Thank you Meg for meeting us in Tokyo and taking us on a great tour. We really enjoyed it🤗 we had fun, learned and met amazing people🤗 we can’t wait to go back to Japan!!!
Hi! I'm going to Japan on September (mi third visit) with my boyfriend (1st time there!) and I want to thank you for the video, I'm going to subscribe and watch your videos to gather info ❤
"Local" or as we say in Hawaii, "Kamaaina" pricing is not new. Instead of 2 tier pricing, shops should consider calling it a discount instead. Proof of residency is usually required. By offering a discount, the shops only need to post one sign showing what the price is. If a person aware of a discount, then provide the proof and the cashier will discount accordingly.
As a person living in a country that tried that dual pricing, albeit not legally, I have to warn y'all Japanese people that it did more bad than good. Especially when someone insists to see papers that they're not entitled to, like ID and/or Passport, and then you find that your information has been leaked because someone took photos of it photocopied it. It also made tourists actually spend less than the average local on services, foods and shopping. That actually exacerbated the problem because all the local business were running at the same cost but way less profit. I mean, we got people in local taverns only sharing a salad or having a couple of cheap dishes, still occupying table and needing service but leaving way less. And it's not that the big-ass fast-food chains are going to take a hit, quite the contrary. When the hunger hits, the McDonald's is always there as a cheap alternative with standard prices. Maybe it's time for government to take better measures. Capitalism screwed Japan once so maybe it's time to swoop in and put some limits on goods and services that will be applied nation-wide and for everyone. Like, put a ceiling on certain lodging services and moving it up or down depending on the time of the year. Maybe lower taxes for businesses and have more incentives. As far as I checked, having a low currency helps if the policy is right. Also, I hear that municipalities, like the one in Kyoto, is doing a very shoddy job managing tourists when it comes to the city's infrastructure and blaming tourism for their shortcomings. It's a very one-sided talk that needs to be very well considered, because if it's done fast and based solely on how angry the locals are, in the long run it will lead to disaster just as it did to my own country. And I think no country needs that right now, in this economic climate.
@@MegLog_JAPAN It's weird, unfair and very short-sighted. Which is also weirdly out of character, because the Japanese culture has a strong sense of justice, righteousness, ethics and strategising the long-run.
I'm not surprised if all countries will comply with the double pricing. I hope people make a video of the price of foods and clothes. It will give me a better understanding if I should travel or not.
Thank you Meg! Really helpful! gonna go to Japan this October (my third time! woohoo!) and im excited about the Mobile Suica. I have an ICOCA card i got in Kyoto. Its basically the same right? Anyway, thanks for the video again take care my friend!
Happy to see a new video from you Meg 😃 I would say the things that most attract me to Japan is how clean the country is and how amazing the food is! Also in my personal experience how friendly everyone was to me as a tourist my Japanese wasn't so great the last time I was in Tokyo but everyone was so supportive of my attempts, I even had Japanese locals invite me to their table at an Izakaya and they covered my tab, and a restaurant that I went to more than once the owner recognized me and gave me a free dish as a thank you for supporting my business 😄 I wish more tourists would respect the rules though it ruins things for the people who actually respect the country and its people, Japan is an amazing place so please lets keep it that way 😃
dual pricing is a huge mistake. clearly, you don't understand market forces when you create an artificial measure like this. when market forces change (and they will), this measure will become an obvious mistake.
In any case, since overtourism is inevitable, it is clear that measures must be taken to satisfy both tourists and locals. This may not necessarily mean double pricing, though.
Good information to know. Hawaii has had something known as Kama'aina rates for decades. All prices are set, but some businesses will give Kama'aina rates if they offer it AND if you ask. You'll need a Hawaii driver's license or state ID. It's not as good as it used to be. Normal discounts are ususlly the same rate.
Apparently, as more and more tourists visit, there is no doubt that some measures will need to be taken to ensure so that everyone's enjoyment. It could be the tax measures or maybe others.
Hello, Meg san. This lifelong Californian is about to visit Japan for the 29th time in September. I’m glad to see you masking; I still do in public. I had a difficult time finding masks to buy in Japan last year. I don’t own a cellphone. I”m not sure if I’ll have as easy a time using my standard Suica card and recharging at a station. I’m always hoping to find new vegan restaurants. Have a nice day.
I generally disagree with the dual pricing bit. I grew up in Big Sur, CA - a very tourist-driven economy - and prices were just generally high, both for tourists and "locals". The only concession we had as locals was an early/late access window for the hot springs; two hour before opening, and two hours after closing. I think it's better to either open as a tourist restaurant and deal with the lack of "local" customers, or to open as a standard restaurant and make it work. Dual pricing just feels discriminatory and sleazy, more like an opportunist tactic than a true business vision.
Of course it is. What does it mean visitors have no concept of all you can eat? To me it seems a global service model and yeah, there are rules. The Chinesen restaurant I visit in Austria charges you if you leave food, I think it's fair. Language skills: so if someone speaks Japanese but is a tourists they wouldn't cost so much for this restaurant? These are really just excuses to charge more money.
Totally right. Changing the amount of money just because one does not speak Japanese may feel like discrimination, as you guys say. I am also planning to go abroad this year, and I hope it will NOT be double-priced because I cannot speak that language...
Great information. I wish suica or similar card was available for non japanese android devices. The castle stay sounds awesome, but waaaaay too expensive for me. Where was the photo of Mt fuji in front of the blue flowers taken?
thank you so much for these informative videos. How do we get in contact with you? We have a upcoming trip late August of this year. I’ll be interested in having you set up a couple tours for me.
thank you so much for these informative videos. How do we get in contact with you? We have a upcoming trip late August of this year. I’ll be interested in having you set up a couple tours for me. By the way, I think door pricing is the wrong way to go.
