Let's Go To Japan - Kickstarter Playthrough

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Kickstarter Link - www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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This is "Let's Go To Japan," a board game designed by Josh Wood & published by AEG in 2023. This video includes a rules overview.
Gameplay Mistake Naveen needed to add another train before his Friday activities (-2 pts).
JUMP:
00:00 - Start/Teach
12:06 - Playthrough Start/Round1
19:20 - Round 5
37:53 - Round 10
46:57 - Final Scoring
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[@BeforeYouPlay]

Check out the campaign here - www.kickstarter.com/projects/alderac/lets-go-to-japan-from-aeg

[@mattbook]

We received our copy of this game today. Our son works on a cruise line that visits Kyoto and Japan within the next two weeks. We were hoping to be on that cruise but didn't because we were on his cruise ship in December which started in Singapore, visited Bali, and ended in Australia. We really wanted to visit Japan, though. He'll have some great stories when he comes home, I'm sure. Thank you for the video.

[@julierinaldi9574]

oh man, i lived in Japan for a total of 7 yrs and miss it so much. I highly recommend putting Hiroshima, Miyajima, and fukuoka on your trip too if you can.

[@carlosa7598]

Hello from Saga, Japan

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Hi Julie, thank you for the recommendations!!

[@jamesmorgan1967]

Miyajima (near Hiroshima) is a great spot. There's a famous shrine there (Itsukushima) that you've probably seen photos of. I second Julie's recommendation!

[@julierinaldi9574]

@@jamesmorgan1967 i still miss the steamed buns and maple leaf cookies they have there. :(

[@thomasvickery5671]

@@jamesmorgan1967 And if you like them, Miyajma grilled oysters are amazing

[@xxSydneyFox]

If anyone is interested in the authentic Tokyo which the locals frequent, watch Paolo from Tokyo's videos. He's great!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you for the suggestion!!

[@runswithbees]

Should Naveen have had one more train at the top of Friday since it's a different location than the day before? Also, you just sold us on this game - so cute. Putting in for the KS now. Thank you for all you do!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yes, you are right! Naveen should have placed a "-2 Pts" train at the beginning of Friday! Thank you for checking out the video Josh, glad you found it helpful!! :-)

[@saykhia]

Train all the way to Kyoto for the railway museum to just then go all the way back to Tokyo the next morning. That must have been one heck of a museum! 🤣

[@AeronwyD]

Just got around to watching this video and scrolled down to the comments to see specifically if I was right that he's missing a train or if I missed something in the rules. Glad to know I understood them correctly!

[@CJUzziel]

Great video, thanks! Hope you had a nice time in Japan!

[@multiversefriends4381]

I purchased this game via the Kickstarter and also had begun planning a real itinerary for my trip to Japan. I only just now am getting around to playing it, while planning my second trip to Japan! Just wanted to let you know that your video, by far, is the best I've seen for "how to". Amazing! I was beginning to think I made a mistake purchasing it but you guys convinced me it's a great game and your explanation of game play was concise and easy to follow. Thanks a bunch! Hope you had a great time in Japan!

[@jdrahonovsky]

Had this on my saved Kickstarters for months! Super excited

[@akshayagarwala8991]

This looks awesome. Japan is on my bucket list as well, have fun!

[@georgelopez337]

This looks very interesting. Bordering a bit on too much going on, but I'd venture trying it out. Thanks. I love your channel and content. Both very natural in front of the camera.

[@tjjl2086]

Love your channel, love your playthrough's, teach's, and reviews! Been a fan for awhile! We can't wait to get this game as it'll be very nostalgic. Thanks for the preview. Also, for best Ramen in Kyoto --> Ramen Sen no Kaze Kyoto. Hand made noodles and there's a limited amount. So when they run out for the day, that's it! Highly recommend this place for the best ramen!!!

