Inside Japan's INSANELY LUXURIOUS First Class Bullet Train!

Check out Carl Friedrik's “Carry-on X” here: friedrik.com/zwl
I took a trip on Japan's fastest train, the Hayabusa Shinkansen, and discovered quite possibly the fanciest train I've ever ridden.
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[@ellesmerewildwood4858]

What I really admire about the Japanese is how quickly they keep rebuilding the place after every time Godzilla knocks everything down.

[@tc1uscg65]

Yeah, I bet Mike Holmes would have a field day inspecting structures built there.

[@paralyzes]

😂

[@darwincity]

Godzilla, the Japanese construction sectors best employee…

[@kennethmiller3930]

This is fantastic!

[@DouradaBambina]

😂😂

[@wolfganghofmann3977]

We really appreciate you mixing things up with trains , planes and buses . It gives us a great picture of how different countries transportation services work.

[@ticow]

this man won my respect when he greyhound it. only a few would dare what he did on that "journey"

[@Jadyra]

Maybe try the ferrys when you're there. The overnight ones look impressive and it would be great to get someone like your take on it.

[@ocshaljufrian6109]

Yes, you have to try it, bro, the highest fastest train in Southeast Asia... the speed is 350 K kilometers, the newest fast train in Southeast Asia, the first in Indonesia, Jakarta - Bandung, lots of tourist attractions in the city of Bandung which is beautiful and comfortable and cool and cool and beautiful.

[@EvokeRhythm]

So just for people who visit in the future, when you ride a limited express train or shinkansen, you need to pay both the base fare, the limited express fare, and the reserved seat fee (if using a reserved car). Often the reserved seat and limited express tickets are combined and if you have a rail pass, that will serve as the base fare ticket. But you almost always require two separate tickets and need to put both of them in the turnstile. Don't just bust through the gates (police are cracking down on this recently).

[@benbunyip]

Top comment!

[@noelphilips]

Thank you for the clarification! Hope that information helps someone!

[@coshiro1]

Yes and if you have a Suica/Pasmo/Mobile Suica etc. a bunch of the Shinkansen routes you can use Smart EX to purchase your ticket and link your Suica etc. card to your ticket on there so when you get to the ticket gate all you have to do is tap your Suica card like you were going to ride a local train, no fuss with all the small papers haha. Also the site is fully in English

[@DevynCairns]

I'm not really sure exactly how he ended up in this situation. Usually the JR staff would be pretty good at reading intentions so the first time he showed up with his tickets at Sapporo they should have understood that he had a GranClass ticket from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and just needed to be able to get there and have the base fare. I think they probably did do that for him but he just didn't understand that he needed to put in the base fare & the limited express ticket at the same time. If you buy at a JR office, they'll probably just give you a base ticket for the whole length of Sapporo to Tokyo and then two limited express tickets, one for the Hokuto and one for the Shinkansen. Since he had three tickets to begin with, I assumed that's what he had, but maybe he was missing the base fare for the Hokuto? Anyway - you need to insert two tickets both times, just as you said. Base fare and limited express fare are never on one ticket. If you have a partial usage of a base fare ticket (like Sapporo to Tokyo), the machine will give you the base fare ticket back on leaving with a stamp on it and you need to use it next time.

[@dubio77]

Yeah, just going through the door like he did is *not* the way to do it in Japan. And, this explanation is good and correct.

[@meme-mx9gl]

As a Japanese, I want to tell the people planning to visit Japan that many of Japanese people don't listen to or speak English very well. So I recommend you to know the system of Japanese trains very much, and avoid having some troubles. Thank you for loving Japan. P.S. the city around 18:20 is called Morioka. Sendai has much more buildings near the station.

[@schmollilolli4147]

This! Went to Japan with my family this summer, my parents made sure to take care of the rail pass etc in advance. When we were there we had 0 issues booking our Shinkansen rides, and even managed to re-book them when we had to due to a taifun

[@catherinethompson547]

enjoyed that!!!

[@ScreaminEmu]

Pro tip, if you’re coming from abroad, buy a Japan Rail pass before you leave. It’s basically all-you-can-ride on the shinkansen, and all you do is flash it to the ticket booth on the way past. So convenient!

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

It is 2024 - sure we can use GOOGLE TRANSLATE to speak to each other now lol

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

how much is that? also does it cover ALL of the trains in Japan?@@ScreaminEmu

[@adzadzy]

japan is a great country, their people are very welcoming and nice laid back….. the train looked good, the seat looked comfy, noticed how quiet the train sounded, this was great journey

[@Hudute]

Yeah so laid back that they didnt even stop him setting off the alarms by exiting without a ticket in Tokyo. BOTH GATES. Honestly I can feel the death stares he must have recieved for that one from here. 🤣

[@noway5347]

Yeah, as frequent visitor to Japan, have to say it was clumsy and disrepectful stuff. Classic examples of what you dont do. Talking on trains and filming local people is not on. Not even grabbing a Bento box for some Japanese food.

