16 ESSENTIAL Japan Tips for First-Time Travelers

[@InakaAdventure]

Traveling to Japan? Get JR Rail Pass & Pocket Wifi Here: click.jrpass.com/SH5O

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

06:20 - You're lucky to film the Yellow doctor entering the station... Nice!

[@KhiemNguyen-pu3ow]

1qes

[@IamWhoiam-dh8rl]

😊😊aa

[@mbjs6453]

I’m Japanese. Please carry cash with you. In particular, most shrines and temples only accept cash. And always carry 1,000 yen bill with you. There is a currency exchange machine on the bus, but 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen bill can’t be used.

[@InakaAdventure]

Every time I tell people to carry cash in my videos people comment "actually you just need a card in tokyo!" But so many places still need cash haha

[@WCS-xp9lu]

Just got back from Japan. FYI viewers, Taxi is NOT that expensive after the exchange rate and they are EVERYWHERE! If you have a family of 4, it's easy, quick and not expensive to go wherever you want to get to and you save a TON of time, no reservations necessary not even from the airport. 2ND if you have ATT, activate the international roaming, it cost us $25 per day for all 4 of use to use 4 phones just as we would at home. 3RD, around Tokyo, EVERYONE takes credit card. Lastly, use Travelocity to grab your hotel and IMO stay around major Tokyo cities, not in them. Such as Akasaka. My "biggest" recommendation is to print out where you want to go and your hotel's address on paper in both Japanese and English, despite whatever you read, no, 99% of the Japanese we encountered in Tokyo did not understand English in any form or fashion and this was a life saver.

[@InakaAdventure]

Dividing a taxi over 4 people makes a lot more financial sense, and they are fine for short trips. It really racks up for long ones though

[@mogtrader8]

What app or how do you call a taxi? We don't speak Japanese either, so how did you communicate? Thanks

[@twostate7822]

Taxis are very expensive for long distance trips, like from Narita into the city, and just expensive from Haneda. Buses and trains can save a lot of money. $25/day from ATT is an expensive super luxury for more than a couple of days trip. Most T-Mobile plans have free international data, or just buy a Japanese sim/e-sim card when you arrive in Japan, or buy an international one before you leave home. Besides the hotel address, also have the hotel's phone number. The taxis can use the number to locate the hotel or worst case, call the hotel directly. The hotels should have business cards available with their address and phone numbers which you can get on check-in. And no, not every business takes credit cards. Many are cash only. And some restaurants have machines that print out food tickets instead of cashiers, and some of the older machines are cash only.

[@1903Zippy]

I visited Japan about 3 years ago - because of a flight issue at Dubai I arrived in Japan about 2am. I was advised the trains wouldn't be running at that time so when waiting for my flight in Dubai to take me to Tokyo, I went online and searched for a taxi service to collect me from Haneda to my hotel in Tokyo. I was amazed at the companies in Tokyo that offered to collect me from Haneda - I booked and paid for the taxi whist waiting in Dubai. I was very sceptical about there being no Taxi there to pick me up when I arrived in Tokyo. I needn't have worried, because waiting at one of the airports exits was a taxi driver holding up a sign with my name on it. A fantastic service. Yes the taxi was expensive (cost me about £110) but because the flight delay in Dubai wasn't my fault, my insurance company refunded me most of that cost. £110 is expensive but for the peace of mind and no hassle, I'd do it again. Oh and Japan was wonderful. I am going back soon. If you're thinking of going - do it, you won't regret it & you'll meet some of the most polite, helpful people you could wish to meet. 👍

[@InakaAdventure]

That's a really good tip! I never take taxi's (unless I'm in Korea) but kinda envious that I havn't experienced a driver waiting with a sign for me. Maybe ill give it a try if i get a random flight next time!

[@izanagisora]

Will I am planning to go to Japan ( in order to live and work there)after I complete my colleague years ( I am a first year student and about to begin the second after 2 months or so) I am learning the language from this moment ( I have begin about few days With words and sentence of n5 Ans Planning to learning hiragana and katana as will in the due time)

[@NYBORN2012]

There is very little to worry about with anything you need or do in Japan. We travel to Japan each year for a few months and a driver is there waiting for us around 4:30 AM. We are exhausted, but he is energized and ready to take us away. We love Japan and the respect that people have for each other for us.

[@KS-zd4ew]

Thanks for the insurance tip

[@janeroberts1116]

Had s couple of issues with taxis but they were apologetic. showed the location on google but I think showing it in japanese helps

[@KiltedMcHaggis]

Thanks for the info! I'll be flying there in 4 weeks and this helped alleviate some of my anxiety

[@InakaAdventure]

Awesome glad this is already helping people, which part of Japan would you like to see in a future video?

[@elucinadoboy4967]

same. this channel has been a golden find

[@InakaAdventure]

Cheers!

[@tehknerd]

How did your trip go?

[@Eunice-tv2qh]

This is the most informative video! Each topic is concise, did not waste any second of my day. Literally everything a first time traveller should need to know. I'm happy I came across this. Thank you so much!

[@InakaAdventure]

Cheers Eunice! Some people told me I'm displaying this too fast but I know people have busy lives so I try not to waste any moments. What sort of info about Japan would you like to see in the future?

