20 MISTAKES TO AVOID! Don't do This in Japan, First-Time Traveler

[@jiyon167]

I actually quite like flying into a Narita. (Regular traveler there) It’s nice to see a bit of the countryside and the contrast of it before the big city.

[@jiyon167]

@bashdamonkey sorry I was meaning the airport train.

[@nobodynothing00000]

I arrive Haneda and depart Narita.

[@lewharrington1422]

I Much prefer Haneda. It’s much easier, faster & cheaper to transfer into Tokyo. Also clearing customs & immigration is faster.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

i save about 3-400$dollers landing in Narita, the few who does land in Haneda is more expensive, and the times for the flight are horendeus as well. By all means i dont mind Haneda, it has this really nice gimicky feel when leaving, but my hot take is Narita is actully a better airport then Haneda.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

@@lewharrington1422 this might have more to do on when you land and how many others, have landed on both airports several times and i dont think there is any diffrence, even Kix (Osaka) is just as fast to get out of then Haneda and Narita

[@wherestheparty_]

this is so informative! Eases my anxiety for sure! Flying out tomorrow for the first time

[@KenshoQuest]

Have a wonderful time in Japan! 🌸

[@mrpc8349]

For my case, flying to Narita is probably worth it since 1. my tickets were cheaper + it's a non-stop flight 2. i should arrive around 15h30 so train and bus are available 3. for 30 minutes difference i don't mind the time of transport.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yep, that sounds worth it!

[@BrettOPediaTV]

I saw “first time traveler” and thought sci fi stuff was going to happen 😂 Thanks for the video cause I’m traveling in July 2024!

[@helenlee2619]

Very informative video. Kudos to your and your husband for bringing your young children on your travels. Kids learn so much while vacationing. 🙂

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks!

[@kdfox2007]

Your video contains so much helpful information. Thanks

[@gordgallagher1650]

Great video and information. I would add that choosing the airport to arrive/depart from is also dependent on where you are staying in Tokyo. I stay in Ueno and accordingly choose Narita as the airport as it is a direct one train trip on the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno station. Don't wish to be changing metro trains with luggage.

[@KenshoQuest]

Good point! Thanks for adding that.

[@AdamWilliam329]

Thank you again for the different wi-fi suggestions for locked phones. I had to buy a new phone before I went to Japan and you broke down each Japanese phone carrier to help my decision.Very helpful and informative. ArigatoGozaimasu

[@taurino3489]

Will be traveling for the first time. Your videos are very helpful, and succinct. And, quite polished - no superfluous stuff. Thank-you.

[@giatayna2]

I really appreciate your help and new subscriber now. Leaving last week of May to Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya & Tokyo.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

Only place i havent visited here is Nagoya, i opted for Himeji instead (and Hiroshima) have a lovely trip, Osaka has so much to offer, if its one place you should consider cooling down the sighseeing and rather take in the ambience of the people with drinking and food culture this is the spot! for sure

[@thebritish910]

Great advice, super useful. Thank you. Also, beautiful family you have!

[@osakameetup]

#21. DONT miss an opportunity to join a meetup. This is a rare opportunity to meet and talk to locals who enjoy speaking English and meeting foreigners.

[@erindoescovers]

How would I find something like this?

[@paulready8897]

Nice video, one mistake not mentioned is when paying for something do not try to directly hand money to the clerk, put the money in the small metal tray on the counter next to the cash register. If you get change the clerk will put your change into the tray for you to get. Also another mistake is trying to tip. That is a big no no in Japan. You are disgracing the person by making them feel that they are not being paid enough for their job and they will return your tip to you. The two words for please that you used, the first one means please take me (like when getting into a taxi) or please do me a favor, the second one means please bring me something like when you are ordering something. There is also another word for please which is dozo, which means I am offering you something to take or I want you to go ahead of me.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

im not sure how much of a big misstake this is anymore, at this point i think a lot of them just assume we will hand them cash in hand hence they almost get confused when we do use the tray. I've had plenty of experiences when im about to drop money in the trai they reach out their hands to collect the money from me. Talking about reveresed shock xD

[@LinariaFreeze]

I'm going on my fifth trip to Japan this year, and depending on where in the city you stay, Narita vs Haneda isn't THAT much of a difference. Fly into whichever airport is cheaper.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yeah, it depends upon where you will stay and whether you know how to get to your accommodations from the airport. This is just a heads up for people to be aware of the airport locations before booking plane tickets.

