JAPAN for the Anxious - FIRST Time Visitor FAQ for 2024

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

All links mentioned in this video on one free PDF: drive.google.com/file/d/1jisLU_Xcj8POcishY46twjkJEIZnpPLG/view?usp=share_link including hotels, transport info, eSim, when to go, language tips and more. Any other topics or questions that might be good for a future video, let me know! Thanks for watching as ever. :)

[@jefrykeren]

I think to note is the availability of ic transport card. Either u get the digital card (assuming you have iphone and apple pay) or get the manual card. It is still available if u land in kansai(icoca)..but in tokyo is different thing. Very hard to get the permanent ic card.atm passno passport or welcome suica at haneda.

[@carolinaa.4407]

The little details you add (like which side of the train to sit to see Mount Fuji) are what makes you such a great travel guide 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Pitman33]

The humour and informative value is what keeps me coming back. I'm actually landing in Tokyo on April 29, Golden week. I'll be in Japan for 7 weeks this time, staying in Okubo, Ginza and Asakusa. It's my favourite city in the world. Thanks again!

[@ic2133]

Same I’m landing April 27 🤦‍♀️ hotels weren’t crazy expensive but damn I wish I knew. Was the only time I could get off from work :(

[@redfish337]

@@ic2133 GW is fine. Just don't plan to do stuff with lines (eg Disneyland, etc) if you can at all help it. Some things will be busy. On the other hand, it is often a lot more lively and fun.

[@Super_Mario204]

May 2nd myself, first time in Japan and can't wait to get lost in anime shops ^^

[@gailcrockett9883]

Arriving end of September for 2 months in Morioka - northeast Pacific seacoast region. Day trip planned to Tokyo and Sendai. Been to Japan twice before. First time vidited during Golden Week and second time in fall.

[@neverbeaten]

How is the golden week so far? I avoided it to escape some crowds. Will be there on 12th may hopefully.

[@stephenjohnson5589]

I’ve been to Japan. I never felt so safe in cities. Language wasn’t a problem.

[@jeremyrogers5103]

Brilliant video - as always! I lived in Tokyo as a kid (1960-4) and as a result of your video (will check the others) am now stimulated to plan a trip in 2025!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Oh wow. That’s going to be quite the change!!!

[@chami5609]

Thank you! Will watch. Did our first trip last year thanks to your previous videos. Next time - want to venture further afield - from the usual Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and the Onsens. Would really love to see some material on other places in Japan.

[@petrareslova4275]

I have to say that I am always impressed by the level of detail and practical tips you include in your videos! Hands down the most useful vlogs I have found on KZbin. Thanks a lot! 😊

[@rachelfloyd5865]

I love your videos! Always so informative and entertaining! Thank you!!!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

You have hit all the right notes in this wonderful guide for the first time visitor. Harriet and I have been many times. Every time you visit , you discover new places. I don't think you can see it all in a lifetime. A great starting point with this video. Well Done Mate!👍 Sending you and Chiaki (got her name right haha) much love❤ from Jim and Harriet

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks both! Yeah I feel like I’m still scratching the surface!

[@kathleenenglish3075]

I greatly appreciate how you convey important information without being condescending.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you. That’s about as good of a compliment as I can get.

[@user-ds8rj2vc4v]

Fantastic video. I look forward to more from your Japan visit.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks. It’ll be sprinkled over the next 6 months I reckon!