[@brandonlobo8827]

Super informative video also love the two week itinerary both have great video great video composition and informative details like price. I will be heading to Japan in April thanks for making the preparation towards the trip better

[@InakaAdventure]

Hope you have a great Trip Brandon! Might catch some Sakura depending on where you go

[@BeX32210]

Nice tips and great presentation! My points that i missed in your video: Plan enough time for your trip. It takes time to accommodate. So rather than the usual one or two weeks, add two or three days, otherwise it will feel rushed. It also allows you to take cheaper flights during the week. And: You don't need to use the JR Pass for your whole stay or beyond that; You can spend one or two weeks riding the shinkansen every day but you don't have to. If you don't know what food is good, look at the waiting lines. In Japan you normally don't have reservations, so you instantly know what places are popular, even if they don't show up on Google Maps. Don't trust Tripadvisor; If some place has a nice rating and you don't see anyone waiting, you know that something is off or this place is just a tourist trap. Some of these tourist traps ask their visitors explicitly for a nice comment.

[@InakaAdventure]

Naturally everyone travels in their own way. So your advice is great to take things as you like and enjoy your time in Japan, personally I don't like going to food places with lines in Japan because I dont think they are much better than surrounding stores, just trendy in that moment from instagram posts or something of that nature. Japanese people love to go where other people are going so the long lines form for an otherwise normal restaurant. Honestly most restaurants are very good in Japan I just walk around till I find one thats open, has room and looks good and trust my instinct.

[@BeX32210]

​@@InakaAdventure That's a very good argument indeed, I totally agree with your observation! How were your experiences from recommendations that hotel/hostel staff gave you?

[@ericagreene875]

I visited japan in March. I love every minute of it. This video is very helpful and on-key.

[@InakaAdventure]

Glad you had a good trip, hope it wasnt too busy, been a bit of a madhouse over in some parts recently

[@o.c.g.m9426]

​@InakaAdventure Question. Im trying to visit for my late march bday 25'. I hear now it's a madhouse due to currency issues, and then it'll be cherry blossom season. Is it really crowded

[@TScalibrate]

I love the Matrix sound effect used for Tip 2. Small detail but amusing haha

[@InakaAdventure]

Some times its the little details :)

[@michaeltromer9003]

Hi, Thank you for informative video! I’m going to Japan in 10 days and would like to share my additional tips based on my pretty extensive (15-20 hours) research: 1) JR Pass with its new price of 332$/week is really expensive and unless you planning to hopping on 4 different cities within a week it will be a waste of money. In most cases I’d say do not buy JR Pass. Do your research and evaluate if it will work for you, even if it’s so obviously promoted. 2) I changed my VPN and hotel prices were the same. In my opinion, considering how popular Japan I’d definitely prioritize having a booking over possibility of saving some money in case of getting a booking after landing. Rooms in hotels we booked couple months ago are all gone now. 3) Booking in advance also applies to trains. We decided to buy tickets online for our trip Tokyo -> Kyoto and seats were very limited. I’m very happy we didn’t follow the popular advise of buying tickets on a stations, because we probably would be in trouble.

[@InakaAdventure]

Good tips! I think booking just got hit with a criticism because they were charging europeans from rich countries a lot more, so they might have set their prices to the same everywhere. Looking from Japan though I can see see some great deals on hotels in the 3-5k yen range

[@Simplelifeusapinay]

Love these tips. Be in Tokyo in 10 days..

[@InakaAdventure]

Hope you have a great trip! If you havnt seen my other videos I have guides for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima, as well as my new Ryokan & Onsen Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5PEhop5rKiaqK8

[@shirleyliggett776]

Going to Japan is on my bucket list ❤❤❤

[@MidnightVibez27]

Most underrated video 💯 recommended for traveller going to Japan

[@InakaAdventure]

Cheers! What topics about Japan would you like to see covered in the future?

[@MidnightVibez27]

@@InakaAdventure Hi there! Really enjoyed your video about Tokyo and the insights you shared. I'm currently planning to stay in the Shinbashi minato- ku area. Could you let me know your opinion on this choice? Also, I'm curious to know if it's conveniently located near train stations and popular lookout spots. Thanks!

[@funtimeswithtom4108]

Vending machines are your friend and they are everywhere. I always use Limo bus from the airport to my hotel. They are comfortable, convenient and have free wifi. Everyday when we were exploring cities 7/i (7eleven) is fantastic and cheap for lunch and most have seating inside. Same for Lawson and Family Mart but I found these 2 usually dont have seating inside and your pulling up pavement to eat. If your hotel has a microwave and a fridge find a grocery store and have a feast in your room. We just got back from mt Fuji / Fujikyu Highlands trip and there is a grocery store at the back entrance of Fujikyu highlands. We didnt want a heavy meal so we got stuff from the grocery store and were satisfied and on the cheap. Don Xijote and Daiso for souveniers on the cheap. Pocari Sweat and Aquarius are orange flavored water. That's was surprising my first time drinking them.

[@InakaAdventure]

These are some great tips!

[@Leon-lz6tg]

Great video!

[@InakaAdventure]

Thanks Leon! Any part of Japan youd like to see in the next one?

[@Khadeezy]

Amazing video , I’m going next week and I would have been screwed without you

[@InakaAdventure]

Happy to Help Khadeezy, any topics you'd like to see more of in Japan?

[@PatriciaSouto-y9r]

Hahah loved the tips!! Thanks a lottttt

[@vishakadv5481]

Nice tips and very good information we are going tomorrow. For two weeks 😊

[@InakaAdventure]

Hope you have a great trip! I have other videos with guides to specific cities and 1 & 2 week itineraries if you havnt seen them yet check it out

[@askedwardtmi9118]

Would love to see you do a video on manga Cafe and love hotels how and where to stay cheaper when traveling I love your vids keep up the great work.

