the hotel on-airport when coming in so you don’t have to stress, catch up on sleep, and wander around to get mini/tickets/Suica card stuff. Then on the way out again use the on-airport hotel to avoid any delays coming in, just in case. When using websites for hotel bookings quadruple check the check in check out dates.
when i went to japan i was so surprised by the lack of veggies! harder to find and more expensive at least where i was. thank you for including this!
actually if you go to any markets or supermarkets (which are not as common in larger city areas) there's lots of fresh veggies. there are also many "open markets" like kuromon, nishiki, ameya-yokocho... context in the video was specific to restaurants and should probably be clarified. i didn't feel like eating out one time and bought an entire shabu meal from a larger combini that had veggies + meat + soup base + fruits as well.. then just made it in my hotel room, right in the middle of tokyo. they are there, and aplenty, but you need to know where to look
Yess, even the fruits were expensive 🥲
基本的にコンビニには野菜や果物は殆ど置いていません。スーパーマーケットを利用すると良いですよ。
日本の野菜や果物は品質が高く美味しいので是非試してみて下さい！
本当に美味しい果物を食べたい場合は、果物専門店を利用すると更に良いです。基本的には贈答用やリッチな人が理由する事が多いので、金額は高い物が多いです。しかし、世界一と評判になる事も多い美味しい果物が揃ってるので試してみる価値はあると思います😊
This is horrifying news to me. As I need veggies on a daily basis.
i love how this one is actually about stuff you need to know when going to japan, when my dad was watching a video about what to know before going on a cruise they basically just said what to not wear at the ports (camo) and what to not pack (basically anything that can heat up)... I'm hoping to go to Japan and Germany with my bf when we graduate college (around 2028-2029) so I started my Duolingo journey 17 days ago and i have been doing really good
I’m going to Japan next week. I also took Duolingo subscription but it is sooo slow. I did mine for a month and all I can remember was mizu 😂 (if you know, you know lol). Then I decided to take Japanese lesson for conversation twice a week. Within a month (same with duolingo), I could read hiragana, katakana, and having a simple conversation in Japanese phrases.
With the Visa thing, from experience this is only for US Visa cards - I have both a Norwegian and a UK Visa Card, and they have both always worked in Japan! Great video! ❤
I panicked, I have only ever had UK Visa cards 😮Ty for telling
I used an American Visa card in December and had no issues from convenience stores to buying shinkansen tickets. But as I understand it machines at the airports may not like them.
Thank you! Im going for the first time in July. Im both nervous and excited. Going with my sis and her husband who went there for their first time last year and loved it
enjoy man, and for heaven sake make sure you buy mini fans or anything to cool yourself off, its gonna be hot and humid, salt pills, look into maybe getting those as well before leaving
Small tip, I noticed this at the beginning. Don’t stick your chopsticks up on your bowl, that only happens in funerals
2:23 If you’re looking to download the Suica card on your iPhone before coming to Japan, update your iOS! Before this (if you have a Visa card saved on your phone), the Suica card couldn’t be loaded 😭 but I updated it and it works perfectly fine!
What about cell phone usage? I’m traveling from the US and need to figure out how I can use my cell phone while I’m there
squatters were common up until the recent olympics, i did still see some in department stores or older buildings but usually not in hotels, esp hotels where there are lots of foreigners
I've been living in Japan for 6 years now, but it was still fun to see how tourists experience Japan. I agree with all of your tips, but I didn't know that some places don't except VISA.
You don't cut so much time because of the winds :))))
It's because you fly to the opposite direction of the Earth's rotation hence it makes you get there faster as Earth basically moves towards you and you move towards your destination as well
Oh my god I love Japan so much thank you for this video you have soothing personality.
Thank you so much for sharing this is super helpful! I’m so excited to visit Japan next week for my birthday!
NEXT WEEK!! So exciting. Stay warm ☃️
Thanks for all a great information. It's given me a lot to think about planning my trip next summer. I looked at the JR pass to maybe get ahead of the increase. I think they already did the increase this fall. It's already 50k yen for 7 day.
Still the information got me to think about the cost of transportation. It has been very helpful.
Oh no!!! Idk why the info said 2024 if it’s already into effect now? I would say there’s no need unless you go between Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo more than once round trip!
