24 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Japan 2024 🇯🇵

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If you're traveling for the first-time to Japan here are 24 tips you need to know before traveling to Japan! These are things I noticed on my first try to Japan, so make sure not to make these mistakes when traveling to Japan! There will be some changes in Japan in 2024, so first-time travelers to Japan should know these 24 tips ~
JR Pass Calculator: www.japan-guide.com/railpass/
the price of the JR Pass will increase in March 2024.
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[@mayaleex3]

Update March 2024: SUICA CARDS are back!! :) The last of my Japanese series this year :) these are some updated tips you’ll need to know in 2024 if anyone’s planning to go to Japan! Like the JR Pass price increase 👀. Also, I didn’t fill out any paperwork prior to leaving LA. I just signed the customs form on the plane and turned it in at immigration :) they give you everything you need!

[@danialsairi5930]

Sister can i join your KZbin 🎉

[@shellywhite1707]

I was getting a pasmo passport. Next year when i go to Tokyo Japan in 2024 in July. We will be there for 13 days. Is there any other rules that i should know about?

[@user-nn7vs5kn3x]

We were there few days ago, no Suica available in any part of Japan, according to the lady working at the Travel Information Center in Tokyo. Not sure why

[@luismartinez-dj5ix]

❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉😂🎉😂😂🎉🎉😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂🎉😂🎉😂😂😢😢😢🎉😢🎉🎉😢😂😂🎉😢😢😢🎉😢😢😢🎉😢😢😂😂😂😂😂😂 😂😂😂🎉😢🎉😢😢🎉😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢🎉😢😢😢😢🎉😢🎉,😢 😢

[@kevin19358]

Unfortunately, I don't use cash. I always use credit card.

[@JordChase999]

If you happen to visit Japan, make sure to learn some basic Japanese tourist phrases as most of the locals can't really speak English and try not to speak too loudly in public places (which most foreign visitors are guilty of)

[@MarcoCaifan87]

My wife and I went earlier this year and we loved it so much, we are looking into going again next year! Honestly, the trains run quickly and on time, so location doesn’t really matter much in the end unless you’re doing a lot of activities in one area. We stayed in Nihombashi, a much less touristy area and saved a lot of money.

[@Rina-tq7vk]

I've been living in Japan for 6 years now, but it was still fun to see how tourists experience Japan. I agree with all of your tips, but I didn't know that some places don't except VISA.

[@lordvader89a]

For the airports: flying to Tokyo actually is fine into Narita (unless the flight arrives past 6pm), flying back from Haneda saves you way more time. For the Suica: They are back in stock, you can also get the JR West alternative toica in Shinagawa. The digital one is not available for any phone, just iPhone. Visa on Suica/Apple Wallet: They use a different 2-factor system which Suica just doesnt like.

[@user-ut2km5ct2i]

Hi, why past 6:00 pm is not good?

[@bliblablubstar]

i am also cruious about the 6pm thing?

[@jordanloftin9915]

Visa now works with the latest iPhone updates

[@meghin5289]

Thank you! I'm going for the first time in the spring and your videos have been really helpful with planning.

[@adeebjalaludin8718]

Thank you Maya! Good pointers!

[@tracywaring3769]

Thankyou so much for this interesting and insightful video really enjoy learning new things

[@1221mediaent]

Great video - so much great info - super helpful, clear and a wide variety of tips - thank you!

[@winstonk9895]

I went to Tokyo in September 2005 as solo traveller and everything was awesome!

[@ClarissaRose]

Aww thank you for sharing these tips and info with us!!!! That was so interesting learning about their culture too!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@AM-hf3ry]

Thank you for the video!

[@matthewroman6807]

Thank you! Im going for the first time in July. Im both nervous and excited. Going with my sis and her husband who went there for their first time last year and loved it

[@memeatball1752]

this is great! Thank you so much!