[@InakaAdventure]

Manga cafe is a great idea, love hotels is in the plans but I need to lose my virginity first. 😔

[@susanma4899]

I used to go to love hotels pretty often when I lived in Japan. If you miss the last train, could you go to a love hotel? If there are two people, definitely. But I wonder if a single person can go in. Also, could two guys go in? Could two girls go in? One important difference re love hotels: once you're in, you're in. You can't leave your stuff in the room or key at the desk and return to the same room later. If you do check in, you'll need to bring your drinks and snacks and be prepared to stay in that room until you check out. Lots of love hotels use a vending machine for guests to rent the room. There are staff watching you enter and exit, but you'll never see them. And there are no restaurants or workout rooms or other amenities either. Checking in is quite surreal tbh. You often feel like you're the only guests there.

[@askedwardtmi9118]

@Inaka Adventure in that case do a video about soap land then the love hotels😁

[@InakaAdventure]

Haha, maybe if i started an after dark channel

[@askedwardtmi9118]

@@InakaAdventure All jokes aside if you did it tastefully and creatively it might be interesting not a bad idea. Tokyo after dark.

[@orthodocrap]

Great Video as Always!

[@InakaAdventure]

Cheers! The final touches on this video were driving me crazy but it was worth it in the end

[@RealUknownRosee]

im only 15 at the moment but i want to move to japan as soon as possible and visit tokyo ive spent 3 years studying japanese culture and language

[@InakaAdventure]

See if your highschool or later university has an exchange program. Depending on what country you're from you might be able to do a 2 year working holiday before you turn 30, otherwise if you're not a student you need a 4 year degree to work in Japan.

[@Stories_of_Japan]

Amazing video! Arigatou gozaimasu ❤

[@Edgarunreal-FinanzasPersonales]

Thank you for your tips, they are very helpful. I am going to Japan on April for a whole month. In my case, I wont get the JR pass even I will visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima etc. I will be traveling to the nearest cities and villages and moving on to the southwest, (Not long distances) I checked the JR calculator and expected to be even fares, also I want to have more option for transportation, more flexible and less stress.

[@InakaAdventure]

Since you're not using the JR Pass you might find some regional passes more useful, or even the Seishin 18 Ticket that you can use until April 11 for 2,400 yen all trains all day. Check out my train passes video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3bRf6SPa9hsec0

[@Edgarunreal-FinanzasPersonales]

@@InakaAdventure Oh thank you, I will take a look 👀

[@MrRullakebu]

DO NOT skip booking hotels in advance. If it's not fully offseason, you will be left with only capsule hotels as your only cheap option. By bookin well in advance (over 1 month), you will be able to pick cheap hotels with option to cancel a few days before. This way you have the option to switch hotel if better deal opens, thought at least I haven't seen any during my trip in 5/2023...

[@InakaAdventure]

This is good advice, but you can usually get away without booking in advance and the price isnt too different provided youre using a vpn or inside the country. I think in your case its because you were traveling in May which is one of the busiest seasons especially if it was close to april 29th to May 6th

[@nursefernrips]

Thanks for the hotel tip

[@InakaAdventure]

No problem! Glad this could help you out, any topics youd like to see covered in future videos?

[@StriveforGainz]

Great video! Keep up the good work!

[@InakaAdventure]

Cheers!

[@sunnyoutdoors]

very nice, I'll share with 3000 people on my cruise

[@InakaAdventure]

awesome!

[@L-Man-Gaming]

What would you say is the ideal time for someone to spend in Japan for their first trip? It honestly seems like a month is needed to see the best parts and soak in everything.

[@InakaAdventure]

That's hard to say since everyone's different, I usually recommend two weeks because you can check out a lot of the country before fatigue from living out of a suitcase sets in. For most people 2-3 weeks is ideal, if you're the kind of person that doesn't feel culture shock or home sickness then a Multi month trip could be amazing.

[@L-Man-Gaming]

@@InakaAdventure Thanks. I've seen your other videos before, your voice is recognizable.

[@InakaAdventure]

Yeah I have a few channels kicking around, some more hidden than others ;)

[@Oldguard12345]

Magic.Thanks so much.

[@InakaAdventure]

No worries! What sort of Japan content would you like to see in the future?

[@bachevaz72]

Great valuable infos done in professional way, thanks a lot

[@InakaAdventure]

Glad you enjoyed it, any topics youd like to see more of about Japan?

[@mariojsworld]

Nice Japan travel tips.

[@InakaAdventure]

Thanks! 😃

[@jakks2089]

Fantastic info thank you!

[@InakaAdventure]

No worries Joanna, glad you enjoyed it!

[@flavorhostage]

I got an eSIM on my last trip and it was quite cheap ($10/mo) and it's TWO fewer things to carry & charge. 1) is the pocket wifi that gets hot, eats batteries, and won't last a full day and 2) is the portable power brick you'll need to carry with the pocket wifi. IIJmio is what I used. Before that I'd use physical data SIM cards from IIJmio. They're even in vending machines at the airport. Oh, and your B roll is spectacular. Did you film it all yourself?

[@InakaAdventure]

Yep with the exception of when I'm showing something from a website or company everything I film is my own B-roll, I have a massive library of clips ive been making over the years. You'll sometimes see my B-roll in other Japan vids too since I sell it as stock videos. Great Tips for the wifi too thanks Hisashi

[@flavorhostage]

@@InakaAdventure Great job on the B-roll! I'm always internally complaining about KZbinrs and their framing, focus, depth-of-field, lighting, etc and you seem to have gotten it right.