[@areguapiri]

They are too worried about their masks.

[@adzadzy]

@@areguapiri but thats their culture, they wore masks before covid, thats what they do, its optional, not forced

[@supersonicbird11]

Nice Video, Yes Japan is a treat. I loved Japan , some years ago we did the “ring of fire” - 2 weeks in Indonesia , Singapore , Thailand , HK & China - Finally Japan before heading back to US. I could live in Japan , everything was interesting- ppl polite - spotless trains - amazing hotels in Shinjuku & Guest house in Kyoto I could go on & on - we took the Shinkansen to Kyoto. And love to rtn to Japan 🇯🇵 And one day I shall! Thx Noel - loved the new Shinkansen - beautiful!

[@gemlou763]

Noels face is now on wanted pictures all over Japan's train stations for barrier jumping!!

[@psychorabbitt]

Noel spending a fortune on a taxi when Tokyo has one of the most dependable subway systems in the world just astounds me.

[@Hudute]

I mean he just pushed the fare gates out of the way instead of inserting his tickets in the seconds before, so not surprised. 🙃 Pretty sure that breaks them and/or starts an alarm. Probably some attendant just out of shot in both instances being too polite to stop a foreign fare dodger.

[@lauras245]

@@Hudute fare dodger?! He had paid twice!

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

That's what you do when you have money enough!!

[@andyholwell]

He hadn't. You pay for a base fare and you pay a supplement for the express/superexpress; more for First Class. He's paid one but not the other online, probably the seat reservation but not the base fare. He also bunked his way through the ticket office at the start of the Shinkansen journey, as well as pushing through at the end. I would guess that he only had a first class upgrade/seat reservation for the trip, or only presented one of them anyway (you put all the relevant tickets into the barrier together). He might have been sold the base fare in Sapporo for the first or both journeys, or may have travelled without paying the base fare itself. Train ticketing in Japan is a bit complex, but this isn't the way to go about it.

[@andyholwell]

Aloft Ginza is one stop on the Marunouchi Line from Tokyo station on the Metro, or a 20 minute walk!

[@CaptainBill22]

Noel, you should do a video about all the gear that you bring with you on your trips. The stuff that helps you stay organized, how you keep your passport and wallet safe, the equipment that you need to do your work, etc. Basically, your EDC.

[@noelphilips]

You can see some of the things I use on my travels, on my web page here www.noelphilips.com/mygear

[@ocshaljufrian6109]

Yes, you have to try it, bro, the highest fastest train in Southeast Asia... the speed is 350 K kilometers, the newest fast train in Southeast Asia, the first in Indonesia, Jakarta - Bandung, lots of tourist attractions in the city of Bandung which is beautiful and comfortable and cool and cool and beautiful.

[@Banshun]

As a Brit living more than 20 years in Japan, it is nice to see someone I like to watch online experience it for the first time. Japanese trains are heaven compared to most British services. The country that invented railways has destroyed them with bad management.

[@jonross545]

Along with the vast majority of things

[@donaldjones971]

Quite

[@hbruins85]

I am so sorry you had to experience some of the trickiest aspects of train travel in Japan…basic fare coupon separate from express surcharge/reservation, one huge station with multiple gates to pass through…but glad you enjoyed some of the best. Well done - and again, welcome to my homeland!

[@ocshaljufrian6109]

Yes, you have to try it, bro, the highest fastest train in Southeast Asia... the speed is 350 K kilometers, the newest fast train in Southeast Asia, the first in Indonesia, Jakarta - Bandung, lots of tourist attractions in the city of Bandung which is beautiful and comfortable and cool and cool and beautiful.

[@hbruins85]

@@ocshaljufrian6109 Looking forward to seeing the safety and punctuality stats 1 year from now.

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

so what was he doing wrong with his tickets? as surely the machine will have printed out what he needed? would he have had the base fare ticket for the first part of his trip?

[@WalkingEng]

Japanese trains are incredible. I think traveling by train in a country slows things down a little and gives time to soak in the country.

[@urshurakdieohnekanal9291]

The first time I went to Japan was on a tour with a tour-guide who lived there. We all had bought the JR ticket as a base for the regular trains, and the tour-guide did the whole rigmarole for the tickets for the Shinkansen. And what an awesome kind of train that was!!! If I were still able to do long distance travel, I would definitely visit Japan again, just for the trains and the food. And the people, so friendly and helpful.

[@riffgroove]

Just got back from a two week trip in Japan and fully agree with everything you said. Most of our travel was done on the Shinkansen. It's a dream to travel on.

[@Skeleton_100]

1:24 I literally had the same issue 3 days ago but in Tokyo station but thanks to the lovely people who worked there helped me resolve this problem in less than 45 seconds.

[@jamessmith1652]

What was the cause?

[@Skeleton_100]

@@jamessmith1652 Not quite sure, probably an error with the ticket details or something.

[@brisbaneinsider7139]

They sold him another ticket so he got burned. If you can speak Japanese you should make a comment telling us what him issue was.

