JAPAN TRAVEL UPDATE: A Ticking Time Bomb awaits - Tourism Warning

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Check out Pocket wifi and links: www.ninjasaru.com

[@unknighted2003]

I didn’t realize duty free shopping was so easy in Japan. I know other countries have the tax refund at airport approach but it’s such a hassle on an already hectic last day…hope they don’t change

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes I hope it doesnt change! ... I dont need extra stress

[@jaredsharethealoha]

👍thanks for all the updates! Awesome job!

[@mariojsworld]

Nice Japan travel update.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

thanks dude

[@chinwei87]

👍Thanks for the update! Really hope they don't make it so troublesome on tax-free items! I'm kind of happy I planned my next trip for May instead of April now that I know the F1 doesn't affect me..

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Youre gonna have a great time!

[@paul3of5]

👍 I was in the Kansai region at the end of October thru to the beginning of November. The amount of overseas tourists made certain destination spots almost unbearable. I am planning to visit Tokyo during the same time frame in 2025. Probably try to avoid the usual tourist destinations. See parts I haven't seen yet.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes! Especially if youve already visited in the past then avoid the usual locations and get out there and explore more! great plan!

[@gumerzambrano]

Hopefully things won't be too bad when I go in January/February! It'll be a first time trip so having slightly less crowds will be a huge plus. Will never understand how F1 is such a huge event. It was here in the US in Las Vegas and all it did was just make awful changes to the strip and make locals' life harder with construction traffic

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Jan/Feb will be cold other than the new years crowds at the very start of the year I'd forsee the normal tourist crowds for the rest of Jan and Feb

[@mrkanjikid]

👍🏿 Good looking out, Nathan!

[@carlanavarro7822]

I’ll be one of those traveling for hanami and F1 🙋🏽‍♀️ thanks for the info 👍

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Lucky!!!! 🍀

[@Noviosity]

Im going to Japan in January...is that month usually busy? I was already aware to avoid spring due to the sakura festival.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think that most top tourist places are going to be busy regardless of when you visit, the very start of January would be hard to visit shrines and temples,

[@BC33714]

The tourism situation here has gotten to the point where things are going to be overrun with tourists no matter what time of year you go. It's unfortunate, but that's just how things are now that Japan is the new "trendy" place to be.

[@ndeckersightseer]

Have a trip planned for 3/6-3/23 visiting major cities but before the Sakura festivals and spring break. Hopefully less crowded

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think that the major sits will still be crowded though, What does the itinerary look like?

[@henrychavez5950]

Awesome!! I'm visiting after golden week and fewer people!!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

fewer people but prob still busy

[@joannagase6392]

Hi Nathan. Good bto see you again. Best wishes. Joan Nagase Manchester.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks, you too!

[@Eldiran1]

What the difference between airbnb, bed and breakfast and minshuku ? Aren't they similar to one another?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

AirBnb is a platform and might have those actually too

[@dyinggaul8365]

👍🏻 one wee thumby mate

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Nice one haha

[@xXNekou]

I already booked my trip to Osaka for March '24 😅😅

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Oohh!!

[@froglady4360]

I’m just going to make the best of a busy situation. Flights and hotel were already booked when they announced the change to the F1 calendar. Oh well, just had to buy tickets and shuffle the hotel dates. Luckily I have been before and don’t need to see the popular places. I love hanging out in the suburbs anyway & getting to know the locals. That way you get a better experience 👍🏼❤🏎️🌸

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes although F1 is at the same time and the situation is busy I think its always easy to make the most of a trip with planning and simply knowing what you are getting into. Suburbs are great!

[@cyberxspeed]

I'll be visiting Japan next year after the Golden week. Some lodgings won't let you reserve this early so I have to wait in a couple months to get started on early booking.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I'd think that by now You'd prob be able to book for May right?

[@cyberxspeed]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy May indeed.