[@gumerzambrano]

Woah 5th time is crazy bro! I'm barely going for the first time!

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

going for the 5th time in October myself, and agreed on this, there is such a small price difference from one airport to another it really doesnt matter that much, sure a little longer time from airport but its really not that bad. i also like using the limosin busses so i can get to my district directly not having to change trains 1/2 times as well

[@LinariaFreeze]

@@deaddrunkgamer7399 Yep, if there's no price difference and you're staying in Shibuya, yeah, go for Haneda. But these videos are so much "avoid Narita at all cost", and I'm imagining tourists paying £100 more to land at Haneda when staying in Asakusa

[@tokyobutakun]

Narita can be better and faster depending on your Tokyo destination. It's certainly faster for me.

[@KenshoQuest]

True! It depends where you are headed.

[@adamlee2550]

What does everyone have against Narita? It's chilling and the train ride is like the intro to an anime

[@d3l4m4r]

I just returned from Japan and it was a wonderful experience (lots of video watching on prepping....many thanks to your videos!). I will say, the packing too much is so true. My next time I travel there, I will definitely pack lighter. While it wasn't terrible, it did make "travel days" a workout.

[@KenshoQuest]

Welcome back! We try to pack light, but it’s hard. Last time we left Japan with two more suitcases than we arrived with 😂.

[@NatenaelHaile]

CounterPoint - Narita has a pokemon store. Haneda dosn't ......

[@stevegonzales527]

6:45 bro i saw some foreign family at mcdonalds let their kids do a big mess on the table and ground and they didnt even bother to clean a crumb and walked away

[@randallino3364]

Thanks for all of the great videos as this one is perfect timing as we’re in Japan right now. Get wifi immediately I hesitated and we got lost in Osaka.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for the tip! Have fun in Japan.

[@MiqdamSugiarto]

Some airlines offer cheaper prices to/from Narita, and even we spent add cost to take Keisei to Ueno / Tokyo in total it’ll much cheaper rather than flying to Haneda. if you bringing wife + kids like me, it’s a $300 saving.

[@Vlican]

same, i just go with whatever is cheaper

[@grandepdre]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Japan for next May. Thank you for your content. It will be very helpful.

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yoniecheung3840]

Enjoying watching your videos, very helpful, straight to point! Thanks very much!

[@karenrobbins6656]

Regarding the waterproof shoes, I had a pair of Vessi’s sneakers (advertised as waterproof) but the rain got in through where my socks peeked out a tiny bit at the edges. My daughter tried spraying Scotchguard on her sneakers but probably did not thorough coverage so her shoes got soaked too. This was when a typhoon was passing so it was pretty heavy rain. Boots were too heavy to pack and took up too much room. Oh well, at least it wasn’t cold rain in the summer and our shoes dried overnight. Thanks for this video

[@KenshoQuest]

I've heard those Vessi shoes recommended before. I guess most shoes aren't 100% waterproof. Rain can even get in through the top of rain boots. We ran out into the typhoon rain to get umbrellas at the nearest market and got soaked. Agreed, at least it wasn't cold rain! ☔️

[@mississippiapple1078]

Love how you went right into list!

[@2006Whippet]

While I'm flying into Narita next month, I'll be staying in Chiba the first night anyway before heading to Fujisawa the next afternoon. I'm saving Tokyo itself for my last 3 days of the trip. Doing Chiba-Fujisawa (Enoshima)-Kamakura-Kanazawa-Shinjuku on this trip. Then Hokkaido next June for a motorcycle tour. Just 21 days to go.🎉

[@KenshoQuest]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! We hope you have a great time. And Hokkaido is one of our favorite destinations. 🌺 Heidi

[@travelogueblogger]

thanks for the information. I have used a lot of this information during my recent trip in Japan.

