Japan Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

10 things YOU need to know before you go to Japan. A comprehensive travel guide to bring you up to speed on Japanese Etiquette, Language, Food, Hotels, and more! After watching this video you'll be well prepared to tackle Japan, my favorite country to travel to! EXPAND DESCRIPTION FOR MORE.
1- Etiquette:
Japanese have a specific way to do everything -- as a foreigner you'll probably get a pass
Types of bowing
Greetings
How to sit
How to hand things with 2 hands
Levels of politeness
Happy to help -- and sometimes they will really go out of their way to help you.
2- Language:
Japanese of course! Different Dialects throughout.
English in the big cities
Japanese may seem like they don't know English.. they are just Shy.
Tokyo,Osaka,Kyoto public transport signed in English
Not so much in the suburbs
Good to have your hotel and destinations written in Japanese
Don't know Japanese? Just try the English variant
Hamburger
Coffee - Cohhe
Good to learn some basic Japanese
Biru Kudasai
3- Timeliness:
Being on time is very important
Stores close and open promptly
Bullet trains have to run within 15 seconds of their posted schedule
Dinner Reservations be on time.
5 mins before and they may not seat you.
Distance often measured in "walking time"
Japan is just one time zone
Calendar is different
4- Public Transportation:
It's amazing
Be aware of rush hour and the last train time
Little luggage storage -- Luggage shipping services
Train stations are amazing too.
But confusing.
Remain calm. Take the next train
Coin Lockers!
But watch my video
JR Pass
Driving -- I've got a video on that too
But don't drive in the big cities
The "Limousine Bus" is just a bus.
No Uber.. taxis though! Let the taxi driver open the door.
Bicycling - Can be fun.. park in a legal spot. Ride on sidewalks.
5- Food:
Noodles, Sushi and Yakitori
Slurp your noodles
Katsu Don
Ten Don
Pepper Lunch
Pudding!
Matcha Everything
Fruit ( Strawberry, Cantaloupe)
Give it a try!
It doesn't all have to be expensive.
Watch my cheap eats video
English menu
Point at the food in the window (or take a picture of it)
Vending Machines to order
Izakaya -- Japanese Pub -- Time limit
Tatami Restaurants -- sit on the floor, take off your shoes
Standing restaurants (Sushi, Steak)
Convience Stores
Department Stores
Pancakes for dinner
Maid Cafes
Robot Restaurant
6- Money:
Cash is King! Credit not accepted much.
Yen
Bills / Coins
Always put your money in the Tray
Change comes back in a Tray
With 2 hands
Japan is probably the cheapest country in the developed world. The only comparable countries are Portugal and Taiwan.
Stay at Toyoko Inn and eat at 7-11 and Yoshinoya
7- Tipping:
They don't do it
It's actually considered rude
8- Trash:
There are very few public trash cans
Watch my video for more details
9- Toilets:
Some squat toilets
Toto toilets are Amazing!
Sometimes called Washlet or Ostomat
If water runs when you sit on it you didn't break it
Great way to clean yourself, dryer, music,heat
Usually no paper towels, carry a handtowel
Toilet slippers - just for the toilet
If it is a squat toilets:
Face the right way, usually in the direction of the porcelain hood. Note point “A” in the diagram. Avoid this common mistake: Don’t go over the hole - by going over the opposite end (the end without the hole), you avoid any sort of splashing or the like.
10 - Hotels:
Small. Functional. Clean. Tired.
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You might enjoy watching more of my travel guides on Japan in this playlist: • Japan Travel Guides
Or just my Japanese Hotel Reviews in this playlist:
• Japanese Onsen and Hot...
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[@willow5437]

I love how some of the pedestrians turned around and smiled/waved at the camera

[@YellowProductions]

Happy people! :)

[@hugohuysmans9666]

that man can speak for minutes without breathing; amazing.