@@mayaleex3 Yup. I found the calculator you mentioned. It helped alot. thank you!
I read somewhere that all types of JR Pass had increased its price except the the JR Hokuriku Pass. But it will also increas in March.
this is the most helpful list of tips! thank you!
These tips need to be practiced every where in the world!!! Especially do not waste food. 🙏
Thank you for this video! I’m going on 30 smth days and It’s been my dream for 3 yrs or more I’m super excited I hope everyone who wants to can go someday
Oh I've got to send this to my sister! she gets to go to Japan next year!
Ahhh thank you for sharing ❤❤
Great video - so much great info - super helpful, clear and a wide variety of tips - thank you!
This will be helpful when I go to Japan soon
HOPEFULLY SOON HUSBANDDD
Going next March solo this video was so helpful. I didn’t know know about the airport distance.
I am going to Japan in the new year for 4 months for school. I am very excited, but nervous to. Thanks for the tips 😊
the thing about not having fresh veggies is really an eastern asian thing... being from the west, we're using to "raw" salads n similar preps
unless it's for hot pot or a wrap, it's likely cooked or pickled.. i think that applies for lots of eastern asian cultures (japan, korea, china)
Yesss even in Korea every veggie is pickled 😂
Thankyou so much for this interesting and insightful video really enjoy learning new things
We found Delta out of ATL to be cheaper than JAL and ANA but maybe it’s because we have to take a domestic to SFA then transfer. And I was able to load my Suica app with my BOA travel Visa card but I just did it here in the USA. Thank you for this video!!!
Thank you so much Maya for this video because I really really needed this one and I am also going to Japan for studies and My Is There Today😀😀💫💖💖
I was able to use my Visa (Amazon Prime) credit card for my Suica on my Apple Wallet and reload it--unsure how or why it worked but was able to use it in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka recently. I'm still in Japan today at Ginza~
Gonna be going in a few months with the Boyz!! My first time going to an asian country! Thanks for the informative vid! I can't wait!
Keep in mind Asian countries are all different cultures and societies. Japan is structured and formal, how foreigners behave is a big concern. Have a good trip.
Keep going... You are the best ❤
Thanks for this video it was very helpful going to Tokyo this weekend so I’m definitely excited
So excited for you!!
Just found your channel and loving the videos so far! :) I would love if you cover Korea as well! I’m debating on Japan or Korea as my first solo travel
Ahhhh I love both!! It depends if you want to immerse yourself in Korean or Japanese content / food. Both have great public transportation but Japan is slightlyyyyyy less confusing! Korea is very used to foreigners though :)
Thank you Maya! Good pointers!
Suica cards are now available at Tokyo's major stations like:
JR Ueno Station
JR Tokyo Station
JR Shinjuku Station
Head to the JR East Travel Service Center to get one Suica. They're quite strict on selling this due to shortage. In some times, they'll ask for your passport. They give one Suica per person and that person must be present when you buy the card.
😊
Yes!! I heard they’re back :)
I'm definitely hoping that I can go for my birthday this year. I plan to go from August 21st to September 5th for 14 nights.
Hi.
I’m planning to visit Japan this year, Tokyo to be precise. My questions are: When is the best time to visit, what are the best/cheapest prices of good hotels, which area is the best? How is the nightlife? How far are the other cities what is famous for tourists away from Tokyo? I’m flying from London…If y’all have information regarding my question, or anything else. Let me know thanks
JR passes already increased in Oct 2023 to 50,000 Yen for ordinary car seats.
Aww thank you for sharing these tips and info with us!!!! That was so interesting learning about their culture too!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
My friends and I are going to japan this year and we are going to travel around in the country. We want to see tokyo, but also osaka, kyoto, maybe hiroshima. So do yall think we should get this jr pass? I feel like it would be a good decision but im not quite sure.
Great video! Can't wait to go back to Japan sometime soon! =)
Can you share the name of the first website that you use to make reservations? Does it say table log? The mouse was covering up part of the word
Yesss tablelog :)!
Can you let me know how to get the gadget that allows you to watch flight movies with two EarPods? Thanks !