[@frangipanisandgirl]

I have just been researching Okinawa (and Ishigaki) and hoping to go next year! The big question now is, should I still go next year or should I wait till 2025 and see the new theme park... Decisions! Thanks for that information and the video! 😄

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Why not go twice hahaha

[@jiyon167]

I am avoiding the popular visiting periods from now on. I was in Japan last month and the amounts of tourists was a joke. I have been travelling to Japan for 15 years never seen anything like it. I’ll be back there in June 2024 🌧️

[@Nelsea7190]

a joke as in way to many or less crowded than you expected?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think if you already been to those spots then I agree there’s so much more to explore.. if you are going for the first time then I recommend doing some of those spots but make sure you get away too! I have a a great Japan less crowded playlist!

[@spun_01]

I went over there in late July this year, just after the rainy period stopped. Didn't get a drop of rain for 2 weeks, but I still swore I'd never visit in summer again. It was just too damn hot. Even getting up at 4:30am (when the sun rose) it was still 33 decrees C most mornings at that time, and insanely humid. I'm from Australia where 45 C days are not unheard of, but this was different. A really WET heat. Unless you plan on shopping or staying indoors for most of your trip, I wouldn't recommend it.

[@jaejoongwannabe]

I’ve been going to Japan every year since 2014. Finally went back in 2023 after covid and my god I feel sorry for the Japanese people having to deal with the amount of tourists there

[@jiyon167]

@@spun_01I’ve been during the Summer before and the Humidity certainly isn’t fun. But June will be the only opportunity for me to climb Fuji san for the first time.

[@jytan740]

if they make tourists pay upfront, i think most tourists will just buy and avoid queuing for tax refund, after all those that travel to japan are quite rich, they wont want to waste time queuing

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Depends on the savings!!

[@leontnf6144]

Great video as always. 6:50 🤣 Btw i think the new theme park's name is supposed to be pronounced similar to the english word 'Jungle', since it's meant to deliver a jungle vibe, so Jungle-lia? 😂

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Omg yea you are prob right lol it took me a few takes and I still got it wrong hahahaha 🤦‍♂️

[@johndavidco8501]

Is mid to late May a good time to visit?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Check out my latest video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKQc6OAmtx7pdEsi=m5GdCYYVVvMqfqM_

[@Nelsea7190]

my plans that i need to book like yesterday are april 17-may 2nd. how might golden week and sakura affect those travel dates? will be n Tokyo for the first 5 or so days (Akiba/Tokotozawa then off to Shibukawa) then im off to Fukuoka and Saga areas. a 1.5 day return to Tokyo before the flight is supposed to take me home. looks like im closer to golden week and missing the Sakura. 2019 Sakura season was beautiful enough to last a while then and in my memories.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Golden week is Apr 29, 2024 - Sun, May 5, 2024. Sakura in Tokyo / Osaka will likely be gone by then but if you travel a little north you will probably be in luck!

[@Nelsea7190]

@NinjaMonkeyguy ​thank you for the reply. i did decide to avoid sakura this year. i hope it doesnt get too crowded in the first few days of golden week. i presume some stores/attractions likely to be crowded. i might try going north in future travels. i have a Gundam to visit in Lalaport. just place some more Gundams north of Tokyo.​

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... you will be in Japan during wisteria season. Tenjin Shrine in Kameido will be especially nice. It was destroyed during the Pacific War bombings but is rebuilt and one of the ten important shrines of Tokyo. Kameido also has a unique dessert called kuzumochi ... I think it is really delicious.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@towada1066 Ashoka’s is also amazing

[@towada1066]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy 「Ashoka」... hmmm,... I know he was an Indian emperor but I don't know what this is in Japan (!) ... but some gravestones in Japan will have writing in Sanskrit!

[@vaas4403]

WoW 👌 I didn't knew about these events 😳 I am moving to japan in 2025 for further studies and for my future.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

exciting!!