[@YellowProductions]

Hah! I do breathe :)

[@hugohuysmans9666]

even more amazing!!@@YellowProductions

[@hhhaq8324]

He’s a good guy

[@christopherm5958]

Chris, I mentioned to my Mom how great you are with returning comments and caring about your followers. Why cant everyone do this? I really appreciate how you run your channel. Many thanks. Chris from Vancouver Canada

[@YellowProductions]

Awww.. thanks so much for the kind words to your Mom Chris!

[@totoki7400]

Oh my God I'm freaking out I'm going to Japan within a week it's just stress me out because I cannot read in Japanese I don't know where should visits first it's a lot of attraction. Thank you for this video it's ready helpful for me

[@cryptopian507]

Google Translate

[@gwright598]

You have the BEST travel videos!!!! Thank you!!!

[@jkillgrove]

I've been to Japan once (almost 50 years ago.) Unfortunately I'll never be able to go again probably, but your videos help me to relive that wonderful month I spent there. I wish that I'd known then what I'm learning from you now. The Japanese people are wonderful, and very helpful and understanding. Thank you so much for bringing back those wonderful memories!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Jim!

[@n20games52]

Your videos are really making me feel much more confident about my upcoming trip to Japan! Thanks again for all the time and effort you've put in!

[@aracnealbarran7228]

Love your video content.

[@annecorey607]

Beautiful place in. Japan very nice love some of the foods spices and not spicy foods fresh healthy foods I love them all always very busy lots of foods and fresh very good foods thank you

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Anne . More Japan videos coming up soon!

[@djpaulhannon]

Great videos as always mate, please keep them coming :).

[@MillennialTravelConfessions]

Love this video! Your videos are so informative, you're doing a great job 👍

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Millennial Travel Confessions

[@monadamus42]

Thank you so much, bro, this is a really great video! Your speaking and delivery are just delightful and very helpful. I feel like I'm visiting you, an old friend, and you show me the way. I also enjoyed that yellow scarf.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Adan for the kind words! And for noticing the yellow scarf :)

[@fanrichard8410]

，love your video you doing great jobs

[@christines4]

Thanks for being informative on all your videos. I've been to Japan a few times and can say you are spot on. You mention lots of interesting facts that other people don't. Great job!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Christina!

[@glennpaton8283]

Great tips Chris, top video.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Glenn!

[@TheNintendoWizrad]

Went to tokyo a month ago. Just want to say your videos were a blast to watch and very helpful. Thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

[@lenasolovjova2481]

You are amazing! Thank you

[@YellowProductions]

Want to watch more of my videos from Japan? Check out my Japan playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PL14F9F774CE8798C3

[@meeeeep123]

I really love this video since I’m Japanese, I can know how foreigners see our country but one thing.. tipping is not rude... yes, people do not neet to tip in Japan, but still is money, and we also know tipping systems in other countries, we will be very happy once we get one. Normally we will say “No” when people try to tip tho... but once again, we say no not because it rude, it because we think we are not worth it getting tips

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@OnHawaiiTime]

Japan is on our bucket list!! It's such an easy flight from Hawaii. We are going to soak up all your Japan videos before we go!! Great video as usual! Aloha~

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks! Aloha!

[@lloydanthonyhidalgo2100]

very helpful!

[@JovialJinx]

Thank you Chris and Topher! We are on our way to Japan in March and the tip to book hotels 3 months in advance will really help us.

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome! Yes.. book your hotels now!

[@mr.jewwylinn4889]

Great stuff.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Vealz!

[@annagriffiths8230]

Great video, lots of useful information, thank you :))

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Anna!

[@qrowok1104]

White strawberries are the sweetest that I know of

[@YellowProductions]

Mmmm

[@sarashapsari4930]

the way you explain is clearly easy to understand, and all your japan guide videos are very helpful for me!! thankyou

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Saras!

[@44PanDora44]

Wow this video is amazing! Thank you! Very informative!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Tab Tabs!

[@RenerDeCastro]

Really hoping I can go back to Kyoto by next year. Love your guides. They've saved me a lot of times during my second and third trips to Japan last year.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Rener!