[@RichInFitness]

Thank you so much for sharing this is super helpful! I’m so excited to visit Japan next week for my birthday!

[@mayaleex3]

NEXT WEEK!! So exciting. Stay warm ☃️

[@mansoor3159]

Thank you so much Maya for this video because I really really needed this one and I am also going to Japan for studies and My Is There Today😀😀💫💖💖

[@mariojsworld]

Very nice Japan travel guide.

[@SaltAndVi]

Google translate is your friend! You can point your camera at words and it’ll translate to English. That’ll help out a ton. You don’t really need to book a hotel in the middle of your destinations. Trains are everywhere and go everywhere. My favorite activity was walking to our air bib after the trains stop running (btw another huge tip, the trains don’t run super late lol). The streets are empty and you can just look at all of the buildings, take pictures, and reflect on your day and what not. I was sipping on some strong zeros (strong alcoholic beverage) and talking and enjoying the peace and quiet compared to the day time hustle and bustle. Feels like a dream now can’t wait to go back.

[@dddddd211]

Oh my god I love Japan so much thank you for this video you have soothing personality.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you for your detailed content. I will surely subscribe onto the next video of yours.

[@djw7544]

Great video! Ty

[@Kingdk15]

Thanks for this video it was very helpful going to Tokyo this weekend so I’m definitely excited

[@mayaleex3]

So excited for you!!

[@Gfern125]

Great video ! Just bought a ticket for next year September!

[@huynhka88]

Thank you for this video. I’m going to Japan in July.

[@derpythelegend]

This is a really good video. It covers things others don't

[@kamkarter8821]

Going next March solo this video was so helpful. I didn’t know know about the airport distance.

[@InuYashaboy1992]

I usually stay in Asakusa. Cheap, convenient and I love experiencing 2 sides of Japan. Past on one side and present on the other 😊😊😊

[@vaneepham5847]

Could you recommend a good hotel for family, I love the sound of asakusa, it our first time in Japan and it's a bit overwhelming with all the information

[@InuYashaboy1992]

@vaneepham5847 I did airbnb back when it wasn't abolished back then. Otherwise I mostly went there by myself and stayed at Almont Hotel (formerly known as Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa).

[@kat.scheer]

I am going to Japan in the new year for 4 months for school. I am very excited, but nervous to. Thanks for the tips 😊

[@anthonybarton3850]

Great video! Can't wait to go back to Japan sometime soon! =)

[@moheebfawzy3889]

Keep going... You are the best ❤

[@haneno9201]

Maya

[@jw6451]

squatters were common up until the recent olympics, i did still see some in department stores or older buildings but usually not in hotels, esp hotels where there are lots of foreigners

[@courtneyyasunaga755]

when i went to japan i was so surprised by the lack of veggies! harder to find and more expensive at least where i was. thank you for including this!

[@jw6451]

actually if you go to any markets or supermarkets (which are not as common in larger city areas) there's lots of fresh veggies. there are also many "open markets" like kuromon, nishiki, ameya-yokocho... context in the video was specific to restaurants and should probably be clarified. i didn't feel like eating out one time and bought an entire shabu meal from a larger combini that had veggies + meat + soup base + fruits as well.. then just made it in my hotel room, right in the middle of tokyo. they are there, and aplenty, but you need to know where to look

[@mayaleex3]

Yess, even the fruits were expensive 🥲

[@user-sv1ow8fi5r]

基本的にコンビニには野菜や果物は殆ど置いていません。スーパーマーケットを利用すると良いですよ。 日本の野菜や果物は品質が高く美味しいので是非試してみて下さい！ 本当に美味しい果物を食べたい場合は、果物専門店を利用すると更に良いです。基本的には贈答用やリッチな人が理由する事が多いので、金額は高い物が多いです。しかし、世界一と評判になる事も多い美味しい果物が揃ってるので試してみる価値はあると思います😊

[@alynesoares4852]

I loved the video! You speak really well and are so cute! 🥰 I'm flying in May and extremely excited! Dream trip! Thanks for the information! 😊

[@ManicDwarvishDreamDad]

Thanks!