None do, the card technology shared by Japan's IC card systems (FeLiCa) requires licensing. Where apple pays that license fee for phones regardless of sale location, to my understanding no Android manufacturers do, unless the phone is sold in Japan. For example, I have a pixel 7 which supports FeLiCa, but it's disabled in the OS.
As a person who took years to study the language and the culture, to make sure that i do not offend the locals and to communicate properly, i am disappointed by the tourist who only went there and really disrespected Japan and the locals. This is my first time ever going to Japan and it was one of my dream to go there and experience the culture that i carefully learned and loved. I have booked my ticket for october, but i am hesitant to go there now after hearing all these things. For me, it feels like i don't want to go there anymore just so i do not disturb or over populate or over crowed Japan. I wish i could honestly cancel my travel to Japan. It is saddening.
Hi, i would like to thank you as i have pnfited a lot from you in my last week visit to Japan. You have gave a lot of great info and great suggestions. But one, as you have recommended in one of your video to stay in ‘Shinagaawa Price Hotel’ if in Tokyo. The hotels is really bad and dated and shouldn’t be recommended at all.
Thanks for your opinion. I've stayed there before but I felt it was getting worn out. The good point was that it was much cheaper and accessible than other hotels. It would be nice if it could be rebuilt in the future.
Dual pricing based on nationality or residency doesn't exist in France, it wouldn't be allowed because racism and anything related to judging people based on their foreign origin is a legal offense there, so much so even ethnic surveys are forbidden! There might be discounts for locals such as parking for Parisian residents or occasional promotional discounts by proof of address, but it is very uncommon. Dual pricing exists in Third World countries precisely because typically the locals don't enjoy the same economy as the tourists, and in the case of Egypt, the majority of their tourists come from ultrarich Gulf states. If dual pricing is decided for Japan, soon enough when the Japanese yen recovers, traveling to Japan will be unaffordable for 90% of the foreign tourists, just like it was up to the 2000s.
Honestly as a forign tourist I dont mind the idea of paying more to visit if it means that locals have some of the financial pressure is lifted off of them. My biggest issue is if companies try to sneak it in and arnt up front about it. If their up front about it I'm able to plan accordingly but I'd be frustrated at having it snuck in considering as an experienced traveler I am always on the look out for scams and snuck in prices triggers that flag for me.
Foreign visitors would feel everying is still cheaper in Japan even if the dual pricing will be implemented as YEN is so weak . If the Japanese currency get stronger Japanese marchants will adjust the foreigner price accordingly to keep foreign customers.
Headed to Japan in July. Duel pricing is total bullshit. It pisses me off when I go to Hawaii to the point I don’t want to go. I also live in a state that relies on tourism (Alaska) I’ve never seen duel pricing for Tourists here. If faced with a duel price I’ll walk away.
Actually, I realize now there are local “kama’aina” rates which don’t apply to tourists unless they have a state ID. I was thinking more along the terms of the food industry compared to Japan’s & how they have separate menus with different pricing for tourists vs locals which comes off a bit more deliberate since there’s a language barrier.
@@ricahOahu island. I heard it called an “Ohana price”. Really makes me dislike the whole experience, I don’t want thing to do with that practice. I’ll do without. I don’t know why Hawaiians think they are so special, I’ve never seen the practice in my home state, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington DC… get the point. Japan is just pissed the Yen is down and they are flooded with Chinese and Koreans.
Dual pricing is unfair and tell your son that if Japan cancel the tax rebate, no one will buy luxury items and stores will be closing left and right. All luxury end shoppers will just go Europe where there is tax rebate as high as 20% .
Thanks Meg for your restless explanation. I know it's not your fault. Japanese government knows that tourism is important to Japan's economy. But instead of thinking of ways to work it, your government put all sorts of limits here and there. It's like I want your money but I don't want you to be here. And, how hard can it be to have mobile Suica for android phones? Procrastination! Japan is following behind.
My wife and i honeymooned in Japan in Nov 2022, we booked almost everything before going but needed an extra nights accommodation in Tokyo, my wife booked, but when we arrived they had increased price as we were not Japanese. They were nice about it and lowered it a little. Dual pricing in the long run will harm Japan and anyone else using it.
I disagree on the dual prices this only leads to overall higher prices even for the locals. This is happening in mexico. Locals cant afford things they could jn the past.
I’m visiting Japan in September and I’m worried about contributing to the bad feelings that come with over tourism. Unfortunately the trip is booked, paid for, and non refundable. Are there destinations that I should avoid due to the over tourism?
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Basically anywhere where there is an accommodation charge, they don't want you there. Go to the countryside where they desperately need you to go and spend money there. You will get that Japanese omotenashi treatment in those places. It's getting rarer and rarer to get this omotenashi treatment nowadays.
It’s unfair to have different prices for tourists and locals, you’re pushing the tourists away if your government will do that, what if the Japanese visits other countries-will it be ok for them to pay higher price than the local residents? Besides, tourists help to boost your economy, tourists pay taxes too while they are in 🇯🇵
Agree with the unfair and discriminatory policies being proposed. Most places have a tourism tax placed on hotels, but it doesn’t discern if you are local or tourist to capture more $ fairly to pay for using local resources. Two prices at restaurants will just make us visitors feel unwelcomed. It’s their country, and if that’s the image they want to project, what can we do? I would just avoid Japan for other more welcoming places.
Except in Japan will actually be racial discount. If you have Japanese face, you will get discount. If not, you won't get it. It won't matter if you actually live in Japan or not. They already have this for JR Pass. If you are a Japanese who doesn't live in Japan, you cannot get it. But you are actually a foreigner, since you don't have Japanese residency.
I would say it depends on which place you are going first. If you land at Haneda or Narita airport, then you should choose like Welcome Suica or Pasmo Paspport.
