Don't plan a trip to Japan without watching this!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

View the full guide here: www.trippedtravelgear.com/blog/japan-travel-planning-guide Pack for Japan here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4rRpKSliMR8oNk

[@ABIDHASANARIYAN]

❤🎉😂😢😮😅

[@florenciaatria]

Careful though with the Japan Rail Pass; it had a 70% price increase in October of 2023 and in the majority of cases it is now way more convenient money wise to simply buy individual train tickets for your trip

[@dhoffman2290]

I just got back. I don't know what she's talking about with physically mailing rail pass stuff. The process for purchase is 100% electronic. Also does not pay for itself unless you change cities every day. I did buy one. It was not worth the expense. I would not buy it again. Not worth having a 50000 Y/$340 slip of paper you may lose during the trip. See comparisons out there and do a comparison... the JR pass USED TO BE A GOOD VALUE. It is not the case anymore. It looks like she filmed that segment before the 2023 changes, be warned.

[@dragonzord6615]

@@dhoffman2290 It honestly looks like she has no idea what she's talking about for most of it...

[@romychar]

@@dhoffman2290that’s not 100% true. We bought our rail passes through klook and this was indeed physically mailed/shipped to us. Then we had to redeem the voucher at a jr office. But yes the jr pass is not worth it anymore for most people.

[@a004]

​@@dhoffman2290I'm doing Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka and back to Tokyo. So buy the pass or individual tickets?

[@dhoffman2290]

Individual tickets every time!!! @@a004

[@konghere]

Travel tip from someone with food allergies. There are Japanese allergy cards you can find online and print out. At the restaurants, go to a worker or get the attention of a worker and ask "yonde kudasai" (please read), and hand your allergy card over. Point to the menu item u want and ask "ok?." This worked really well for me. They would tell u which items contain things ur allergic to, or let u know its ok (either in japanese woth gestures, rough english, or using google translate).

[@ducsue751]

I-ra-ssha-i-ma-se is used from store personnel to greet customers as they come in only. You don't need to reply back. Smile is ok. Before 10am, you would say o-ha-you go-za-i-ma-su (good morning). Konnichiwa is use to say hello and use after 10am. After 6pm, you would say kon-ban-wa (good evening).

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Oh!! Great to know!

[@sdstreiker]

You said it better than I did. ありがとう先生。

[@andra-mariapapa44]

This is hands down one of the best, most informative videos I have found on travel to Japan!! You focused not on just sights to see (which thousands of bloggers already do) but so so much more useful and resourceful info!! Thank you!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Thanks so much Andra!!

[@guccione692]

I do not agree. did you watch other videos, much more interesting and informative and not á talking head'? She putted a click bite as heading, very rude and narcissistic tactic! the Video is below average, I want my time back, even watched it in double speed.

[@KenshoQuest]

Having been to TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, as well as TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo, I'd say they are all amazing experiences. Definitely something I recommend including in a Japan itinerary. 🌸Heidi

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Thanks for sharing! The Osaka Botanical one looks super cool!

[@peytonsassafrass2207]

I'm leaving for Japan in 16 days! I'm staying 3 wks, I'm like you ,I've been to 51 countries and this trip has me going crazy

[@TrippedTravelGear]

There's so much to do and see!

[@comfycozycrochetwithtris1188]

Wow! Thank you!! Just thank you so much for giving first timers to Japan so much very practical information!!! This is by far one of the most detailed and again practical travel information videos on Japan that I have seen. Not surprising as you and Tim always have extremely helpful videos. So glad I found this video and have already shared it with another friend who is going to Japan before I am. Thank you!!!

[@Kristin465]

I suffered through an hour and a half of another travel video that was super painful, taking tons of notes as I watched. Then I came across your video and was so pleasantly surprised. It was so enjoyable. I can’t wait to see your other videos. ARIGATOU GOZAIMAAASUUUU!!!! 😊

[@TrippedTravelGear]

This made me smile!! Thanks for watching, so glad this video was a step above the rest for you!