Linked in my description!! :)
Thank you four this great video. I am going to Japan for the first time next month. Very usefull tips!
Have so much fun!! 🎉
You can also load up your Suica (digital card too) with cash
Number 19 regarding passport: is a picture of passport enough or has to be physical? I dont feel comfortable carrying passport all the time
I really wanna just backpack through Japan / Tokyo. I dont want to have any set plan for each day. Are a lot of hotels 24/7? Or would you recommend I plan somewhat with my hotel stays. Thank you!!
I haven't finished watching video. But should I get a digital card soon? I go in March 2025 the suica card
This is a really good video. It covers things others don't
3:01 I think that honestly depends on the issuing bank not Visa. Because I can use my Visa from chase cards on Suica
Mastercard / AMEX just for transportation, right? a VISA debit card has no issues for ATM machines ?
Would also like to know I got a visa travel money card and hopes it's not useless 😢
Klook is way cheaper than the Jr pass, just use Klook.
Also trains are NOT always on time, especially the Renkai line (local train) . Renkai got me stranded before and I had to take a very expensive taxi cause it missed its last connection
There’s tons of times where the trains have notice as to why it’s late. Many times it’s because of “body on the tracks/ injury “ which is sad
What do you mean use klook? For train tickets?
Just asking as I visit in a month and would love the advice!
Thank you for this video. I’m going to Japan in July.
thank you for your information, I wish I could visit Japan again this year
So for the tax exemption one, what do you mean when you say claiming something at customs? Do you have to claim everything you buy if you pay tax? I just need a bit more elaboration, I'm confused.
Thanks!
Omgoodness thank you so much 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Haneda airport is usually more expensive to fly into.
Suica cards aren't available in Tokyo but other major cities have them
Thank you so much! I just really want to go when I am older
Very nice Japan travel guide.
planning to go next year in cherry blossom season for 2 weeks, will be our first time there.
wow!! what a great wednesday when i see a maya lee video pop up!
2:20 Unless the android phone is native to Japan, android phone can not download the Suica app unless they potentially hack their own android phone(s).
Great tips. We're going in October, my wife will often not finish all of her food and is always full after a couple bites. I guess we'll either be sharing or I'll be eating for 2
Hahaha Japan will be perfect for her! Thankfully convenience store food is affordable and delish so that can top you off, too :)
What is the average cost of travel so me and my wife want to go to Kyoto and we live in Texas flights are expensive we would have to fly into LA then LA to HEN them HEN to Osaka and then train to Kyoto any recommendations on flights
I loved the video! You speak really well and are so cute! 🥰 I'm flying in May and extremely excited! Dream trip! Thanks for the information! 😊
Hii! I might go to Japan for summer! And I was wondering would I have to learn Japanese to go to Japan? Because I have no concept about it and I’ve never learned it before, so it might be hard communicating. Also, are there guides for people who don’t know Japanese?
Im also not sure of what to learn but i feel like some good phrases would be like:
Where is the washroom, where to find a place to eat, and where is the closest and safest hotel. Maybe some transportation questions im not sure.
Thank you for your detailed content. I will surely subscribe onto the next video of yours.
I was just there in June and I got a Suica, Passmo, and other IC cards but these have your name on the physical card! You can still get IC cards they just can’t be the anonymous ones
Hi Maya , great video as I am going to Japan next year ! Just wanted to ask you where is your grey sweat shirt coming from (the one you’re wearing at the airport) ? xx
It’s from Popflex (Blogilates’ brand) :)
Do you advice getting a portable wifi?
I hope to visit Japan at some point. Helpful video to keep as a reference!
with the yen so cheap at the current exchange rate, it's a really really good time to go., but please do check the seasons/weather and activities before you do. i tend to like fall foliage, winter food but not weather, spring food/weather, and summer food but not weather. ticket prices jump in the summer and some parts of winter n spring.
Agreed!
@@jw6451 mmm, thanks so much for sharing!!
How does suica work?? with transportation? i'm confused
Maya
I am going for my first time in october this year for three whole weeks! I am nervous about speaking especially but i do have a question; you said you can ship things to your hotel but could i ship things i bought back to the states?
So happy I kept my suica card from last year , it’s metal with a penguin on it. Hope it still works
Mine too!