Dual pricing kinda sucks. There’s a bunch of us that are learning to speak Japanese to be able to express more than the touristy areas of Japan. It’s like a slap in the face to us, especially considering the amount and f effort it takes to learn the language. I think if dual pricing is applied, it should be to those who don’t speak Japanese while those that learn Japanese, should get the same prices as the Japanese.
Places in the United States such as Vail Colorado have done local’s discounts for many years. The duel pricing is the same thing. I have no problem with it.
If dual pricing is declared legal in one situation, it will soon be everywhere. Foreigners who want to deepen their ties with Japan often first make a tourist trip. They feel discriminated against. Then they may abandon the Japan project. Japanese people have no idea what a bad impression they make with dual pricing! Japan has to decide: do they want foreign friends to come? Or do they want the money of the many tourists?
Dual prices will have unintended consequences. Some businesses will begin to only serve the tourists because they will be losing money on Japanese customers - why would they? This will in turn make these businesses less authentic to the tourists, so there will be fewer tourists and, more importantly, decreased reputation of Japan. A dangerous move.
Le système de dual pricing peut être acceptable pour des biens (au sens large) payés avec de l’argent public. Par exemple, j’ai déjà payé avec mes impôts une partie du coût de visite d’un musée national à Paris, il est donc logique que je paye moins cher qu’un Japonais ou un Américain. Ça se complique quand c’est co-financé par l’Europe car ce serait alors tous les Européens qui devraient payer moins cher… Au final, il faut aussi prendre en compte l’effet psychologique négatif où cela peut renforcer un sentiment de xénophobie.
Une idée pourrait certainement être de s'assurer qu'elle n'est introduite que pour les services publics. Car, comme vous le dites, nous payons déjà cette taxe à l'État sous une autre forme que la taxe sur la consommation.
I’m from Australia and I’m tired of our country being so generous and non discriminatory when other countries aren’t. I won’t be going to a country where tourists pay a different/higher price. Travel is expensive enough. We wouldn’t do that to tourists.
They seem to be lying about Android support for virtual IC cards. Any hardware that is sold both inside and outside Japan obviously has the hardware support. Something else is going on.
I don't agree with dual pricing. What Japan needs to realise is that foreigners have to save to come to Japan. For a lot of people, it's 'a once in a lifetime' trip and it's money that they are not using in their country's economy. They also need to consider the same prices for all means that foreigners will spend more money. The excuses that they make are pathetic. They are just greedy.
@Rancidwolf believe it or not all you can eat restaurants are not that new of a concept it's 2024 not 1980s that concept is around all over modern countries
Man you really have to hate the Tourists that don't do their homework before visiting and are absolutely disrespectful to Japan and it's culture. I have been learning phrases and what not to do for months. I think it's real crappy that they want to discriminate, It's not hard for foreigner to point at a picture on a menu and give a thumbs up or something
I experienced dual pricing in Thailand, and let me tell you that the experience was massively ruined when I was charged x3, x5, x10 more than my Thai friend. :) if we do the same in EU, most people will have big trouble to visit places they always wanted
▶MegLog Private Tour www.meglog-trip.com/ ▶Instagram, TikTok and Business Inquiries linktr.ee/meglogtokyo Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!
Dual pricing is completely BS. I live in Japan as a foreign worker. I pay my taxes, pay for healthcare, and pay the same as any local Japanese resident. But because I'm White and a Foreigner, I'm now going to be charged the "tourist" price? Because, they're not going to ask me if I live here. And this is already happening in Osaka with restaurants and bars. I happily report their business practices to local governments for this form of discrimination.
@@MegLog_JAPAN I'm not suggesting you did and I apologize if it did. This is just a very passionate opinion of mine. This kind of discrimination anywhere is bad.
Japan has channel ten new this to know before training Japan two hundred twenty-four years of communication the budget licenses career co-workers transportation speech
Am I the only one who doesn't mind the discount for locals and residents? And as a visitor, I would gladly pay for things at-cost. Don't travel if you can't budget for your vacation.
This maybe the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. I go to Japan every year for 3 weeks to 3 months to visit family…. Paying more just because sounds like an amazing idea!!! You got any spare cash just laying around? I’ll sale you anything at a 10% markup. You let me know what you need! I got you!!!
What perk? Paying regular price! Jeez thanks! Sounds like discrimination to me… felt like discrimination when it happened to me in Waikiki. Like I said, I live in Alaska, major tourist industry here… we don’t do this.
@americanclassicmetal7913 I suppose that's where our differences lie. I'm from Hawai'i and a discount offered for locals/residents (kama'aina), as well as military discount, is the norm. Not all businesses feature it, which is perfectly fine. It's not mandatory for every establishment to do so.
literally planning a trip right now for almost a month in oct..(was going to treat my fiancé and I to a $7k trip..).If dual pricing becomes a thing frankly I don't know if long stays will be worthwhile any longer if you aren't planning to become a citizen. Reason we wanted to visit Japan is the affordability aside from the culture and sights/etc. If the affordability is removed, I suspect a large amount of people who are staying over there (retirees, digital nomads, non citizens) will likely leave for greener pastures. Not sure what the argument is for dual pricing, in my mind it doesn't make sense. You are just risking eliminating a large pretty constant flow of money that gets pumped into your economy...isn't a large portion of Japan's economy from tourism? What the heck is the government thinking....if anyone knows what the augment for this is please do lmk.