[@KenshoQuest]

What was your favorite place you visited in Japan?

[@LuciferMorningstar____]

Just want to thank you and the channel for giving top tier tips visiting Japan. Just came back from a 8 day trip to Kyoto and Osaka. Really helped navigating with travelling passes, Pocket Wifi etc

[@KenshoQuest]

Awesome! What was your favorite thing in Japan?

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

I always considered Picket wihi, and always end up opting out of it, I guess it has to do i often solo travel and i am very depended on notification meaning i would have had the pocket wifi on all the time, also considering having the cheapest E-sim so i can get my notifications and the pocket wifi when i need stable net, in the end E-Sim was always enough for me and 1/3 of the price and could be setup while i was still at home and ready to launch when i landet.

[@ThemeParkNut]

Questions for the Live Q&A: 1. Is it easy or likely to have an English speaker when picking up passes and making reservations at the major airports? 2. Are you able to make a series of reservations when picking up the pass? 3. Is it hard to change a reservation if you miss your train? If you need a luggage reservation especially? Thanks so much for all your helpful info! Not sure if I’ll make the Q&A due to time difference in Australia, but will definitely watch it back if you keep it up on KZbin 👍👍

[@tommyc7597]

1. Yes they do have English speaker when picking up passes and making reservations at the airport. 2. Yes u can make series reservation when pickup the pass. 3. If u missed the reservation train then u can reschedule or take non reservations seat instead. If u have large luggage then u need reservations or just take the non reservations seat and they won't give u too much hard time. I'm first time visiting Japan with my family's and I so nervous to deal with Jr pass voucher exchange but don't worry it is easy. U need Google translate and Google len to help u do the translation without any problem as first time.

[@TheMabiNerd]

Hell I don't even know how to use the toilets in America.

[@Call_Me_David]

I'm hoping to go to Japan for the first time next year, and I'm going to fly on Zipair, which only flies out of Narita. My plan is still to get a hotel closer to Haneda or Tokyo station rather than Narita.

[@morrigan909]

I f’d up with on Narita 😭. The tickets were cheaper and now I know why.

[@KenshoQuest]

As long as you plan your transportation ahead of time, of how you will get from the airport into the city, you will be fine.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

i wouldnt say that :P i think a lot of japan influencers are painting Narita to be this really horrible thing which it is not. Last time i took the Limusin bus from narita it only took 60 ish minuts to Shinjuku.

[@Kikaidamashou]

So good! Thanks so much for posting all these videos! Unfortunately I had no choice of which airport I could fly into :( So I am stuck at Narita.

[@KenshoQuest]

Totally understandable that not everyone will be able to fly into HND.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

80% of the time i land at Narita, i actually kinda prefer it, jump on a limusin bus and try to sleep a bit before arriving at my destination as im never able to sleepp during my 13 hour flight.

[@hobs8754]

These are helpful information! Thank you

[@KenshoQuest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edwinatakasaki2258]

Most airline ticket purchases have an insurance option that you can purchase but the insurance (#20) they are mentioning is different. Travel Insurance can cover a whole range of options besides health. For example, god forbid someone in your party is tragically hurt or even deceased, if you select the options that covers this, someone from your home country can fly over to the country where the injury or death occurred to coordinate assistance with local institutions and/or your nation's embassy to fly the body back. This takes a LOT of money and paperwork, you have no idea! Insurance!! People may not think about this option in advance but research and budget this into your travel plans. Make sure you have the information with you when you travel.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for adding this. Our SafetyWing travel health insurance includes other benefits we didn't mention in the video such as medical evacuation, political evacuation, trip interruption (if you need to return home for an emergency back home), and burial or repatriation of remains. I have no idea what it would entail to use that final benefit on someone's behalf.

[@allibystarDN514]

Thank you thank you thank you soooo much! Please keep on doing God’s work!

[@ricodemarco]

Using the spray toilet is pretty easy, its the squat toilet to do number 2 that I'm afraid of.