[@deeparajagopan]

Thank you for another great video on Japan, just returned from a trip. Whatever you have mentioned in the video is perfect , relevant information. We had an amazing time as a family , we used only public transport and it wasn’t hard at all using Google maps. We started planning with your old videos in Japan. Waiting for your next videos and plan another trip . Thank you for doing this

[@nirvanaramdin9811]

Your videos inspire me as I love learning about the different countries and have visited a few. Thank you for all your videos. Amazing

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you. Much appreciated

[@MsCanadianpie]

Great video for first timers. Also you can withdraw cash from ATM's inside the post office. I find the pictures on the menu quite helpful so I never really had a problem ordering. As for etiquette, dont be loud. This applies especially inside public transportation. And Okinawa is a great place to visit. Great people, cheap seafood. And also i can recommend visiting Nagoya. Most people's perception of Japan is Tokyo but if you go outside of that, you will discover it isn't all skyscrapers. Enjoy the countryside and other cities. And food isn't expensive unless of course you go to a higher end restaurants. I find eating out cheaper there than in Toronto plus i don't have to tip at all 😂.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks for the extra thoughts much appreciated

[@FalcomScott312]

I always find these travel vlogs very helpful for new people who want to travel to beautiful countries like Japan and thanks for sharing Paul!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Cheers

[@FalcomScott312]

@@SuitcaseMonkey Keep up the great work!

[@flowersflowers473]

Really great video - thank you so much! I hope that the Japan tourism Org uses this video to their benefit!

[@aussieanne6812]

Another great video - thanks. Excellent tips for my next visit to Japan.

[@cindymarasligiller2115]

I have been to Japan 4 times. You are spot on. ❤️ Okinawa

[@robertbl7500]

Hi 👋, Thank you so much for helping me, myself and I for other informative and entertaining video!!! 👏✌️

[@karenshaw8724]

Really helpful video - we’re off to Japan in September. On an organised tour, but your tips will still be a great help to us. Thank you! 😊X

[@robertward5768]

Hello from California. Love these inspiring Japan videos! Looking forward to the Hiroshima/Okinawa vlog.

[@barbaraheck5638]

Super helpful video! Along with alleviating logistical travel questions, the part I appreciated most was the itinerary tips.

[@YaroslavKutukov]

Great video and lots of useful info, thank you very much!

[@craigcarlson4022]

I lived there briefly nearly 40 years ago, loved it, and have been wanting to get back there again. Thanks for doing this video, it is a great nudge! Ahhhh, your video of the food options! Love it. ;-)

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

GET IT BOOKED!

[@KillerTacos54]

This is such a great video idea, thank you!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks for the questions!

[@michaels3003]

This was a real pleasure to watch and very informative.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

You’re welcome

[@rbfndz]

That egg sandwich, is the reason I always reserve my breakfast solely for that for all 7days of my 1week trip in japan

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Haha soooo good

[@karenalvarez7545]

Egg sandwich from where?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

They’re everywhere. All as good as each other

[@drewcorry5056]

I absolutely have no worries

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

😎

[@nadiabarrett5195]

this kind of concerns-address video is very helpful! maybe a good idea for other locations, too

[@ericl5512]

Thank you for the thorough information this is so helpful!

[@sk-lation7583]

Great Video! Informative and entertaining als always. Loved the "stupid way" to ask for an english menu 😂❤

[@jenniferalbert910]

Stunning and so informative!

[@SocialChannelStudios]

Your travel guide and tips are really helpful and informative! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@DCSWCCkingpin1]

HUGE thumbs up. Excellent information and excellent presentation.

[@SeanONeill-wx4re]

This is EXCELLENT. I`ve lived in Tokyo for 7 Years and will send this onto friends when they next visit Japan. (PS: I got hold of your channel when watching your Porto - 4 days? - video. Will comment there as well).

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you. And welcome to the channel

[@SPISheste]

I can vouch on #1, before my trip last year I taught myself basic Japanese and my friend knew none, but we had an awesome trip with language being an issue only once 🤗

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks for the plus one!

[@ReiwaMagi]

For the Public Transportation part, most of the major cities have quite decent ways to get around. Its only once you get into inaka like prefectures such as Shimane, Yamaguchi, and Saga Prefecture is where you need to consider driving which requires an International Drivers Permit.

[@Creativecatalystpodcast]

Great info on this one dude!

[@the_canadian_dust_maker7852]

Awesome, thank you very much for the video, very useful.