[@rfphicks]

I backed this game after watching this play through.... received my copy this morning!! Really excited to play it 🙌

[@studioanglais9092]

every new game I search you guys have a video. I love it!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Lol!

[@giacomorimatori8483]

I received my copy yesterday so....thanks for the tutorial and gameplay!

[@sodau3]

A really good play through!! I was a little bit doubtful about this game… when the pre campaign started it was a 100% but when I see all the mechanics in play i was not really convinced… but now it’s time for be a supporter of a kickstarter again !! 🎉

[@Flip5ide]

Went to Japan in 2009, I will never ever forget that holiday, I'll definitely be going back, you just don't have the time to see and do everything you want to. The Government building in Tokyo is definitely worth a look, the views in daytime and the nighttime are amazing! Also the Arashiyama Bamboo Groves are out of this world, the temple and gardens there are stunning as well. Also in Kyoto I really recommend Johnnie Hillwalkers walking tour of Kyoto, he takes you to some very interesting places you may not find on your own.

[@LifeUntilLove]

This was a very good play through and makes me nostalgic for when I was in Japan. I highly recommend Kiyumizudera, the crepes at Harajuku, the Philosopher's path, Todaji at Nara, visiting an onsen, and staying at a ryokan in Kyoto or near Mt. Fuji. Also, if you like manga or anime, check out Akihabara and Den-Den Town for sure. I think I need to be planning my next trip!

[@bradleyhayward7122]

I love that it took you less than 30 mins to play, and more than 10 mins to score, and yet the scoring was just as exciting. This is a wonderful game in every way!

[@PaxPredicate]

Used to live in Tokyo with my wife; we moved to the US and thought well, we can at least visit a lot. Then the pandemic hit. I wish we had this game two years ago, but better late than never! Excited to play with all the places we've been to and even, in a few cases, lived near!

[@xxSydneyFox]

Love Japan, I have been there once and the pandemic ruined my second trip unfortunately so until I'm able to go back, this will comfort me!❤

[@jenniferschlickbernd6280]

Thanks. I just got my KS edition and this video made everything clear❤

[@Wolfwent79]

This video made it a lot clearer than the instructions in the box, I think. Got my box about the same time as you, I guess. ゲームを楽しんでください！

[@LillaJag]

Three days in a row? Not complaining, it's always nice to see your videos!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

More to come! :-)

[@GKEK]

Another great playthrough. Definitely backing this one. I love this theme! It gives me the feels of Tokaido (a game I really enjoy for its easy going play and beautiful art) except with strategy and planning.. maybe a little reminiscent of 7 Wonders in terms of drafting cards, passing and playing based on adjacent opponents.

[@xxSydneyFox]

Same about Tokaido. That is one reason why it appeals to me, apart from the very obvious theme 😊

[@newglam7]

Thanks for this video!

[@JenCamPlaysBoardGames]

I am so excited for this game!! My friend is on an airplane right now moving back to Japan after being here for work the last 3.5 years. My son is counting down daily for when we can go visit (hopefully) next year 💜

[@xandermichael78]

Wow! After the teach I thought, okay, that's cute, but not for me, but now after the playthrough I'm not sure! I've been to Japan and seeing a bunch of the places that I've been to show up in the game makes me think it could be really enjoyable to play this over and over again. I like the variability of the tokens on the days so that the order of playing cards changes from round to round. It is light, but does look like there are things to decide, especially because I know you edited out the dead time while you two were deciding what cards to play. Japan tips: Akihara, where there was a board game shop in the game, is really crazy and out there, so you definitely need to go there. You were curious about food in the arcade and the arcade here doesn't mean arcade games, but a covered street with shops, so that makes more sense for there to be food there. In Kyoto we went to Nijo Castle which was wonderful! They have nightingale board around the outside that are purposefully squeaky so that assassins couldn't sneak up on you without being heard. The bamboo grove is stunning (shorter than I would have liked) but even though it's a major tourist destination, it's for a good reason. It feels pretty incredible to be completely surrounded by incredibly tall bamboo. One other recommendation is to go to Nara. That's the city that has the deer walking through the city. Some are really friendly because they are near the temple where you can buy deer crackers and feed them (be careful they can be aggressive - my husband got bit on his back walking away with the crackers). We also went to the Okunoin Cemetery on Mount Koya. It's a small town there, but it's incredibly peaceful and beautiful.