[@JuancarloStaMaria]

Hi, im from philippines, you mean by next year, TB vaccine is a requirement to visit japan ? Thank you

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Japan plans to mandate tuberculosis tests for visitors from six countries staying over three months. So if you are staying for longer than 3 months double check this info

[@jamesclarkston2176]

im going between April 15th-28th. sadly missing the Formula 1 but hopefully still will be able to see some Sakuras 😅

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Research the Sakura dates and you’ll see nearer to the time that you can explore further north

[@michellem7202]

So it would be a bad idea to stay in Kyoto during the Sakura season? I changed my plans and decided to visit Japan in 2025 instead.

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... there are places in Kyoto that have few to zero foreign tourists. I really liked the Railway Museum, Kanji Museum, Minami-za, hiking up to Doshisha Cemetery ... for some reason I never see many tourists in Nishi and Higashi Honganji (though, if you aren't Buddhist I wonder if these will be interesting ... )

[@michellem7202]

@@towada1066 All of Japan fascinates me 😍, it would be really cool to check out those places Thank you 🤗

[@towada1066]

​@@michellem7202 In May there is also a special horseback archery ceremony in Shimogamo Shrine, but I think this is too crowded ... any other time the shrine seems very peaceful ...

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think that its all up to how prepared you are. People forget that the whole of Japan has different Sakura forcasts depending on the region, usually starting in the south and moving North. If you are smart you can visit some amazing locations that have sakura without the foreign tourists, especially if you rent a car. And then visit the main spots without the sakura, or at least not make sakura the main focus for the main spots. In terms of Kyoto, its so popular that even shifting to 2025, there will still be crowds so good planning is essential

[@michellem7202]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Thank you

[@niasun]

👍 also thank goodness, we're set to leave tokyo the week before the f1

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

ultimatley Japan is so big and there is so much to do that I'd recommend people explore les visited locations for an even better trip anyway :)

[@niasun]

​@NinjaMonkeyguy it's actually a Hokkaido trip but ending with a few says in tokyo 👍

[@rank1839]

👍

[@dnavl]

ohboi, my first visit is in all of March 2024 - its hard to not want to visit the big cities on a first visit...

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes I agree.. but I think you’d also benefit visiting some other locations maybe north of Tokyo to break the crowds

[@japanjapanichiban]

👍

[@muajin]

So...first you say things are great, now say warning? oh boy. You haven't been talking to Cynic again have you?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Things are great in terms of new attractions there correct but .. you need to be aware of the upcoming Sakura season and plan very carefully!

[@dyinggaul8365]

I swear it wasn’t me

[@Djl472]

@@NinjaMonkeyguyI’m avoiding the Sakura season altogether

[@towada1066]

@@dyinggaul8365 hmmm,... actually I'm in a positive mood; this month I get to attend two performances at Suntory Hall (!) ... ww! Beethoven's 9th Symphony is extremely traditional Japanese Christmas time music (^_^) ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/raHYknisrMZojMk

[@The_Paddle_Smith]

Gotta get views man, understandable

[@19800910]

I like the Airbnb idea, I would book a stay in a wooden house! And that's begging for cross play!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes haha

[@nadiashahanizahassan9460]

The whole presenting the items is just a rubbish way to go about it. This means that you need to go to the airport even earlier, already cutting short your holiday. Thankfully its still in discussion, I will get all my shopping done for reals.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Hopefully it wont happen or it will be a long way away!

[@jadeshadey4767]

😊👍🏼

[@rubikclockweights]

HAAH I could spend 5000 yen on Zero cool....How do I keep it and show it at an airport....Dont think this will work....! Great channel..!!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Zero cool! .. umm if you find out let me know hahah

[@cvodb]

👍🏼

[@spun_01]

There is no maybe. With tourism back in full swing, including Chinese organised tour groups, this WILL be the busiest Sakura season on record in terms of tourist numbers. I love Japan, but there is no way I'd be going near a tourist hotspot (Kyoto, Tokyo, etc) next April.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think its all about planning and knowing what you are getting into. It's gonna be busy but sakura can be seen all across Japan, so I really suggest visiting elsewhere in combination with the main spots!