[@Skeleton_100]

@@brisbaneinsider7139 I am not Japanese though. I don't know the language I just had a problem at the train station while travelling in the marvelous country of Japan.

[@ensonchoy]

I think you already got these tickets: - Sapporo -> Shin Hakodate Hokuto LIMITED EXPRESS ticket (no base fare) - Shin Hakodate Hokuto -> Tokyo: Base fare + SHINKANSEN ticket so you actually only need to purchase the base fare ticket from Sapporo to Shin Hakodate Hokuto which is 6270 yen, but I think the staff charged you 14850 yen which is a base fare ticket from Sapporo all the way to Tokyo 10:00 You need to insert both the base fare ticket and Shinkansen ticket (just stack them together and put them in)

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

question for you... why when he purchased the tickets would it not have also sold him the base fare ticket from Sapporo to Shin Hakodate Hokuto???

[@307billy]

I've got to hand it to you Noel, traveling by yourself to all these different countries, esp. Japan where there is a full on language barrier. I'm flying to Iceland tomorrow on Icelandair solo, continuing to Oslo , Norway on Friday, and am feeling anxious. I'll be fine once I get going. You do it all the time! Have a safe trip Noel, thanks for all your videos.

[@paulpietruszewski4226]

Nice change of pace. From 500 to 200 mph. Trains are pretty cool. Watching one of those fly though a station is incredible.

[@goytabr]

"I'm presuming there's a tunnel or something." Noel dear, didn't you do any research? That's the Seikan Tunnel, the world's longest undersea tunnel, which is both longer than the Channel Tunnel (54 km/33.5 miles vs. 50 km/31 miles) and much deeper (240 m/790 ft below sea level vs. 115 m/377 ft), though the undersea portion of the Channel Tunnel is longer (38 km/23 miles vs. 23 km/14 miles). It didn't seem that long because you were on a Shinkansen, and the Seikan was designed to accommodate it at full speed, unlike the Channel Tunnel, which the Eurostar traverses at a much lower speed. And a taxi again??? In a city with one of the most extensive and efficient subway systems in the world? And you didn't look up where the hotel was? Oh my!

[@necrosilencehs]

Noel is really not putting the efforts in immersing in the country or at least learning some basic Japanese 😅 I sense he’s doing these videos for the views but he didn’t even try the Japanese meal on the gran class (he complained about the western food in a recent Cathay Pacific video), where he can have a decent Cantonese style meal. The videos are getting worse over time for sure! Not to mention, he basically did fare evasion with the shinkansen tickets by not buying the base fare ticket (from what it seems), whereas he only seemed to have bought the reserved tickets for Hayabusa and the limited express departing Sapporo. Really not the smart guy he used to be

[@diamonddave2622]

Tickets are in two parts. A standard fare part and another for the limited (or super) express supplement...

[@lindamallia1486]

Cool Noel. Japan looks beautiful. Thks for taking us on yet another journey with you .x

[@Carole.P]

I travelled in Japan in 2012, we travelled mainly by trains throughout our time there and I can honestly say we fell in love with Japan, never a dull moment from the window of the trains, it is a beautiful country

[@rohjisun2850]

I would recommend taking metro lines instead of taxis as the price of taxis in Japan are very very expensive. And trains cover the most area of Tokyo anyway it is more convenient once you know how to take the trains since it can be confusing at 1st.

[@suzannesiebert6354]

Very true!

[@Doofens]

i can undestand why he probably was fed up with trains at this point lol

[@jevin_111]

Noel mate when you’re in different countries and your camera is flickering it means your framerate is not matching the flicker rate of the lights, change your camera’s framerate and it will go away. This is due to whatever the standard Hz is for what electricity mains operates in - in Japan for example, their electricity mains operates at 50hz so your framerate needs to be at 50fps to stop the light flickering.

[@DanielRodrigues-qr2sd]

Lmao I was like, wtf is wrong with my tv😂. Getting epilepsy over here😅😅😅

[@lesleycouch6557]

I didn't know that! Thank you for the info 😊

[@lifeofabronovich7792]

Japan is actually split between 50 and 60 Hz. West of Tokyo they use 60 Hz, Tokyo and eastward they use 50.

[@Papershields001]

I always say for Shinkansen, don’t buy them in advance just walk up to somebody at the help desk and ask them to do it for you. At least until you’re fairly comfortable using the Japanese train system

[@Hudute]

No need to buy in advance either. Its not cheaper and its not like Grand Class gets sold out often.

[@Papershields001]

@@Hudute the standard tickets do occasionally get crowded tho on busy lines like the Tokkaido. Grand class tho you should usually be good, they aren’t crowded. Perfect for a vacation.

[@speaksthis]

Rookies fearful of the right priced ticket can just buy the cheapest one and adjust it when they get off.

[@willwright4784]

Thank you Noel. Your channel allows me to visit parts of the world I could only dream of visiting. Thank you for bringing the beauty the world has to offer into my living room every week. Keep up the good work!

[@noelphilips]

Thank you for your kind words, glad you enjoy the videos.