[@pbjellyfish6705]

Super cute game thanks for showing it!

[@anthonytsai2346]

Definitely go to Arashiyama! Short train ride from Kyoto and it’s great! Thanks for the play through!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks for the tip!!

[@sadekhanna]

I'm really excited for this game! I think arcades means something different outside of the U.S., it's an indoor shopping street, often with a glass roof.

[@softshoes]

Tuned in to see Naveen get creamed but he did very well to keep it close. Japan will not disappoint, enjoy your trip. Bring back some new games for us. Terrific playthrough.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Lol, he thought he was going to get creamed 😂.

[@selden2716]

My Dad backed this for me and I got it yesterday. He splurged on the acrylic tokens and ceramic token bowls. Looks very cool and I can't wait to get it on the table.

[@franciscorodriguez3415]

Thank you for the playthrough. Awesome!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@franciscorodriguez3415]

Question, what are the Plus 12 tokens for?@@BeforeYouPlay

[@lukepickles5099]

I’m looking forward to playing this! The play testing I did was a blast! I think Naveen missed a train between Thursday and Friday but ah well. Hope you guys have a great time in Japan! It’s on our shortlist for a honeymoon so we’d love to hear how you get on!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

You're right! -2 Pts for Naveen overall. This game has been super helpful in helping us plan our trip. We'll definitely connect after the trip and try and help as much as we can! :-)

[@academychamploo758]

If time allows, try to visit Okinawa after you enjoy the mainland. Okinawa, while technically part of Japan, has it's own unique culture, language, and cusine. It's similar to Hawaii and the USA. Another great thing about Okinawa is that I live here! ^_^

[@excalipoor]

1:41 oh shoot I did 6 days in Tokyo a year before covid. Had so much fun. Were able to avoid the stuffed metro traffic by going out an hour later than rush hour.

[@sharond5854]

Thank you for the playthrough. 🙂 Decided to go for it because my adult daughter loves Japan. And it looks like a quick easy game to teach and play, which is good because she isn't a gamer, like myself.

[@Olvenskol]

You should have a great trip! I'm torn on the Kickstarter since it won't arrive until after my daughter actually moves to Japan! One fun place to get Raman is the Raman Museum in Yokohama (day trip out of Tokyo).

[@dracmtt]

I'm also going to Japan in a couple of weeks. Mid-April. It will be my second time there. I'm doing a few days in Tokyo, then a few in Kyoto and then back to Tokyo. Very excited. I like to make a saved map with Google maps which lets me pin locations and then categorize them with icons and different colors. Great way to visually see what locations are in the same area. I also recommend getting a pocket wifi.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Awesome, sounds like a similar itinerary! Love that google maps feature to save the maps!! Google maps seems to be very well utilized in Japan too!

[@nailee7428]

Me and my BF are currently also planning a trip to Japan so I was exited for a lot of those aktivities and I definitely have to add some to our itinary 😀

[@BeforeYouPlay]

It’s been pretty helpful!!

[@excalipoor]

Going to Odaiba is a fun place. Don’t know if the life size gundam still there. But just the mall stuff in the Tokyo bay is fun.

[@meeplehousegames]

I went in 2020 right before everything happened. The best coffee shop to try Rostro Coffee House 😍

[@vancer.8886]

Ginza! You should definitely go here. It's a shopping district in Tokyo where, among many other things, there are shops that have a lot of high tech electronics. It's been 40 for me since I've been there and when I did I bought a stereo that wouldn't be available in the states for another 6 months. Don't know if this is still the case. Japan is beautiful and so are the people and culture. I'm very envious of you two right now

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Heard good things about Ginza, we’ll be sure to explore there!