[@jawndice]

@flavorhostage How did you get the eSIM for 10/month? Is there a contract involved? Is it unlimited internet with at least 4G speed? Does it work throughout the entire country of Japan?

[@flavorhostage]

@@jawndice No contract. There's a thread on flyertalk about it, but basically you have to get through the iijmio web site to sign up (jp tld and I used Chrome and translated a bunch of it) and I was lucky enough to get a discount on the initial cost. The best flyertalk trick was to sign up a month in advance, let the minutes roll over into the month you're there, and then cancel before the end of the month you're there. I've used IIJmio throughout Japan (Hokkaido through Okinawa) and of course there are dead spots, but it worked great for me.

[@richiealderete4951]

My family and I will be making a trip to Japan in the upcoming months. Do we absolutely need to get a prepaid sim card for our phones to work? Will our phones be useless without them? I currently use Tmobile.

[@MariNate1016]

Heading back to Japan for my birthday in October. Even tho I’ve been before these are still some good tips. Def vouch for the JR pass. Such a convenient deal

[@InakaAdventure]

Fellow October B-day here, hope you have a great trip!

[@Sean-e5j]

be careful with the JR pass this trip, the price is gonna go up to 50,000 JPY, I had to change my plans to the Hokuriku Arch Pass instead of the usual JR Rail pass. The price change is reported to go into effect October 2023. It may be wise to check out the regional passes just to be safe!

[@fiveminutetravel]

Thanks for the amazing tips 🤩

[@InakaAdventure]

Glad you enjoyed it, any topics youd like to see covered in the future?

[@bynjoe2000]

Oh good info. Planning to travel in Tokyo

[@InakaAdventure]

I have a video on 5 days in Tokyo here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn60fH-LoKaInJo

[@guilhermebalbi7551]

hi there. do you have a video taking about tokyo intenerary? i tried to find but i didnt.

[@InakaAdventure]

Im making it right now.

[@guilhermebalbi7551]

@@InakaAdventure looking foward to see it. There are so mano things to do there that im completely lost 🤣

[@adiric]

@InakaAdventure very informative video. Is september a good time to visit ?

[@InakaAdventure]

Yeah September is a little warm, later part of Summer but there are some interesting festival you can see like Danjiri Matsuri kzbin.infowTFlXy8rBOA?feature=share

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

By the way... My top 5 favorite cities in Japan: 1st - Kyoto 2nd - Hiroshima 3rd - Tokyo 4th - Mastomoto 5th - Osaka

[@InakaAdventure]

Think my favorite 5 are 1st - Gifu, 2nd - Kyoto, 3rd - Osaka, 4th - Kagoshima, 5th - Tokyo

[@PatriciaSouto-y9r]

Why Gifu? May I ask?​@@InakaAdventure

[@themediterraneanguy]

Thanks for sharing the 16 rules, I enjoyed it , just subscribed

[@InakaAdventure]

Good to hear!

[@jyotinair5167]

@@InakaAdventure, hi, can I get to Kyoto from Tokyo if I reach Narita around 7pm

[@InakaAdventure]

From Narita you'd need to depart before 7:59, reaching Kyoto at 11:22. Its possible but if your flights landing at 7 you should probably spend a night in Tokyo because who knows if the flight is delayed & get through immigration

[@jyotinair5167]

@@InakaAdventure thank you for your advice. Appreciate your response

[@traveltraveller]

Nice video....good information👌👌

[@InakaAdventure]

Cheers glad you enjoyed it!

[@leilasayadi9257]

Your video is amazing ,thanks , just a question, which location do you recommend in Tokyo and Kyoto to stay or do you recommend any hotel

[@InakaAdventure]

I have a 5 day guide to Tokyo and a 4 day guide to Kyoto on my channel which talks about locations to stay in both cities in detail, but a quick answer would be tokyo = around shinjuku/shibuya or somewhere on the green line, Kyoto around sanjo if possible or the main kyoto station

[@leilasayadi9257]

@@InakaAdventure im going to watch all of your videos, thank you for your time

[@WalkInsider]

thank you for very useful Tips

[@InakaAdventure]

Glad I could help ya out, any places in Japan you'd be interested in seeing more of?

[@azoz273]

Is it recommended to use the luggage delivery even if you are traveling alone with one large suitcase, and you want to use the train?

[@InakaAdventure]

Depends how large your suitcase is and how strong you are to carry it around really, there is a lot of walking in Japan but it should be okay since you just need to get it to the hotel right. Check out my new video (around the end) I talk about the luggage size rules for trains and how to reserve oversized luggage here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGm6gZZ4oNiJd7M

[@BuiDungTri-z7g]

The way you explain complex topics is so clear and easy to understand. You make learning enjoyable. Subscribed!

[@InakaAdventure]

Happy to have you here

[@concha0711]

Hi .Awesome video, very informative! I'm going to Japan this november and saving this video for future reference! I'm currently considering if the railway pass is worth it for my plan - can you please share the website you used for that simulation (around min 2:37)? Arigato!

