JAPAN HAS CHANGED | 10 Ways Tourists Keep WASTING MONEY in Japan | Travel Update September 2024

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

▶︎My website (Request a Service) www.toshi-guide-trip.com/ Share your thoughts and questions in the comments!

[@davidac76]

We're @ the airport now. About to depart Japan. The past 2 weeks have been awesome. I love Japan. We'll be back again. 👍

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad to hear that!!! I hope you come back to Japan soon.

[@davidac76]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan Definitely ❤️

[@bazli83]

Thanks for tips on My Basket store. I love grocery shopping at foreign countries

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you. Enjoy your shopping in Japan!

[@spurgunisti8294]

Really valuable tips, thank you!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you.

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

6. About coins - it is useful to have ¥100 coins for some self service car parking, luggage storage lockers etc.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists!

[@dc2728]

And laundry machines. Extremely useful. In fact, I had to manage my coin accumulation to ensure I had enough.

[@murylopinheiro686]

Flying to Japan next week and I'm pretty sure I'll use all these tips! 👍

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@FiyahLiger]

I stopped going to the konbini's when a Life supermarket opened up near where i stayed in Japan. It is so much better to shop in a market vs a the konbini. But late night when they are closed a convenience store doesn't hurt either! I can't wait to visit again next year 🥳 🎉🎉🎉

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. I hope you come back to Japan soon!!

[@nelzrock74]

Life! Best to go right before the store closes for nice discounts.

[@ShikiShimida]

thanks so much for your information

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you!

[@tinab738]

Thank you for the information 😊

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you.

[@winniethepoohandeeyore2]

Great tips as per usual.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you.

[@winniethepoohandeeyore2]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan You are a huge help to travelers going to Japan.

[@clarisakakimoto]

thanks for info❤

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you.

[@SuigaRou]

Here's one for my fellow weebs, don't buy things at Akihabara, or at the very least, shop around. I was there in September with a friend who bought a figure, and as we kept exploring we'd see the same figure at different places and the prices varied wildly. He had paid twice the lowest price we came across. Japan can be a fantastic place for deals, but you need to know where to look, and some places like the infamous Super Potato are cool and all, but their prices can be a little crazy.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists.

[@donricardoceramics]

I caught Uber multiple times in Japan. Sometimes a taxi came, other times a private driver.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. Actually, in Japan, you can receive a dispatch service from a taxi company that has a contract with the Uber app. The drivers are professional, not normal drivers. Therefore, the price is higher than a regular Uber. However, from the customer's perspective, the service content may not be different.

[@teighandoughty1573]

I love japan. Annual holiday destination ❤

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@Gerardo-qk3ed]

Thanks You sooooo helpful means a Lot

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you!! I'm glad I could help you.

[@averysmith3902]

Thank you 🙏 for the advice - my last trip in Tokyo ends up with lots of coins.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Oh! I hope you come back to Japan to use those coins.haha

[@cognomeditotti]

Toshi, i user Uber in Tokyo 3 days ago, from Shinjuku to Haneda, it was 9500¥, i had a lot of luggage so it was the best choice for me. But for shorter distances it could be worth, i used it for a 10 min ride and it costed almost the same as i would have spent with the bus, + you know in advance how much the ride costs. Anyway fantastic video and keep on updating us 🙏🙏

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. Actually, in Japan, you can receive a dispatch service from a taxi company that has a contract with the Uber app. The drivers are professional, not normal drivers. Therefore, the price is higher than a regular Uber. However, from the customer's perspective, the service content may not be different.

[@rank1839]

Thanks!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Oh, thank you very much!! I'll do my best!

[@joelvs96]

Not first, but great video!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you!!

[@juanparra8629]

Nice video! Thank you for all the advices. Where can i exchange money at Asakusa? with a good deal?

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you. There are many exchange spots in Asakusa. I think some of them provide a good deal because Asakusa is very famous tourist spots.

[@LoanPhan-t4f]

Thank you go to Japan in October

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@kretzschi5000]

i want to add that there are stores where visitors are paying much more for food than it normally cost especially at tourist spots so be aware of what things normally cost and dont spend a fortune on food

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists!

[@dankestvonmemen76288]

3:03 just came back from japan the 29th of september. we used uber there quite a bit and the only time we couldn't was when we were in nara to see the deer. looks like uber is restricted in some places but in kyoto, tokyo and osaka worked fine.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. Actually, in Japan, you can receive a dispatch service from a taxi company that has a contract with the Uber app. The drivers are professional, not normal drivers. Therefore, the price is higher than a regular Uber. However, from the customer's perspective, the service content may not be different.