[@KenshoQuest]

🤣

[@auroraflash]

Narita is unfortunately on my flight back 😂😂

[@dennistani1986]

Thanks for the nice tips!! In regards to American medical insurance, for seniors, Medicare isn't available outside the USA. Because of that, I highly recommend getting medical coverage.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for adding that!

[@paulready8897]

Good to know. I don’t have Medicare yet but am getting close to the age when I will have to get it.

[@PattyDelace]

Thank you for all the information on the video 😊

[@georgequek7996]

Thanks for the great videos in Japan.👍🙏

[@MasayaTina]

just subbed 😁 first time going in january and these are helpful thank you!!

[@KenshoQuest]

Welcome!!

[@negatif9163]

00:01 wrong. i prefer which is cheaper. because it is not too important distance between the airport and the city center. you will you it maximum two times. 2:25 be careful that card. you must install not too much. because if there is any remaining balance, you cannot withdraw this balance from anywhere. it is weird, but you can not withdraw. so, last day in japan, i have to send my money to buy some things at Airporty.

[@johnp6987]

Some helpful tips there, arigatou gozaimasu

[@KenshoQuest]

Dōitashimashite!

[@alvinting7423]

so informative and straight forward. thanks for sharing

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Are you planning a Japan trip?

[@alvinting7423]

@@KenshoQuest yes absolutely. what if I run out of cash and shops doesn't accept cards, is there any money exchanger around the street ? or can I withdraw money ?

[@KenshoQuest]

We withdraw money from the ATM machines, which are easy to find in 7-Eleven. Here's our video explaining how we manage our money while traveling in Japan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGekq5x9rN6GkNE @@alvinting7423

[@alvinting7423]

@@KenshoQuest thank you. Hav eyou been to Seoul Korea as well ? which is more convinient for first timer ? Tokyo or Seoul ?

[@KenshoQuest]

We still haven't been to Seoul. Hopefully soon!

[@vanessae8919]

Thank you for your very informative videos. Can you advise if you bring food into Japan? Might want to bring some snacks... Thank you

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, snacks are fine as long as they are packaged.

[@JosephineArechiga]

Thank for very helpful tips, what summer month did you go?

[@KenshoQuest]

We were there in June and July. June had the most rain. ☔️

[@theinternationalist1357]

Cant make it this sunday QnA, business dinner here in LA, California.

[@yungduong9024]

I’m love your videos,I’m going to Tokyo on January stay 5 days can you give some advice,this is first time at Japan

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, it really depends on what you want to do. There are so many different types of travelers who come to Japan for different reasons. But we do have a ton of videos covering a wide variety of topics. The main thing we can suggest is to take it slow. In Japan, it takes a long time to get from one attraction to another even if it across town. Also, you will enjoy it more by taking things slow. Here are a couple of videos that you might find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6LHc3qJntaMgtU kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2LHkKCkasyAl7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHi2iGuki8mkj6M

[@chrisandvictoriaCox]

I have a long plane layover (1.5 day) in Japan . We will be moving with a lot of luggage and wondered what we can do with all of our luggage. We come in at 6:00 p.m. and it looks like there is no service for holding luggage after 6:30. 😊 We are concerned we will not get to the luggage holding area soon enough for big bags

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, when you first arrive, please check with JAL ABC, they might be open. If not, ask the information desk for the location of the cloak room. If they too are not open you might try using ECBO Cloak app. More info here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqS4eKGZjLmJo5o

[@michaelhuang2477]

True. Trash cans are like ninjas.. difficult to find

[@danielborges2409]

love this channel... hugs from Brazil

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks!

[@MrHanhnm]

Thanks for your advices.

[@jeffreytan5826]

Love your video even though I visit many times. Singapore, it is better to change more Yen than using credit card in Japan. One trip expenditure of S$4K can save couple of hundreds S$, especially for high ticket items. Credit card and Hotels has the worst lowest ex rate. Thanks.

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Tony-iv9sl]

thank you so much for all this info , it is great

[@DianeRoma1]

So helpful. Thank you very much ❤

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! Here's our updated Mistakes to Avoid video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4PWooSLjadojrs

[@Scrapplefromtheapple]

Great information. Just one small correction- September is PDT, not PST.