You seem to be from the United States, but first, please recognize the fact that tourism's share in Japan is extremely low. As a Japanese individual, I'll offer my personal perspective. While a small percentage of individuals involved in tourism and dining benefit from the sharp increase in foreign visitors, many citizens are facing a crisis due to the issue of overtourism, which is more serious than it may appear from the outside. However, dual pricing is being experimentally introduced in only a few restaurants and is not government-led. (Government policies and public opinion often differ, much like in your country.) So, when you mentioned that one of the reasons you come to Japan is "affordability," it inadvertently causes discomfort for many residents in Japan, not just those involved in tourism. (This includes foreign residents in Japan as well.) You may not be aware, but about 98% of residents in Japan are Japanese, and we primarily use Japanese in our daily lives. Japanese is recognized by the U.S. State Department as one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. This means that from a Japanese perspective, English is one of the most challenging languages to acquire. Given this, it's easy to imagine that special skills are required to respond in languages other than Japanese in Japan. Consider the reverse scenario. If a group speaking an incomprehensible language came to your favorite restaurant in your country, and suddenly you found yourself unable to dine there, would you accept it with a generous heart? Honestly, the rapid increase in foreign tourists who engage in activities that compromise Japanese culture is testing the patience of Japanese people, and this has recently been reported in the media daily. Additionally, many foreigners living in Japan are urging disruptive foreigners not to come to Japan. (There might even be more foreign content creators doing so than Japanese ones, and even Americans living in the U.S. are advocating for this.) Therefore, this is a problem completely unrelated to discrimination. Finally, while I fundamentally oppose dual pricing, I would personally welcome you if you show respect for and interest in Japan's laws (which differ significantly from your country) and pay homage to its culture and history above and beyond seeking affordability.
@@gotakazawa408 What does all this have to do with the double price? In Italy and France we have more tourists than you, and the language barrier is not an excuse to increase prices.
@@Galanydd Did you read my message carefully? I basically wrote that I am against dual pricing, right? What I pointed out is that you are stating "affordability" as your primary reason for visiting Japan. If you have even a little bit of culture, regardless of which country you visit, prioritizing culture and history should be common courtesy. The increasing number of travelers prioritizing "affordability" are proportionally contributing to the problem of disrespectful behavior in Japan, leading to the current issue of over-tourism. Bringing up problems in Italy or France is nonsense.
@@gotakazawa408 it is nonsense to talk about bad tourism in general. It cannot be said that the double price is good to discourage economic tourism, also affecting those who love Japan and visit it for its culture. I repeat that there are more visited places in Japan but that doesn't mean two prices. I doubt Japanese people would be happy if they traveled to countries with double prices like in Europe, they would find it discriminatory.
Personally, I get the dual pricing. Tourists can be very rude and wasteful. I wouldn't personally mind, especially in smaller shops and restaurants, but I get the critique as well. It's a delicate situation, and one without a clear solution. It's just sad that there even has to be talk of this because some tourists think they can do whatever they please wherever they go. I always try to adjust to the country I visit and learn at least a few phrases in the language, it makes for a far more genuine and pleasant experience imo 😊
Thanks for the opinion. I really agree with you. To learn a few phrases before traveling to other countries might be important regardless of traveling to Japan.
Dual pricing will simply mean more tourists eat from combinis and chain restaurants that don't use dual pricing. It is counter productive at best and racially discriminating at worst
Thank you Meg for meeting us in Tokyo and taking us on a great tour. We really enjoyed it🤗 we had fun, learned and met amazing people🤗 we can’t wait to go back to Japan!!!
Thank you so much for the comment! I'm really glad you enjoyed my tours :) Welcome back to Japan Edna :)
@@MegLog_JAPAN can i know how to contact you regarding tour 😃
@@ahlekss9469 Ohhhh you can email me. shokochan373@gmail.com
Thank you for your informative videos. I appreciate your insight and I’m very glad to have found your channel.
Yay! Thanks :)
Wishing you success in your touring business. ❤🎉
Lovely...Thank you :)
Hi! I'm going to Japan on September (mi third visit) with my boyfriend (1st time there!) and I want to thank you for the video, I'm going to subscribe and watch your videos to gather info ❤
Oh thanks! Enjoy with your bf :)
色々いない インフォメーション ありがとうございます🙇♂ お疲れ様でした Meg san
ありがとう！！
"Local" or as we say in Hawaii, "Kamaaina" pricing is not new. Instead of 2 tier pricing, shops should consider calling it a discount instead. Proof of residency is usually required. By offering a discount, the shops only need to post one sign showing what the price is. If a person aware of a discount, then provide the proof and the cashier will discount accordingly.
Yes, the dual pricing exists in Hawaii
Thank you for the information
Absolutely
Thank you. Very informative 👍
Thank you!
great vid!
:)
As a person living in a country that tried that dual pricing, albeit not legally, I have to warn y'all Japanese people that it did more bad than good. Especially when someone insists to see papers that they're not entitled to, like ID and/or Passport, and then you find that your information has been leaked because someone took photos of it photocopied it. It also made tourists actually spend less than the average local on services, foods and shopping. That actually exacerbated the problem because all the local business were running at the same cost but way less profit. I mean, we got people in local taverns only sharing a salad or having a couple of cheap dishes, still occupying table and needing service but leaving way less. And it's not that the big-ass fast-food chains are going to take a hit, quite the contrary. When the hunger hits, the McDonald's is always there as a cheap alternative with standard prices.
Maybe it's time for government to take better measures. Capitalism screwed Japan once so maybe it's time to swoop in and put some limits on goods and services that will be applied nation-wide and for everyone. Like, put a ceiling on certain lodging services and moving it up or down depending on the time of the year. Maybe lower taxes for businesses and have more incentives. As far as I checked, having a low currency helps if the policy is right. Also, I hear that municipalities, like the one in Kyoto, is doing a very shoddy job managing tourists when it comes to the city's infrastructure and blaming tourism for their shortcomings. It's a very one-sided talk that needs to be very well considered, because if it's done fast and based solely on how angry the locals are, in the long run it will lead to disaster just as it did to my own country. And I think no country needs that right now, in this economic climate.
It's just weird that you will be double priced if you don't speak Japanese.
@@MegLog_JAPAN It is unfair to tourists who will be charged more. Tourists will think that Japan is full of scammers.