[@catherinealysha]

As a train nerd, this makes me so happy. It would be a dream to go on this train!

[@TK-pk6uj]

I did the same journey today in grand class and would recommend it every time over flying if you have the time and money. Although it’s a 4hr journey to Tokyo from Hakodate, the journey is so smooth and stress free.

[@dunkirchen1940]

I love that your mic picked up the motor noises of the train. Maybe I am weird, but it was one of my favorite things to listen to on the trains when I lived in Japan. Quite relaxing!

[@lyndylou752]

When I visited Japan I was terrified of the train system but I found it such an easy system to use with such friendly and helpful staff I just loved it

[@MegaHariboboy]

I spent a few months there. The Tokyo metro system at first is extremely daunting, (especially trying to find your platform in Shinjuku station) but is so easy after using it a couple times. I just don't understand why he doesn't use google translate and speak into it. It would save him so much time and effort, rather than bumbling around speaking to someone who has no idea what he's saying.

[@lyndylou752]

I was just reading some of the other comments in this thread, but I am laughing at the incredible number of people who are supporters normally of Noel, but “gasp” “horror” he actually made mistakes whilst visiting Japan. This bloody ridiculous response that so many people have, which leads them to find it necessary to defend Japan no matter what. I just don’t get it.@@MegaHariboboy

[@MegaHariboboy]

@@lyndylou752 Huh? I literally made a comment saying that he should use something that would help him. Japan is a country NOTORIOUS for having an extremely low level of English speakers, notwithstanding the fact that the people working at the train station were older, so even less likely to speak English. I wasn't needlessly bashing him. You would just think that as a travel KZbinr, he would be a bit more prepared with regards to the logistical side of things. It's not exactly like this is a anomaly. Noel tends to quite often just try to speak English to people who have no idea what he's saying, in the hope that they do.

[@lyndylou752]

.

[@lyndylou752]

WTF? I don't know why you thought I was having a go at you. If that was the way you read it, well, sorry, in fact, I was actually agreeing with your original post.

[@Jayy95]

This is exactly what I was waiting for 😁 would love to experience this one day. Always been fascinated how fast these trains go. thank you Noel absolute legend keep up the amazing work 😁

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suzannesiebert6354]

So glad I saw this! Trouble with tickets o/seas in other languages for help is tricky, and can be such an anxious experience. Don't feel so alone in it!

[@mattdarling9450]

I've been waiting for the Shinkansen review for so long! It's probably my favorite way in the world to travel! Glad you got to enjoy GranClass.

[@josuaerick9670]

Great video as always Noel, keep up the good work 💪

[@jameswiddowson3976]

Checked the case out, £450, bit out my price range but it does look very good. I was in Japan a few years ago and your video not only brought back memories but made me laugh. All the "issues" you experienced, me too, but what a stunning and wonderful country it is. A must if you haven't visited, and a ride on the bullet train is mandatory. As for the loo, my advice is to sit down press all the buttons and wait for the ride to start, its so much fun that its a good job you're sitting on the loo!!

[@missm10]

I rode the Shinkansen from Akita (a major city in northern Honshu alongside Sendai) to Tokyo multiple times when I lived in Japan years ago. Thanks for the nostalgia rush Noel, enjoy your remaining travels in Japan :)

[@rutgermout5003]

Akita International University?

[@riffgroove]

My bento-boxes on the Shinkansen are some of my favorite memories of my trip to Japan.

[@DG-rx6hp]

Noel. Welcome to Japan. You needed some coaching about how the train tickets work. You also forced your way through closed gates at Tokyo Station. They closed because it didn’t register you entering the system when you bypassed the the tickets wickets in Shin-Hakodate.

[@denniscoffey1247]

Touche!

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

so how do you actually use the tickets there? i cant believe that the original ticket machine didnt print everything out that noel needed to begin with? or has he not bought something to begin with that he needs?

[@theasian5496]

i recently rode on the N700A from Osaka to Tokyo in late-June; this brings a whole new perspective to the bullet train service in Japan

[@alanwong5082]

I live in Japan for three years. Love the local trains and the Shinkansen!

[@user-of3ip6gf2h]

Noel I thought the Bullet train was Awesome! Something I've Always wanted to do. I must say I gasped at the cost of the ticket not knowing what the average fare is for such a trip, but for a once in a lifetime experience it seemed definitely worth it. Great Fun.🙂

[@ojosef4608]

Always, Noel great video review and I hope to visit Japan one day. It seemed very clean there and organized.

[@rockstar6790]

I missed your train ride videos and glad you brought it back, riding the bullet train in Japan

[@TheCloakedTiger]

I want to visit Japan someday. It’s amazing how ahead Japan is in the world. It’s amazing!

[@theasian5496]

u should totally do it man! as a warning, travelling there can be quite difficult and expensive

[@coover65]

Absolutely worth visiting. Japanese cities are just so different from American, European or Australian cities. We're planning our third visit soon.

