Don't Waste Your Time In Japan - 2022 Updated Guide To Travelling Japan

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So after living in Japan for nearly 7 years in total and making videos on youtube for 3 of them, I realised that I've never actually made a definitive list of all my Japan travel tips and advice all together so here it is. International travel is starting to open up around the world so when Japan follows suit, you've now got all the advice you need to plan the best trip possible. Gosh damn I can't wait till everyone can come visit! Come say hi in Osakaaaaa.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:17 When will Japan open again?
2:00 Worst time to visit
4:30 Sponsor
5:36 Public transport vs Car
9:57 Cost of travel
14:39 Helpful Apps
16:05 Do I need to speak Japanese?
17:24 Food for vegans
20:40 Must-haves to bring
Helpful links and resources:
JR Pass Prices:
japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html#anchor03
List of countries that can get international driving permit: www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/traffic_safety/drivers_licenses/geneva.html
Information for International Driving Permits for ppl from countries like: Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan: english.jaf.or.jp/driving-in-japan/drive-in-japan/switch-to-japanese-license
Help for Vegans in Japan:
isitveganjapan.com/
The helpful vegan phrase:
"I am vegan, I don't eat beef, chicken, fish or seafood, egg, dairy products, honey or other animal derived ingredients."
“私はビーガンです。蓄肉・鶏肉・魚介類 などの肉類、卵・乳製品・ハチミツなどの 動物由来の食品は一切食べません”
•
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www.patreon.com/currentlyhannah
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Normal stuff: @currently.hannah
Performing stuff: @hannahpriceperformer
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My preferred form of accomodation:
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All filming and editing gear - past and present is listed in my kit:
kit.co/currentlyhannah
#currentlyhannah #japantravel #japantraveltips

[@TakToyooka]

I recommend ensuring you have cash on hand in Japan. Over here in Canada, you can get away with just a debit card or credit card these days - I've used cash only once or twice since COVID set in. But for its high technology, Japan is still surprisingly cash-based. There may be some places that only accept cash or "high-end" credit cards.

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

Definitely true. Many ryokan still only take cash - and for some ryokan that is a LOT of cash 😂. But cards are more accepted now than ever before.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Argh dang, I remembered this tip WELL after I finished filming but you’re very right, cash is a MUST in most places in Japan. Stayed at a business hotel that only accepted cash just yesterday! 😂

[@DrJustininJapan]

YES!! And ATMs in Japan can close on weekends and holidays -- especially in rural areas

[@minyahson]

When I traveled through Japan I used the suica card allot. Which was accepted at most places (Vending machines(Outside the big city mostly coins)/Convenience stores/Trains). The time I needed cash was when using the coin lockers at the train stations where I left my main travelbag for the day. And like Takashi said always keep cash on hand :). Always handy when visiting smaller cities or shops. Before I forget, great video Hannah! Sums up everything when first visiting Japan!

[@NatalieFWinters]

And remember to have your bank increase your daily withdrawal amount before leaving your home country.

[@missaimz2307]

I went to Japan in January 2020 (covid was just starting to break out). I was there for only 2 weeks but it was absolutely amazing!! I really miss it and can’t wait to return. I hope to be able to spend more time there and visit the many places I didn’t get the chance to when I was there almost 2 years ago. Its an absolutely amazing country! I actually watched a lot of your videos before I went and it helped me so much.

[@Sora36298]

As a fellow Australian, I really enjoyed travelling Japan during the winter, driving through the mountains with all the snowfall, waking up and having a hot nikkuman was a great experience, but choosing a season to travel in is definitely a preference thing.

[@thestarspark2288]

Totally agree. I visited in Jan 2020 just before covid really started taking off. It was beautiful in winter! We stayed in a kyokan in Shima Onsen. We had access to private onsens, it was magical with the snow. Also saw snow monkeys! Things like Onsen, ramen etc are so nice when it's cold. I hate summer and I'm from Melbourne, so not even as hot as in QLD.

[@orderingfoodwgoogledoxesu3113]

Where did you go? I'm curious what might be cool in the winter

[@andgainingspeed]

Don't sleep on Japanese grocery stores for cheap eats. Fully prepared meals are available and go on discount in the evenings. The only thing that is truly expensive is fruit, but the quality is so high you should treat yourself. 😋

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I second this 100%! Some of the most delicious food I’ve eaten is from the grocery store haha. They come in all serving sizes and have meatless options too 😍

[@gilgalad4189]

True. And also end of day sales at markets and food halls.

[@lindanorris2455]

ITS ALL THE HORSE MEAT THEY SELL. VERY EXPENSIVE IN JAPAN!