Hello! Thank you for this video hehe may I ask what you used to ship items in Japan? Thank you!
In terms of digital transport cards? What if someone's phone DOSE NOT have NFC function
Thank you for the video!
Omg, I'm so early! 🤩
wheres your cute little card holder from its adorable !!
My friend got it for me from Taiwan! 🥲
It isn't with it to buy the JR pass to go to Kyoto and Osaka and back to Tokyo.
Cheaper to buy individual tix
When you reload the Suica card through Apple Pay, does it matter if you have Visa card on your Apple Pay? Will it still work?
My friends had to use Mastercard or Amex on their applepay!
That's kind of weird how they won't let you eat in the convenience store. I heard the 7 Elevens there have a table area to sit down and eat.
Some of them do, some of them don’t 🥺 it’s a cultural thing!
Hi Maya do you think I'll have an issue if I bring a tripod to Japan? I'm going solo (f) next year and I haven been reading regarding the ban of them in like theme parks and maybe some temples inside of them and now I worry about even taking it out and not capture the moments while I'm there with me in the pictures.
Good video btw great tips.
Great question! I had my little handheld tripod everywhere I went, but standing ones can’t be used! I believe Disney only allows handheld ones as well (& no selfie sticks)!
@@mayaleex3 Thank you
Thanks for the info.
How to get data on the mobile? Any recommendations?
I def should’ve spoke on Data!! the first time I got a pocket wifi for two weeks and it was so expensive (like $150). This time I got an e-sim for 10gb of data for $20 for a week and it was perfect.
@@mayaleex3 hello Maya, do you know which data sim you got? they used to be expensive for the GB you got vs pocket wifi so i always went with pocket wifi (it was like $8-9 per day or so) but $20 per 10gb doesn't seem too bad (tho i use about 2gb per day normally)
Any recommendations for budget friendly hotels for 3
Not me watching it as I just came back lol. Adding Suica ❤to apple wallet is so glitch
Traveling to Nagoya tomorrow. I figure about 6 days up near the Japanese Alps and I'll be ready to head back to the #tropicshade! 🌴 😎
I thought in japan there 711 have place up stairs where they allow you to sit down and eat
Hi Maya : ) This video is really helpful, thank you! I am curious about speaking the language there. I am trying to learn it, so I'm definitely not super fluent. Makes me a little nervous! Do you have any advice on speaking the language there? Thank you
Hi!! Aww I wish I learned some Japanese before I went, too. I know a lot of people who use duolingo but I would want to learn some common phrases to use! Like “where is the restroom” 😂
Even being able to say please and thank you will be appreciated by people. In train stations and places like Starbucks or places that get a lot of visitors staff tend to speak a little bit of English but you can also use Google translate if needed. I learned as many basic phrases as I could remember but Google Translate did come in handy a couple of times. Don't stress about language but learn what you can in advance.
Do US visa cards work in japan and just not with their transportation. Or do most stores not accept them also?
I went in December and had no trouble with my US Visa card anywhere I traveled, from hotels to convenience stores, to a taxi in Kyoto. But I used cash at the airport to buy a Welcome Suica at a machine so I did not try a credit card for that.
Can you share more about the luggage shipping!! Tried to search online but I’m confused by the information 😢
7-11 and most hotels you stay at can help you with luggage shipping
You can search for "hands-free travel" or "Yamato Transport" to learn more about luggage forwarding.
Ask at any hotel you stay at or when you reserve your hotel online see if they can answer via email . But try to pack light if possible anyway. I didn't use luggage shipping so can't speak to the cost but I saw it in every hotel I stayed in.
How do you feel about airbnb? Im going to tokyo with my brother and friends in october. And we thought about doing that.
The hotel industry there has a lot of power and lobbies hard against airbnb. So they are not rampant or as common as here. Uber/Lyft is not a thing in Japan, just FYI. That said, if you are in an actual neighborhood in someone's house or apartment be aware of noise levels and being a good guest. There are like a trillion hotels of all price ranges in cites and with a hotel you are working in an established customer support situation. Just my two cents. Japan is not the west, but I get the angle of immersion with an airbnb stay.
Thank youu!