[@leah_taylor]

Planning a 16 day trip to Japan and this video is so helpful! Thank you for making it :)

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Have an awesome trip!!

[@kidrn4u]

Loved how you are so culturally sensitive and not acting like you can't be bothered with the local customs and norms. You didn't just learn some local important phrases in a curt fashion but also the most respectful way to use them. It's those little things that create the most intimate connection with the locals...anywhere we travle in the world. Love your video and will follow you more! Excited for our first trip to Japan in July. Arigatou Gozaimas!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Aw, thanks so much for the nice comment, that's the BEST part of travel for me! Hope you have a great trip!

[@s.elfakih]

Thank you so much for this! One of the best videos I have found so far. Planning this trip has been a little overwhelming and I’m going for my first time in May, but you broke it down beautifully!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

This means the world to us, so happy to hear it was helpful!!!

[@a004]

I'm planning May 2025. Let us know how it was!

[@mdb39602]

Thanks for the info share! Looks like you guys really maximized your time there!

[@madtitan-va]

Konnichiwa is usually used from 10/11am til 5pm/dusk. Said with a bow, locals will return the greeting.

[@nununana4061]

No you can use konnichwa anytime really.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Great to know!

[@kroy2121]

That was super clear and helpful 🤓 You can give super helpful advice even if you’ve been somewhere once vs someone who has been there multiple times but was last there 10 years ago 😉

[@donnahogan2999]

Fabulous content and I stayed to the very end.❤I may do a solo trip soon. Would love to know more.

[@Twisterella2340]

Great video. Used to live there but a lot has changed. Thanks for all the updates. Osaka is actually the 3rd biggest city in Japan. Yokohama is now #2. 😊

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Oh wow thanks!

[@wickedillusion66]

I'm going to Japan first week of April for 7 days and I gleamed alot from this, it was any of the things you have to do or don't do, it was a well rounded basics.. the handing money is something I didn't know..

[@wickedillusion66]

It wasn't not was

[@Felilaa]

So many great tips for planning. You sharing about cultural observations and adaptations are so beautiful. It really is a beautiful thing to recognize and practice respect in all languages and situations ❤ grateful for you and your videos!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Thanks for saying that… it’s one of the best part of travel!! 🥹🥹

[@hpiner]

This was amazing! I have been concerned about planning my trip to Japan due to the language barrier. I have been considering just hiring a tour group, but those are so limiting. I really appreciate all of your great info.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Have a great trip!

[@ShireenChetty]

Thank you for the information - I made a lot of notes as I research and plan for my upcoming trip and particularly enjoyed your focus on the culture and language.

[@mmccormi1]

Great video Finn! We are heading to Tokyo for 5 days end of March and found this very useful. Only edit I would suggest is that the Suica card only works on Apple phones as far as we can tell. Let us know if you had a different experience.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Ohhh this is good to know!

[@sdstreiker]

Nice background and production values ありがとうございます

[@tiffani3447]

This is the best video on Japan I have seen! I don't usually watch videos longer than 10 minutes but yours sucked me in and I am so glad I watched it all to the end. It was very informative. I agree, this country has me more stressed trying to plan everything than anywhere else I have been lol.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Thanks, Tiffani! So glad to hear that it was helpful for your planning.

[@dragonzord6615]

This must have been the ONLY video on japan that you've seen...

[@tiffani3447]

@@dragonzord6615 I have actually watched several and they all say the same thing or are personal travel blogs. Hers actually explains everything valuable and not just for air time. Have a good day.

[@consueloquintero5206]

Gracias por tu tiempo en grabar tan buena introducción a mi viaje a Japón por 24 días en abril. Eres un angel . Un abrazo desde NJ 💕

[@TrippedTravelGear]

feliz viaje!

[@J_MKing]

Konichiwa (こんにちは) = Good Day! Good Afternoon! Greetings during afternoon Ohaiyo-gozaimasu (おはようございます)= Good Morning! Ogenkidesuka (お元気ですか？)= How are you? Onegaishimasu (お願いします) = xx please Arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) = Thank you. Gomenkudasai (ごめんください！)= Sorry! / Please forgive me for bothering you… Sumimasen (すみません)= excuse me. Hope this helps 😊✌

[@kathlud1]

Any tips on wifi and eSIM cards? TY!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

we use the Airalo app!