[@dankestvonmemen76288]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan very true, i was wondering why they were all taxies except for the vans we sometimes needed😂it was my first trip to japan and now that im back home i really want to go again!

[@pdxtran]

But why even pay for an Uber when you can go the same distance for a small percentage of the price using public transit.

[@Bunnyroo7]

I'd add that relying on cards can also be a costly mistake. Many banks charge a fee for paying in another currency. For example, I had a British bank that charged £1 for each transaction not in sterling. Banks in the eurozone also often charge €1 as a service fee per transaction. American banks charging $1 per transaction isn't uncommon, either. There are also many banks that add 5-12pc in fees on top of that. Especially when making small purchases, cash is actually better. Whenever I've been in Japan and my coin purse was starting to get a bit full, I'd just make a point of buying drinks with them at vending machines or convenience stores.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. I appreciate it!

[@russr9045]

When I was there in April most places required that you buy $50 worth of stuff before getting the tax exemption. They didn't seal anything that I bought.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Oh! Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists!

[@SuigaRou]

I think it depends on what you get. Only place I went to that sealed anything was Bic Camera, and I'm pretty sure it's just because my buddy was buying chocolate, because they didn't seal up my stuff which was just games.

[@rank1839]

thank you

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you!!

[@raysmashbrawl176]

Are trains available in the mornings to the airport like from Tokyo to Haneda? Im trying to find alternatives aside from Taxi.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

The trains start running from around 6 am!

[@scottb828]

Also, try the Tokyo Monorail from Hamamatsucho Station. There's more room for luggage and it's a nice view on the way to Haneda.

[@dominikhubner2138]

Hi, Uber is not legal in Japan? Cause I used it once during my stay primarily to get my luggage from my hotel to the Station and it worked out quite well. I would have love to use the GO Taxi app but it always said that I am not allowed to download it in my country.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. Actually, in Japan, you can receive a dispatch service from a taxi company that has a contract with the Uber app. The drivers are professional, not normal drivers. Therefore, the price is higher than a regular Uber. However, from the customer's perspective, the service content may not be different.

[@bleachter1]

Do you know if there are a transport card or ticket like ""Cilmate card" From Seoul? I´m gonna travel to Tokyo the next week from South Korea and I want to save my money with a similar option.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Sorry, I don't know what a Climate Card is...

[@bleachter1]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan It´s a subway transport card like suica but in Seoul, There is a plan to recharge for days, weeks or 1 month and you can use ilimited travles for all of these days.

[@shaysegev2107]

Dear toshi : 2 things. Uber does work in japan i used it in osaka. And about the tax free it’s very but very bad to keep it sealed and must show them at departure. I found it very bad for privacy and don’t want to use it ever again ! I prefer pay the extra 10 percent only and don’t get fined or interrogated when exiting japan ! This is really bad for japan !

[@davidac76]

@@shaysegev2107 We departed Japan today, and used the tax free. We didn't have to show anything at departure. I think they just do random checks, and not every passenger.

[@shaysegev2107]

@@davidac76 yes but it makes you scared of being stopped and checked and maybe big fine. I don’t like it I won’t buy tax free never again it doesn’t worth the tension going like that to the airport. This is big minus to japan.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

@shaysegev2107 @davidac76 Thank you for sharing your opinion and real experiences. Those are very helpful for other tourists!

[@TamashiiRyu]

The question we all are still asking ourselves: 711, Family Mart, or Lawson? 😂

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Yes, those convenience stores. They are more expensive than supermarkets.

[@monaroja8317]

Hi.. Toshi... I dont get u about railway pass in japan.U said,dont get railway pass its expansive rite??April i been to fukuoka. I buy ticket frm station ever time travel.I have nimoca card also for bus.I only spend three day in japan in my last trip.Next again to japan.Thank u for tips toshi.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

It depends on the type of rail pass and your travel plans. The Japan Rail Pass can be expensive depending on your travel plans. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan again.

[@monaroja8317]

Thank u very much​@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan

[@Aivbro]

Hello Toshi, Where is a good place to exchange money in Tokyo? I'll be landing in Narita Airport, but other than ATMs, where could I find good exchange rates from euro to yen in tokyo? Maybe someone knows a specific exchange shop? Thank you 😊

[@FranciscoVargas-cw9xw]

Ticket ranger in shinjuku/nishishinjuku. It’s like 10 min walk from the west exit

[@Jauphrey]