[@MoaandMore]

Very good video. I’m glad you enjoyed Osaka 🤩👍🏻

[@scully392z]

Great information. I have had very sweet cantaloupe on the Big Island and on Oahu equal to Japanese cantaloupe. Cheaper too.

[@tribequest9]

The cherries there are amazing, got a cherry cheese Danish, best thing I ever ate, ten years later I still dream about that.

[@YellowProductions]

It's true! The fruit in Japan is just way better than anywhere else!

[@goofydavid100]

thank you so much for the video keep posting more I want to use your info to send my parents to Japan for a holiday in 2020 thanks Chris

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome Kevin.. thanks!

[@TokyoSilver]

Thanks for the insightful video!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks TokyoSilver... my pleasure!

[@gieansky8113]

i wish ive known this 3months ago before we went to japan, so helpful for first timers

[@whushaw]

Lots of great info mate

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks whushaw!

[@AndyJohansen]

Awesome video! 😁 Really want to travel more now

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Andreas!

[@partyintheclouz]

I'm probably going to Tokyo in a year, so hyped!! 🥺

[@marrisagirl]

Good and very informative video

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Rocco!

[@marlitasoentara7231]

Thank you, your video is simple and crystal clear, and your enunciation is perfect :)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Marlita!

[@bruinogen]

We’re going in 2 weeks to Japan, thanks so much for your video it is very helpful!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Cindy! Enjoy Japan!

[@grace_gavin]

Thank you for this video, this helped me a lot :)

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Grace!

[@JAPANexperience-gk9rq]

This video makes me wanna go there!

[@YellowProductions]

You should!

[@imlookiting2184]

Excellent Information! I plan to visit Japan this Summer and will be gleaning all I can from your channel. Arigatou Gozaimasu! Subscribed.

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome! Welcome to Yellow Productions! If you checkout the playlists section of my channel you'll find a Japan playlist with all my Japan videos in one place :)

[@tanishkbohara716]

Amazing video

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks again Tanishk!

[@LinhNguyen-nq5di]

"Goooood luck!" :) Great videos, Mate!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Linh!

[@katiedamico531]

Dude i love your videos i love traveling to!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Katie!

[@ProjectResident]

good tips. on my way there. thanks

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@skh_okakok]

It’s been 15 years since I’ve been to japan, but I remember how notable it was that they didn’t have paper towels in the public bathrooms there. Very eco friendly! Something else we noticed is that it was very hard to find Pepsi. It was very much a Coke country. Is that still the case? Great video, very helpful!

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Savannah.. pretty much every convenience store will sell Pepsi, but yes, from a restaurant perspective it's all Coke

[@victorianrichard8097]

I love the prestige street in japan yellow production chris

[@ilford6x6]

Nice video. Unexpected plot twist at the end of the video, lol

[@theobaldlolworth4717]

I love Japan and I appreciate your matter-of factly attitude towards it (many foreigners seem to have some over the top expectations of it), thanks for your fun videos! (also about LA!)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Theobald!

[@paigefoss3871]

My favourite Japan I love it

[@scottman895]

This video should be required viewing for all flights going to Japan! Thank you for the awesome tips! I will remember these when I get a chance to finally visit Japan someday!

[@YellowProductions]

If you know about who works for the Airlines that'd be cool :)

[@anhpam9205]

Thanks! You remind me alot of John Ritter from Three's Company! Hope to get to Japan one of these days. I think I'd be just fine with all the Rules. Wish other countries valued such behaviour.

[@mhcst]

I wanna go to japan RIGHT NOW!!!

[@MrNirvanana]

ありがとうございました!

[@tannerwilson4843]

You forget Japanese Ice Cream! They have the most unique and craziest flavors in the world.

[@YellowProductions]

What's your favorite Japanese ice cream flavor Tanner? Most unique I had once was probably Sunflower Seed flavor

[@MillennialTravelConfessions]

Haha they do! Love matcha! ❤️

[@louiseroberts473]

I am going to go to Japan in a year for 14 days thanks!