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

Totally agree on the fruit. Japanese strawberries are about the best I've ever had 🍓🍓🍓

[@SomeOne-wr1wr]

@@CurrentlyHannah My friends and I had our very first overseas trip together last year during March 2020 and there were 5 of us. On our first day in Tokyo Japan, there was a convenience store right outside of the Train Station and along the way to our Airbnb. Not sure if I should be proud to say this but... we spent a thousand dollars (at least in our currency) or 80,000 Yen on our first night there in one store. Needless to say we had full baskets of meals/food etc and I'm sure the cashiers working that night wouldn't want to see us enter the store ever again. SPOILER ALERT: We went back almost every night to the point that we were asking ourselves, "What are we doing???" "The cash register must be broken... are we seeing that amount right?" "Did we seriously spent a thousand dollars??? In a convenience store???"

[@danielazziptrips]

Me watching this video the entire way through, knowing that I won't visit Japan in the next 1/2 years at least and will probably forget about most of this, but still enjoying it

[@glennasakawa9880]

Thanks for the thoughtful advice. When I've traveled there, everyone is so incredibly polite and humble. It seems that any language barrier can be overcome with charades and empathy!

[@SophiesTravelSecrets]

thank you Hannah for making this! Was actually secretly planning a Japan trip if the country opens. Perfect timing!

[@Shredder1313]

The Tatooine backgrounds are beautiful! Lots of great tips too! Thanks for that!

[@ElDapperCaballo]

I appreciate the info, and the Tatooine background!

[@studioespxr]

Thank you for this video! I'm putting this in my back pocket for whenever I'm actually able to travel there.

[@ad.6472]

I traveled to Japan in Winter in 2020 from Australia and I absolutely loved it!

[@vincentong6032]

Other than the weather, visitors should take note of the sunset time. We've been to Japan (mostly Osaka to Hiroshima) a couple of times prior to our 3rd-week-of-November trip to Tokyo, Hakone, and Fuji. We went there hoping to catch the autumn colors. We're not early risers to begin with, so we tend to leave our accommodations close to lunch time. We've got our itinerary printed and ready to go for an almost-full day of walking and photography - only to find out that by 3:30PM, it's already too dark for any nature photography. By 4PM, it already feels like 7PM-ish darkness. Went to Osaka on November 2019 to catch the autumn colors there. We were pretty confident that we got our itineraries down pat by limiting what we would be doing, given the lesson we got back in Tokyo the year before. Lo and behold, the sunset time was 5:30PM instead of 3:30PM. We just winged it at that point and appreciated the extra daylight that we can get.

[@MsLadyLancelot]

Thanks for making this video Hannah! It's awesome!!!

[@yin_yang888]

Thanks for the great info Hannah. Can't wait to go back soon !

[@daeronsingollo4131]

Very insightful, thank you so much for sharing! ❤️🌸

[@ArtsofThiyagu]

Addicted to your travel videos .Superb work Hannah

[@leakubler4229]

Thank you so much!! I will come backpacking in Japan for 9 weeks from march on, your video made me even more excited😍

[@seafarer_]

So helpful, so concise, and so charming! This was super helpful.

[@porschejolietv]

Thanks Hannah, very nice video 😍. Last time we went to Japan is Feb 2020 when COVID started to hit and we almost canceled it. I’m glad that we went and had a really good time. We couldn’t wait to go back next April🤞stay healthy & hopeful everyone 🙏🏻

[@AdamRifi]

Great breakdown Hannah! There is also the lesser-known Silver Week which only happens something like every 5-6 years in September and is essentially the same as Golden Week. Not knowing it was coming up while traveling in Kyoto without a hotel reservation meant I had to spend two nights at a Karaoke parlor and a very uncomfortable McDonald's seat lol

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh really? I’ve actually never heard of that before 😅 that could definitely catch you offguard!

[@AdamRifi]

@@CurrentlyHannah Next one is in 2026 so still some time left to prepare!

[@DrJustininJapan]

such great tips!! thanks Hannah

[@ryoshimada]

Awesome! I'm Japanese living in Tokyo (yes, I am) but this video was really interesting and I agree with her advices.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Great to hear :) thank you!

[@shehab9730]

Hannah uploads i click, now let's watch!!

[@LemifromJapan]

Hannah chan, you are amazing on puttiwmg all the information together!! I'ljaj recommend my foreigner friends to watch this for planning to travel in Japan!🥰✨👏👏👏

[@AdversaryNemesis1124]

You're the BEST!! Great video!!