[@thomasromanelli2561]

I would like to recommend Himeji Castle for a day trip from Kyoto (about one hour ride by Shinkansen). Growing up I remember seeing this castle in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice", where 007 trained with ninjas before infiltrating the volcano lair of Blofeld. Well, there are no ninja schools at Himeji castle, but the grounds and structure are absolutely stunning. I would recommend getting there early, as there is a daily limit on ticket sales. Also consider the weather when you find yourselves in Japan- we were there during one of the hottest seasons recently recorded (~41 deg C 😅).Thanks for the video & safe travels! 🖖

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yeah Himeji is going to be one our our excursions! We’ll be there in early May, heard it’s fantastic weather season that time!!

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

Such a cute game! I’ll probably grab it at retail. Btw, I would love if you guys did a playthrough for Carnegie. I’ve been spoiled with your teach videos and I can’t find anything that compares! 😅

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Haha, Monique had played Carnegie once and she enjoyed it! It would be nice to get it to the table!

[@robertcrist6059]

Let's Go To Japan, first step, plan to go for longer than six days!! For me I'm definitely doing no less than ten, ideally for me is fourteen.

[@Korgull8226]

Yellow Submarine is probably your best bet for board game stores. They have several locations around Tokyo, the one in Akihabara is probably the biggest. There was also Sugurokuya in Koenji (another district in Tokyo) but it's honestly been years since I've been there, might not even be around anymore. These days most big department stores like Yodobashi Camera have pretty good board game selection, but I assume you're looking for the FLGS experience in which case Yellow Submarine is probably the way to go.

[@killjoysplace]

ALRIGHT! I visited japan for a month in 2019 with a small group. It was the best vacation I ever had. For food recommendations: The best ramen place is by far Ichira- just kidding. It's Tontoro Tenmonkan in Kagoshima imo. Its Google rating is only a 3.7/5 but don't let that fool you. They only have 2 kinds of ramen bowls you can order, so you know it's good. You can take a look here after visiting Hiroshima (or Yakushima if you like hiking on a jungle island). Speaking of, Hiroshima has the best savory pancakes called Okonomiyaki, consisting of different layers. Do skip Osaka's batter version, Hiroshima's is better. Osaka is a must see for most street food stalls and food markets. Another overlooked meal is Gyudon. Never had it but heard great things! If you need a quick fix or don't want to spend money, you can certainly survive on konbini food here and then. A tip for all around: the less choice on the menu the better! And keep a lookout for small establishments in the city, they often have good stuff

[@elgmd]

When planning actual trip should check out Tsukiji Fish Market which I believe is largest in the world , and then play the small box economic board game with same name . Also should try and check out a sumo wrestling match which only happens a few times a year . But if it’s scheduled during time when you will be there I found it to be a really cool experience.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you so much for the recommendation! Would love to heck out the fish market! (Now I also have to check out the game too!!)

[@theromanwanderer8923]

Really great gameplay! I always wanted to ask about your origins! Maybe you already told us in one video!

[@jpeterrich]

Naveen should have had a minus 2 train between Thursday and Friday, Kyoto to Tokyo!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yeah, accidental oversight. You are correct!

[@jpeterrich]

@@BeforeYouPlay No worries. I caught a couple things that I had misses from your superb video!

[@thomasvickery5671]

In a pinch Ramen Street in Tokyo Station has branches of several of the best Ramen shops in the city. And if you get a chance, spend a couple days in a Ryokan for hotsprings and yummy 14-course dinners :) (I also have a ton of suggestions, more than would fit in this comment box from my 4 trips).