[@YellowProductions]

Fun!

[@yourfunsister]

I’m a new subscriber. Really great videos. Super informative. Help me to understand the little stuffed toys. Is there a story behind them or just added for a random, quirky effect? :-)

[@piddlespankreata5485]

I just got back from Tokyo and Kyoto and had no trouble paying with a credit card in small ramen and izakayas and other establishments, so in my experience (April 2019), the notion that you need to walk around with large amounts of cash in Tokyo is somewhat exaggerated. I also had no trouble finding ATM machines throughout the city and metro stations if I did want to carry cash.

[@YellowProductions]

It's just good news that it's improving! Too many digital payment systems now is really the problem

[@frankiefrankie5656]

1:36 the guy at the right waving though 😂 great vid

[@paulsartorius4564]

Watched this video while riding the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto - all excellent information. One update, Uber is all over Tokyo and a good option when traveling with a suit case.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the update on Uber in Tokyo!

[@G-y_m]

No uber in Kyoto

[@G-y_m]

Please Japanese taxis are cheaper than uber

[@lisawang1003]

omg you been doing this channel for 10years!

[@YellowProductions]

Yuppers!

[@py1211]

Did you mention Japan is also a shopping mecca? I could easily spend half a day in shops like Yodobashi Camera, BIC Camera or Toyko Hands.

[@Grovel007]

People seemed to love your camera 😝

[@YellowProductions]

Cameras fascinate people :)

[@donaldtrumpy5914]

Because Japanese People made the Camera...

[@autumbreeze1129]

Throughout number 8 I was half distracted by the billboard featuring anime Girls behind you 😆😅

[@YellowProductions]

I could see that :)

[@OneManOneCamera]

Those Washlet Toilets are very nice to have! Some models will have a seat warmer, some will release an air sanitizer to cover those... ahem... uncouth odors and some play music to cover sounds. The first time I used a stoop and poop style toilet, I really, really, really had to go. I had no choice as it was the only style at the stadium.

[@YellowProductions]

Everytime I go to Japan it makes me really want to install a washlet back home!

[@shitpostistan]

I once made a mistake of bowing like this _/＼○_, could not sit for days.

[@willow5437]

I read that as bowling and I was like "???????????" For like 5 minutes

[@melissabulicek8671]

I have learned the most from your videos. How do you know Japan so well?

[@YellowProductions]

I go to Japan way too often :)

[@DaiseyChannel]

Great vids, Chris. Don't eat/drink while you are walking in Japan's streets. Move to the side of the path and eat out of the way of other pedestrians.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Daisey!

[@FranciscoK]

Great video! Thanks for all the advices !! I have a question: The signs in the big cities are only in English/Japanese or are another popular languagues?

[@YellowProductions]

Pretty much just English and Japanese

[@Bloodymononoke39]

They will usually have Korean and Chinese too in the big stations

[@elsiemurphy3218]

Thank you so much for the fantastic video on Osaka, Chris. It's very informative. In fact, all your videos are. Is staying near the Osaka train station better than staying near Shin Osaka. Are the shops and restaurants mostly located in Osaka station?

[@YellowProductions]

Shin Osaka is kind of a way from the center of things.. if you want to be in the middle of it all stay near Osaka Station, or Namba Station.

[@elsiemurphy3218]

@@YellowProductions Many thanks, Chris. Do you happen to know what time is the last sinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka in October please. Thank you

[@redfish337]

@@elsiemurphy3218 Shin-Osaka has good access to other cities. Namba has stuff to do but relatively poor access. Osaka/Umeda has both good access to things (if a bit different set than Shin-Osaka) and things to do, but the stuff to do is less unique to Osaka and isn't much different from Tokyo. If your main goal is to see Osaka, I recommend areas near Namba. Note that the areas south of Namba are a bit slummy by Japanese standards. Shin-Imamiya/Tennoji WOULD be a good mix of both, but even with the tallest building in Japan in Tennoji, they're still working on fixing this area up. If you'll have a mix of Osaka and other areas nearby, Osaka/Umeda is probably best. If access to a shinkansen is important, then Shin-Osaka. BTW, it's currently listed as 8 03 PM with railpass, and 9 23 PM if you are willing to pay for your ticket. This is where there's a weakness with the railpass, as they're trying to get businessmen home and figure tourists can be more flexible.