Hey, friend! I have a running excel sheet I keep for myself as I go to Japan often for work. I use USD, but these rates should be comparable to Euro insofar as how good each service is. Note that I included TravelEx as they're famously the worst just so you can compare: ------------ 7-11 ATM: $100 USD = ¥14,200 Ticket Ranger: $100 USD = ¥14,017 Sakura Currency Service: $100 USD = ¥14,500 TravelEx (for comparison): $100 USD = ¥13,771 ------------ I tried to summarize, but those rates above include the current exchange rate, and their exchange fee. Any ATM (like 7-11) will be different depending on your bank and if they charge you fees on top of the ATM. I have no fees with my bank, so it's typically a 2% fee. Both Ticket Ranger and Sakura are comparable though as well. They advertise "no commission/no charge", and basically make their money as a result of having a lower exchange rate than some places so it's factored into the exchange. Often they are cash only as well, but I'm sure this is dependent on the location you go to. All that said, 7-11 is generally my recommendation if you are withdrawing cash using card, but if you already have cash then Sakura Currency or Ticket Ranger will all give you a comparable and fair exchange. :) Hope you have a great vacation!!

[@哥坤-s7o]

Hi Toshi, is there any apps or websites that we can use to check the weather forecasts while in japan?

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

"Weathernews" is very popular in Japan. global.weathernews.com/your-industry/mobile-internet/

[@teighandoughty1573]

Google works pretty well

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

@@teighandoughty1573 Thanks!

[@namonaisonzai9336]

Wait, entrance stamp in your passport?? I only realized the possibility of tax free stuff last time i went (the fourth time lol). How do i make sure i get an entrance stamp? Don’t you get that by default?? 😮 Thanks for the helpful tips!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

If you use the automatic immigration gates, you don't have a stamp. However, there is an area where you can get a stamp if you want one. So don't forget to get it.

[@scottb828]

The tourist visa (called temporary visitor) stamp in Japan is more like a postage stamp you put on an envelope, not an ink stamp like the ones pictured in the video. If you show your passport to a person in a booth at the airport upon arrival, you will get that stamp, and that will qualify you for the tax-free discount.

[@namonaisonzai9336]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan Thank you so much!

[@namonaisonzai9336]

@@scottb828 So look for a person, not an automated gate, gotcha! Thank you so much!

[@gracelsls3366]

I was in Japan a 2 weeks ago & used Uber just fine

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. Actually, in Japan, you can receive a dispatch service from a taxi company that has a contract with the Uber app. The drivers are professional, not normal drivers. Therefore, the price is higher than a regular Uber. However, from the customer's perspective, the service content may not be different.

[@ebsfunland8666]

I am in Japan for my dream holiday I have been to Disney Tokyo sea Mt Fuji been to Disneyland, Tokyo Tokyo Tower imperialPalace I’ve been to hello Kitty land and tomorrow off to Osaka Kyoto for a day trip when I am in Osaka and going to Universal studios Osaka

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Oh!! Thank you for sharing your real experience. I hope you have a good time in Japan!!!!!

[@turpasauna]

Skip the street food around Tsutenkaku. Tourist pricing (1000 yen for basic ramen!) big time.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists.

[@turpasauna]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan Yes, we must be honest in order to improve. Osaka otherwise is a wonderful location!

[@Lostboy811]

The fact is that Japan has amazing multiple mass transportations in fact just experiencing it is sometimes worth it. I am not against spending money on such it's a vacation and experiencing such things as the unique bussing and don't know about you but a private bus cabin looks intriguing and others like the ferrying and trains many different ways to travel. I don't know if you covered it yet but I am very interested in understanding more about it. One thing I heard about but wasn't able to do was buying a folding bike in Japan for more easily getting around. What are your thoughts on this option. I mean I probably just leave it there not wanting to take it home would such be possible.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your opinion and advice. I think buying a folding bike is a good idea. Depending on the size, you can take them on public transport. Also, it might not cost that much if you can sell it when you leave Japan.

[@pdxtran]

I save coins for my next trip. On one trip, I counted my accumulated coins and found that I had ¥1500, enough to pay for a meal.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience.

[@broissey]

Toshi - hello! do you offer tour guide in Tokyo?

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Yes. Please contact me on my Instagram or via email. Instagram ID: toshi.0920 [e-mail]

[@jay248713]

Thank you for these tips! I started watching your videos to get ready for our Japan trip next April!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for watching. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan!!

[@jackfromthe60s]

Always get cash from an ATM, not from a money changer. Unless your bank charges excessive withdrawal fees.