[@mayaleex3]

Omgoodness thank you so much 🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@Gigichew]

wow!! what a great wednesday when i see a maya lee video pop up!

[@ren-ctamayo4809]

2:23 If you’re looking to download the Suica card on your iPhone before coming to Japan, update your iOS! Before this (if you have a Visa card saved on your phone), the Suica card couldn’t be loaded 😭 but I updated it and it works perfectly fine!

[@yehezkielhamzah9736]

This will be helpful when I go to Japan soon

[@mayaleex3]

HOPEFULLY SOON HUSBANDDD

[@alantpham10]

Gonna be going in a few months with the Boyz!! My first time going to an asian country! Thanks for the informative vid! I can't wait!

[@shawnbell6392]

Keep in mind Asian countries are all different cultures and societies. Japan is structured and formal, how foreigners behave is a big concern. Have a good trip.

[@beansentertainment]

With the Visa thing, from experience this is only for US Visa cards - I have both a Norwegian and a UK Visa Card, and they have both always worked in Japan! Great video! ❤

[@sana6445]

I panicked, I have only ever had UK Visa cards 😮Ty for telling

[@shawnbell6392]

I used an American Visa card in December and had no issues from convenience stores to buying shinkansen tickets. But as I understand it machines at the airports may not like them.

[@user-lb1re7nn4f]

You don't cut so much time because of the winds :)))) It's because you fly to the opposite direction of the Earth's rotation hence it makes you get there faster as Earth basically moves towards you and you move towards your destination as well

[@michelletr92]

Just found your channel and loving the videos so far! :) I would love if you cover Korea as well! I’m debating on Japan or Korea as my first solo travel

[@mayaleex3]

Ahhhh I love both!! It depends if you want to immerse yourself in Korean or Japanese content / food. Both have great public transportation but Japan is slightlyyyyyy less confusing! Korea is very used to foreigners though :)

[@dinofringant]

Thank you four this great video. I am going to Japan for the first time next month. Very usefull tips!

[@mayaleex3]

Have so much fun!! 🎉

[@katiehamilton3915]

Oh I've got to send this to my sister! she gets to go to Japan next year!

[@mayaleex3]

Ahhh thank you for sharing ❤❤

[@fuscia13]

We found Delta out of ATL to be cheaper than JAL and ANA but maybe it’s because we have to take a domestic to SFA then transfer. And I was able to load my Suica app with my BOA travel Visa card but I just did it here in the USA. Thank you for this video!!!

[@isaacburnedisaac2158]

thanks so much, i was watching without sound but i had subtitles. I'm not old enough to go to Japan so I am preparing for the future. Please continue to make Japan videos, I LOVE THEM!

[@Sloff1155]

I'm definitely hoping that I can go for my birthday this year. I plan to go from August 21st to September 5th for 14 nights.

[@daz5275]

Thanks for all a great information. It's given me a lot to think about planning my trip next summer. I looked at the JR pass to maybe get ahead of the increase. I think they already did the increase this fall. It's already 50k yen for 7 day. Still the information got me to think about the cost of transportation. It has been very helpful.

[@mayaleex3]

Oh no!!! Idk why the info said 2024 if it’s already into effect now? I would say there’s no need unless you go between Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo more than once round trip!

[@daz5275]

@@mayaleex3 Yup. I found the calculator you mentioned. It helped alot. thank you!

[@isagiscape]

I read somewhere that all types of JR Pass had increased its price except the the JR Hokuriku Pass. But it will also increas in March.

[@gotravel777]

Nice ❤

[@LloydSim]

I was able to use my Visa (Amazon Prime) credit card for my Suica on my Apple Wallet and reload it--unsure how or why it worked but was able to use it in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka recently. I'm still in Japan today at Ginza~

[@josephaleman5888]

very nice video

[@MidjourneyKorean]

Wow lovely

[@happyfridaaay]

Hello! Thank you for this video hehe may I ask what you used to ship items in Japan? Thank you!