[@spun_01]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy 110% agree. The best sakura viewing I've done has been outside of the major hotspots, with only a handful of people around and only the sound of the wind in the trees and running water to distract you. Those spots are out there if you know where to look. One exception of recommend is the sakura festival at Joetsu. That was busy but so incredibly beautiful.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks for the recommendation! @@spun_01

[@spun_01]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Anytime 👍. 7 trips dating back to 2008. I’ve got plenty of recommendations if you need some inspiration.

[@lannifincoris6482]

I had Sakuraco Mobile Wifi, great customer service and fast and steady internet and.. 👍

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes they are great!

[@withinjapan2024]

yes tourism is booming but lets face it ALL tourists stay in the same 4 areas so the majority of Japan 99.9% of it has ZERO tourists... so simply as I do stay away from Namba Osaka, Kyoto and the 2 places in Tokyo...... tourists simply dont go out of these areas and once your out of these areas its cheap friendly uncrowded and much much better

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

100% agree! but its SO DIFFICULT to convince viewers to do that! .. I think nearly every one of my videos say exactly what you are stating at some point or other!

[@withinjapan2024]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy ye agree we can talk til the cows come home yet they still do the tourist triangle .. how can we get the message sinking in to them hmmmmm

[@cissomarks]

👍👍👍

[@m4rtindt]

i book my visit for january i hope forn no snow in Tokyo and less croud

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

The very very start might be busy in temples and shrines. January could se some snow but usually Tokyo doesn’t snow much

[@towada1066]

It is a little rare for Tokyo to have snow. The Winter weather comes down from Siberia and dumps all the snow in the mountains. By the time it reaches Tokyo and Chiba it is just cold, miserable, dry wind.

[@pinoi78]

I’m gonna say it. Cherry Blossoms are OVERRATED.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes they can be, totally not plan a awhole trip around them!

[@PhyrexianQueen]

Thumbs up

[@LensAndMotion]

Where is the pocket wifi link 🤔

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Www.ninjasaru.com for the link :)

[@froglady4360]

@@NinjaMonkeyguywas just about to give the link to him 👍🏼

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks for telling me! I e added it and added a pinned comment too! :)

[@XCsoccerTRACKmom]

👍🏽

[@jimross7648]

Japan and popularity is the two edged sword. Japan needs the economic infusion of tourist dollars. Japan is not really ready for increases of twenty percent focused mainly on already crowded tourist locations. It's not that the country is not experienced in moving large numbers of people, it's that they are resistant to change what worked fine ten or twenty years ago, but now creates issues for both residents and tourists alike. Every country wants the high value glitteri tourist for whom cost is no object. Problem is this is a highly mobile class, that goes wherever the latest in thing is. They get the best, but they move on to the next thing just as quick. Motor car racing like F1 often have a short shelf life in spots they choose. The backers demand big subsidies, inconvenience locals with construction that meets F1's needs, but doesn't improve the daily lives of the locals. When the organization doesn't get the response from their customers that they expect, they move to new spots very quickly. The locals are left with infrastructure that doesn't benefit their day to day lives, but cost their governments and them bis money. The Air B n B of repairing and renting old wooden traditional Japanese homes is great, I'd stay in them if the are affordable to me. Again it's you make the investment, maintain it and I'll do my best to promote it and take a cut for my limited effort. If your ROI isn't as fast or great as you wanted or needed, well that's not my problem. I'll promote something else, somewhere else. I accidently hit Sakura season in 2018 and yes it was very nice for a couple days, but then I was done with it. The fascination was done for me, and I wanted to have something more than just pretty flowers for couple weeks with huge crowds and big prices. I'll be back in Japan because something about it speaks to my inner being. There is much to see and do, but not everywhere or for everyone, all the time. As usual you created a video that provokes thought, and highlights the good that is already or may be soon in Japan. How reality affects it all is unknown till it isn't.

