15 Tips for First-Time Travellers to Japan | japan-guide.com

In this video we list some of our most useful tips for first-time visitors to Japan, specifically those landing at Narita Airport and then travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto. From picking up rail passes, to transportation options, to booking bullet train tickets via a smartphone, hopefully there are a few tips for everyone.
Update:
- food cart services on board of trains have been discontinued along many lines in recent years, including along the Tokaido Shinkansen.
- Video Credits -
Narrator: Sam Evans
Videographers: Andrew Marston & Charles Sabas
Producers: Sam Evans, Stefan Schauwecker & Export Japan

[@japaneseikurah5165]

I am Japanese and I found this video by accident. All of what were explained in this video are right and useful when you’re gonna visit Japan. Japanese stations are so confusing as even Japanese people are often confused with it, so you should look at navigation boards when you’re in Japanese stations. Don’t worry even if you can’t read Japanese. Most of the navigation boards have English translations so that people from overseas can travel or live comfortably. Enjoy many attractive places and the culture in Japan!

[@japanguide]

Thank you for the very nice comment!

[@People_slay]

Can you speak Japanese don't even go to Google translate and copy Japanese words

[@japaneseikurah5165]

@@People_slay Yeah.

[@jzbuff86]

I’m arriving one day before my son. Wondering where I should go. Should I risk it and try to get to an airport in Tokyo center or stay at a hotel by the airport?

[@japaneseikurah5165]

@@jzbuff86 Sorry for the late reply I think you should stay at the hotel. Actually many Japanese people can’t speak English ,so if you were lost, many people wouldn’t be able to help you navigate. That’s kinda risky I thought. And Japanese hotels are often said to be excellent as Omotenashi, so maybe hotels can entertain you. Have a nice trip in Japan

[@cumannitip]

16. Always on time 17. Don't be like Logan Paul Thanks for the tips.

[@Randhrick]

You should not talk about this POS, people who don't know him will look it up on YT and it will give him views .

[@oj9721]

Shoudnt you always be on time no matter where you are

[@Paul_Sleeping]

@@oj9721 Unfortunately in the US, being punctual is only necessary when forced to. Most people don't care if they are late.

[@shinigami1080]

Save lots of cash, especially if you want to try as much food as possible, and buy souvenirs. Dont just go to Tokyo, explore you won't regret it. I am in Japan right now. Landed in Nagoya(explored around), Hakone (explored around). Buy hand towels you will need them, and some restrooms are uncomfortably to open people outside can see inside(urinals are visible to the street).

[@AmeiNiro]

Actually public transport is often late.

[@shravanmanoj2627]

Japan is my dream…I will definitely go there. Comment how many of you have a dream of going to Japan 🇯🇵

[@ballmonokuma1229]

I’m planning to eventually go to Tokyo with my friend for a bit!

[@josesalas2232]

Me I am dying to go to Japan 🇯🇵

[@manavitribhuvan4889]

Ohhh we're in the same boat I'm.from.india I too love Japan from 6th I do wanna live there not just go😭

[@nickjubsh6h923]

please check out this channel too and if you like please subscribe kzbin.info/door/GfM15CKSjHl8bGp16P6P8g?view_as=subscriber

[@cloudy_san]

I dream going there

[@catchyanime748]

One the many things I love about Japan is that they always look so clean and relax everywhere, even in the city.....

[@hextaco3140]

Step 16 is that there are no subtitles when you visit Japan.

[@Tallgeese03]

I was looking for this comment

[@theonewiththebird2296]

Oh shit do I have to get the dubbed version?

[@suleimanJ08]

The one With the bird PH GOD NO NOOO STOP NOOO. NO ENGLISH SAITAMA IT SOUND LIKE CRAP PLEASE NO

[@en4990]

I wish

[@Repsine]

XD 🙃

[@mijou9564]

Welcome to my Country Japan💕 Have fun foreigners even tho it's really cold 😂😂 My home town is Niigata So love from Niigata Japan!