[@Lisa-gq7qh]

I hope and pray I can go back back to Japan next year! Thanks for the video Hannah!

[@johndudley2030]

Thanks Hannah, great video. We found getting a data SIM was essential and meant we could search for accommodation and food (as a non meat eater) as we went. Also found the Passimo pass was great not just in Tokyo or big cities. The JR pass was sooo good. Not just Shinkansen but local trains and even the ferry over to Miyajima! The dashi thing was definitely the thing I had to work around!

[@aquaarietta]

Saving this to come back to later! Had plans to visit Japan on a short tip last year, but we all know how that turned out for everybody. Now I'm hoping to go next fall or spring 2023 as a honeymoon trip!

[@paulmccool378]

GREAT video, Hannah!

[@petefitzgerald3129]

Hi Hannah, after binge watching a lot of your videos, I just wanted to let you know how entertaining, informative and well presented they are. My partner Susie and I (pensioner Brits living in France) plan on visiting Japan in October/November next year (Covid permitting). We are already learning Japanese so. 'domo arigato'....

[@joits]

3 trips to Japan so far but I've mostly stayed in the larger cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. Watching your hiking videos and other countryside videos makes me want to return and venture out but of course I am a bit nervous because I'm not sure about driving in Japan and then of course the difficulties with the language barrier. But I hope the next time I'm able to Japan that I can visit outside of major cities and I'll be re-watching your videos for tips and things like that.

[@AlEbnereza]

This is awesome Hannah banana. So glad to see all your hard work and traveling growing into something even bigger. It would be a DRREEEEEEAM to come to japan one day. 🤞🏻

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you so much! It’s so nice to find a purpose for all this old footage!

[@miepenloch]

Thank you so much for sharing this helpful informations! I hope I can visit japan next year

[@scotttan6377]

Important and invaluable information ! Hopefully , you'll provide a scaled down version for each place you share with us.

[@DingleBerryMTB]

So good! Can't wait to get back to Japan!

[@etherdog]

Good tips, Hannah. Thanks!

[@kiwdwks]

Awesome video/info! Thank you!

[@aleffush]

Thanks for this, i cant wait to go back Japan!

[@piyushgupta9493]

Very Informative!! Thank Youeee 😍

[@DrJamez]

10 points - That's where she buried the light saber.

[@liv3127]

Thanks Hannah! this is great

[@_srilankantraveler_]

Woowww awesome upload ❤️ thank you for sharing with us…loved from Romania 🇷🇴

[@beafyfeet]

What an amazing video!

[@jorgesaki7849]

Great video!!, thanks a lot Hannah

[@stvsueoka1]

Such good advice! Thank you :)

[@ree_iiinn]

"I've only experienced worst humidity in Singapore" Me, A singaporean @ the humidity: I hate this. Why do you make me hate my life, humidity. I'm with you Hannah.

[@jayrivera9037]

I thought that the Philippines, my country, is already the hottest and most humid place I would ever be in until I went to Singapore. The humidity is unlike any other. Great country, though. So modern, open, and cosmopolitan. Also love the food!

[@jcben]

Thanks for all this information

[@kelleesoup1708]

I went to Tokyo in 2017 and only a few people spoke English and again in 2018 and I was so impressed with how many more Japanese ppl spoke English just a year later. everyone in the restaurants, transportation and retail places spoke enough English to communicate in 2018. Great video!

[@thatjillgirl]

I have been lucky enough to visit Japan twice and would love to go back, but both of the first two times were kind of travel with training wheels. The first time my family was visiting my brother during the time he lived there, and he had already been there a year when we came, so he could speak Japanese conversationally, had a car, knew some fun places to go, etc. The second time was during college on a school trip, so I had a host family and teachers and all my fellow traveling students and never had to try to get anywhere on my own. I'm a little bit intimidated to actually plan a trip there by myself, but I will do my best to make it happen someday. It's a wonderful country, and I would love to see more of it.

[@bobshafto]

The bamboo light cluster at 2:53 is beautiful. I'm going to copy that idea and build something like that for my garden.

[@MrGscp]

we used JR pass travel Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, totally worth it and easy. Just have to keep in mind which line takes the JR pass in Tokyo. Don't have to worry about how much you ride.

[@adammontebello702]

Can't sleep.. check KZbin.. Yay new vid from Hannah!! :)

[@kayteeflick]

GREAT VIDEO!! I've only ever rented a camper van in Japan, to travel throughout Nagano during ski season and it was amazing! So much freedom. Though the van was hard to navigate on tiny Japanese streets and a bit scary to drive on the snowy streets in Nozawaonsen (HUGE gutters that could eat a car wheel).