[@carmensalemi]

Thanks for The Basket info! I'll look for it on google maps 😊 VERY IMPORTANT Give me info about the weather please. It's still hot during the day and cool at night, right? According to the weather forecast, it is 30° during the day and around 20° at night. I'll go to Tokyo, Kyoto but also to Nikko, Fuji san, Shirakawa, Takayama, Kiso valley and Koya san. I don't know how to dress. Help me 😅

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

When are you coming to Japan? If it's now, it's better to wear short sleeves during the day and long sleeves at night. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@carmensalemi]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan I'll coming from 21 october from 3 november. Autumn is delaying...

[@alexnikolaev2827]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@iaoshua]

best way to lose money is with the 立ちんぼ in shinjuku

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

That's right.haha

[@micoman4939]

I ate at a Gyukatsu and they had a tip box by the cashier

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Oh really. I think it's a donation box to someone.

[@alicialpc9737]

Singaporeans ❤ Japan .

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you!!

[@MrFruitHater]

Solo traveling to Japan in November, this video is much appreciated. I don't have a lot of money so these tips are a life saver. Thanks!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you! I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@jayraitt9023]

1. Stick to the smaller cities, only a couple days in Tokyo to see the big sites is all you need. It would take MONTHS to ACTUALLY see all the cool Tokyo stuff. Its a 37 million person city. Osaka is cheaper, and places like Toyama and Niigata are DOPE. And they'll feel more like "studhi Ghibli Japan." -eat where Japanese salaryworkers eat. Not where old people are eating, where gritty and tired middle age to young-ish Japanese men are eating. Gonna be a lot cheaper. The smaller the restaurant and the older the grandma cooking, the better and cheaper it'll be. -make sure you have an international phone plan or pickup a sim card. -LEARN SOME JAPANESE. Seriously. You'll be treated 1000000000000000x better. Even if you're bad at it.

[@fatalradius]

Me too! I'm just ready to get lost like crazy 😂

[@conget]

I went there a month ago foe the 4th time and I have some personal suggestion for you: 1) Although it seems nice to go to famous big restaurants, try to learn a few words of japanese and go for local shops. You will be greeted by the locals and they will recommend you on certain spots to go or to try. 2) Dont rely too much on english. Instead, rather use google translate or google lens en then speaking. Many japanese doesnt speak english, and often they also got scared and go away. However, when I show the translated sentence to them after saying sumimasen, they are much more helpful. 😊

[@IanJTaylor]

Oh, I used all the items that i bought tax free. Never mind, i never got pulled up for it

[@vounovapor]

My best tip for eating in Japan is AVOID a restaurant when the push you to order a mandatory drink, even if they suggest soda drinks. In almost a month in Japan 99.999% of restaurants offer you cold tap water with the menu, or you can serve yourself with free water. To push foreigners to order drinks looks out of place and suspicious… tourist trap.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. I appreciate it!

[@Chadd311]

Toshi!!!!! Thank you for talking about not spending to much money on drinks!!!! This will help me very much on my trip to Tokyo in June!! See you then!

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you. I hope you have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@Chadd311]

@@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan it’s always good to save money to use it to buy more food, beer and sake! 🍺😖🍺

[@antoineheaven]

Your advice is so precious thanks👍 😉

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

I'm glad I could help you!

[@notsleptwell1973]

11. Is what ive heard. Dont spend money on Video Games and Pachinko. Why? The money goes directly to Korea but North Korea. That what Japanese people told me. 😅

[@u2ber888]

No Izakaya, no JR pass, no credit/debit paymnt...just bring plenty of cash you will be fine. Your main enemies are hotel and transport costs. Local JR trains 'Futsuu' can cost as cheap as JR/non JR buses. Never queue up for food in tourist area...cost more, less value.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. I appreciate it!

[@khonable]

👍

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thanks!

[@Tomi611]

Bro in okinawa taxi was literally cheaper than bus. Those bus prices insane.tax free part also not so good. You have a limit and also cant open the packs.also not so good,pain in the ass. Coins are literally very goos to keep i literally need always exchange,Suica money.also stays there.

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Thank you for sharing your real experience. It's very helpful for other tourists. I appreciate it!

[@fialee8ca132]

Why is your intro audio so insanely loud?

[@tanveeralam6514]

Hi.. I am tanveer from India.. I wl be visiting Japan nxt february for our marriage anniversary.. Can you help me make an itinerary?

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Yes. Of course. I have an "Itinerary Planning Service". Please check out my website. 0920toshiyukin.wixsite.com/toshi-guide-trip-1

[@LudwigSmith1337x]

I would lose money fr is to buy electronics

[@panja3964]

When someone for buying food money wASTE he must save money to buy toothpASTE

[@DetonateDynamite]

Man those American friends 😅

[@Toshi-Guide-from-Japan]

Yes. It's because I lived in the US before.

[@lisafiore7081]

The title is so misleading!