[@ShuffleKarlok]

Will be flying to Tokyo in a couple days! First time in Japan! 😍

[@marcofigueroa7131]

Going to Japan on May 22 :)

[@royadiabdulrohman8744]

I Hope to visit japan one day :)

[@anjerowalker9566]

I live in niigata my friend.. hope to meet you soon..

[@rajushaw1879]

Sent me your number..?

[@mehdisoozande8768]

I visited Japan in 2018 and really fell in love with the beautiful country and its lovely and incredible people. I will definitely go back there in near future to live for a few years, if not for the rest of my life. I have started learning Japanese. It is quite a difficult language to learn, but it is worth it. Love to Japan and Japanese from Iran and Netherlands.

[@joekevin8263]

Good people

[@nickjubsh6h923]

please check out this channel too and if you like please subscribe kzbin.info/door/GfM15CKSjHl8bGp16P6P8g?view_as=subscriber

[@anadinathbasu3298]

Did you go for travel or job ?

[@mehdisoozande8768]

@@anadinathbasu3298 Just a short travel.

[@anadinathbasu3298]

@@mehdisoozande8768 are you Irani ? Come to my country India

[@aisuiro.cellist]

The one thing I will never forget was the time I went to a hotel in Japan and forgot to bow after saying thank you to the people at the desk, so my friend said "you forgot to bow" out loud in English and they started laughing. It was so embarrassing lol.

[@maekawajiro9762]

No spite/malice meant.

[@1SnuffySmith]

Your friend was pulling your leg. Japanese don't expect foreigners to bow. To many nuances on level of bow vs rank, etc. They know that you don't know so it's ok.

[@babybird871]

if you can bow its kind of strange....

[@cyclingroutesSCOTLAND]

Hi my content is really worth to watch peaceful place in Glasgow. please watch this and subscribe kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXXdo4apmbx6rac KZbin does not recommend my videos although I made all efforts

[@ImJustAPerson.]

@@cyclingroutesSCOTLAND I recommend not advertising.

[@nicklindsey8036]

it's my dream to live in japan for the rest for my life

[@zedddd8310]

if you want something badly, you will succeed

[@DenimGeans]

@@zedddd8310 and work hard for it to happen

[@ando1135]

Be an English teacher, make a little money...study the language, then leave teaching and do a different line of work. It’s doable, have friends who have...kinda wanna do the teaching thing too soon

[@shrimpchocolate]

Avoid living in major cities in Japan.

[@abdoudjam6846]

@@shrimpchocolate Why is that ? because its expensive ?

[@furtherdefinitions1]

I lived in Japan for 4 years. I really miss it.

[@tezzingtonsir28]

No, you don't!

[@sheripeterson7788]

Same here.

[@kam2894]

Trey Styles Pretty sure he says he does.

[@amy-295]

I wanna live there but i can't 😂 I miss my country

[@model-man7802]

Lucky you!!

[@margaritadanelaki4791]

I love Japan and Japanese people. It was the best trip of my life. I will never forget Hiroshima and Nagashaki. The cities and the villages, the temples, the shinkansen, the Narumi bone china, the Kimonos , the pearls, the Ikebana. Everything was perfect. I was so lucky to visit this country with the polite people.

[@giannilyanicks1718]

they were polite only by cultural obligation. they are not natural

[@diyambarcil2310]

you don't know their culture.

[@trueroman6775]

I agree it was so amazing

[@axllead052]

These are really good realistic advice than any travelling tips I've seen. Most travelling advice I've watched are just all "be nice to people", "find your people", and "have fun". Those are not tips, it's just common sense. This video is the best detailed one.

[@daanish7956]

Who's watching this even if your not going to Japan 🤣

[@darkvengeance.]

Demon Instinct it’s a dream for me that will never come true 😭👍🏼

[@daanish7956]

Dark Vengeance 😭😤

[@sheripeterson7788]

Same. I have lived there a few times and want to go back.