[@KenshoQuest]

Oops! We don’t live in California anymore and I just use PST out of habit. I forgot that it alternates.

[@EresTremulent]

Flying to Narita is definitely not a mistake unless you are on a really tight schedule and strapped for time.

[@pucks97]

Awesome channel! Thanks for all the tips :)

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome. Will you visit Japan soon?

[@btt376]

Questions for the Live Q&A: Some third party vendors (e.g. Klook) sell JR pass more than 90 days away from planned travel day. However, they will not issue exchange order till 70 days prior to the travel date. Question: 1) When will be the last day of exchange if I pre-order the pass more than 90 days away? I will be travelling on Dec and I am little bit worrying about bad weather which would delay the flight and push my arrival a day or two . It become critical when the 90 days validity starting counting. 2) Not a question directly related to JR pass. What are the pros and cons to buy Shinkansen one-way ticket from third party website as compared to ticket office/vending machine? Thanks for the video and great tips.

[@phoebe5553]

#5 loading Suica Card with Apple Pay is not considered a cash advance !!!

[@KenshoQuest]

Correct, it currently is not considered a cash advance.

[@FluffyBunny9002]

Oh good, I show up at Haneda by 2pm on April 17 and I'll be staying for 14 days. I, so far, only booked the flight. Then, after booking all that, I kept hearing about tourists going to Narita, and I thought I screwed up. I think I'm going to pass on the JR Pass as it doesn't seem worth it anymore. Might stay half the time in Tokyo and then I'm thinking about flying to Hiroshima for the rest of the stay, but I'll have to come back to Tokyo for my flight back to the USA.

[@XeonAlpha]

If you’re flying Delta from the US yeah you’re going to be in Haneda which is great. You can take the Tokyo monorail to Hamamatsucho station (one stop from Tokyo station) for about ¥500 and takes less than 30 min. From there you can grab a train to pretty much anywhere else in Tokyo quick. The JR pass is only worth it if you’re going to be moving around a lot. Otherwise a standard ticket is cheaper. I would also highly recommend checking the price on a train ticket to Hiroshima. The Shinkansen is about 3.5hrs and $130 each way. While a flight is only around 1.5 hours the train is VASTLY more comfortable and convenient. Once you factor in transit to the airport, security, and baggage the Shinkansen almost always wins out. The train leaves directly from Tokyo station, whereas you’re going to need at least 30 min to get to Haneda airport, plus an hour or more buffer to clear security. The train is also infinitely more comfortable and you get a fantastic view of the country on the way.

[@FluffyBunny9002]

@XeonAlpha Oh, I've massively changed my itinerary since I posted this, but thanks for the info. Will arrive in Tokyo on April 17. Staying until the 21st. I'm going to Osaka until the 24th (I'll dedicate a full day to Hiroshima while here). I'm going to Kyoto until the 27th. I'm going all the way up to stay in Aomori to hopefully catch some cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park. From here, I'll catch a domestic flight back to Haneda on my departure day, where my return flight leaves at 4PM, so I should be able to make time with an early flight. I'm thinking the 7 day JR Pass from the 21st-27th might be worth it, where I'd use it to get from Tokyo - Osaka - Hiroshima (round trip) - Kyoto - Aomori (going through Tokyo). Still working everything out. Lol

[@XeonAlpha]

@@FluffyBunny9002 JR might be worth it but do the math. Personally I don’t think flying is worth it unless you’re going really far (DEFINITELY not Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo). I’ve done that route 3 times now and the Shinkansen is the way to go. I’ll cross my fingers for you on the cherry blossoms but it’s been very, very warm this year. I was just in Nagano 3rd week of Feb and it was already up into the high 60’s. I actually left early because I was planning to ski and it was just rain and slush.