[@athenamitchell790]

I’m so surprised at your “Don’t go to Disneyland” comments! I went to both parks at the beginning of April and I thought it was so laid back and chill😂 I cannot believe how lucky I was to avoid those crowds!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Haha. Check out my Disney video for what it was like for me in February (which is in theory quieter than April). But, just to clarify, my point isn’t to say don’t go to Disneyland. I was responding to people whose specific concern was about Japan being too crowded. So, my advice to those people is, don’t go to Disneyland. 😝

[@yannitdexteridis5825]

good video

[@agatha8174]

I love your videos, you are so funny as usual!

[@kevlarcardhouse252]

Great video! Returning to Japan for another trip this Fall. I agree with a lot of your points. At the risk of sounding like the decrepit Gen-Xer that I am, I think social media has done a disservice to warping minds of people who haven't been able to travel much before. 1) Everyone hears the stories of Kobe steakhouses, extremely fancy sushi spots or square watermelons that cost insane amounts of money and think that is the norm. The reality is any morning that my hotel doesn't offer breakfast, I just grab a hot milk tea or coffee and an onigiri at a nearby Family Mart using my spare change. 2) The country is chock full of temples and shrines, so if you hate crowds you can stumble across some even in central Kyoto and Tokyo that are very quiet. Likewise, walk down one or two streets from the main "tourist" blocks and you will still be in a similar environment and also be completely to yourself. 3) I agree on the etiquette thing, which actually applies to nearly any country. People feel like they are bound to cause a national incident by mistake. In reality, maybe the wait staff will be annoyed you didn't follow proper protocol the first few times but most other locals don't care. Just be nice and willing to learn and not some jerk defacing a bamboo tree and you'll be fine.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thanks. Great points, especially that Japan is super busy in pockets and it’s so easy to just wander off and find an empty area.

[@ExploreEstate]

Nice tips. Number one is very important as Japanese take cleanliness very serious.

[@user-pr8ri1hf1l]

Thanks!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Much appreciated

[@leehunt7320]

This was wonderful 🎉

[@psprog]

Yeah - I was amazed how cheap Japan is. Returned from my 2nd trip last month and heading over again in July. It's so cheap out there! Myself and 2 friends ate at a KuRa (conveyor sushi) in Shibuya we had loads , beers, cakes etc the whole thing came to less than £30 total.

[@autumncarolynnphotography]

Thank you so much for this!! So informative! 🙂

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Welcome to the channel

[@urban9787]

Great episode and valuable information; as Google Maps requires an internet connection, I have the METRO app on my phone: hundreds of cities/areas worldwide can be accessed. Once a specific location is downloaded the information is available offline. The directions aren‘t as precise as Google, but as a backup or for full-time offline use I find it perfect. So far I always made it home after a day out in the jungle that is Tokyo!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey thank. I always download the google map area when travelling there as it helps with data. I also always just purchase an e sim so have data in the country I’m in as it makes transport and finding food so much easier once I’m there

[@mahmoodali88]

Thank you for this fantastic video!

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

thanks for that ❤

[@susandoeberl8077]

Love this video. Thank you.

[@ElijahNetzel]

Thanks for the great info on the trains! Definitely going to be my biggest challenge. Thank the gods I already have a sucia card, so hopefully it won't be to bad lol

[@JeremyDHoward]

your videos are amazing ill be in Japan may1-8 this is helping a lot

[@MauriceReed-gh4uj]

nice video

[@Onelesstraveledby]

Thank you for sharing, excellent!

[@josephmoore-hazelett1559]

Found you from your email to The Fix with Todd Martin!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Oh hey welcome to the channel! Thanks for checking us out!

[@Destinavigator]

👋🏼 Small struggling Travel Channel here. I love your content, thanks for this great video! You inspire me to keep grinding my channel, maby one day I’ll grow as big as you 🥲

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you. We are all struggling in one way or the other so I have empathy with your situation. It’s tough. The best advise I have is to keep going as long as it’s good for your mental health and you’re still enjoying it mostly, and be true to yourself. All the best.