[@riffgroove]

The Japanese do everything just a little bit better and more efficiently than we do.

[@asiamommi]

Noel, I'm not even kidding when I tell you we had the exact same problem back in May! We ended up missing our Shinkansen and we were in tears. With the help of Google translate we got on the next train, but not the first class I had paid for and without a refund for the difference in price. It was all well and good, but you better believe when we arrived in Osaka I went right to the ticket office and had them reprint our return ticket and was assured it would work. That was the only issue and it was an amazing trip.

[@DERedhead1965]

Thank you for taking us on this train ride with you Noel, and Beautiful train too!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Peteski-0]

Really loved this one Noel. It’s on my bucket wish list to go to Japan and ride those trains. Just gotta convince the wife! Cheers 🤜

[@JustMe-sn8kd]

Glad you were able to do a train video, sorry you had troubles with it though. In the future I'd see if your phone has language translation. I know some iPhones do and Google's Pixel line has offline native translation if you install the language before you go. Those could help you communicate in some countries you go to. Japan is a great country in general and nice for someone like you who wants to get video of a lot of different things for content in a small amount of time. Glad to see you liked it and had fun, looking forward to your next Japan video :)

[@westhamaremassive713]

Great video once again Noel, hope you and the family are well👍

[@CricketEngland]

19:09 “Waiter get me some wine and don’t get all Saki” - Rik Mayall

[@scottdoel5423]

Japan is a bucket list place to go . Will go there one day

[@kurohone]

My experience with the Shinkansen was on the oldest model at the time in economy class.... and was still miles more comfortable than an equivalent airline seat. Considering the first-class experience you paid for, the trains are extremely good value for money.

[@bellanr56]

Hello Noel our daughter lives near Sendai in Japan so we use the Hyabusa often when we fly up from Perth WA.. I never get tired of it. Thanks for your reviews.

[@ant647448336]

Brings back awesome memories of catching the bullet train from Shinagawa (Tokyo) to Hiroshima. My hotel in Hiroshima was also on top of the train station and I had cracking views of the Dr Yellow train.

[@babayaga8640]

New drinking game should be take a shot every time Noel says „Hakodate“

[@mojotactical]

Is it hilarious that it's the only Japanese word he's mispronouncing? Drink! 😂

[@nolanbri1]

Noel, you should try "The Canadian", 4 days and nights, toronto to vancover. If you want to do another train journey

[@ThemeParkBazza]

We made our first trip to Japan in May and found the train stations the most stressful part of it. Just navigating to your way around to the exit most of the time. We took the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka, and we were amazed by the formal and respectful train team

[@ThemeParkBazza]

Nobody spoke Northern either😂

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

Just plan before you go.

[@archdavis6942]

Love it when you combine planes with other ways to get around. Awesome!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@billyburris5296]

When I lived in Japan I took local trains all the way from Sapporo to my home an hour south of Tokyo. It took a lot longer than 4 hours! It was a night train to Aomori then the first train of the day at 5am to get to my home station Tsujido just past midnight. It sounds horrific but it was amazing. There were about 13 trains and they all ran like clockwork without a single delay. Thanks for another brilliant video Noel. I hope you continue to enjoy Japan. It’s amazing isn’t it?!

[@hitomi_sh_la]

YO! I’m from Sapporo too

[@ytsub7]

I lived in Chigasaki for 5 years, you should be familiar with that name!

[@ocshaljufrian6109]

Yes, you have to try it, bro, the highest fastest train in Southeast Asia... the speed is 350 K kilometers, the newest fast train in Southeast Asia, the first in Indonesia, Jakarta - Bandung, lots of tourist attractions in the city of Bandung which is beautiful and comfortable and cool and cool and beautiful.

[@RussianSevereWeatherVideos]

Traveling on a Shinkansen and not having Ekiben is a travesty Noel!

[@Charlizzie]

I bet he end up hungry. He had no idea there is a tough af ice cream around.

[@AK.16]

Yes noel, the the limited express trains in Hokkaido are usually diesel powered. It is probably to lessen reliance on the overhead wires above the tracks that can freeze during winter months.

[@user-fz1dx4wt4t]

Thank you for coming to Japan🇯🇵 Please come visit us in Fukuoka when you have a chance😀

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

Visiting Japan - the big dream. Social anxiety and not speaking/reading the language - the big nightmare. Plus I can't afford it so these videos are extra precious, thank you!!!

[@asimler45]

I was in Japan this past May and made extensive use of the Shinkansen and limited express trains. I bit the bullet (train) and bought the JR pass which was a godsend and made travel straightforward not having to worry about the different fares and fees when buying individually. Not sure how much of a bargain the pass will be after the big price hike that’s coming later this year. ::sigh:: Your video has me wanting to go back right now! Japan is simply amazing!

[@JK_Clark]

£170 for a week's unlimited train travel is pretty decent.

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

does that also cover the bullet trains?@@JK_Clark

[@niksn022]

@@s1dew1nd3r4 it does, except for shinkansens on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. The passes went up in price in October, including the 7 day pass which is now about £266, so it may not be worth it for you if don't intend on traveling a lot in a short period of time.