[@thomasvickery5671]

And shojin-ryori is delicous: really yummy vegetarian food :)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Naveen has been Ramen obsessed over the last year. We will be near Tokyo Station so we will DEFINITELY check out Ramen Street now! We will likely stay 2 nights in a Ryokan as well! :-)

[@thomasvickery5671]

@@BeforeYouPlay And definitely nosh in a konbini

[@jamesmorgan1967]

Watching you play this made me homesick for Japan. Both of your itineraries sound great, especially with stops at Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizudera Temple. Hard to choose a winner! Although I love Tokyo (lived there six years), I tell short-term visitors who fly into Tokyo to spend a couple nights there to adjust to their new environment and then head out of town. There is so much to see in Japan outside the capital city! I just emailed you guys some suggestions for your upcoming trip. Hope you have a great time!

[@twagoner21]

We’ve travelled to Japan a few times, and seen a fair amount of the world. I would say Japan is the most life changing place I’ve seen. When you’re in Kyoto, seek out Burnt Raman (sorry, don’t remember the restaurant name or district but I suspect you’ll find it!). We ate there twice! We NEVER go to the same places, so that’s saying something. I found knives to be a very much appreciated gift to bring home. I don’t remember the name of it, but there’s a restaurant supply district in Tokyo that’s perfect for knives.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Naveen is on the ramen hunt so we will definitely research that place now!!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Naveen also wanted to bring back a set of cooking knives too!!

[@squalledd]

I think Navine needs another train at the start of Friday because he started on Tokyo, but he ended the trip in Kyoto yesterday (Thursday).

[@Skycroft1000]

I think Naveen needed to spend an extra train between Thursday and Friday? He ends Thursday in Kyoto, goes back to Tokyo, then has to go back to Kyoto again? It is possible I am misunderstanding the rules there. I certainly don't recommend that much train hopping in real life. Try to finish everything in one city then do the other lol. I loved my time in Japan, but one thing I will say is that it is not the most English friendly country. I've been to places that were worse but Japan is harder to get around than almost anywhere in Europe if you don't know the language. It isn't a problem if you plan well but hampers spontaneous travel a bit I felt. Even if you are just walking around parks and shrines, plan in a out a bit so you don't have to improvise too much. At least that's my advice. If you're willing to make a day trip of it, Himeji castle is not _too_ far out of the way from Kyoto (about 45-55 min by rail). It means more time on the train though and will take up most of the day by itself. If you just want to stick to the two big cities there is still plenty to do. It goes without saying that the food is excellent.

[@SuperFilip333]

So sad that i missed this kickstarter :(

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Not quite sure how far along they are on production, hopefully it'll be available soon!

[@branboom3342]

My wife and i went to Japan in April 2019 so this will be an awesome way to reminisce as I recognize some locations we went to! Over 3 weeks, we spent a few days in Osaka, a few more in Kyoto and the rest in Tokyo with day trips to other cities throughout. Looking forward to the Day Trip expansion as Nara is one of the locations and was a highlight of the trip :)

[@jedigreg4636]

Looks interesting.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks Greg!

[@EgeTunca]

One small question on 47:32 don2t you need 2 trains on Saturday? One from Kyoto to Tokyo and then from Tokyo to Kyoto?

[@robertcrist6059]

Who had the best plan... First, I'll say Naveen had the single best day imo with his Wednesday plan of looking at Cherry Blossoms, Gachapon, and the Board Game Store. Something I haven't heard of the Philosopher's Path will be something I now add to my list, so points for Mo on that one! When I was in Seattle in 2022 was the first time I saw a Cat Cafe and oh my love that was incredible, points for Naveen. Overall I would give the edge to Naveen's plan. If you wanted to combine plans I would do Naveen's Monday; either Tuesday; Naveen's Wednesday; Monique's Thursday; Friday combine to do Yakatori, National Museum, and Cat Cafe; and Monique's Saturday.