[@sjaw100]

Do you have any advice on best SIM card to buy?Thanks

[@mickeyluv3357]

Thanks so much for this video! We're thinking of traveling to Japan for the 2020 Olympics. Do you have any suggestions about Pocket WiFi, I heard this will be needed if we want to use our cell phones

[@YellowProductions]

I dont have a particular suggestion about it.. but yes.. that is certainly one option to get internet access on your phone

[@raviprasadpai2357]

Can you share few fast food chains that has vegetarian food

[@tri0xin]

Great video!.. I've got one question about toilets... I've got a problem where when I have to go, i have to go. Are public bathrooms very prevalent? If I'm walking down the sidewalk in Shinjuku and the urge hits me hard where do I go? Are they at all subway stations? Do convenience stores have them? Do they cost? I'm going in a few weeks and that's the only thing I worry about :)

[@YellowProductions]

Hi William.. I'll answer it this way.. I am someone who also has to go to the bathroom frequently and urgently and Tokyo is a place I feel pretty good. Most subway and train stations do have bathrooms. They are usually in the "paid area" of the station. Other than those.. I have yet to see a pay toilet in Japan. They are always free, and generally plentiful

[@Altazmuth]

Wonderful videos, but I don't get the Tofer bit.

[@Golgo33]

I wonder if is it best to book your flight and room together before you go or since you have a vague idea of the different sites and will be traveling everywhere it would be wise to wait and book the room.

[@YellowProductions]

I always book seperately. I'm picky on hotels and want the flexibility to pick/change/etc

[@jwa10]

Ok!

[@jwa10]

Lots of good info! I’ll be watching more :)

[@NothingMaster]

They say to know Japan is to taste it. I also know that Japan happens to be your favorite travel destination. So, I was wondering if you could give us a Top 20 Best Foods to try in Japan (in your opinion of course). It would be extremely helpful, also, if you could couple that information with the names of specific restaurants/eateries, as well. P.S. Great video, as always, Chris.

[@YellowProductions]

Great idea NothingMaster! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@NothingMaster]

Yes, and I think with your considerable knowledge of the country and the culture it will make a great topic for an upcoming Live Chat. It could include anything from simple street food, to homemade recipes, to the Sushi and Sashimi places where you could get the most bang for the buck, to the high-end cuisine, to even the more exotic and lesser known dishes. In short: A Culinary Tour of Japan. Getting to know Japan through its world heritage designated culinary tradition.

[@DorianDuVerger]

Hi from New Zealand

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Dorian!

[@DorianDuVerger]

@@YellowProductions say hi to Topher

[@BossChronicles]

👍

[@ringleader61]

how much yen should someone carry on them for a day of shopping?

[@deborahsmith7005]

Hi Chris, if I need to pre-book a seat on the bullet train in Japan, how early before the train leaves do I need to book. Hours, days, weeks?

[@YellowProductions]

I'd say if you book the day before you're typically pretty good most of the time. Only exception might be if you're traveling on holidays. We usually plan out our train schedule before we go... then we arrive in Japan we make on trip to the JR ticket office to get all of our Shinkansen seats

[@adiraval7699]

I would love to go to Okinawa

[@adiraval7699]

I would also love to go to the big cities

[@adiraval7699]

Have you been to the Mount Fuji

[@muscularweeb]

funny that beer is "Biru"? when Biru means building I'm pretty sure..?