[@fauzirahman3285]

I love taking the trains in Japan, especially the Shinkansen. When I went there I got the JR Pass so just showed them to the staff when I wanted to go on JR trains, though there are limitations and some services still require booking, and the premium ones like this one cost extra on top, albeit cheap than paying them full fare.

[@joannharrington2279]

Great way to get around Japan. Lovely seating on the train and beautiful scenery. Better idea to take the taxi. You need a manual to operate the loo. Great hotel. See you soon in your next adventure.

[@miker7233]

I took the bullet train years ago. From Tokyo to Kyoto. First class. The Japanese are so polite. A gentleman was sitting in the seat in front of me. He got up and asked if it would bother me if he reclined his seat.

[@Photo_CB]

You went on a Shinkansen and didn't try the ice cream? The orange is great! And the lunch boxes you can buy at the stations to eat on the train. Tokyo station is indeed chaos, though Japanese trains are (nearly always) beautifully on time when they do go wrong it can be a nightmare. The last time I came home from Tokyo, several years ago now, I took an early morning Narita Express train from Shibuya, where my hotel was to Narita for my flight home. Well, that was the plan as the train came to a halt in the tunnels a little outside Tokyo station. We waited... and waited... no annoucements or anything. After maybe twenty minutes the train crawled forwards and rolled into the station. We passengers were told to get off. Apparently a train ahead had broken down and ours was not going anywhere, let alone Narita. This was at just after 8am, on a weekday, in Tokyo station... What to do? Where to go How to get to Narita? No one gave us any help at all, in the rush hour at probably the biggest and busiest and most complicated stations in the woirld. Great :-( Luckily I had been to Tokyo before and had sort of plan: get to T-CAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) which I had used before and get a bus to Narita. No good, as you've found, Noel, the JR barriers are somewhat zealous and would not let me out of the station as it wasn't where my ticket was going to! So plan B was to go to Ueno by Tokyo Metro using my Pasmo card (like Oyster) to get another of the Narita trains, the Skyliner on the private Keisei line. That worked, but it was touch and go whether I would arrive on time at Narita. I was the last to check in for my JAL (codeshared with BA) and was rushed through security by JAL staff, skipping the worst queues. I caught my flight home, just... no thanks to JR though :-( They are generally fantastic but appeared incapable of making up a new mission on the fly when thing went wrong. Great times :-) I never managed to go back to Japan, unfortuantely.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Japan is such a unique and beautiful country. Great video as always. Keep it up.

[@noelphilips]

Thank you very much!

[@TheRareVideosXL]

@@noelphilips You're welcome.

[@SupremeOllz]

Brilliant video Noel! I've always wanted to go to Japan so thank you for sharing your time there :)

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grahamlavers8128]

I rode the Shinkansen in 2019, awesome ride, as for your ticket problem, I always buy from my ticket office, keeps my sister in a job. Tech is good until it fails

[@heydo8393]

I would ride that train in a heartbeat. My dad worked for Amtrak. Grew up riding trains. Now it would be so nice if Amtrak would have these kind of trains.

[@TheUnhingedPilot]

i wish America had a high speed train system

[@yooein]

in Texas there's going to be HSR between Austin/Dallas/Houston or something. It's only 20 more years?

[@mlykjy123]

Ive been to Japan several times. You can set your watch to the train schedule, they never miss a minute...

[@UncleSam177]

google lens was very helpful on translating Japanese language. I used it when I had my vacation last June. Japan was so nice, people and food was great! Will be visiting again in the future.

[@raylee17]

Without seeing your actual tickets for your experience at the ticket gates, I am making a guess here on what happened. Based on your trip, you should have 4 tickets: 1. a base fare all-stop train ticket from Sapporo to Tokyo; 2. a limited express ticket (for additional fare for express fare on top of base all-stop fare) from Sapporo to Tokyo; 3. a Green Car seat reservation ticket that charges for the seat reservation and shows your seat number on your express (non bullet train express train) train from Sapporo to Hakodate; and 4. bullet train ticket on Gran Class from Hakodate to Tokyo (for additional fare of Gran Class and bullet train express fare on top of ticket 1 and 2 + seat reservation on bullet train). It seems that you only have three tickets when you try to get into the station at Sapporo. My guess is that you are missing ticket number 1. Ticket number 2 is for the additional express fare so it is not for use at ticket gate. It is only for you to show to the conductor when they walk in the train to check tickets. If my guess is correct, when you show your three tickets to the Sapporo station ticket office person, what he sold you is that ticket number 1. As for your trouble at Hakodate station to get into the bullet train platform, were you trying to use the new ticket (i.e. ticket number 1) to get in? If so, that's why you could not, because Ticket number 1 is only for base all-stop train from Sapporo to Tokyo (i.e. as if you are taking the local train all the way). To get into the bullet train platform, you would use ticket number 4 (i.e. the Hakodate to Tokyo bullet train ticket). And then for exit at Tokyo, since you are exiting from the trip completely, I think either Ticket 1 or 4 will be OK. I suppose you used Ticket 1 (the new ticket) again, which is why the gate let you through. And yes, when you buy tickets online and at ticket machines at stations, it actually allows you to buy ticket number 2, 3 and 4 without buying ticket number 1. So my guess is that you actually never bought ticket number 1. You may have thought that by choosing the express train option, it gives you all the tickets, but it is not the case in Japan. The express train option is for the additional fare on top of base fare only. So you need to separately buy a base fare ticket too even when you buy an express ticket. My advice to foreigners is to buy your tickets at ticket offices when you go to Japan.