[@FluffyBunny9002]

@XeonAlpha Oh no, the only domestic flight I'm considering is getting back to Haneda Airport from Aomori. It would be on April 30, and my plane for the States leaves that same day from Haneda at 4:00pm, so I'd probably take an early flight no later than noon to make sure I make it back in time. The forecasts I keep looking at say the cherry blossoms should start to bloom in Aomori about a week before I arrive, give or take a day or two, and I'm hoping I can see them at Hirosaki Park, even if I only manage to catch the later blooming variety. If it looks like I'll miss the blossom up there the closer that time comes I can still cancel my trip up north for a full refund, and then I'll improvise the last 4 days of my trip. The rest of my itinerary is locked in.

[@yomismo6912]

para tirar basura...apenas hay problema..cerca de las maquinas de bebidas ...hay papeleras

[@protektwar]

1:22 yeah the new price is incredible... almost doubled.

[@RebeccaChen-b4m]

Your videos have been helpful in planning our family's first time to Japan. I do have a question about footwear advise. We are going in June 2024 and I am debating between waterproof boots and waterproof sneakers. Do you know if there is enough rain while walking around to justify boots? They are more difficult to put on and off so just not sure. WE plan to hike up at least part of Miyajima but otherwise we plan to do temples, gardens, and inside activities. We are planning on going to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakone.

[@KenshoQuest]

It rains a TON in June. I would choose whichever shoes you feel more comfortable walking in for a long time. It's also nice to have two pairs of shoes, so if one gets wet you can switch to the other while they dry. Being able to easily take shoes off is a plus in Japan.

[@Be_blessed99]

Wow, good advice and introduction about traveling in Japan….. makes me want to go to Japan 👍🏼 Any women wish to travel to 🇯🇵, I would like to join you, small group is ok!

[@mikebeech5618]

Keisei to Ueno is 45min. It's not another 30mins more to Tokyo.

[@blurdreamer]

1. avoid flying to Narita... me: ya.... like I have much choices😅 but the 1hr+ ride to Tokyo really doesn't matter, coz most of us only do it when we arrive and depart. total of 1hr + waste compare to Haneda airport.

[@tkyap2524]

Don't worry. If you are a foreigner, you will be tolerated. However, it's good to know how to behave (will be appreciated).

[@paulready8897]

Just be polite and exercise good manners and you should be fine. Learning some basic phrases helps and Japanese people love it when you say things like please and thank you in their language. It shows that you are being respectful and trying to learn their culture and they do appreciate that.

[@tuyetvo4353]

Always buy health insurance when you travel over sea .

[@ShesooBreezy]

I heard Haneda is a little bit more modern too.

[@nobodynothing00000]

I ordered pocket wifi because it came with the power bank I can use for all my other stuff too. Do still need the VPN, I mean I will be signed into the pocket wifi

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, VPN is for extra security. Mainly if you will be connecting to public Wifis or want to keep your connection private or want to watch netflix or Amazon. So you probably don't need one since you will be using a pocket wifi.

[@user-zu7ee8ic5s]

Thank you, very informative. I have 9AM fight at NRT Airport, what is best method to go from Tokyo? What is the earliest time train or bus run in the morning from Tokyo to NRT? Thank you.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, glad it is helpful! The earliest trains leave around 6am which will get you to NRT around 7am. If you take the train, I recommend the Keisei skyliner as it is the fastest. If that is too late then you can look for an early bus. Note, it depends on location whether they have an early bus or not so you need to do some searching by location to find the earliest bus for your needs. Here are links to both: airport bus: webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en skyliner: geni.us/skyliner

[@anthonygadd295]

Hey guys! Super informative. May I ask, how do you know Apple Pay is charged as a cash advance for IC cards? Is this because the card effectively has a balance on it?

[@KenshoQuest]

It just depends upon your credit card. When we called Chase they said it would be treated as a cash advance. Now we use an Apple Card with Apple Wallet to charge a digital IC card, and it counts like a regular purchase. We recommend calling your credit card to ask how it will be treated.

[@Freikorptrasher]

I've always fly to Haneda precovid but now the price of the airline that go to Haneda are unbearable.

[@KenshoQuest]

That’s too bad! I guess it depends where you are flying from.