[@TropicShade]

Traveling to Nagoya tomorrow. I figure about 6 days up near the Japanese Alps and I'll be ready to head back to the #tropicshade! 🌴 😎

[@chefjpc]

Haneda airport is usually more expensive to fly into. Suica cards aren't available in Tokyo but other major cities have them

[@Alexwhatisit]

3:01 I think that honestly depends on the issuing bank not Visa. Because I can use my Visa from chase cards on Suica

[@adelyssaolguin]

Omg, I'm so early! 🤩

[@gumerzambrano]

Awesome tips! I'm flying out of LAX next month on this other Japanese airlines called ZipAir and the flight was only $620 roundtrip!

[@somethinelse0930]

I saw that flight and almost booked it lol please update on how the flight goes

[@gumerzambrano]

@@somethinelse0930 it should be well. Saw other review videos on YT that generally have good experiences. I'm so hyped

[@virginian7154]

I hope to visit Japan at some point. Helpful video to keep as a reference!

[@jw6451]

with the yen so cheap at the current exchange rate, it's a really really good time to go., but please do check the seasons/weather and activities before you do. i tend to like fall foliage, winter food but not weather, spring food/weather, and summer food but not weather. ticket prices jump in the summer and some parts of winter n spring.

[@mayaleex3]

Agreed!

[@virginian7154]

@@jw6451 mmm, thanks so much for sharing!!

[@Noneya_07]

What about cell phone usage? I’m traveling from the US and need to figure out how I can use my cell phone while I’m there

[@maxwentzel9563]

Great tips. We're going in October, my wife will often not finish all of her food and is always full after a couple bites. I guess we'll either be sharing or I'll be eating for 2

[@mayaleex3]

Hahaha Japan will be perfect for her! Thankfully convenience store food is affordable and delish so that can top you off, too :)

[@wafflitow3077]

Hi Maya , great video as I am going to Japan next year ! Just wanted to ask you where is your grey sweat shirt coming from (the one you’re wearing at the airport) ? xx

[@mayaleex3]

It’s from Popflex (Blogilates’ brand) :)

[@katrinaluxford6400]

planning to go next year in cherry blossom season for 2 weeks, will be our first time there.

[@Art-cq1zy]

I was just there in June and I got a Suica, Passmo, and other IC cards but these have your name on the physical card! You can still get IC cards they just can’t be the anonymous ones

[@nadiahassan5307]

Small tip, I noticed this at the beginning. Don’t stick your chopsticks up on your bowl, that only happens in funerals

[@TanjuraFM]

You can also load up your Suica (digital card too) with cash

[@ParaSF4]

Hi. I’m planning to visit Japan this year, Tokyo to be precise. My questions are: When is the best time to visit, what are the best/cheapest prices of good hotels, which area is the best? How is the nightlife? How far are the other cities what is famous for tourists away from Tokyo? I’m flying from London…If y’all have information regarding my question, or anything else. Let me know thanks

[@romavictoriano]

Suica cards are now available at Tokyo's major stations like: JR Ueno Station JR Tokyo Station JR Shinjuku Station Head to the JR East Travel Service Center to get one Suica. They're quite strict on selling this due to shortage. In some times, they'll ask for your passport. They give one Suica per person and that person must be present when you buy the card. 😊

[@mayaleex3]

Yes!! I heard they’re back :)

[@TheZombieUnicorn5000]

I really wanna just backpack through Japan / Tokyo. I dont want to have any set plan for each day. Are a lot of hotels 24/7? Or would you recommend I plan somewhat with my hotel stays. Thank you!!