[@InakaAdventure]

I have a new rail pass guide for the updated JR Pass & it also has some of the alternative regional passes here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGm6gZZ4oNiJd7M for the calculator im using in the video its from Japan Guide

[@soniaayuso8184]

Hello, what website do you use to check the prices for trains ? Minute 2:43, I would like to compare and ensure JRP is necessary for my trip and when to activate. Thanks 😊

[@InakaAdventure]

Thats the Japan guide calculator, but there are several different ones to use

[@ganoog]

Thanks 🙏

[@InakaAdventure]

You’re welcome 😊

[@xeom102]

Thanks for the video, please help to review the LUUP scooter rental service , how to check out and return the scooter , thank you !

[@InakaAdventure]

Ive never used it myself since Japan is so easy to get around, but i heard they removed some of the regulations around them which will make it easier to try them out

[@isaaccol55]

I will go to Japan next month and as a result of seeing some of your videos, I have now more places to visit. Would you consider the idea to rent a car for a 12 days trip instead of the JR pass? And if I may ask a more personal one, how did you find a job in Japan? I am planning to go there first to study the language but I would like to stay there working. Thanks for the videos and the info :)

[@InakaAdventure]

I first came over to Japan as a teacher when I finished University, thats the main way people come over. If you're under 30 you can get a working holiday visa for a year or two as well and do pretty much anything. Its hard to find non teaching jobs until you're inside the country though. I love driving in Japan but the cities are annoying I find, no on street parking so trains are probably better value, but if you want to visit some out of the way place a car is great

[@Elegant_Juice]

So I just got back from Japan a few days ago and simply booked reserved seats. There were plenty of people who brought large bags on the train with no issues from any of the staff. I brought a smaller suitcase to avoid this issue 😅

[@InakaAdventure]

Typically you can get away with a lot in Japan, so people shouldnt really stress toooo much about bringing large bags. But its always good to know the rules ;) Glad you had a good trip!

[@mellanese]

Thank you! This is undoubtedly the best video for 1st time Japan travelers I have come across to date! You offered unheard-of tips to me, esp. the hotel hack to get a much better room rate from a different Vpn number. I'm planning a bucket-list solo trip this November for my BD and looking at the Ueno area as my base when I arrive for a couple days as I like to be central with things within walking distance like budget shopping, sites, and street eats, etc. Do you have any other city locations to suggest? Thanks

[@InakaAdventure]

For Tokyo staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya is a bit more central for the night life, its probably worth getting a tokyo wide pass if you dont get the main JR one because you can visit a lot of nearby locations on the same ticket, if you havnt seen my 2 weeks in Japan video Id recommend that for planning a trip kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6OWiGefmrOjjZI

[@mellanese]

@@InakaAdventure Thank you, when I'm traveling I prefer staying in a lively area with things to do within walking distance when not out and about touring. I will check out your 2-week link.

[@marianalopez9136]

Is that Capitan Jack Sparrow on 0:21? Gotta love Japan!

[@RonaldoSanchez-g1y]

can you recommend a tour group for a solo tourist on his first time visit to Japan, who would like to see most of the West coast after flying into Tokyo.

[@InakaAdventure]

Im not sure about a tour group, because I always just travel by myself, but I have some solo guides for Japan including Tokyo : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn60fH-LoKaInJo

[@tiagozilliosoares7988]

Hey Inaka, thanks for another great guide of this majestic country. What do you think about including Japan guides exclusively dedicated to a season? As we know, every season in Japan is amazing in its own and for someone planning a trip to Japan it would be nice to better compare the pros and cons of each season. Maybe it would be nice to dedicate a video per season and give detailed perspectives for them as you do with all your videos.

[@InakaAdventure]

I'm thinking of putting together some shorter itineraries, about week in time for each seasonal travel in Japan starting with spring. I might release them as the seasons come up though so i can film more stuff about them

[@GwenBarnes-l7u]

Led me to think

[@Motormouthmatt]

@Inaka Adventures, You mentioned about the JR Pass Calculator but i cant seem to find the link? Could you help please, i have an Upcoming trip later tnis year & im weighing up if the price fkr Whole JR 7 day pass is worth it for me Vs. Single trip tickets

[@InakaAdventure]

Hi Matt, if you go to click.jrpass.com/SH5O and scroll down there is a fare calculator. The prices for the JR Pass are increasing in October and it might not be worth it then, but the tickets are valid i believe if you buy them before October for up to three months.

[@Motormouthmatt]

Thanks for your help, I did see that link but I did not see the Calculator off first glance 🤦 I have seen the unfortunate info about JR Price rise! So I'm on currently on the rush to Research all about the JR Pass & make my choice & buy before end of this month for my trip in Mid November. My first time ever travelling & pretty nervous about using the train Systems

[@InakaAdventure]

Good luck!

[@celinewong2648]

Hi, my family and I will be going to Hokkaido in November for the first time to Japan.. Can you pls tell me what’s the weather like in Nov ? Thank you

[@InakaAdventure]

It will probably be between 10c and 0c, the first snows start to fall in either November or early December, usually a lot of clear skies.

[@rejiifield]

Can you do Okinawa if you haven't?

[@InakaAdventure]

Absolutely! Im planning a trip to Okinawa, specifically Iriomote to search for the wild cats there

[@ariadnagonzalez9425]

Does any know if booking the rest of hotels while being is Japan is still a good option for Sakura season next year?

[@InakaAdventure]

If it's Sakura season you should probably book them a couple weeks in advance, the rest of the year you can usually find a place where you want on pretty short notice

[@25milkmen]

I am traveling to Tokyo in March for 4 days then getting on a cruise ship. Would it be more beneficial to get a JR regional pass instead of a regular JR pass. Also since there are two of us do we both need a pass or can we share one. Thank you for your video it was very informative.