[@robertcrist6059]

I know there are cards of these in the game, you just didn't see them, but sad no Tea, Sumo, Video Game Arcade, Onsen, or Baseball came up!! Those are all at the very top of my list (I mean what isn't), but those would have been mega points from me for either of you who had those in their plan!

[@simonhore1983]

Looks really interesting and love the artwork. Can you cash in your wild tokens before the daily scoring to push up the daily bonuses?

[@BeforeYouPlay]

No you only cash them in at the very end to get over the margins. Thanks for checking out the video!!

[@5vvi22]

What are the walk tokens good for?

[@jedigreg4636]

Love your videos - just an FYI - "cheap" doesn't mean inexpensive - it means of inferior quality. Inexpensive means inexpensive :D I've had to work on this in my grammar for years because my family would use the words interchangeably but they really do mean different things. There are a lot of inexpensive items that aren't "cheap". And there are "cheap" items that are expensive. Keep on keeping on!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

hah that's a good point. Thanks!

[@benleague3115]

Neat!

[@RafaVe13]

Excelent video! Im from Uruguay, and i cant find the way to bring me the game. Any recomendation or help? Thank you ! Keep going with this kind of videos, i really enjoy it

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thanks Rafael, so sorry that shipping to Uruguay isn’t available through the campaign. Have you tried reaching out to the publishers?

[@naguranju]

Hi, thanks for the video! Will there be a review video? How do you like the game overall? How's the replay-ability of the game?

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Unfortunately we wouldn’t be able to do a review as this video was sponsored and we want to avoid all biased language. The purpose of these types of videos are to educate the audience based on the teach and playthrough of the game.

[@j.r.cilliangreen4083]

When you get back y’all should then play Rmembering Our Trip!!! Japanese game about remembering a vacation !!!

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Oh no way! That’s such a good idea!!!

[@bathth3ory]

Pardon me if this has been explained, but at the 36:40 mark, how would that card have made all of Naveen's trains free if he placed it on Saturday?

[@namasgar6211]

At 56:53 Isn’t Friday cost two trains? Because Thursday night was in Kyoto and Friday started in Tokyo?

[@lorenzofama6043]

Nice playthrough thanks for that. Should Naveen not have 20 pts for his monday cards? instead of 15? on 49:46 because his top card said for every shopping symbol he gets 1 pt, and he has 7 shopping symbols , he only counted the 2 symbols on monday and not the other ones. Will there be a video of your trip to Japan on the channel? i hope so

[@dakotawarner4108]

I think for that it’s up until that point on the track, so he only had two of those symbols before that card was scored. Had it been placed later in the week, he would have scored more. Not 100% sure though :)

[@jamesmorgan1967]

@Dakota Warner That's my understanding too.

[@lorenzofama6043]

@@dakotawarner4108 because he said on 49:15 that he score 1 pt per shopping symbol on the track not only on monday. Maybe that's why i thought it.

[@a.esc97]

Is it available in other languages apart from English?

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Unsure at the moment, did the campaign page inform on this?

[@a.esc97]

@@BeforeYouPlay I believe is just English. Bad luck with this one. Anyways your video was so entertaining to watch 🤍

[@evanagustian1408]

What do you think of the game ?

[@CanHammer]

i dont normally like photographs in games, i prefer art work, but in this particular case, it would be really awesome to have great photographs of the real things in Japan

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Yeah that would be awesome!

[@Zenavesta]

Is this kinda like Tokaido?

[@lukepickles5099]

Slightly in terms of theme, but not in mechanisms, IMO.

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Just like Luke said, theme yes but it plays very differently.

[@goodgrlgnbad24]

This game seems a lot like Tokaido

[@Greggiexplore]

The only downside is printing of Maneki-neko (good luck cat) on the cards. Why bringing superstitions into this fine game ? Not everyone appreciates that. Will skip this game.

[@Ranerdar]

Boardgame store. Naveen wins. :)

[@BeforeYouPlay]

Thank you 🙏🏾 haha