[@freyafoxmusic]

Not me watching it as I just came back lol. Adding Suica ❤to apple wallet is so glitch

[@psychopsymon97]

I am going for my first time in october this year for three whole weeks! I am nervous about speaking especially but i do have a question; you said you can ship things to your hotel but could i ship things i bought back to the states?

[@summerhutchison2817]

wheres your cute little card holder from its adorable !!

[@mayaleex3]

My friend got it for me from Taiwan! 🥲

[@jw6451]

the thing about not having fresh veggies is really an eastern asian thing... being from the west, we're using to "raw" salads n similar preps unless it's for hot pot or a wrap, it's likely cooked or pickled.. i think that applies for lots of eastern asian cultures (japan, korea, china)

[@mayaleex3]

Yesss even in Korea every veggie is pickled 😂

[@Khadeezy]

So happy I kept my suica card from last year , it’s metal with a penguin on it. Hope it still works

[@mayaleex3]

Mine too!

[@freyafoxmusic]

Klook is way cheaper than the Jr pass, just use Klook. Also trains are NOT always on time, especially the Renkai line (local train) . Renkai got me stranded before and I had to take a very expensive taxi cause it missed its last connection There’s tons of times where the trains have notice as to why it’s late. Many times it’s because of “body on the tracks/ injury “ which is sad

[@terbbert]

What do you mean use klook? For train tickets?

[@terbbert]

Just asking as I visit in a month and would love the advice!

[@lilmiztroublesome]

JR passes already increased in Oct 2023 to 50,000 Yen for ordinary car seats.

[@cookiemuffin9337]

Hii! I might go to Japan for summer! And I was wondering would I have to learn Japanese to go to Japan? Because I have no concept about it and I’ve never learned it before, so it might be hard communicating. Also, are there guides for people who don’t know Japanese?

[@ItismeLiv]

I'm going this month

[@sanitycaycay2507]

So for the tax exemption one, what do you mean when you say claiming something at customs? Do you have to claim everything you buy if you pay tax? I just need a bit more elaboration, I'm confused.

[@helenaho7606]

Can you let me know how to get the gadget that allows you to watch flight movies with two EarPods? Thanks !

[@mayaleex3]

Linked in my description!! :)

[@vocalinstrument]

Any here have experience with the Transferwise or Revolute international bank cards? Will they work with the machines to put money on the Suica?

[@1991Depa]

Thanks for the info. How to get data on the mobile? Any recommendations?

[@mayaleex3]

I def should’ve spoke on Data!! the first time I got a pocket wifi for two weeks and it was so expensive (like $150). This time I got an e-sim for 10gb of data for $20 for a week and it was perfect.

[@jw6451]

@@mayaleex3 hello Maya, do you know which data sim you got? they used to be expensive for the GB you got vs pocket wifi so i always went with pocket wifi (it was like $8-9 per day or so) but $20 per 10gb doesn't seem too bad (tho i use about 2gb per day normally)

[@hahatheresa]

Can you share more about the luggage shipping!! Tried to search online but I’m confused by the information 😢

[@muncrazy.munchkin8462]

7-11 and most hotels you stay at can help you with luggage shipping

[@KenshoQuest]

You can search for "hands-free travel" or "Yamato Transport" to learn more about luggage forwarding.

[@shawnbell6392]

Ask at any hotel you stay at or when you reserve your hotel online see if they can answer via email . But try to pack light if possible anyway. I didn't use luggage shipping so can't speak to the cost but I saw it in every hotel I stayed in.

[@SecretsNeverKnown]

I'm going in a month, and I'm so nervous!

[@TobilobaOlusanya]

😊❤❤

[@knexone]

What is the average cost of travel so me and my wife want to go to Kyoto and we live in Texas flights are expensive we would have to fly into LA then LA to HEN them HEN to Osaka and then train to Kyoto any recommendations on flights

[@timosaiger2438]

My friends and I are going to japan this year and we are going to travel around in the country. We want to see tokyo, but also osaka, kyoto, maybe hiroshima. So do yall think we should get this jr pass? I feel like it would be a good decision but im not quite sure.