[@InakaAdventure]

I just released a JR Pass & Regional Pass update video with the new prices for 2024, so this should answer all your questions kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGm6gZZ4oNiJd7M

[@ignaciorosagutierrez1243]

This is a great video, thanks for sharing! I' traveling in a couple of weeks with my wife and 2-year old daughter. I'm getting the JR Pass. I'm arriving at Haneda at 4am in the morning I'm thinking of booking a car to transport us to the hotel as I'm hearing not a good time for trains. What would you recommend? Tks

[@isaactristan6427]

Been to Tokyo a couple of times. Going to Osaka next year. Any suggestions?

[@InakaAdventure]

Yeah I have a 3 Day Guide to Osaka here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5bXkpiKr7yjprc

[@Vlogsnishayne]

Can you tell me which city is cheaper to book a flight to

[@InakaAdventure]

No, because thats depends where you live. Its either Tokyo or Osaka, just search for both and check.

[@Vlogsnishayne]

@@InakaAdventure is hokaido expensive

[@InakaAdventure]

About the same as anywhere else in the country, some of the trains are more pricey

[@Wonder.Winnie]

after you buy something and go to the tax free counter, does that mean you can open the bags and use the goods? or do you still need to go to the counter at the airport again to show them the goods?

[@InakaAdventure]

Tax free isn't duty free, it's confusing but I believe they don't seal your bags when you buy it. You just bring your receipt + passport to prove you're not a resident and they refund the consumption tax

[@Wonder.Winnie]

@@InakaAdventure so does this mean after you go to tax free counter than you are done with the process? You can start using / eating the goods? Or is there more steps to do at the airport?

[@InakaAdventure]

Airport stuff is duty free, tax free is normal shopping. You can immediately eat or use the tax free ones. But you need to claim the refund at the shop you bought it at immediately after purchase, you cannot refund at the airport etc.

[@Wonder.Winnie]

@@InakaAdventure ohh ok thanks!

[@InakaAdventure]

No worries! Hope you have a great trip, what places in Japan would you be interested in seeing in the future?

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

14:10 - If you lose your last train, walk... Just walk and you will discover what is Tokyo like during the night!

[@InakaAdventure]

This is usually what I do, but my place is about 3 hours away from where I hang out so its either a long long walk or I find a chair in the street and pass out until 5am haha

[@Bomerzz]

Hello Inaka, would you mind sharing the website you use for the transport budgeting in 2:40 ?

[@InakaAdventure]

Sure, it was the Japan guide rail pass calculator

[@bootsie1212]

Brilliant

[@InakaAdventure]

Glad to see you enjoyed it!

[@silencedplague9437]

Thank you for the fantastic video. I do have a Q about SIM cards. If I have an international plan would that work just as well as getting a Japanese SIM or is it still recommended that I get a SIM while there?

[@InakaAdventure]

If you have an international plan you'll probably be fine, you could test it out first and then if it's no good go pick up a cheap prepaid SIM from a tech shop

[@momof1150]

Lots of good information here. I wondered if IC card is the same as the SUICA Card and found Suica is the prepaid IC card by JR East for JR trains in the Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai regions. A special version of Suica, called Welcome Suica, is available to foreign tourists. The special cards are valid for only four weeks, come without a deposit fee, but do not allow for refunds

[@InakaAdventure]

I never recommend Welcome Suica, its just flat out worse than regular Suica or similar IC cards

[@momof1150]

@@InakaAdventure thank you for clarifying. 👍🏼

[@cooljammer00]

@@InakaAdventure Unfortunately due to chip shortages, the Welcome Suica seems to be the only one available for a while. Luckily I know somebody going to Japan the month before I do, and they've got a regular Suica they will hand off to me.

[@chandlerredhead27]

Have you done a video about the new IC card issues???

[@InakaAdventure]

Not yet, but its most likely a temporary issue, it only seems to be a problem in Tokyo for Suica, I live in Kansai and use Icoca so its not a problem atm

[@emiliabergqvist4429]

Hi I love your vids! Would we need to get one IC card each for travelling on the metro? 😁

[@InakaAdventure]

For the Metro I believe you'd need one each, but its not really an issue since the deposit is refundable. I believe you can use one card on services that have fixed fairs such as some city buses, though Ive never tried this myself.

[@veronicacosta2589]

Super informative! Thank you so much - Quick question. I'm only in Japan for 4 days and since I've been to Tokyo before, I want to head to Kyoto this time right after arriving in Haneda. I do have to get back to Tokyo and will need to use the subway there, but from what I have seen, the JR pass does not cover that. Still, is getting a JR pass for the round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and then an IC card for travel within Tokyo the most effective way? Thank you!

[@InakaAdventure]

7 Day JR Pass is 29,650 Yen, going from Tokyo to Kyoto and back Via the Shinkansen is 27,000 Yen. So if you can use the pass enough trains to make up the 2,650 yen difference its worth it. In your situation its probably worth getting a 7 day pass for flexibility, but not a problem if you dont.

[@LiA-ud4cg]

Hi, can I carry my passport card instead of my passport book? Thanks for the video is amazing

[@InakaAdventure]

Ive never heard of a Passport card, I think its an American only thing. I feel like it would be okay, but you could ring your local Japanese embassy and check

[@markakronio8575]

Tauranga @ 10:33 😮

[@InakaAdventure]

A few kiwis noticed that, I used to live in NZ haha

[@nataliya2422]

5:23 just wondering if you heard anything about esim for the internet connection upon arrival?