[@taurino3489]

This was highly informative and loved your presentation style. Thanks for being courageous enough to speak the tone. Listening to other videos they can come across as flat, not realistic or practical. Going on my first trip in two weeks, solo. Gracias!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Thank you so much! Have a great trip!

[@fionarobertson8841]

Much better flying into Tokyo and out of Oosaka. My trip was no more expensive to do that....and it saves you money and time.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Great idea!

[@ExpatNatt]

We’ve just come back from Japan, we should have waited until after this video 😅 Also please can we take a moment to appreciate your hair?) 😍😍

[@TrippedTravelGear]

🙏 made my day I felt self conscious about it 😑

[@ExpatNatt]

@@TrippedTravelGear It’s always so healthy looking, I’m so jealous hahah! Mine looks like I’ve been hiding in a hedge for the past decade hahaha

[@MsJulianaPedroso]

Oh, thanks! I have been really anxious trying to figure out how the JR Pass would work... Now I feel a bit better...

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Awesome to hear! It sounds intimidating, but there are plenty of people to help!

[@dragonzord6615]

It doesn't work, it's a waste of money.

[@melbi86]

Thanks for this video! I’m European so i’ll be going there for 4 weeks 😬

[@TrippedTravelGear]

🙌🙌 here for it

[@maritesmacasadia118]

Thanks for this. Planning my Japan trip has been the most stressful and I’ve travelled a lot. But I’m so excited about it .

[@TrippedTravelGear]

There are so many parts! Hope this helps!

[@rolcopster123]

JR pass is now $500 for 7 days. Not worth at all. To break even, it will require lots of speed running. But other than that, good guide

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yeah, definitely now just depends on where you want to visit.

[@mattegeniet]

it's 50'000 yen, which certainly is not 500$ in 2024. More like 340$. Honestly with the exchange rate hike, the change in the pass cost is only like 50$ compared to say 4 years ago, like 15-20%. But yeah, considering the single tickets not having changed I agree it doesn't make much sense unless you do lots of shinkansen trips, as the single trips are now so much cheaper than before.

[@chelseawade4105]

Omgggg I was wondering where you guys were haven't seen a video in a while and guess where I'm planning to go for my next big trip... Japan... yay this video came at the perfect time

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yay so glad to hear! Don’t miss the new Tim and Fin video from Bali that went up in January too!

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you for the information. I’ll be traveling there soon. Taking notes.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Have a wonderful trip!

[@arealgirlreview]

Thank you for all of the great tips. I really enjoyed watching your video. It was very informative and helpful.

[@RPHPros]

So excited to see you guys push out another video. Me and my travel hungry family have missed you!!

[@a004]

Planning a May 2025 trip and am very exciting, but booking trains (with luggage) between major cities looks like a damn headache.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Bring as small of luggage as you can muster, that's our tip

[@gimlarquinn3622]

Use luggage shipping between major areas and then use a cabin sized for the other days. For example from Tokyo ship your luggage to osaka and then keep 2 days in with you when traveling to Mt fuji and nara.

[@tccvalerie]

JR Pass isn’t really worth the money anymore. Lots of other videos cover this topic.

[@Shakespeare3977]

Oh my goodness soooo helpful with my planning. Thank you!

[@officialNixbest]

whats the temple at 40:18?

[@rebhiawad1951]

Love the information. Excellent way of presentation. ❤

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Thanks so much!

[@matizuni9131]

Absolutely fantastic videos. So much awesome info!!!

[@TrippedTravelGear]

So glad you have found it helpful!

[@katonk9401]

Is there a preference for Shibuya Sky over Skytree or Tokyo Tower? There is not enough time to see more than one.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

We didn't get up to Skytree or Tokyo Tower- would love to hear what others have to say!