[@juu5574]

I can't afford it but i was promissed to get a gift trip there after i finish my uni

[@teaghanncarloff1227]

am looking at going with my mum and son at the end of April 2021

[@mcseelmann]

Shinkansen are the best trains in the world, they're fast, clean and arrive always on time. I love Shinkansen

[@jazzman5938]

But isn't it expensive?

[@zoznack]

Jim Attaldo Yes.

[@keminebooyaa6937]

shinkansen is like the opposite of *deutsche bahn* (no offence to germans)

[@mcseelmann]

@@keminebooyaa6937 true.

[@dagmaranja888]

@@keminebooyaa6937 that is true. The Deutsche Bahn used to be famous for being punctual, that was typically German. Since about 15 to 20 years everything in Germany gets more and more damaged.

[@steveflor9942]

Summertime... on my road bicycle... pedaling around this magnificent country. Making friends.... My dream

[@__-fx1nu]

I hope your dreams come true. I'll be waiting in Japan.

[@rashadruffin6413]

7/11 saved my ass so many times when I was in Japan 🙇🏾‍♂️😂

[@rashadruffin6413]

@manny Because it was the only place that I could find with an ATM that would accept my debit card.

[@itsuralienbestfriend7778]

I will be showing this to my mom because we’re going in a few months

[@andrewlopez2823]

Same

[@robottomatoyt7314]

Same

[@aerinstiel]

I wanna go on Japan but I don't have money lol:(

[@paulinav.zetinav.3091]

enjoooyyyy

[@user-vq6ik4kk1r]

@@aerinstiel start saving when u get a job

[@allesiosnens8152]

Step one: go to akihabara and waste all of your money 💴

[@indym8523]

ALLESIO SNENS it ain’t a waste

[@charliecroft5477]

Hell yeah

[@brettu5052]

Already did that. No regrets! Lol

[@boxerblake1]

Some good finds there, but with time and patience, hard offs around the country will be a better deal.

[@ignaciod8683]

That's my plan!!! Maid Cafe all day!!

[@TokyoCapsuleCollection]

Japan has decided to ease entry restrictions. Japan welcomes more tourists than ever before. This video is very helpful for visiting Japan. Thank you for introducing us to Japan.

[@devincarello5853]

Reading the news of entry finally opening back up without all the restrictions is what brought me to this video. So excited to finally book

[@giannilyanicks1718]

not a good thing.

[@201hastings]

@@giannilyanicks1718 I’m sure anyone that relies on tourism for income disagrees

[@giannilyanicks1718]

japanese are going to make zero efforts to adapt themlselves just a little to foreigners, that's what other touristy places do

[@wayfinderunleashed1576]

Super helpful tips. I appreciate that the list included practical tips for when you first enter the country, which is usually the most stressful time.

[@afernandes2898]

One day I will visit this beautiful country 😍❤️

[@deena1015]

A Fernandes me 2

[@diamonddave2622]

I've been 13x. Japan is more amazing than you can possibly imagine. Start saving your money and make the trip!

[@dimitrisambient6237]

@@diamonddave2622 13 times??? Ohhh. I hope to go on.november. Hope i wont get lost!!!!

[@aberocha2211]

Were going next year..😁

[@nanayaatwumasi5579]

Amen everything is possible will also visit Japan 🇯🇵 will come back here when that happens

[@foxboy72006]

Myself and a few friends of mine are going to Japan sometime between March and April of 2023! I couldn't be more excited to go overseas for the first time in my life and to see a foreign country!!!

[@japanguide]

We hope you and your friends will have a great trip!

[@clynn74]

It's the last day of my two week trip in Japan today and I just found this video. Every single one of these tips would have made the trip so much easier. Still the best trip ever. Japan is the amazing.

[@japanguide]

Glad to hear you had an amazing trip!