[@Bevalderon]

Explanation for "please" options is a bit simplified

[@henrychew235]

My view on narita vs haneda is it is less of an error but mere convenience, as long as one does enough homework on transport it should be fine. For please, i would suggest using onegashimasu as kudasai doesn't work with certain situations, can sometimes end up creating a point blank moment for Japanese on other side.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, it’s all preference, as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

Short answer, if its can you hand me that, its okay to use Kudasai. like Nama biiru kudasai (ill have a beer thanks) you can say Nama biiru Onegaishimasu (same as above but more formal) things that take time would not be correct with Kudasai. Can i have the hamburger kudasai, would be an incorrect use of Kudasai. use Onegaishimasu in that case.

[@jackfromthe60s]

@@deaddrunkgamer7399 so kudasai is OK for ordering a beer, but not a hamburger? What’s the distinction?

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

@@jackfromthe60s as a foreigner you certainly would get a freepass, though the distinction is the how unconvinient is it. Handing you a quick drink is easy, or a scewer that is allready ready or something from 7/11. but if it's something that needs to be prepped its more polite to use the longer formal Onegaishimasu. Me personally use Onegaishimasu often even when ordering beer etc, because i do like being polite.

[@jackfromthe60s]

@@deaddrunkgamer7399 OK, thanks for the clarification.

[@thekimfamlll]

We are headed to Osaka next week! Your videos have been so helpful! If we are staying in Osaka for our trip, what would you recommend for travel passes?

[@KenshoQuest]

Have fun! If you want to take side trips in the area, we recommend the Kansai Area Pass ( Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe ): kenshoquest.com/recommends/jr-kansai-area-pass/ *affiliate link

[@tglenn3121]

Hahahaha about the toilet. I went to a friend's house in Tokyo and needed to use the bathroom in her house. The toilet they had looked like it belonged on the space shuttle and maybe I needed a master's degree in engineering just to use it. Ok, it has maybe 15 buttons on each side of the toilet, and I had NO clue how to flush the toilet.

[@KenshoQuest]

We can relate! We used to stay at our friend's house in Japan, and our first question was always "how does the toilet work?".

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

Only thing that cought me offguard here is cleaning station at food places, i've never seen one in my 4 trips. Only a station where you put you're trays back and dump the trash. Could this be a family resturant thing?

[@KenshoQuest]

There tends to be cleaning cloths and spray bottles at food courts in shopping malls.

[@deaddrunkgamer7399]

@@KenshoQuest ah got ya, cant say i ever go to shopping malls / food courts, does explain things :)

[@thehsushoe]

The IC card tip is huuuge. I was thinking about being able to just top up using Apple Pay, but those cash advance interest rates are crazy!

[@KenshoQuest]

It's worth calling your credit card to ask how they will treat it. Ours said it would be a cash advance. While other cards treat it as a purchase. 🌺 Heidi

[@1RetroMetro1]

​@@KenshoQuestMine did not charge as cash advance... Other YT videos have also mentioned that it does not charge it as cash advance from them.

[@firebirdude2]

2:00 Your chapters are messed up. Just FYI. Thanks for the video, though!

[@KenshoQuest]

I just updated the timestamps. Thanks for bringing that to our attention. The timeline got shifted when we cut out a piece of the video. 🌸 Heidi

[@issacharris4671]

good to know, I have been considering going in october, I just dont know if I should go through a travel agency or a group since my japanese is rusty

[@KenshoQuest]

October is lovely in Japan! We're more independent style travelers, so we always go on our own rather than through an agency or group tour. We share lots here on Kensho Quest about riding trains to various cities and sites, no tour needed.

[@Natalie-sc3di]

Hi, any chance you would know what size a twin bed is in centimetres? I can’t seem to get that information anywhere 😢

[@KenshoQuest]

I'm not sure, but I found this chart online: blog.tokyoroomfinder.com/living-in-japan/bed-sizes-in-japan/

[@andreagomez16sep]

I will travel with my kids 13 and 14 . Osaka -Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka is cheaper to rent a car ?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, I it is possible that renting a car will be cheaper but do keep in mind that you will also need to pay toll roads, gas, parking fees and it can be very hard at times to find parking in general. This video has more details on transportation for your route: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJzGi4mjn7-laq8

[@andreagomez16sep]

Super thank you so much

[@richardn8866]

Thanks for the insight. My Question concerns JRPass and riding Shinkansen Nozomi & Mizuho. Until September 30th you have to buy separate tickets to ride them From October 1st you will be able to ride both with your Pass but, you will have to pay an extra fee. My question is, if you buy your JRPass before September 30 (at lower price) and are traveling to Japan before end of the year, will you be able to ride Nozomi & Mizuho and pay the extra fee? Or, Is it only valid on the new price hiked passes ? I can't seem to find anything on this.