[@Destinavigator]

@@SuitcaseMonkey thank you for that 😊

[@qhadj5387]

Train in japan is fairly expensive compared to Europe. Same with metro bus etc.

[@CharlesXavier]

If you haven't already, I hope you guys can visit Hong Kong, Macau or China one day. They can't be missed!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey. Closest we have is a Taipei video from late last year, if you haven’t seen that.

[@CharlesXavier]

@@SuitcaseMonkey That's cool. Taiwan's awesome. Though still, there's so much more to see in China when it comes to food and culture.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

@CharlesXavier I’ve been to HK and along the coast of china from Laos to HK. Just before my filming days

[@CharlesXavier]

@@SuitcaseMonkey Nice. Sure hope China's on your list of travels then. 😉 I'd recommend Beijing and Shanghai, plus some of the rural places too.

[@samajier2566]

I like traveling

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

I like turtles

[@Mickeytravel]

👍👍👍

[@samajier2566]

Hello my frend,,,

[@HanHsu910]

I don’t agree with this. May is the best time to travel. Travel the day after golden week ended and it is not busy at all at Disney and all the attractions. I always go the day after golden week. My 4th time going in a couple days.

[@psprog]

After my 3rd trip in July I plan to go in May next year. I went late May last year, though had 3 complete write off continuous rainy days but that's the luck of the weather draw...

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Good to know thanks for adding!

[@markjones2781]

Monkey my darling, I'm in the early stages of planning a tip to Japan in the fall of 2025. My current notion is to arrive in Osaka for a few nights and maybe explore Nara. I might avoid Kyoto. My view of over tourism is that it is best dealt with by just not going there. Next, I thought of four nights at Takamastu exploring the art and islands of the Sotouchi 2025 arts festival. In contrast, I thought I would then spend a week or so on the Nakasendo Trail. Walking from village to village is my kind of thing, and the self-guided tour packages look look like a fun option. After this I thought I would avoid Tokyo. Again, over tourism is over tourism, but also the place seems totally youth orientated. Rather than head to Tokyo, I thought Kanazawa might be fun for a few nights. Mini Kyoto with gardens and all that. Perhaps then back to Osaka for a quick getaway. What do you think? M🙂

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey. Sounds amazing. My only thought is to maybe have a think about Tokyo. Since so many people live there I don’t find it touristy at all. Especially if you don’t go to tourist places if you like to see the other side. But since you’re going to Osaka yeah this could work great for you and give you a really unique time. Enjoy!

[@redfish337]

In my experience of Kyoto and Japanese tourism in general (admittedly only the pre-covid levels of tourism- but the quite high levels immediately before), 95% of tourists are in < 5% of the city. You're already thinking stuff that's off the beaten path- avoiding tourists is easy. Kinkakuji is the famous example of terrible crowds... the problem with Kinkakuji is it's tiny. It can't support being on all the tourist lists. You want to do certain cultural stuff which is great. You should do stuff to your interest. Just understand that if you do certain cultural things in Tokyo or Kyoto it will literally be you and a room/hall full of Japanese people. If it's not in some tourist booklet it's like it doesn't exist to them.

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Great point

[@Sylviatini]

Do you realize that tourist spot in kyoto like fushimi inary, kiyomizudera, bamboo forest arashiyama have cemetary inside ?

[@scottsworld]

Hay fever?! I hear hay fever/pollen is bad all year (thanks to USA planting a million non-native trees, post-War). Any tips? Thinking of a February holiday

[@FluffyBunny9002]

I'm mostly worried about my phone not working. I have a prepaid phone from StraightTalk, and they couldn't give me a consistent answer on whether it will work or not with an eSim or Japanese SIM at the airport. I'll find out the hard way.

[@Lyces]

Can you cover up your tattoo if it's fairly small with some skin coloured tape or patch and use the public onsens without bothering anyone?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hey. Sorry I don’t know the specifics as it isn’t something I’ve needed to look into as I don’t have tattoos. I’m sure if you do a google or KZbin search someone will have said their experience.