[@katonk9401]

Our hotel room had a wonderful view of Tokyo Tower which was cool however we did not visit due to time limitations. We did go up the Skytree which was cool mostly because it’s the third tallest structure in the world. However you’re mostly viewing small dots. If you want to avoid long lines and like free entrance with good views, go to the top of the Metropolitan Government Building. ​@@TrippedTravelGear

[@tylermills3757]

10/10 Highly recommend team lab, Its stunning, close to tjukiji outer market and the art aquarium.

[@tkandjtraveltrails]

I love your packing method, and I'm happy to say that I am very close to your method. I used to travel for corporate America years ago so I had made mistakes in those many years. But now we travel for fun to see the country so it's a different style of packing. I feel good that I'm on the right track. I recently purchased a set of your packing cubes, and they totally surprised me! Now, tips on packing for Pepper, we don't travel abroad right now but for me packing for toy Poodle, Jolie Fleur, has been a challenge, I don't know how you do it for international travel for Pepper. Video, please!❤❤

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Great suggestion about pet travel! We'll add it to the list, especially because some big policies are changing this August.

[@mechygarridolage112]

I’m living on the 15 of March and I wanted to go to Kyoto from Tokyo and stay there for 2 days, how I do that? Please.Thank you

[@vp7449]

Thank you so much for this video! Very informative for my upcoming trip to Japan. Quick question which go-kart vendor did you go with and did you have to reserve in advance? Also, was it difficult getting an international permit for that?

[@TrippedTravelGear]

This was for Monkey Kart, and for an International Driving Permit, you visit an office *near you in your home town* (not in Japan)

[@sofyameytus710]

Great video! Thank you🙏🏻

[@Watchinchemtrailz]

Check out the new changes to the Jr. pass.It's gone up in price and some people are starting to say it's not worth it.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yeah, definitely just depends on your route - you can just do the math adding up all of your one-ways that you would take otherwise.

[@artaudcharles]

Superb video. Thanks

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Glad you liked it

[@meghanschwanke1133]

Love Japan! Thank you! BTW What are those animals on the furniture behind you? Where is the furniture piece from?

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Those are bulls from Cuzco Peru 🤗 the make and the female “protect the home and bring prosperity”. We will share about the shopping experience in an upcoming episode on @timandfin actually!

[@joelgrebinsilvestri]

i wanna go 3 weeks (21 days) but idk what to do after tokyo and osaka

[@lm2906]

Wow even if the phone is off Suica functions!?! Amazing and the Food, love the UmamiAmazing, wanned to vomit my brain out 😲🤩😍❤️

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yeah, it was like the magic phone app!

[@Rosie-sd7qd]

Any tips for couples with a toddler? Love your video!!

[@bethmcqueen9642]

Do you need reservations for the go-carts?

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yes, advance reservations are definitely recommended. This was with Monkey Carts

[@caseymarchese4652]

is there a way to get the suica app in english? I read that the english version app was removed and I don't see a way to download it in the app store

[@TrippedTravelGear]

If the app isn't available for download in English, in the app there should be a settings page with language options!

[@paulcomeau1441]

So long! Watching now! ❤

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Alllllll of the details ;)

[@josephinechua714]

Hi, watched yr video and is so fascinated wiz yr knows in Japan!!! My husband n myself will be in Tokyo from 12-24 of Nov, would greatly appreciate if u r able to recommend reasonable hotels in Tokyo. We intend to stay a few days here and there in Tokyo as it is a big city….

[@inquisitvem6723]

I read many locals do not like the go carts running since they’re loud. Many find it annoying. I would discourage tourists from doing this. 😮

[@soniaperez9269]

Hi! Totally hear you about travelling just with hand baggage rather than a checked in bag. Usually I only travel with handluggage even for trips that are a few weeks. However, I am hoping to stop at Japan on my way home from a 6 month secondment abroad and will thus have both a checked case and a cabin one (so 2 suitcases). Do you think this would make thngs very difficult re travelling around? In your experience do hostels/hotels have luggage storage e.g. if i was to leave the big case there for a few days whilst visiting another place? Many thanks in advance!