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... some things to do and see never go out of style I think: New Year hatsumode, Summer Koshien, Tokyo marathon, ... Kishiwada Danjiri festival looks really interesting but I've never seen ... ww! I'll be back in Japan because my relatives expect me to return and do family chores (>_

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Jim, F1 has been a staple of the Japan circuit the only thing thats changing is the date to spring. I too am excited for some awesome old homes to become rental accommodation! its a good move. And when it comes to Sakura I agree with you, once you've done the sakura thing for a day or two its easy to get over it!!! Im glad the video is thought provoking but ultimately I hope it helps people better plan their upcoming trips

[@TrashTalkButRealTalk]

Your channel it's all over the place, its hard to be a subscriber. You say "it will be better for tourist" and then all of a sudden you release a video like this. Do you not pay attention to the content you release?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Did you watch my video? - I understand how you'd feel this way but it also makes me think that you didn't watch or understand what I was trying to do here.. So in a nutshell let me explain: Tourism will be better for sure in terms of the tourist product that are being provided, the new attractions and upcoming things for 2024 are amazing. The tourist product is great and exciting, but this new video is about that creating a problem specifically around one time of the year where a lot of people tend to visit. The intention is for visitors to be aware, adjust and plan ahead knowing whats coming! A lot of people would have prob already booked for this season and hopefully this will help the prepare, add alternative less crowded areas to their itinerary and like I say, plan around sakura rather than make it the main feature.. I hope. it makes sense.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

This channel is all about keeping people informed and hopefully helping them with info.

[@Spanishbastard]

Thank god me and my gf are going tomorrow until the end of January so everything is going to be free of other tourists

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

i wouldnt say you will be free from tourists.. but there will be less! enjoy your trip

[@Spanishbastard]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy ok we have already been here for around a week and spots like dotonbori, umeda sky tree, Osaka castle, Nishiki market and fushimi inari are still really packed with tourists(mostly Korean and Chinese) and I thought we would have a little bit of peace I can’t even imagine these places in march or April

[@darklightuk2]

👍

[@anitapickens6121]

Thanks for the info. I was stationed in Atsugi, Japan going back in April after 57 years. So excited.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Wow 57 years .. I’d love to hear how things have changed!

[@towada1066]

57 years ago must have been still so polluted in Tokyo. And then lots of old Imperial Army veterans still walking around in group tourist temple visits ... (-_-) ...

[@HeartHappy]

👍

[@backintheclay]

👍👍👍

[@PioWx]

👍

[@tds6519]

👍

[@hoobserver]

👍

[@gregdavey3826]

👍

[@TonyG75]

Great info! if you want to go to Japan.

[@rubikclockweights]

Im going early March, like I did last year...should miss all the busy-ness.....lol

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I'll be interested to see how different this early march is compared to last year!

[@kingkahn11]

Literally just got back from Japan. If they switched the tax free where I have to do it at the airport and show things I just won’t buy as much or I won’t try to get my tax back. No way would I want to sit through what will prob take a couple hours as all passengers have to unpack their bags and repack them.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think I'd have to think about it twice too and prob purchase less as a result

[@JanFromCanada1]

👍

[@darthdiddums845]

👍

[@coralbeecham5173]

Oops... Booked a trip to tokyo a long time ago for this upcoming sakura season. Had no clue about F1. Doable? Is it even possible to make it a good trip without being completely overwhelmed by crowds? (Trip dates arent moveable). Dang.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

dont worry too much! it was alywas going to be a busy period anyway

[@coralbeecham5173]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy okay thank you!! Do you offer trip planning services by any chance?