[@ryashrahealingtarot1776]

Hi I just found your videos, my daughter and I are going to Japan in August, and funnyly I was thinking of not really spending much time in Oaska and Kyoto, (I am landing there), but only stay for two days then go to Oita and hir a car, exploring that island for 6 days stopping at a different booked place each night till we get to the opposite side of the island, stay for two or so nights then fly to toyko to Disneyland, have to go, I am from Australia and we don't have one:))))). Since I am leaving from Oaska, I don't know if we should go to kawanza etc, for a few days or go and do Nara and adventure world etc. we are staying for 18 days does it sound like we are going to be rushing too much, anyhow, just wondering:))), thank you

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Hi there. Sounds like a great trip. It’s always hard for me to advise on someone else’s travels as it’s whatever works for you. I’m not sure if you’ve had similar travels before but have a think how much you enjoy seeing lots of places vs having some rest days. Personally I enjoy taking things a little slower and not getting tired by all the travel and being able to take things in. Haven’t been to Kanazawa but Nara is really lovely so would definitely check that out. I’m releasing a universal studios video on my second channel Carry On Monkey this weekend (it’s more a guide to visiting Nintendo world) but if you like theme parks that could be something else in Osaka. Enjoy

[@user-ox9ki8jv3c]

Is the middle of May a good time to visit? ☺️

[@margsangster8994]

Love your videos thank you! Just wondering, when you went in January, was it snowing anywhere then, cos I love cooler weather and less crowds, but like to avoid snow as it complicates getting around sometimes? So going in January sounds appealing, but what about snow then please? Cheers from Australia

[@redfish337]

Their winter is dry season, relatively (there will still be rainy days somewhat often). So snowfall tends to be relatively minimal. And by this I mean the relatively west-east line of major cities. Fukuoka - Hiroshima - Kobe/Kyoto/Osaka / Nagoya - Tokyo. When you go north from Tokyo there is exponentially greater snow, though the coastline remains relatively clear all the way up through Sendai. Also, it's a very mountainous country with the main population centers naturally built around lowland plains. Increasing altitude will also lead to a lot more snow. In short, with the exception of Sapporo far to the north which is known for snow, the major population centers are where the snow isn't. Some snowfall is still possible, but it's rare for very much to last long into the day.

[@margsangster8994]

@@redfish337 Oh okay, good to know, thanks so much, Cheers

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Yes what the other commenter said thanks for that! I’d say double check the area you’re booking online for snow but for most of the usual places, you should be fine. We actually got snowed in (see our 14 More days in Japan vlog) which we were unprepared for but this was countryside so up in the mountains.

[@margsangster8994]

GREAT, THANKS SO MUCH!@@SuitcaseMonkey

[@praptigoel5659]

Hello there I am going in end of May-Early June how would be the weather any idea pls

[@BanglaTigers100]

Japanese Oh My God Sir You Me She From Now Very Nice 😯?

[@stephenjohnson5589]

I went pre iPhone existence

[@BarryIII]

The Fix has increased your views by one view 😂

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Haha. I think you may be the only ☝️ welcome though! 😀

[@qhadj5387]

Is July still rainy?

[@ReiwaMagi]

July is still pretty much the rainy season, yes.

[@prereed]

What is it like to find public toilet in the cities?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

They are EVERYWHERE

[@Sylviatini]

Asking them 'TOIRE DOKO DESKA ? '

[@MsCanadianpie]

And public toilets are clean!

[@manchesterisblue1023]

you look like sam lake

[@joseph40ninjas88]

Are you supposed to wear undergarments when wearing a kimono [asking for a friend]?

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

I’d assume?!

[@Blazjul]

“ asking for a friend” 😂😂

[@neverbeaten]

Lol anywhere in the world is SUNNIER than England 🤣🤣

[@michaels3003]

Thanks!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Thank you very much. Kindly appreciated.