[@markhla427]

Really great to see little clips from your previous adventures. I vote (not that you asked) for some 'best bits' videos. Also... Looked like Star Wars on the screen. 👍❤️👍

[@mafkrimnra8084]

Omg 😆 thank you so much for all that info

[@johnmcgowan1918]

I went to the Iya Valley in Tokushima last week after seeing your video on it. Such a beautiful place!! Thanks!!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh you did! I’m so glad you got to experience it’s beauty!

[@TheBassUp]

Thanks for the video. We went during end of winter (off-season). You're right about the lack of leafy vibrant scenery but the good thing is I didn't need to deal with the tourist and packed streets for most of my trip. That alone made it a very enjoyable experience so for those who don't mind a little cold, I would definitely encourage you to go during winter.

[@micah1754]

I was glad to read this comment. I'm going this winter and was a bit disheartened hearing it was not recommended

[@mahdialagab2240]

I am planning to come to Japan for work as a software developer I am learning Japanese really hard to make my life easier and watching your videos is really helpful to understand japan from a foreigner point of view. thank you

[@lynnkurumaji2478]

I vacationed in Japan in 2017 and found food can be very reasonable. Ate many meals in the restaurants located in the train station malls. Had some quick food found at convenience stores(7-eleven, Lawson, etc.). Also bought food in department store food courts. Hotels can can be what ever your needs are- stayed in Tokyo(Keio Plaza Hotel) for about $250/ nite, but in Hiroshima and Osaka I paid between $125-$150.

[@ikigaiinmotion3253]

Thank you for a very helpful video! Could you maybe do a video on the equipment you use to film? 🙏🥹

[@YuChen-nu6yg]

The not eating garlic and drinking alcohol thing is because most vegetarians/vegans tend to be Buddhist. It's that way in Taiwan and it gets a bit cumbersome explaining what I can/can't eat haha

[@IlFALCONlI]

Finally someone who talks about the logistics, thank you kind lady!

[@AaronHilton]

Great advice! 🤠👍♥️

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

Great video Hannah! As far as the best time goes we've mostly gone in Winter. We love Japan in the Winter - onsen season 😍. However the last time we visited it was during Sakura season. Sakura time was amazing but I've never seen Kyoto so busy. I've been editing my Kyoto video and it is essentially us visiting all the sites with a million other people. That's why we want to go back before travel takes off again. Next time we want to go in the Autumn though. Yep, rent a car. Shinkansen is a must do but for sheer convenience rent a car for the rest of the time. Japanese road trips are the best. 😀

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Well I can promise you that there’s wayyyy less people in other areas of Japan (Tokyo not included) 😂 But good call on autumn. It’s stunning and the temperature is way better.

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

@@CurrentlyHannah After the chaos of Kyoto, Shikoku was a crowd free paradise. But as you said you need a car. There really are some hidden gems all over Japan. 😍

[@orderingfoodwgoogledoxesu3113]

So the fall then? I think that would be nice, less people, still great weather

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

@@orderingfoodwgoogledoxesu3113 It would be very nice. I'd love to see it in the autumn.

[@moxxibekk]

Visited friends in November 2018 and had a blast! Had a trip booked for spring 2020 and, well, you know. Hope to get back there next year so I can explore and my mountaineering husband can climb fuji!

[@stephenmarriott369]

My favourite time to visit is winter. What it lacks in greenery it makes up for in beautiful snowy scenery. Plus, because a lot of people don't travel there during the winter you have a lot of places almost to yourself. YMMV though and if you don't cope with the cold very well then it's definitely the season to avoid.

[@saneill17]

Japan is reopening to business travellers and international students this month! So that’s a step closer! I’m coming as a student in April! Can’t wait!

[@asashii8295]

Thank you girl ❤

[@joelgillham5284]

I noticed that the one monitor was Tatooine we really that remined me of how much we were all Star Wars fanatics growing up.

[@natehawthorne4828]

Thanks for the tips! Japan will be my first international trip ever and for a month too! lol. I've been saving for 2 years now and at this point I'm just waiting for the gates to open. Shooting for March. 30th Birthday and all that. lol

[@laurawr_c]

thank u so much for making this helpful video! i'm planning to visit japan early next year hopefully. also ayeee can i get a high five from all the brissy people?!

[@HiMikeAndJules]

Thank for all the Tips! We have a layover in Narita. We are thinking about ditching our final destination. Do you know if we can do that?