[@phonsavavhkanlangna9834]

😊

[@klyq6351]

👍

[@derrymd]

Damn ill be in osaka kyoto from the start of april, will that f1 thing cause even more over crowding?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I wouldnt worry about it, a little planning around that period will be fine

[@derrymd]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy thank you

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

I'm in Japan now for the past 3 weeks. Taking Shinkansen was a nightmare with inconsiderate travelers. Even taking my seat and they boarded the wrong shinkansen. It's so busy here now.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think its gonna be busy most of the year unfortunately inconsiderate travellers suck!

[@GirlWanderDownUnder]

👍

[@Cynim]

Except when I was living there back in 2010, I unfortunately avoid Golden Weeks and the Sakura Season like the plague. I usually privilege early January, or around May-June to travel to Japan. I’m also considering looking into October-November season in the future.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully the guide I put out will better equip people who travel in the busier period

[@AvatarYang]

Planning to go with my Girlfriend in late march 2024 to early April. I went the same time in 2023 and it wasn’t too bad, hopefully it won’t be unbearable this next Sakura season.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I look forward to hearing how it went! its excitng though

[@Beemur2011]

I'm not buying anything if we're going to have to queue for it. Also, folks should tread lightly with Air BnB. All of their talking points are what we heard in 2016. It's come to the detriment of communities and cultures globally ever since. You've been warned.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

It's always good to do your research and plan accordingly I agree!

[@thecleeze6359]

Yes, avoid Golden Week. When I came here to live and work in 2022, the 'sakura' season had been 'short' in Iwate. People told me it ended abruptly, because of the weather and it only was good for about two weeks. In 2023 it lasted about a month, and I saw it in its full glory... saw, trees with blossoms... okay. Eh. There weren't any festivals, and nothing really happened. My language learning group took a walk to the park. Before I came here, I had heard a lot about 'sakura' season. In Iwate, it's a concept but there aren't tangible things like festivals or street food. Go out and enjoy the flowers, if you want to. They will be gone soon. A lot of Japanese holidays are like that in Iwate, Japan. Tsukimi for example. You can... look at the moon. Tsukimi dango? Uh, ... just ...

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes Sakura is unpredictable and can be disappointing if you don’t get the right dates which is why I recommend planning on either side of the “dates”

[@axios101]

Nice video, as always! A simple question: how do You see the period end of september 2024/end of october 2024?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think generally spring and autumn are the peak period and golden week too generally Japan is “busy” most of the time but with good planning and including some less busted locations it will make a difference

[@Beyondkoester]

The best as usual!! Thank you for the video my friend 👍👍👍👍👍

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thank you too amigo :)

[@steveokubo5865]

Thanks for the wonderful and useful information! 👍

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

My pleasure!

[@kennyelder3419]

👍🏻

[@sasalu7049]

❤

[@logansrun3126]

Great video as always. Very informative. 👍

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks again!

[@johnwong1194]

Agree completely, why punish the masses because of a few offenders.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes this sort of mentality annoys me!

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... I think most foreign tourists are basically harmless,... Japanese are utter b@stards to other Japanese ... (^_^) ...

[@nilsteegen33]

Nice video. I was a bit spooked by the title but otherwise very informative as usual 👍

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I hope the title wasnt misleading.. I was trying to show that you're going against the clock and plan soon and plan smart!

[@nilsteegen33]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy It's alright. I just thought I missed out on some big news for travel in general. But it makes sense still

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@nilsteegen33 I’m glad! It’s a difficult balance between the thumbnail and the content hehe I’d hate to mislead people!