@@MegLog_JAPAN It's weird, unfair and very short-sighted. Which is also weirdly out of character, because the Japanese culture has a strong sense of justice, righteousness, ethics and strategising the long-run.
I'm not surprised if all countries will comply with the double pricing. I hope people make a video of the price of foods and clothes. It will give me a better understanding if I should travel or not.
Don't blame capitalism. You sound like a commie saying that
Thank you Meg! Really helpful! gonna go to Japan this October (my third time! woohoo!) and im excited about the Mobile Suica. I have an ICOCA card i got in Kyoto. Its basically the same right? Anyway, thanks for the video again take care my friend!
Yup, it is. Please note that you need to get in line when you charge the balance.
Happy to see a new video from you Meg 😃 I would say the things that most attract me to Japan is how clean the country is and how amazing the food is! Also in my personal experience how friendly everyone was to me as a tourist my Japanese wasn't so great the last time I was in Tokyo but everyone was so supportive of my attempts, I even had Japanese locals invite me to their table at an Izakaya and they covered my tab, and a restaurant that I went to more than once the owner recognized me and gave me a free dish as a thank you for supporting my business 😄 I wish more tourists would respect the rules though it ruins things for the people who actually respect the country and its people, Japan is an amazing place so please lets keep it that way 😃
Thank you! Love this comment 😁 I'm glad you enjoyed traveling in Japan
dual pricing is a huge mistake. clearly, you don't understand market forces when you create an artificial measure like this. when market forces change (and they will), this measure will become an obvious mistake.
Plus it feels like a 3rd world country move lol
In any case, since overtourism is inevitable, it is clear that measures must be taken to satisfy both tourists and locals. This may not necessarily mean double pricing, though.
Good information to know. Hawaii has had something known as Kama'aina rates for decades. All prices are set, but some businesses will give Kama'aina rates if they offer it AND if you ask. You'll need a Hawaii driver's license or state ID. It's not as good as it used to be. Normal discounts are ususlly the same rate.
Apparently, as more and more tourists visit, there is no doubt that some measures will need to be taken to ensure so that everyone's enjoyment. It could be the tax measures or maybe others.
we will be in tokyo aug 10-14. may we know if you will be available one day for a tour of cafes in tokyo? thank you!
Check out our website!
www.meglog-trip.com/
Hello, Meg san. This lifelong Californian is about to visit Japan for the 29th time in September. I’m glad to see you masking; I still do in public. I had a difficult time finding masks to buy in Japan last year. I don’t own a cellphone. I”m not sure if I’ll have as easy a time using my standard Suica card and recharging at a station. I’m always hoping to find new vegan restaurants. Have a nice day.
I generally disagree with the dual pricing bit. I grew up in Big Sur, CA - a very tourist-driven economy - and prices were just generally high, both for tourists and "locals". The only concession we had as locals was an early/late access window for the hot springs; two hour before opening, and two hours after closing.
I think it's better to either open as a tourist restaurant and deal with the lack of "local" customers, or to open as a standard restaurant and make it work. Dual pricing just feels discriminatory and sleazy, more like an opportunist tactic than a true business vision.
Of course it is. What does it mean visitors have no concept of all you can eat? To me it seems a global service model and yeah, there are rules. The Chinesen restaurant I visit in Austria charges you if you leave food, I think it's fair. Language skills: so if someone speaks Japanese but is a tourists they wouldn't cost so much for this restaurant?
These are really just excuses to charge more money.
Totally right. Changing the amount of money just because one does not speak Japanese may feel like discrimination, as you guys say. I am also planning to go abroad this year, and I hope it will NOT be double-priced because I cannot speak that language...
Great information.
I wish suica or similar card was available for non japanese android devices.
The castle stay sounds awesome, but waaaaay too expensive for me.
Where was the photo of Mt fuji in front of the blue flowers taken?
Yeah, I know...
Are you available in Tuesday July 16 for a morning tour for 4?
Thanks for the message! I'll get back to you soon!
thank you so much for these informative videos. How do we get in contact with you? We have a upcoming trip late August of this year. I’ll be interested in having you set up a couple tours for me.
Hi thanks for your interest. Here is my email address so you can reach out.
shokochan373@gmail.com
thank you so much for these informative videos. How do we get in contact with you? We have a upcoming trip late August of this year. I’ll be interested in having you set up a couple tours for me. By the way, I think door pricing is the wrong way to go.
may i know currently what IC card can support foreign Android Phones?
None do, the card technology shared by Japan's IC card systems (FeLiCa) requires licensing. Where apple pays that license fee for phones regardless of sale location, to my understanding no Android manufacturers do, unless the phone is sold in Japan. For example, I have a pixel 7 which supports FeLiCa, but it's disabled in the OS.
@@haydenkatz8239 thanks for the explanation
Note that I think Apple only decided to do so globally from the iPhone 8 as well, could be wrong, I don't much care for Apple.
what about covid/vaccination requirements?
i still need?
Not really! You don't need anything for covid!
@@MegLog_JAPAN
japanweb thing?
(i did last year)
I thought different pricing was a proposal?!?
As a person who took years to study the language and the culture, to make sure that i do not offend the locals and to communicate properly, i am disappointed by the tourist who only went there and really disrespected Japan and the locals. This is my first time ever going to Japan and it was one of my dream to go there and experience the culture that i carefully learned and loved. I have booked my ticket for october, but i am hesitant to go there now after hearing all these things. For me, it feels like i don't want to go there anymore just so i do not disturb or over populate or over crowed Japan. I wish i could honestly cancel my travel to Japan. It is saddening.
How would you know if someone is a tourist or foreigner living in Japan?
Because I've been checking the comments!
Hi, i would like to thank you as i have pnfited a lot from you in my last week visit to Japan. You have gave a lot of great info and great suggestions. But one, as you have recommended in one of your video to stay in ‘Shinagaawa Price Hotel’ if in Tokyo. The hotels is really bad and dated and shouldn’t be recommended at all.