[@noelphilips]

This sounds….needlessly over complicated 😂

[@aronkam9296]

This is what I suspected too. The only case can't get through is missing Ticket 1(base fare). It also took me days to study hard and watched many KZbin to grab the logic and count the tickets when collecting them at the ticket machine. It did save me some trouble when I used the JR pass and now have online booking system.

[@mark123655]

​@@noelphilipsThat is Japan in a tea though. Simple yet difficult, new yet old, flexible yet regimented.

[@marsillinkow]

@@noelphilips 1) Base fare ticket (you are paying for the distance/journey from A to B) 2) Limited express ticket (you are paying more for the special express train that skips multiple stations) 3) Reservation ticket (you are paying more for a guaranteed seat on a particular train) 4) Bullet train ticket (the above 3 are for "normal" trains and are separate from bullet train ticketing, you normally only need 1 and 3 for bullet trains)

[@t-larsen]

I got a headache simply reading this

[@Michael_Wood]

Absolutely excellent video, as usual! Noel makes you feel as if you're traveling vicariously through him! Well done and Brilliant, Noel! Keep them coming!!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brian402]

Well worth the train trip,awesome video Noel👍

[@mikeydude750]

I took this exact route in January, the Hokuto limited express was certainly slow but absolutely gorgeous in winter! Sounds like they're actually expanding the Shinkansen portion directly to Sapporo but it won't be completed until like 2032 or thereabouts? The ticket thing is a bit complex yeah, I had the JR Rail Pass which made it a bit easier but you still have to remember to include all the ticket portions when you go through the gate.

[@11matt11]

Noel. love your videos, but could you please get your transfers together. Use lonely planet or anything when you leave a station and before you get into a cab. People die that way in other countries. No joke. Or you pay through the nose. And I would highly recommending using google translate on your phone when speaking to someone who can't speak English. It's free. The train guy probably thought you wanted a second ticket just like the first one, because you already had a ticket. Google translate will show your thoughts so he can read them, and he can talk to you back. It's brilliant

[@justinsimmonds5674]

That looks like a cool journey from Sapporo to Tokyo. About the issue at Sapporo station before your first train from Sapporo to Hakodate, I think the station staff charged you for the new ticket… No other reason I could think of as to why he would need your card… 7:05 Not all trains in Japan are electric. The Sapporo-Hakodate train is indeed diesel-powered. 16:01 I think that little jingle is maybe to do with next stop announcements based on a couple other reviews I have seen.

[@anonomia5535]

They actually do ask for your payment card to pick up online tickets, normally. Or at least that was the case for a ticket I purchased via JR West recently.

[@justinsimmonds5674]

@@anonomia5535 Ok then… Very interesting…

[@riffgroove]

The Shinkansen is awesome. I just got back from two weeks in Japan and the majority of my travel was on the bullet train. Even the regular seats on the Shinkansen are more confortable than any economy class flight I've ever done. And it's almost as fast.

[@conservativecal6215]

Ive been watching your videos since i was 10, im 16 now. Your inflight videos where fascinating to me and really helped me get into aviation. I love your channel man.

[@noelphilips]

Thank you!

[@JamieLikesGames]

Watching Noel trying to figure out the train system reminds me of the first hour of Persona 5

[@Chrisb8s]

Train is the way to go. If you fly , you still need to take a train the airport is not close I love Japan

[@user-bf9dx8zm8g]

Amazing content as always😊 love going online and seeing new videos from yourself, stay safe and I hope you and your wife are well❤

[@noelphilips]

Thanks so much!

[@grantt4691]

Thanks Noel. I predicted the bullet train review and you didn’t disappoint. Had the same ticket problem while in Japan but the porter just let us through the side of the gate. Didn’t require a new ticket. 😃

[@drumswest5035]

I would take that bullet train any day over a cramped, stuffy airplane ride, not to mention the hassles at airports with waiting times. I bet the trains always are on time and never lose your luggage!

[@yooein]

btw on my of those trains you can check-in luggage from home or a hotel... so good.

[@riffgroove]

And it's almost as fast.

[@mrpwebbie]

computer says no

[@kbunky69]

Lol 😊😊😊 little Britain 🇬🇧

[@karenh5239]

A beautiful refreshing vlog. Thank you. Much fun😊

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cadrat1962]

Best holiday I ever had was Japan....... Absolutely loved the Train network.