[@rebeccaw9656]

Wanting to avoid blossom season (no interest), and the Formula 1 season, travelling with a family of boys who’ll just want to see Nintendo, Ninja stuff, boy stuff, manga, technology and robotic stuff… with a splattering of cats… when would be the best time to book to avoid tourists? January? And I’m yet to find a video that tells me where I should aim my ideal itinerary (with the above) to see all the cool tech, gamer and media stuff that doesn’t include general touristy stuff… but would be very grateful for suggestions or links to any of your earlier videos. New subscriber😊

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Ok, thats a hard question! .. I think Japan has become so popular that there isnt a 'time to book to avoid tourists' especially if you are wanting to visit nintendo world, ninja attractions manga and technology! .. however what I can say is the following: Spring, golden week (end of April start of May) and Autumn are even busier! Summer is very very hot and humid, Also take into account that August is when students are off school so that adds to the crowds. Those things that you have mentioned are generally western tourist locations, Akihabara in Tokyo, Ikebukuro in Tokyo, Denden town in Osaka, Universal studios in Osaka etc. The good thing is that some of the things you mention (ninja attractions) can be done as themed restaurants / cafe which limit the number of people so you can book in advance.. another great spot for tech stuff is odaiba in Tokyo and the digital arts museums Team labs. I hope to put out a video regarding some of this info but hopefully I've pointed you in some kind of right direction!

[@rebeccaw9656]

@NinjaMonkeyguy oh, wonderful information, thank you so much! We in Australia have our school summer holidays mid December to end January (southern hemisphere) so a winter Japan looks ideal for us.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I actually just posted a video related to this! @@rebeccaw9656

[@rebeccaw9656]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy I know, I watched it last night! However your detailed answer here has also helped immensely to work out a rough itinerary, because as much as I plan to please the troops some of the time for their bucket list items, I also plan to get off the tourist track most of the time with some authentic Japan stops and stays - I’ll have fun researching your backlog of videos and upcoming tips😊

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... I kind of hate Japan and yet ... Dogashima and Beppu are really nice ... if you like cats then Yanaka Ginza is the Tokyo neighborhood of cats ... if you really want to avoid any tourists I would go to Nishi Chiba but then, there is literally nothing to see there ... (-_-) ...

[@ryokophreak]

As much as I've want to see the sakura blossoms...I always hear about how insanely busy it is, so I usually avoid it. Here's that emoji you asked for. lol. 👍

[@towada1066]

hmmm,... it is very easy to avoid crowds during this season. Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune planted lots of cherry trees (especially along the Sumida River). Places like this will be crowded but I would go to any suburban park. There will almost always be cherry trees (hopefully somei yoshino).

[@ryokophreak]

@towada1066 Thanks for the information. Will keep that in mind. :)

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks for the emoji! Yes Sakura is crazy busy but if you plan around and don’t focus on Sakura every day and explore less visited locations then it’s fine! I recommend checking out my Japan less crowded playlist!

[@froglady4360]

@@towada1066that is one of the reasons that I stay where I do, because we have a local park 1 block away. When I was there in March/April it was in bloom for a month. Simply stunning! Also had the pleasure of a free Noh Theatre performance that brought me to tears 🌸🪭🎫👹

[@towada1066]

@@froglady4360 If you are interested, there is the Tokyo National Noh Theatre in Sendagaya. I don't think the performances here are English language friendly though. Anyway, part of the fun of Noh is watching people in the audience fall asleep ! (^_^) ...

[@towada1066]

Hmmm,... cherry blossoms are nice but I prefer wisteria and lotus blooming season. Regarding tax-free shopping,... tourists were reselling items within Japan. To catch and prosecute a short term visit tourist seems completely impractical ... Air BNB seems disgusting to me; my flat isn't occupied right now but I would never subject my neighbors to foreign tourists. Many of the vacant homes look very shabby,. The " traditional " homes especially look bad; there is no insulation and Summer especially is miserable with mosquitoes and cockroaches. . anyway, I think tourism is becoming out of control again, even more of relatives are getting annoyed with foreigners ...

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Wisteria in Ashikaga re meant to be so beautiful but Ive not experienced them yet! I hope to one day

[@towada1066]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy I think,... maybe I mentioned before ... the wisteria at Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo are beautiful. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane so it is especially cherished to me. And (!), of course, since it is in Kameido, there are lots of cute turtles ! (^_^)

[@hookup4u]

👍