[@c.catlover4080]

What can a vegetarian/vegan eat in Japan? I know most of the noodle bowls are made with a broth that is not vegetarian/vegan.

[@tarikfarajallah3270]

Is it a good idea to visit Japan during the Golden week?

[@YellowProductions]

Probably not.. lots of things will be closed

[@clopez767]

Is it same to travel alone to japan?

[@partyintheclouz]

I just got a question for the food, so my friends are vegans and I am a vegetarian.. do you know if theres a way to order something without meat, fish and that? Or maybe a japanese word to ask if its vegan/vegetarian? I don't want that we end up in fast food restaurants like McDonald's everyday just because there are vegan options 😅

[@YellowProductions]

I'm sure there is.. my Japanese isnt good enough to tell you what it is though! :)

[@AJ627]

4:40 Did you notice that couple in the background giving you attention?

[@YellowProductions]

When I was editing the video I sure did! :)

[@stevepritchard3970]

Chris, is the beer at 9:41 really 5680 yen - seems a bit pricey. May only be able to buy one when we are in Japan.

[@YellowProductions]

Yes.. the plastic replica beer costs that much. I have one on my coffee table :)

[@stevepritchard3970]

@@YellowProductions Thanks, may just have to stay with the real stuff! Really enjoying your videos -very helpful.

[@giotconcepcion446]

At 9:42, did I read that correctly? A beer is 5,680 yen? I've been to Japan many times, mostly in Narita and Shinagawa, and I've never spent about $50 USD for a beer. Is there a reason why this beer is so expensive? Can't possibly be because they're tourist prices as I'm a foreigner in Japan myself, however, i'm finding it hard to swallow this is a normal price for a glass of beer. Can someone comment as to why?

[@YellowProductions]

That beer was a plastic replica of a beer :)

[@giotconcepcion446]

@@YellowProductions Ahh wakarimashita.

[@clebras]

People that travel outside the US to Europe for example say that apps on your phone for paying for things are often used in restaurants and stores. Is this happening in the major cities of Japan or is it still as you say in this video that cash, the yen, is the way to go in Japan?

[@YellowProductions]

I think its pretty much cash, yen, or Suica card.

[@clebras]

@@YellowProductions Thank you for the reply its so helpful!

[@redfish337]

The huge number of Chinese tourists means there's a lot of Alipay now. You just have to realize that this is HITTING A MARKET. Some people go and say they used their card all the time, Japan is cash is BS! And, where did they go? Major tourist stops in major cities. Go to mom and pop shops... go further out (not even to the countryside, just outside of the places tourists are going to go)... and you'll probably need cash.

[@mrriceman1984]

Anyone noticed the old guy with the blue bag in the background picking up trash during his trash can segment (14:20)?

[@YellowProductions]

They are clean in Japan!

[@tribequest9]

Japan is a land of contradictions, for the most part Japan doesn't have litter, however there is junk and pack ratting everywhere, also the grime on buildings from the years of rain don't help, but they really don't have litter trash in 95% of the country like there is a lot of Western Europe, or United States and Canada and Mexico, and China, and.....well you get my point.

[@japanviewneth]

In Japan, there are many stores where you cannot use your card　need attention

[@Outland9000]

How long have you lived in Japan for?

[@YellowProductions]

I live in California.. I just travel to Japan alot! :)

[@chumleyex]

What mic are you using in your videos?

[@YellowProductions]

Hi ChumleyEX, I list all my equipment out in the video description all the way at the bottom. It's a Sony Bluetooth microphone..

[@brencapulong9824]

When did you film this?

[@YellowProductions]

January 2018

[@madalinapetre1096]

hi, can you use debit cards in Kyoto or is it mandatory to have cash with you?

[@YellowProductions]

You'll find many places will take credit/debit cards... but I'd still carry cash with me... small restaurants, souvenir shops, train tickets... are all examples where you'll want cash

[@redfish337]

Use cash in Japan for a reminder on how smoothly cash can work when cashiers still know how to make change. =P