Thanks for your opinion. I've stayed there before but I felt it was getting worn out. The good point was that it was much cheaper and accessible than other hotels. It would be nice if it could be rebuilt in the future.
Really thank you 🙏. My wife and I had enjoyed our stay in Japan. And all based on your recommendation and tips. You are amazing 🌹
Dual pricing based on nationality or residency doesn't exist in France, it wouldn't be allowed because racism and anything related to judging people based on their foreign origin is a legal offense there, so much so even ethnic surveys are forbidden! There might be discounts for locals such as parking for Parisian residents or occasional promotional discounts by proof of address, but it is very uncommon. Dual pricing exists in Third World countries precisely because typically the locals don't enjoy the same economy as the tourists, and in the case of Egypt, the majority of their tourists come from ultrarich Gulf states. If dual pricing is decided for Japan, soon enough when the Japanese yen recovers, traveling to Japan will be unaffordable for 90% of the foreign tourists, just like it was up to the 2000s.
thank you for the reply. I live in Italy and dual pricing not exist because discriminatory.
Honestly as a forign tourist I dont mind the idea of paying more to visit if it means that locals have some of the financial pressure is lifted off of them. My biggest issue is if companies try to sneak it in and arnt up front about it. If their up front about it I'm able to plan accordingly but I'd be frustrated at having it snuck in considering as an experienced traveler I am always on the look out for scams and snuck in prices triggers that flag for me.
Foreign visitors would feel everying is still cheaper in Japan even if the dual pricing will be implemented as YEN is so weak . If the Japanese currency get stronger Japanese marchants will adjust the foreigner price accordingly to keep foreign customers.
Yeah probably.
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Headed to Japan in July. Duel pricing is total bullshit. It pisses me off when I go to Hawaii to the point I don’t want to go. I also live in a state that relies on tourism (Alaska) I’ve never seen duel pricing for Tourists here. If faced with a duel price I’ll walk away.
I didn’t know Hawai’i conforms to dual pricing as well. Where in Hawai’i have you experienced this?
Actually, I realize now there are local “kama’aina” rates which don’t apply to tourists unless they have a state ID. I was thinking more along the terms of the food industry compared to Japan’s & how they have separate menus with different pricing for tourists vs locals which comes off a bit more deliberate since there’s a language barrier.
@@ricahOahu island. I heard it called an “Ohana price”. Really makes me dislike the whole experience, I don’t want thing to do with that practice. I’ll do without. I don’t know why Hawaiians think they are so special, I’ve never seen the practice in my home state, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington DC… get the point. Japan is just pissed the Yen is down and they are flooded with Chinese and Koreans.
Completely agree with the dual pricing!
Thanks for your opinion 🙏
My son suggests to cancel tax rebate for tourists. He doesn't agree with dual pricing. He thinks it's not fair.
Dual pricing is unfair and tell your son that if Japan cancel the tax rebate, no one will buy luxury items and stores will be closing left and right. All luxury end shoppers will just go Europe where there is tax rebate as high as 20% .
Thanks Meg for your restless explanation. I know it's not your fault. Japanese government knows that tourism is important to Japan's economy. But instead of thinking of ways to work it, your government put all sorts of limits here and there. It's like I want your money but I don't want you to be here. And, how hard can it be to have mobile Suica for android phones? Procrastination! Japan is following behind.
Understand. Honestly, I have the impression that the Japanese people are criticizing the government on sns
Dual pricing isn’t fair. If they don’t want tourists, let us know we can go somewhere else.
Thank you for the opinion!
exactly,
No dual-pricing for tourists.
My wife and i honeymooned in Japan in Nov 2022, we booked almost everything before going but needed an extra nights accommodation in Tokyo, my wife booked, but when we arrived they had increased price as we were not Japanese. They were nice about it and lowered it a little. Dual pricing in the long run will harm Japan and anyone else using it.
And don't go to the restaurants that charge x2 or more. The restaurants will not be able to sustain a lower price for locals.
Hello by any chance do you know how to go to Kansai Airport from Universal Studios Japan?
Yes, you can use the bus to Kansai International Airport.
I disagree on the dual prices this only leads to overall higher prices even for the locals. This is happening in mexico. Locals cant afford things they could jn the past.
Jayshree ram 🚩
Discrimination with pricing is never good. I would avoid Japan if this is widely practiced. Whatever the excuses, we would not feel welcomed in Japan.
I agree
What is the name of the restaurant all you can eat sushi? Is it in Tokyo?
I’m visiting Japan in September and I’m worried about contributing to the bad feelings that come with over tourism. Unfortunately the trip is booked, paid for, and non refundable. Are there destinations that I should avoid due to the over tourism?
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Basically anywhere where there is an accommodation charge, they don't want you there. Go to the countryside where they desperately need you to go and spend money there. You will get that Japanese omotenashi treatment in those places. It's getting rarer and rarer to get this omotenashi treatment nowadays.
Don't skip anything, fk em lol
This is not a charity.
@@Vindichimo attitudes like this is why our world is so fucked today.
It's true that Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are quite crowded.
The Japanese cannot have it both ways. Japan desperately needs tourism revenue as their economy tanked way back in 1993.
It’s unfair to have different prices for tourists and locals, you’re pushing the tourists away if your government will do that, what if the Japanese visits other countries-will it be ok for them to pay higher price than the local residents? Besides, tourists help to boost your economy, tourists pay taxes too while they are in 🇯🇵
Agree with the unfair and discriminatory policies being proposed. Most places have a tourism tax placed on hotels, but it doesn’t discern if you are local or tourist to capture more $ fairly to pay for using local resources. Two prices at restaurants will just make us visitors feel unwelcomed. It’s their country, and if that’s the image they want to project, what can we do? I would just avoid Japan for other more welcoming places.