[@TheDoRelian]

Yes you can, but the extra fee for the upgrade is not worth it imho. Hikari departing every half hour, at least, and the time difference is only 19 minutes.

[@richardn8866]

@@TheDoRelian Thanks for the advice. I'll stay with Hikari.

[@Bevalderon]

Flying into Narita is perfectly fine

[@mariomayorquin1590]

Thank you for sharing

[@solomani5959]

Good advice.

[@steveschoonover2778]

Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! We just released an updated Mistakes to Avoid video for 2024: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4PWooSLjadojrs

[@adamlee2550]

JR pass just doesn't work for me. I find that suica is great, I costed it up and it just doesn't make it cheaper for me to get the JRp

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@carloscanizares4699]

Heidi’s statement about topping up IC cards with cash only is interesting. In Vancouver, I use a transit card called Compass that automatically tops up via ApplePay and it shows up as a charge. I’m curious - How are IC Card top-ups treated as a cash advance when you’re not withdrawing money?

[@KenshoQuest]

It depends upon the credit card. When we contacted our Chase card they said it would be treated as a cash advance. Others have used credit cards and it was treated as a regular charge. We will experiment more with ApplePay on our next trip. 🌸 Heidi

[@carloscanizares4699]

@@KenshoQuest thank you for the response, Heidi, and great suggestion to ask our bank how IC top-ups will be handled. Safe travels, ya’ll!!! 🇨🇦

[@SasBald]

Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Thank you!

[@b42baritone]

What type of accommodations does handicapped using wheelchairs have in using the bullet train or any other transportation in Japan?

[@KenshoQuest]

I’m not certain for bullet trains. For local trains, you can request assistance when passing through the ticket gate. They will ask which station to plan to get off the train at. Then an attendant will bring a small ramp and place it at the train entrance once the train arrives. There are particular cars marked for handicapped, with space to fit a wheelchair. When you arrive at the destination station there will be another attendant waiting with a ramp for getting off the train. 🌸 Heidi

[@yuanhsu888]

If I load my Suica card into Apple Wallet, it won’t be a cash advance, correct?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, it depends on what you use to pay with. Some credit cards will consider this a cash advance while others don’t. Please check with your card.

[@xxchris]

I’m arriving at HND around 5:30 am.. will stuff be running by then? I’m assuming by the time I’m actually out of the airport it’ll be 6 or later

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, many services are open by 6am.

[@maliak5636]

Thank you!!

[@sawpkillar]

Hi, I was wondering, if I decide to do the luggage drop off, will they just leave my luggages outside unattended?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yamato Transport would store your luggage inside their office.

[@yolandasong1617]

Cash advance? I've been charging my Suica with Apple Pay and all counted as purchases. Are you talking about recent recent changes?

[@KenshoQuest]

HI, sorry for the confusion and hopefully I am answering your question.. If you are charging your Suica or Pasmo with Apple Pay and have your credit card selected then you may be charged a cash advance fee. We recommend you contact your CC issuer to see if that is the case unless you are using a different method.

[@yolandasong1617]

Last time I did this was Jun 2023 and used my AMEX Green Card. The 10000yen charge through the My Suica app was recognized as purchase and got me 3X points on travel. Hope this data point helps@@KenshoQuest

[@pucks97]

My cc says it’s a purchase also not a cash advance :)

[@vivianwong56]

Hello Kensho, I wold like to know about travel medical insurance.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. We use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for travel and health insurance. Here’s one of our old videos on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poDFdIRqf9SBnLMsi=hfowyjnj1Hbkcr4R