[@InakaAdventure]

I havnt used it personally but Ive had both the prepaid sims / pocket wifi and they were fine for me. Realistically most services are going to be reliable in Japan and Im sure you can find something to suit your needs at the airport kiosks

[@MrKarto2287]

How am I going to get past customs at the airport if I didn't prereserve hotel rooms?

[@InakaAdventure]

You should book at hotel for at least the first couple nights

[@inmarodriguezlopez9541]

3:00 Where is this place? 4 trains at the same time! 😮

[@InakaAdventure]

Just a short walk away from Akihabara, at Ochanomizu station

[@wilks_7503]

is that mount Maunganui at 10:32?

[@InakaAdventure]

Yep, actually the uber map shows wellington too after that. I used to live in NZ

[@dipsetudey6014]

Can I use the luggage delivery service to deliver my luggage to my hotel in Osaka the same day I'm arriving at Narita Airport Terminal 2?

[@InakaAdventure]

You would need to ask the services when you arrive to be sure, but if you arrive in Narita and send to Osaka it will most likely be a 2 day delivery unless you paid extra for some sort of express service

[@edgarnapiza8163]

Is it correct the first train hour to operate early morning is 6am from Tokyo going back to Narita airport? So the only option is to ride a taxi going to the airport if I have an early flight? Thank you.

[@InakaAdventure]

The First NEX train departs at 5:55, I think the first bus is 5:20. There are hotels near Narita though, I think there is a capsule hotel right at the airport so you could stay there your last night to save money

[@lanjacobson4219]

Hello, how much $ do you recommend loading an IC card for a 10 day trip to Tokyo and Osaka?

[@InakaAdventure]

I usually keep about 2,000 yen on my pass at any time. I think the max is 10,000 yen, I think youll probably spend around 1,000 ish yen a day going around places but you can always charge up at every stations so its not a problem if you run out.

[@susanma4899]

I didn't know I could get a discount by using my passport. I've never carried my passport around w me, because I absolutely don't want to lose it. What I used to do was make a color copy of the pertinent pages and keep those folded in my wallet. If a police officer were to give me a hard time about it, I'd explain why I wasn't carrying it. Worse comes to worst you'd just have to go to the police station and show them the real thing, but after living in Japan for 6 years this NEVER happened to me. Of course if you go to the police station to report a crime, take the real thing.

[@InakaAdventure]

I'm the same way, never carry my passport because I expect I'll lose it. Tbh I've never seen someone asked to provide ID apart from a situation the police were called, although there was one tourist that was penalized for not carrying theirs. The discount is pretty solid though, 10% at participating stores is great for those big ticket items

[@flavorhostage]

@@InakaAdventure When I lived in Japan, all I had to carry was my alien registration booklet (it used to be a booklet, and not a card). Have things changed? I always carry my passport because I don't want to get in any trouble in Japan and get banned from the country or be put in immigration jail.

[@InakaAdventure]

Its now a alien registration card or passport, never seen the booklet myself but they phased those out. Although most people watching this video will be tourists, so for them its always passport.

[@vontzontch2598]

Room 1408 and it let you out? Did it constantly play "We've only just begun."? Also, Osaka and Hiroshima/Kure are two of the cities I wanna go to.

[@InakaAdventure]

Haha, I didnt even think about that! I might go down to Hiroshima myself in the next couple of weeks

[@vontzontch2598]

@@InakaAdventure Oh nice, looking forward hearing about that if you do some vids.

[@residentevilumbrella2001]

Such a beautiful country. When I get things with money and getting a passport squared away, I plan on going for 2 weeks with my best friend to Tokyo and Kyoto. In the meantime, I have many books I read about the Japanese culture and history and I love what I read.

[@InakaAdventure]

Hope you can live that dream real soon!

[@zan3141]

i leave for it in 2 months. going solo. super nervous lmao

[@Vlogsnishayne]

How is the internet signal in japan???

[@InakaAdventure]

Great

[@tupirul]

What about traveling by car ? Is it worth it ? It’s seen to complicated the trains situación

[@InakaAdventure]

Yeah renting a car in Japan is a great way to travel (outside of the cities) I recommend it, I'm working on a video about driving in Japan actually

[@tupirul]

@@InakaAdventure that would be great, I haven’t watch any videos about it. I travel with my family we are 5, so 5 JR pass it’s a lot of money. Maybe rent a car its cheaper ?

[@Marrmad7]

For the tourist wanting to visit, please watch for the tourist traps…there is so much more. All those businesses online you see influencers at aren’t worth it, and they are only inflating the prices because of all the tourists.

[@kyeh4551]

Thanks for the great video. However, I used your tip to use a VPN service to book accommodation from within the country. I didn't find it cheaper. Sometimes the mobile app is cheaper.

[@InakaAdventure]

One thing is that Japan is currently receiving record numbers of travelers, even higher than before lockdowns. So it might be affecting the prices as well, kinda crazy how many people are visiting

[@JamaineLaws]

I wanna see tokyo

[@InakaAdventure]

Just released a new video on tokyo today! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpmcaI13rqaBeZY

[@dwenchan831]

There is an announcement that JR rail pass prices will massively shoot up by October 2023. Is it better value to go by express bus instead for trips between Osaka and Tokyo for example?