[@thenicflynn]

I live here but enjoyed the video just the same lol also is that Star Wars in the background?!:o

[@BanshanMarwein]

Amazing 😍😍

[@ExplorandoconMoi]

Incredible 🗼❤️

[@keenbert]

I have ticked off nearly all the don'ts on your 'when not to travel' list. 😅 The first time I traveled there was in golden week (unknowingly), I did a short study trip over summer and I went there during new years eve (which also ticks the winter box). It's Japan, so even though I agree that they aren't the best times, every trip was still amazing. 😁

[@itsmeSTYJ]

Every video I watch makes me want to migrate to Japan!

[@AuthorTinaMoss]

Used to live in Japan and visited several times. Never rented a car but definitely considering it for a more comprehensive trip around Kyushu. 😁

[@jol7094]

Hey Hannah, thank you for your great content! would you suggest me to bring my drone or just my camera for filmmaking?

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

I go Japan every year since 2013 to 2020 just before travel ban... love that place hope to visit 2022

[@yuisatoru1597]

omg those places I see on the video, are just so beautiful, would you mind telling me some of the best places and pretty views in Japan

[@lovelove-xz5qu]

Accuweather is my best friend for 7 years I like its hourly predictions. Its very useful for me I can snag a bit of sunlight on a beach before it begins to rain again.

[@gilgalad4189]

Re helpful research that can save waste of time, e.g. opening hours, very short at some temples and museums, as well as odd closing days, while some onsen stay open even over night for staying guests.

[@gilgalad4189]

Any hints for practical information on travelling with a toddler? Have been to Japan six times but first time with the little one.

[@g.abiera]

Can't wait to visit Tatooine

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Same 😍

[@jwwh22]

I have a trip scheduled to Japan starting May 8th till the 21st as long as everything opens back up, I didn't realize I would be arriving so close to golden week will things still be really busy a couple days afterwards?

[@AIKIDO-kimjake]

Would want to travel back to Japan, amazing videos from you..as always. Cost and requirements makes things more hard to travel nowadays in this Pandemic.. country side might be cheaper but still have some disadvantages.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I agree. I’m already dreading how much of my soul I’m gonna have to sell to go back to Australia when I can 😭 I hope it gets cheaper soon.

[@ashleyanderson8776]

In US you can get your International Drivers Permit from AAA for under $30 (at least that was price when I got mine); they translate your info into Japanese and put a raised seal on it. Good for 2 years. I think it took me a week? I'll have to get another since I had to cancel my trip back in Nov 😔 but hopefully will be able to in spring 🤞 (oh and I found people's faces lit up when I pulled out my translation device and they saw they wouldn't have to worry about my English, especially in Hokkaido countryside- best purchase award)

[@chunfung8934]

For car rental part, does it matter if the place that issued my driving license is different from my passport? I got my driving license from the place where I currently at, which is a different country from my passport. Will it matter? Will it have any trouble when renting a car in Japan? Thx

[@alexg4936]

As an Alaskan who misses the winter, I’ve always wanted to go to Hokkaido in the winter.

[@KhoaTran-vb1vp]

My week is complete with a CurrentlyHannah video!! BTW, anybody catch the name of that last app she mentioned?

[@csantiago7349]

Looking forward to come back to Japan! One mistake that we did when we visit was we carried like 4 luggages (we were in Seoul before coming to Japan) and it was hard to carry stuffs because some train stations has no escalator/elevator 🙃

[@lorainegabriel]

This is so true

[@Barrysushi569]

Less luggage more washing machines makes like easier, remember you can only wear a set of clothes at anyone time But hey everyone travels differently, happy travels

[@nocturnus009]

Not sure what to comment now that I watched to the end except 🍡

[@jyriharj]

I visit twice. Both time I visit during new year. Its true that many things can be close. But that just planning thing. Still we love new year. Just book small house base accomodations and visit shinto temple. People are extra friendly during holidays. So you must do more effort, but it can find more. Winter is nice too, but we are from Finland and very just to winter.

[@kyu-kun4343]

Also would not mind a desk setup your or equipment tour again with the new tech just wanna know how your workflow has changed nowadays

[@88divinegrace]

Thanks for sharing. Can you do an organic supermarket tour?

[@nathanafi]

What did you say the name of the offline translator app was called? It was the last of the apps you mentioned but I couldn't make out what you said

[@ale3to]

Do you need to prebook hotels or cab I drive around and get hotel rooms tje same night?

[@ulligruber1344]

Japan is quiet expensive 😭 Nailed it with the video @Hannah. Where is Mochi?

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Thank you for sharing this video :) What bag did you use for this trip? Have you tried using a duffle bag for your travel? I recommend using the Bento Bag from Nomad Lane.