Tourist are pushing themselves away. The constant and blatant disrespect of cultures and passage ways. No respect for rules.
lol boo hoo Venice does the same
Unfortunately, this is normal in many countries.
Except in Japan will actually be racial discount. If you have Japanese face, you will get discount. If not, you won't get it. It won't matter if you actually live in Japan or not. They already have this for JR Pass. If you are a Japanese who doesn't live in Japan, you cannot get it. But you are actually a foreigner, since you don't have Japanese residency.
About dual pricing: I hate visiting places where I'm not wanted. I really wish we hadn't decided to visit Japan. It makes me feel ill.
It's not everywhere.
Hi, I am from India, planning to visit next week Tokyo and Osaka,
Which card is best for use in train in Tokyo and Osaka.
I would say it depends on which place you are going first. If you land at Haneda or Narita airport, then you should choose like Welcome Suica or Pasmo Paspport.
Dual pricing kinda sucks. There’s a bunch of us that are learning to speak Japanese to be able to express more than the touristy areas of Japan. It’s like a slap in the face to us, especially considering the amount and f effort it takes to learn the language. I think if dual pricing is applied, it should be to those who don’t speak Japanese while those that learn Japanese, should get the same prices as the Japanese.
Places in the United States such as Vail Colorado have done local’s discounts for many years. The duel pricing is the same thing. I have no problem with it.
I see... Thank you for sharing the information!
If dual pricing is declared legal in one situation, it will soon be everywhere. Foreigners who want to deepen their ties with Japan often first make a tourist trip. They feel discriminated against. Then they may abandon the Japan project. Japanese people have no idea what a bad impression they make with dual pricing! Japan has to decide: do they want foreign friends to come? Or do they want the money of the many tourists?
Yes, that's a difficult topic.
@@MegLog_JAPANIt is not a difficult topic at all. The Japanese are being dishonest.
Dual prices will have unintended consequences. Some businesses will begin to only serve the tourists because they will be losing money on Japanese customers - why would they? This will in turn make these businesses less authentic to the tourists, so there will be fewer tourists and, more importantly, decreased reputation of Japan. A dangerous move.
Dual pricing just produces negativity to local people. Hopefully this will never happen.
Thanks for the opinion.
The Japanese are still bitter they lost WWII and were occupied by the Allies after the war.
Le système de dual pricing peut être acceptable pour des biens (au sens large) payés avec de l’argent public.
Par exemple, j’ai déjà payé avec mes impôts une partie du coût de visite d’un musée national à Paris, il est donc logique que je paye moins cher qu’un Japonais ou un Américain.
Ça se complique quand c’est co-financé par l’Europe car ce serait alors tous les Européens qui devraient payer moins cher…
Au final, il faut aussi prendre en compte l’effet psychologique négatif où cela peut renforcer un sentiment de xénophobie.
Une idée pourrait certainement être de s'assurer qu'elle n'est introduite que pour les services publics. Car, comme vous le dites, nous payons déjà cette taxe à l'État sous une autre forme que la taxe sur la consommation.
if suica, icoca & pasmo can be added into android phone, the ticketing queue will be shorter.
Yes, I agree with it.
I’m from Australia and I’m tired of our country being so generous and non discriminatory when other countries aren’t. I won’t be going to a country where tourists pay a different/higher price. Travel is expensive enough. We wouldn’t do that to tourists.
Every country is entitled to their own practices, no matter how stupid they are to the wider world.
They seem to be lying about Android support for virtual IC cards. Any hardware that is sold both inside and outside Japan obviously has the hardware support. Something else is going on.
Yup, it is true.
Must you use the face covering while you seem to be at home? Hard to understand you
I don't agree with dual pricing. What Japan needs to realise is that foreigners have to save to come to Japan. For a lot of people, it's 'a once in a lifetime' trip and it's money that they are not using in their country's economy. They also need to consider the same prices for all means that foreigners will spend more money. The excuses that they make are pathetic. They are just greedy.
thank you for the reply, I agree 100%
What do you mean not accustomed to all you can eat. In the US theres so many restaurants that do that
Believe it or not tourists come from other countries than just the US.
@Rancidwolf believe it or not all you can eat restaurants are not that new of a concept it's 2024 not 1980s that concept is around all over modern countries
Why Android users which is more than iPhones are not a priority
Because in Japan, 69% use iPhone...
@@Vindichimo when they open up Japan for tourism, it's for? How Japan wants to be sustainable? By close door policy? It's a no brainer
Man you really have to hate the Tourists that don't do their homework before visiting and are absolutely disrespectful to Japan and it's culture. I have been learning phrases and what not to do for months. I think it's real crappy that they want to discriminate, It's not hard for foreigner to point at a picture on a menu and give a thumbs up or something
Ahhhhh thanks for the opinion!
I experienced dual pricing in Thailand, and let me tell you that the experience was massively ruined when I was charged x3, x5, x10 more than my Thai friend. :) if we do the same in EU, most people will have big trouble to visit places they always wanted
I see your point
i agreee
I had the same experience in Thailand. Though I had a really good time, except for that experience when I was a student.
I can accept if there is a 10% difference between locals and tourists in restaurants. I think it's fair enough, but that's my limit. 🙇
Seriously inform me how? Where you live do they charge tourists higher prices? Were I live we don’t.
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Dual pricing is completely BS. I live in Japan as a foreign worker. I pay my taxes, pay for healthcare, and pay the same as any local Japanese resident. But because I'm White and a Foreigner, I'm now going to be charged the "tourist" price? Because, they're not going to ask me if I live here. And this is already happening in Osaka with restaurants and bars. I happily report their business practices to local governments for this form of discrimination.
I'm not saying that... If you live in Japan, then I think you can get the resident's price, though.