[@fhvschnvc3411]

I’m from Pakistan, and it is my goal to visit Japan! I’ve meet so many Japanese people around the world, and I simply love your humbleness and kindness! ❤️

[@msfoodlicious]

And don't forget to change your big money to small money in a bank at the airport, for vending machine. Don't forget to standing on the left of escalator in tokyo, on the right for osaka. Also, it's more convenient for me to printed the subway map for tokyo. Because it is pretty complicated route. Happy travelling travelers 💜 CMIIW

[@user-dv2fc7vq9t]

I'm Japanese. I was surprised to know the difference between escalators in Osaka and Tokyo.You're amazing.There are other words that have different meanings in Osaka and Tokyo.The so-called Mandarin and Kansai dialect are very fun to learn.Please check it out ☺️

[@hope4surf]

LOVE JAPAN!!! Great vid...thanks!

[@thehakobag]

We love the nature in Japan! There are so much untouched and original traditions here too! Do come to visit!

[@mrityunjaytiwari6224]

That's a good tip 😉

[@anuragtumane5227]

Japan is a great country filled with a lot of wonders.

[@redoctober6521]

You forgot “purchase a small hand towel at a Konbini” because although public restrooms in Japan are plentiful and clean, they rarely have any paper towels to dry your hands with after washing. A small hand towel, carried in a pocket or bag, is quite handy

[@japanguide]

This is a good point! Definitely bringing a small hand towel to restrooms would be worthwhile.

[@MajorAddiction]

Was about to say this. Many public restrooms do not have paper towels for drying the hands. It's common for locals to have a handkerchief with them.

[@fumiet579]

This video includes really useful tips even most of Japanese don't know, like luggage transport services at Narita airport. At most of Japanese train stations, we have to go up and down stairs to get the tracks and it is really embarrassing to do that with large luggages. The tutorial to purchase Shinkansen tickets via cellphones is also good for it is simple and easy to understand for many foreigners.

[@japanguide]

Thank you for your nice comment!

[@musicrelaxanimalstravelvid8541]

I'm from Costa Rica and I love when I find videos of people talking wonders about this country. It really fill us with joy knowing somebody enjoys it so much visiting this places. Thank you very much for this amazing video.

[@japanguide]

And thank you very much for your really nice comment!

[@HeltonXia-86hx]

It's very useful for foreigners to Japan like me. I love it!

[@cinimini5740]

This video even tells you which seat you should take on Shinkansen to see Mt.Fuji. That’s so cool! And I must confess its really beautiful when watching it from E seat :) Seems like all the information in this video is quite new and updated especially about EX app. Thank you for sharing!

[@TokyoTones]

These are a perfect tips for travelling in Japan!

[@tzuyuhanhana7499]

I really love to visit Japan, someday, my dream 🇯🇵.

[@japanguide]

Hope you will manage to make your dreams come true!

[@saulschlapik6818]

For first time visitors to Tokyo: JR commuter trains are easier to understand than the subway. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, it is accepted on these trains. There are two subway systems with separate fares. Some friends of mine bought a day pass for Tokyo Metro and found out the hard way that it wasn't good on the Toei lines. JR's Yamanote loop line is the most useful. It serves almost all the major business districts and if you miss your stop, you can stay on the train until it comes around again (it takes about an hour to go all the way around). Other useful JR lines are the Chuo, Keihin-Kyuko and Sobu.

[@G-y_m]

Great tips. Knew most of them for my first trip but took watching several videos to find. This is a great one stop resource

[@marcuswaynethomas]

Finally! A video that’s not filled with crappy, complicated tips. Thank you!

[@1903Zippy]

"Ladies & Gentlemen, Welcome to the Shinkansen...."..... I can still hear those words as if it were only yesterday that I was there (it was actually 3 years ago..!)....Wonderful country. I will be back.

[@iceman24life]

Haven't been there for 3 years and I've been watching vids about japan lately. Maybe my mind is telling me something.

[@streetvideos260]

Thank you Japan-guide for such nice tip video. I happy that I will finally be in Japan for period of 13 days.

[@pothed21]

Love this video wish it was around for my 1st trip back in January. i have been back once since and loved it even more i kept my IC card so i can use it each time i go back roughly 4-5 times a year for all sorts of things

[@reenamanalo526]

Excellent well made video full of hidden tips one wouldn’t normally know. 👏 Thanks for making my planning much easier!