[@InakaAdventure]

Yeah its better value to take a bus or fly if you dont have a JR pass, but those options arent as fast as using the train. Its really up to you if you want to save money or save time on it

[@redfish337]

It's basically always been better value to take a bus. The bus just sucks. =P The shinkansen is basically a premium service and the JR pass made using that premium service a bit more reasonable. The reason why the bus is easily best value is because you just take it overnight. It uses more or less no actually useful time. And saves you the cost of one night lodging. It's always been by far the cheapest (normal) option- and by using dead time, most efficient use of useful time... if you can sleep on the bus. But I find sleeping on transport unreliable- even when I can get several hours in it's not a true night's rest, and it's especially difficult on the night bus because I find they are kept too toasty inside. Doing it multiple times might start wearing on your health. Also, the timing is lined up so you probably arrive into the cities way too early in the morning and almost nothing is open and you can't check in anywhere yet so you wish you could just get the other half of your night's sleep in first. Also note, that long distance buses are a much less tourist friendly way to travel. It's a bunch of different directors screaming Japanese into megaphones not calmly read announcements in English. (Not sure if they've improved this at all in recent years, but was my experience before)

[@dwenchan831]

@@redfish337 if you arrive into the cities too early in the morning, I wonder if your allowed to linger in the bus stations i.e rest on the benches or use a sleeping bag of sorts to catch some zzz somewhere until its close to sunrise at least. There's nothing much to do anyway.

[@redfish337]

@@dwenchan831 The long distance buses usually dump you at stations with the presumption that you'd then take a train (or bus) to where you're actually going. These will have some things like a McDs open from pretty early. Kyoto Station's seems to be 530 am. The trains will usually be going. If you take a night bus a shorter distance, such as Tokyo to Nagoya, there might be more waiting. If you're travelling light, or using a luggage forwarding service, you can already just go out exploring. Sunrise is relatively early in Japan. But after a night bus I kinda just want to get 2-3 hours of GOOD sleep before doing anything. If you're super high energy and sickness resistant, you can just do breakfast, go look at some shrines and such (generally, shinto shrines don't have business hours and buddhist temples do) while waiting for more stuff to open proper around 9am.

[@marta178]

Following the announcement of the steep price rise in the JR pass by 70%, do you think it's still worth to get? I'm planning to go next year during sakura time for 2 weeks.

[@InakaAdventure]

The price changes are not finalized as I understand it, when its set in stone ill do a new video reviewing whether its worth it or not, but you can use rail pass calculators to see if its worth it for your trip, for most people it wont be though. There are also regional passes you can get too, which I talk about in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3bRf6SPa9hsec0

[@marta178]

@@InakaAdventure Thanks! I'll keep an eye open for it ;)

[@Sean-e5j]

There are plenty of regional passes still available thankfully. I did have to x-out a visit to Sendai and Matsushima on my October plans, however the Hokuriku Arch Pass still gets you from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka and back, for considerably less than even the current JR Rail Pass price ($174 vs $220) If you've already see Fuji you won't miss a thing, although the trip will take longer, you can possibly find enjoyment in Kanazawa since that's the transfer station.

[@lolthe0]

Amazing vid, but if you are travelling from narita to tokyo, isn't Keisei Skyliner the fastest?

[@InakaAdventure]

Didn't include the Skyliner because in practice its only 5 minutes faster but you have to transfer at Nippori which, depending on the transfer makes it longer and also is a point that jetlagged travelers might get lost at, also not covered by the JR pass so not really worth it. If you know what youre doing and dont have the pass though, sure it can be faster

[@joanneneemar8694]

Hi do you do guided tours to Japan

[@InakaAdventure]

Not something I typically do, although occasionally Ill show people around Osaka

[@animetree9379]

how much money should a person save up for a 2 week vacation there, i got the hotel and plane cost the general moving around and cost of food

[@InakaAdventure]

Budget for a 2 week trip is explained in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6OWiGefmrOjjZI and I will also have an updated shorter 1 week trip which explains this as well coming out next week. Its always good to bring a little extra though & travel costs have been slightly higher since Japan opened + the Spring season is in full swing

[@joentwistle5417]

How good is Japan for large families? We have five children.

[@InakaAdventure]

Lots of great family things to do, the issue will be 5x the travel costs

[@fangxiaxia2922]

I love your info, we are planning for Japan, we want to go to Kyoto from Tokyo, but we only have 1 week total. Most people advise not to, lack of time, we want to stay 4 nights in Tokyo 2 nights in Kyoto, 1 night near mt Fuji, is this doable? Or crazy? Thx

[@InakaAdventure]

I'm editing a 1 week in Japan video right now actually, it would be a very tight trip but you could do it. With the bullet trains you can get between Tokyo and Kyoto in about 3 hours, maybe move one of your Tokyo days to another city.

[@lamacornkk388]

Will I have to worry abt earthquakes?

[@InakaAdventure]

Not really, sure its always possible but its like being struck by lightening or something, cant go through your life worrying about it

[@SulamanAnnisBK]

Thanks for the useful and really important information. I am planning to take my 65 years old mom, what you suggest? getting a rental car for 7 days, we will be 4 people, is it good idea to hire a card on international License from Tokyo Airport?

[@InakaAdventure]

Yeah hiring a car from the Airport is a good idea for a group of people, make sure you get your international license before coming over

[@ashrauf24]

Planning a solo trip to Japan next year. Thanks for this informative video! Anyone got any tips and suggestions can comment below, thanks in advance!