@@MegLog_JAPAN I'm not suggesting you did and I apologize if it did. This is just a very passionate opinion of mine. This kind of discrimination anywhere is bad.
@@bradenwoodward7881The Japanese are backward people. The Pacific War did claim 24 million live after all.
Japan has channel ten new this to know before training Japan two hundred twenty-four years of communication the budget licenses career co-workers transportation speech
Am I the only one who doesn't mind the discount for locals and residents? And as a visitor, I would gladly pay for things at-cost. Don't travel if you can't budget for your vacation.
This maybe the dumbest thing I’ve ever read. I go to Japan every year for 3 weeks to 3 months to visit family…. Paying more just because sounds like an amazing idea!!! You got any spare cash just laying around? I’ll sale you anything at a 10% markup. You let me know what you need! I got you!!!
@americanclassicmetal7913 I don't understand what you're upset about. Your family members in Japan would be able to benefit from these perks.
What perk? Paying regular price! Jeez thanks! Sounds like discrimination to me… felt like discrimination when it happened to me in Waikiki. Like I said, I live in Alaska, major tourist industry here… we don’t do this.
@americanclassicmetal7913 I suppose that's where our differences lie. I'm from Hawai'i and a discount offered for locals/residents (kama'aina), as well as military discount, is the norm. Not all businesses feature it, which is perfectly fine. It's not mandatory for every establishment to do so.
@@ElmoTinkerDual pricing is a form of racial discrimination. This is why this does not occur in proper Western societies as this would be outlawed.
literally planning a trip right now for almost a month in oct..(was going to treat my fiancé and I to a $7k trip..).If dual pricing becomes a thing frankly I don't know if long stays will be worthwhile any longer if you aren't planning to become a citizen. Reason we wanted to visit Japan is the affordability aside from the culture and sights/etc. If the affordability is removed, I suspect a large amount of people who are staying over there (retirees, digital nomads, non citizens) will likely leave for greener pastures. Not sure what the argument is for dual pricing, in my mind it doesn't make sense. You are just risking eliminating a large pretty constant flow of money that gets pumped into your economy...isn't a large portion of Japan's economy from tourism? What the heck is the government thinking....if anyone knows what the augment for this is please do lmk.
You seem to be from the United States, but first, please recognize the fact that tourism's share in Japan is extremely low. As a Japanese individual, I'll offer my personal perspective. While a small percentage of individuals involved in tourism and dining benefit from the sharp increase in foreign visitors, many citizens are facing a crisis due to the issue of overtourism, which is more serious than it may appear from the outside. However, dual pricing is being experimentally introduced in only a few restaurants and is not government-led. (Government policies and public opinion often differ, much like in your country.) So, when you mentioned that one of the reasons you come to Japan is "affordability," it inadvertently causes discomfort for many residents in Japan, not just those involved in tourism. (This includes foreign residents in Japan as well.)
You may not be aware, but about 98% of residents in Japan are Japanese, and we primarily use Japanese in our daily lives. Japanese is recognized by the U.S. State Department as one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. This means that from a Japanese perspective, English is one of the most challenging languages to acquire. Given this, it's easy to imagine that special skills are required to respond in languages other than Japanese in Japan.
Consider the reverse scenario. If a group speaking an incomprehensible language came to your favorite restaurant in your country, and suddenly you found yourself unable to dine there, would you accept it with a generous heart?
Honestly, the rapid increase in foreign tourists who engage in activities that compromise Japanese culture is testing the patience of Japanese people, and this has recently been reported in the media daily. Additionally, many foreigners living in Japan are urging disruptive foreigners not to come to Japan. (There might even be more foreign content creators doing so than Japanese ones, and even Americans living in the U.S. are advocating for this.) Therefore, this is a problem completely unrelated to discrimination.
Finally, while I fundamentally oppose dual pricing, I would personally welcome you if you show respect for and interest in Japan's laws (which differ significantly from your country) and pay homage to its culture and history above and beyond seeking affordability.
@@gotakazawa408 What does all this have to do with the double price? In Italy and France we have more tourists than you, and the language barrier is not an excuse to increase prices.
@@Galanydd Did you read my message carefully? I basically wrote that I am against dual pricing, right? What I pointed out is that you are stating "affordability" as your primary reason for visiting Japan. If you have even a little bit of culture, regardless of which country you visit, prioritizing culture and history should be common courtesy. The increasing number of travelers prioritizing "affordability" are proportionally contributing to the problem of disrespectful behavior in Japan, leading to the current issue of over-tourism. Bringing up problems in Italy or France is nonsense.
@@gotakazawa408 it is nonsense to talk about bad tourism in general. It cannot be said that the double price is good to discourage economic tourism, also affecting those who love Japan and visit it for its culture. I repeat that there are more visited places in Japan but that doesn't mean two prices. I doubt Japanese people would be happy if they traveled to countries with double prices like in Europe, they would find it discriminatory.
are you vaccinated???
Yes, I am
Personally, I get the dual pricing. Tourists can be very rude and wasteful. I wouldn't personally mind, especially in smaller shops and restaurants, but I get the critique as well. It's a delicate situation, and one without a clear solution. It's just sad that there even has to be talk of this because some tourists think they can do whatever they please wherever they go. I always try to adjust to the country I visit and learn at least a few phrases in the language, it makes for a far more genuine and pleasant experience imo 😊
Thanks for the opinion. I really agree with you. To learn a few phrases before traveling to other countries might be important regardless of traveling to Japan.
@@MegLog_JAPANYou agree that tourists ought to be charged more?
Android users getting screwed
Dual pricing will simply mean more tourists eat from combinis and chain restaurants that don't use dual pricing. It is counter productive at best and racially discriminating at worst
Yes, I think we need measures to satisfy both tourists and locals. If we can do that, we can solve the problem immediately.
@@MegLog_JAPAN Is dual pricing one of those “measures”?
Very informative, thank you!
:)