[@KenshoQuest]

We had good luck storing our suitcase for a few days at hotels, either before checking in or after checking out. There are also luggage storage counters at airports and train stations. Or you can have your suitcase shipped to your next hotel or the airport using Yamato Transport. 🌸Heidi

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yes absolutely! There are tons of great modern services like this... including even services that will SHIP your luggage throughout your itinerary for you if you prefer! We haven't tried this but I know it is popular for ski tourism during the winter!

[@medicineforthesoul3225]

There is so many rules and tradition around the Ryokan lifestyle and I think they don't promote to foreign travellers due to many people not knowing all the rules and perhaps some not respecting the rules.

[@theknightswhosay]

Interesting that you know Spanish. English was obviously the lingua franca, but I heard native speaking of Spanish about as much as English. I think it’s because the peso is almost 3 times as strong against the yen as a few years ago.

[@gailcrockett9883]

I didn't find this review as specific and helpful as hoped. Have been there twice before and thought your experiences would be more nuanced. A little too generalized. Thank you for your reproduction.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Good feedback thanks, we tried to make a big deal at the beginning how this was a good "guide for first-time visitors"

[@vivien6076]

If you want to stay at a hot spring inn, please search by copying ``温泉'' and ``宿''　Thank you for introducing your trip to Japan in detail.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Hey there we go, THANK YOU! Very cool, thanks so much for sharing.

[@kathynguyen5322]

Thank you much for the tip

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Happy to help, have a great trip!

[@russshokunbi8461]

Your take/reason why not to go to one of the "best experiences in the world" I don't get. To each their own. If you folks go again you should def go to team planets.

[@Penny62Lee]

I heard you need an international driver's license to drive the go carts on the streets. Did you do that?

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Yes! Required. Quick to get one at AAA in USA.

[@sizhuliu]

You can bring a larger luggage as long as it’s under 160cm in total dimensions on the train. To say that they are limited to carry on size only is misleading.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

ok thanks for additional info, good to know!

[@shawnbell6392]

Japan is about the culture and everything unfolds from there. Harmony and not bothering others in the public space (trains for example) is a prominent cultural value. Don't stand two abreast on escalators, don't stop in the middle of a flow of people to look for something, tune into to the locals around you as an indicator. Carry a small plastic bag for your trash and dispose of it at your hotel as there are almost no public trash cans, yet the country is very clean. Don't litter. Respect in Kyoto the closure of some private streets to tourists and don't stalk the geishas for pictures. There may be a public performance you can see them in, check at your hotel. Remember shrines and temples are still active religious sites. Your trip will be smoother and feel more rewarding.

[@PleasanceWolf]

Every Japanese person I asked in Tokyo doesn't really like the people who drive little go cards. It's a tourist thing and I thought it was annoying when the people drove by screaming and cackling. I personally think it's too dangerous. Wouldn't recommend it. Good that you had fun, but those things are loud and disruptive.

[@oromis995]

"I hate when people pretend to be experts when they've only spent time in one city". So here's me, the expert, who's been to Japan exactly once.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

...who made a big deal talking about how we have only spent 2 weeks in japan for full transparency.. and to take the edge off of the stressful planning for other first time visitors. But thanks for your constructive feedback!

[@naamashnizel]

But you not having any tip you just talk in general

[@SulcIsHere]

​@@TrippedTravelGearI think you want this video done more than anyone. There is no one sentence where you don't read up from bullet points, all too focused, you have to lay back a bit if you upload a video with this click bait title. Do you do this for money only?!

[@chrish9502]

@@SulcIsHerewhat a crazy world we live in that you are finding a negative in this woman making a helpful video

[@purplepoppyz]

Hardly pretending to be an expert when she clearly said they had only visited once. It is very helpful to other people also going for the first time.

[@dragonzord6615]

The japanese people hate the go karts... Not sure it's something I'd recommend. I don't think someone that's only been there once and only for 2 weeks is someone i'd take advice off of...

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Good to know! This was our recommendation based on our 2-week trip if anybody wanted to follow along!