[@paulc4209]

I bought the pocket wifi for myself at Narita, and used it endlessly for a month. Loved it.

[@donjosephdehuazhou3338]

This is an amazing guide. Well-presented and with a lot of necessary detial. THanks for it!

[@hakeemsleman4554]

God bless,save & protect Japan from any bad things or any war in the future...

[@Explore-Your-City]

This brings back great memories of living in Japan. I remember my first time in Tokyo and I was overwhelmed. Such an amazing place to visit and live!

[@ALLDAAYE]

Why did you move from Japan?

[@Explore-Your-City]

@@ALLDAAYE 4 years was good for me but I wanted to continue my education and decided to leave Japan for Europe 🙂

[@yourhighnessthevampirequee7746]

I've always wanted to visit Japan when i'm older

[@msspears8915]

This was much more detailed than some of the KZbin video have shown. Thank you. It can very very nerve wracking to know things in a foreign country but when you don't speak the language it can be very scary. This video I would recommend to watch.

[@MartinKaufmann007]

Excellent, compact, to the point information. Thanks.

[@SatishKumar41]

Japan has been my childhood love and still love it. I am now working on learning their language. So I can try to get a job there. Thanks for the very useful video. Arigato Gozaimasu 🙏🥰😇

[@Travelona_budget]

Wow, this video is a total game-changer for Japan newbies like me! 🇯🇵🌸 I'm loving these 15 tips - they're like little travel hacks that'll make our trip epic! Thanks for sharing the wisdom, can't wait to explore Japan on a budget now

[@DanielPoxV]

Fantastic tips! I’m thankful that I found this video, as it gave me some quality insights of what to think of when planning my trip. Thank you!

[@emilyao4972]

Great tips and video. Thanks for sharing.

[@berrykage]

This video was very helpful during my first trip to Japan last March. Miss you Sam!

[@cyclingroutesSCOTLAND]

This one is also will be helpful if you travel to Scotland. my content is really worth to watch peaceful place in Glasgow. please watch this and subscribe kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXXdo4apmbx6rac KZbin does not recommend my videos although I made all efforts

[@pinkholm]

This is deffo helpful for those coming to Japan for the first time!!

[@KyotoMachiyascom]

This is a great video for first timers to Japan. Hope everyone will love my country.

[@vimalcurio]

Oh great where do u live in Japan? ☺️

[@kennaya2010]

As a point of view of a local person living in Tokyo like me, this show is obviously filled up with a bunch of reliable things :) For more tips, please come again to Tokyo and you should become a next story teller for the brand new comers.

[@cerebrumexcrement]

Japan is so fun. the trains make it so convenient to travel around. i want to go back again.

[@mkhwjq]

Thanks for assisting my enquiries when going to Japan for the first time!

[@vaishalijoshi7830]

Very helpful video thank you!!👍👍😊😊

[@MillennialTravelConfessions]

Great tips for first time visitors! Whoever visits Japan will have an amazing time 👍

[@Japaneselifestylebd]

I have been living in Japan. Really Japan is a very beautiful country in the world. Welcome to Japan ❤️🇯🇵❤️

[@dignifiedamerican8171]

This was the most insightful and informative video on travel to Japan that I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@japanguide]

Thank you for the nice comment!

[@mickeyathanasiou9891]

5 trips from one end to other in Japan and what you see is true. Japan is a wonder !!!

[@ingtvjapan6590]

This video is so helpful!! Welcome to Japan!!

[@dragoonabninf1014]

Going next year can’t wait

[@mindsteve]

Great to see Japan Guide recommending first time traveling tips. I'd add that if you're thinking of time traveling to Japan, definitely hit up the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to check em out in person! ⏰👍

[@ZackDAngelo]

Good video, reminds me of my time living in Japan.. Really enjoyed this

[@puddlesoftea]

this was an amazingly informative video - i’ve watched dozens of videos similar that didn’t cover half of what this did! thanks so much

[@japanguide]

Thank you very much.