[@danielharvey3076]

I did the same trip as you Noel back in February to see the snow festival in Sapporo. Its so much more beautiful during winter. After spending a few days in Tokyo I managed to get sky marks Pokémon 737 flight to Sapporo before heading back on the hyubusa. It was awesome and only paid £277 for a 2week rail pass around Japan

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

how much did you pay for the train back?

[@dragontoothless4351]

Fun fact: The green Hiyabusa Shinkansen you rode frequently (though not always) merges with the Akita service (red train) at Morioka for continuing to Tokyo. Also, the sidewalk you were on outside Tokyo station has a shopping center beneath it.

[@alanlord399]

Having been to Japan several times I am just so surprised you seemed to have little idea how the country worked. Learn a few phrases in Japan. It works wonders. My friend had ticket problems trying to get on a Shinkansen. The JR personnel were so helpful. They even gave us a gift of a Shinkansen ruler each. Amazing country, amazing people

[@hawky225]

To be fair, he's also juggling a camera for our entertainment, in a country where he doesn't speak the language, nor did many of the people he had to ask for help speak english, and he's on tight schedules to make his trains and planes. Maybe he could've used his phone a bit more to help translate, I do notice Noel often bumbles his way through these interactions instead of using the very convenient and surprisingly accurate Google Translate app.

[@danielstevens8765]

Love the walk through. I run into the same issue with complimentary slippers. I wear a mens size 14 UK/ 15 US. Always causes trouble.

[@redtag501]

Excellent expose on this train service.

[@Angusgor]

Sounds like you were missing the regular fare ticket from Sapporo to Hakodate. In Japan for limited express trains you need to pay for both the Reserve + Express Ticket (one ticket) and the regular fare ticket travelling from point A to point B.

[@Angusgor]

At 4:50 the ticket in your hand says "Sapporo Area -> Tokyo Area" and that's the regular fare ticket you were missing. If you put that + the reserved ticket into the machine it should have let you through.

[@Ratoo]

Hope so - And I hope that ticket attendant just sold him base fare ticket instead of asking him paying for whole base fare, plus limited express + reserved seat + Gran class ticket) Also I think it’s totally possible that he just bought the limited express + reserved + Gran class ticket part, at least JR East allows you to do so.

[@Hudute]

23:45 You are supposed to use your ticket to exit the station. When coming off a Shinkansen, first the express surcharge, then the normal ticket at the second gateline. You did what someone fare dodging would do there. I can almost guarantee there was a railway worker in the area, joining the crowd in the Japanese death stare aimed at you. Just with no energy to deal with another tourist too ignorant to copy what the myriads of locals are doing when they pass the barrier.

[@Hudute]

To preempt a question: The gates are open so the throughput is higher, people don't need to slow down when passing. It only snaps closed when someone enters the channel without tapping IC or inserting their ticket.

[@noelphilips]

That seems....overly complicated!

[@86compgeek]

Ah the good ol' KZbin comments. Where everybody is perfect, an expert on everything and completely infallible.

[@Hudute]

@@86compgeek ah fanboys, defending creators from entirely reasonable critique. That man makes his money travelling around. Being unable to use a gateline is worthy of criticism. Especially when there is staff all around to help.

[@86compgeek]

@@Hudute Stop being needlessly rude to people online, mate. Everyone makes mistakes. It's OK to highlight mistakes so that people can learn from them, but you can do so in a much more courteous manner.

[@Sydorrah]

Love the new adventure! Looking forward to more

[@WhatHappenedInThatPlace]

Very nice Noel! I can't wait to visit Japan

[@KevinJones-qp9er]

How Noel hasn't got more subscribers is beyond me , well one of the best online , just never know what's coming on each week ,love it ❤

[@noelphilips]

Wow, thank you!

[@KUshift3]

Great video. I guess you only purchased the sinkansen ticket (express ticket)? so the gate won't let you through. (You will need a basic fare ticket + sinkansen express ticket to ride the sinkansen in Japan) if you don't know Japanese, better purchase the ticket from the ticket office. If you purchased it online and print it at the machine, it will also print a receipt indicates the number of ticket printed

[@KUshift3]

also you need to insert both tickets to the gate or it won't let you through. maybe that's the reason you cannot transfer from the normal train platform to sinkansen platform

[@machintrucGaming]

@@KUshift3 Two tickets ? That sounds like an absolute nightmare

[@ReiwaMagi]

It’s not actually a nightmare. You need to stack your tickets and put them into the machine. The fare gate can handle it. The screen even says to put the two tickets together.

[@KUshift3]

@@machintrucGaming That's how the Japanese train system works and don't worry the gate can handle it. This also applies to most express trains operated by private railways. Like the skyliner to Nanita Airport, two tickets at the same time.

[@robbubba8020]

The language barrier not withstanding that was a pretty cool trip the guy shaking you down for another ticket was funny you needed to get to your train and needed you to get away from his window😅 great video

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simongardner2066]

I got the shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, loved it , great experience