[@yaminogame7805]

note for mario kart you need international license.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

yes! Thank you for the reminder, can't believe I forgot to include!

[@guccione692]

trains never ever sale out, there are plenty of other trains , which go in 2-3 min

[@Arthamus]

So I've been studying Japanese for that past 22 days and catching thr incorrect hirigana characters in go(za) imasu and konnichi(wa わ) which you have as (ha は) makes me feel like I've made some real progress 😁

[@mdb39602]

The spelling is actually correct in the video. は is sometimes pronounced as wa (instead of ha) in special cases and is always pronounced as such when used as a particle.

[@TrippedTravelGear]

haha I love this! Even though I was wrong, this is so cool to see and learn, I didn't even know! You must be crushing it for only 22 days!

[@Arthamus]

@@TrippedTravelGear aha well now that I'm on 148 days I can accurately say that both you and the person above are correct lol go figure 😅

[@dolwolfianphotography]

Arigato gozaimasu 😀

[@BuddhakumariRai]

I see👀👀👀 you Dad I am so proud💪💪💪😊😊 of my favorite😍😍😍 things that make me🏆🏆🙏🙏 Thank you for all your friends👭👬👭👬👭👬 with me

[@BreezyYung]

Ive actually heard getting shoulder checked is not uncommon. Specifically more common for women who are/ seem to be alone.

[@tomgyorko]

Right when I heard that the main reason was to ride the go-karts, I turned off this video.

[@joelgrebinsilvestri]

J pass is not worth anymore priced increases a lot, it only works if u go for a month

[@sdstreiker]

Ohayou　（おはよう） in AM; then Konichiwa,（こにち　は） (in stores they say Irashamasai) いらしまさい, after 5 konbanwa (こんばんは）。

[@TrippedTravelGear]

Hey thanks!

[@nilankasrilanka123]

Well come Japan 🇯🇵 l we’ll help anyone. I can speaking English, Hindi, Arabica, ❤

[@djgokou]

*Sees toothpicks* Ahh it’s THAT American…

[@mithhiji]

Sorry I really tried to follow.

[@lauriesmith7517]

EAT LIKE THE LOCALS! Do not seek out western style food, at least not all the time. Costs more, not very good, not as healthy. And the seasoning is furikake.

[@delaneyverena3652]

"Promo sm"

[@VioletaValdivia-s7g]

I never have watch a KZbin video that had so many disrespectful manners and horrible facial expressions at a restaurant I think you need to educate your self 😊funny how you try to educate people being respectful regarding exchanging money 😅

[@TrippedTravelGear]

This a joke for tourists on the food tour 😉

[@impylse]

It's not aregato lol

[@bigtoke5220]

If you want to experience Japan stay far away from Tokyo and Osaka

[@Iknowwhatyoureupto]

DO NOT DO THE GO KARTS. LOCALS HATE THEM. Don’t be disrespectful

[@jacobdarling1524]

SMH, I hope nobody listens to her and actually does the go carts. That’s the kind of cringy gaijin shit that is gonna get tourists banned again. Don’t be that person.

[@etherdog]

Your thumbnail for this video is the same as the banner for another Japan channel that has been using it for well over 6 years. Even if it isn't copyrighted or trademarked, it is still bad form.

[@CalmingSoundZZZ]

The internet is vast & I wouldn't assume she's seen that one video.

[@konanoobiemaster]

DONT do the carts... the locals absolutely hate them... do carts on a track like a normal person... 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@cambry2115]

Can’t stand when you say boop

[@TrippedTravelGear]

same

[@SainathG-el6iv]

I am here in Japan totally hate it bland food and a very inefficient society even though my entire engineering degree was based in their efficiency training

[@CorazonOehler]

Annoying 😮

[@Zephyrus-zj4kn]

At 4:39 you kinda look like a white AOC

[@TrippedTravelGear]

😂🫡 I’ll take it

[@Panda.Shogun]

The instructional 'Beep-Boops' are definitely helpful😂🫡👍

[@TrippedTravelGear]

how else would you know?!