[@stuff8575]

My son and I are so excited to visit Japan. Thank you for the great videos and travel recommendations. 😎

[@syedwings]

Nice video clip for traveling guide for Japan man, everything in it is perfect, Appreciated

[@raiteva86]

Veeerrryy good tips! Thank you so much!! 😊😊

[@dipticheerath]

Thank you ! Was very helpful

[@kutsumiru]

Man this guide somehow make's the trip even more intimidating

[@armandovillamizar9052]

The best video about tips for Japan I’ve ever seen, really great work

[@amandasmit9328]

Next year we are going to Japan for the first time. Visit our son in Saga. Love this tips. Thank you. ✌ with love from South Africa 🇿🇦🇯🇵💟

[@user-zp2yu7ik2j]

Thank you for visiting Japan 💕

[@chrome1705]

Is it just me or does everyone hate kanji

[@rhinooptic9214]

@@chrome1705 why you hate kanji?

[@starstrangledmanwithaplan8148]

@@rhinooptic9214 possibly because of how complex it is I was able to read kanji characters like "daijobu", "nani", "ima/ ima ha" and "hi (day)" but that's about it

[@japaneseguesthouses2558]

Japan is a must-visit country and Japan-Guide is the best source of info.

[@Indpendnt27]

Great information. Thank you.

[@Baxter0426]

JUST IN TIME FOR MY TRIP TO JAPAN!!! THANKS!!!

[@mshell1959]

Great video. Well done, Thank you!

[@byakko0785]

Amazing I love Japan because people in japan they are super polite and super friendly

[@salonianahar]

WOW! Kudos for creating such detailed and informative. Thank you for the content.

[@spiralwolf209]

Finally able to go to japan this august and I'm so excited. thank you for these tips!

[@itsnaniruatoe5328]

I loved Japan! Hope to go back sometime soon 😍

[@user-dv2fc7vq9t]

Please come by all means☺️

[@KiltedMcHaggis]

With the announcement a few days ago, I can finally start planning for my trip in april! I am so excited!

[@HORI7ON_Girl]

Thanks for this!! I miss Japan! I learned about all your tips via first-hand experience. I wish this video was available when I travelled, would’ve made it loads easier! Hehehe. I’ll defs use it again when I come back! Please keep making videos of Japan like this! Super helpful! God bless you! 🙏🏽🤗✨💕

[@juliegoodwin6850]

Perfect ,heading to Japan this May for the very first time! Can't tell you how much this video is appreciated!

[@Rickai85]

Mo too! Safe travels!

[@slavo316]

Been to Japan 3 times. Can't stress enough about wifi rental and suica card!

[@wolverine6562lex]

Perfectly country to LIVE IN.. I m in love with Japan

[@nickjubsh6h923]

please check out this channel too and if you like please subscribe kzbin.info/door/GfM15CKSjHl8bGp16P6P8g?view_as=subscriber

[@astridvontobing900]

Great tips, and detail explanation. わかりやすい

[@alyssaherren8957]

Woooowww. Very well put together. Thank you

[@trapphone1208]

this was the most helpful video i have seen by far thank you

[@singingexplorer3304]

Been here last year 2019 unforgettable experience💕💕💕

[@burritosandme5517]

Going to Japan in three months. I’m so excited. These tips are very helpful

[@gelod1842]

i want to work in japan ! its my dream ! 😭❤️

[@huntersdigital8058]

ok

[@shiningstone6771]

JAPAN 🇯🇵 is one of the most well known wonderful country in the world, Their culture, people, language, food, hospitality is just Amazing 😇✌️ . I truely admire the hardwork of Japanese people and their culture from INDIA 🇮🇳 I have a true respect for their culture ☺️ 🇮🇳❣️🇯🇵

[@sarahb8654]

Thank you for this amazing video 😍 very useful. Can’t wait to visit Japan

[@lalifromcali6439]

I really appreciate these tips.

[@DecipherDiz]

I just came back from Japan.... this would have been useful....

[@gabbynegron2867]

Daniel W was it difficult to get around