[@joannagarcia2001]

Can you share the name of the first website that you use to make reservations? Does it say table log? The mouse was covering up part of the word

[@mayaleex3]

Yesss tablelog :)!

[@sandralee5304]

which best website to book the hotel in japan? Thank you!

[@drahcirski]

What about はらはちぶ(hara hachi bu)? Is this just okinawa? Ive heard to eat until about 80% full, but also to eat everything, me, my wife and our what will be toddler are going in october and i dont want to be rude to anyone unknowingly, japan has been my #1 bucket list place that ive nevee been to and i am very excited to be going!

[@hanhuc259]

Thanks so much for the video. I will fly to Japan the first time next year and really want to buy a good pair of leather boots. Can you recommend some shoes shop please? Thank you Hanh from Australia

[@mayaleex3]

Awww I didn’t see any leather boot shops but I read that MOTO has really high quality leather goods in Japan

[@shawnbell6392]

Also, what size are you? I am a men's 10 in US sizes and couldn't find my size in shoes. That doesn't mean its impossible, but I had no success. I bought a leather jacket and am size M in the US but the jacket that fit me there was a 3XL. Things should be somewhat easier for women's sizes.

[@airenemerino206]

Do you advice getting a portable wifi?

[@cjcj3189]

Where is the best ski resort area for seeing snow, maybe tubing, most restaurants, shopping?

[@mayaleex3]

Niseko!

[@theonlyashdragon]

In terms of digital transport cards? What if someone's phone DOSE NOT have NFC function

[@1212romanos]

When you reload the Suica card through Apple Pay, does it matter if you have Visa card on your Apple Pay? Will it still work?

[@mayaleex3]

My friends had to use Mastercard or Amex on their applepay!

[@TruInferno]

2:20 Unless the android phone is native to Japan, android phone can not download the Suica app unless they potentially hack their own android phone(s).

[@madelinelee555]

Hi Maya : ) This video is really helpful, thank you! I am curious about speaking the language there. I am trying to learn it, so I'm definitely not super fluent. Makes me a little nervous! Do you have any advice on speaking the language there? Thank you

[@mayaleex3]

Hi!! Aww I wish I learned some Japanese before I went, too. I know a lot of people who use duolingo but I would want to learn some common phrases to use! Like “where is the restroom” 😂

[@shawnbell6392]

Even being able to say please and thank you will be appreciated by people. In train stations and places like Starbucks or places that get a lot of visitors staff tend to speak a little bit of English but you can also use Google translate if needed. I learned as many basic phrases as I could remember but Google Translate did come in handy a couple of times. Don't stress about language but learn what you can in advance.

[@Lorena-OT7]

Where’s the best place to get a hotel to see Disneyland and Disney Sea?

[@rxxhxx4858]

I have a long lay over in Haneda, what would you recommend for a single female traveler. Is there a guided tour to the city?

[@shawnbell6392]

I have done this in other cities before like you are talking about. Do bear in mind it may take 30 to 45 minutes just to get into Tokyo from Haneda. The best bet may be either to take the monorail in and see what you can arrange online (although guides looked expensive to me) or go to Yokohama or Shinagawa from the airport and explore. See what other resources tell you.

[@universeamvs]

How do you feel about airbnb? Im going to tokyo with my brother and friends in october. And we thought about doing that.

[@shawnbell6392]

The hotel industry there has a lot of power and lobbies hard against airbnb. So they are not rampant or as common as here. Uber/Lyft is not a thing in Japan, just FYI. That said, if you are in an actual neighborhood in someone's house or apartment be aware of noise levels and being a good guest. There are like a trillion hotels of all price ranges in cites and with a hotel you are working in an established customer support situation. Just my two cents. Japan is not the west, but I get the angle of immersion with an airbnb stay.