7 TINY Steps to MASSIVELY Level Up Your Japan Trip

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With just a few small changes, anyone can transform their Japan experience from a lame carbon-copy of everyone else's into an EPIC adventure. Use these 7 hacks to apply the ultimate upgrade to any Japan itinerary.
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// VIDEO
(36)【第２５日】廃墟観光 長崎・軍艦島クルーズ＆上陸《夏休み日本一周の旅 長崎駅》9/3-101│Gunkanjima Island in Nagasaki
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• (36)【第２５日】廃墟観光 長崎・軍艦島ク...

[@japanunravelled]

Nara Half-day Walking Tour by MagicalTrip - Coupon code: JPNUR1024 (5 USD off) www.magical-trip.com/product/61494b98-5cf7-4023-8db5-cf8ad92da41e? MONTHLY INSIDER EMAIL: japanunravelled.substack.com/subscribe

[@Dellinger9]

Nothing lame about going to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on your first japan trip. Seeing and doing all the things youve seen others do. This will instill some familiarness and check off some boxes for many. Same as a first time to the US trip usually is New York City. If its your second time or more, I agree check out other cities or places and youll have a different experience.

[@japanunravelled]

Why wait for your second trip? Anyway, your money and time, so have fun!

[@Vyxxen201]

Absolutely agree with this!! Can't wait for my first trip to Japan in a few weeks time!

[@Komainu959]

I'd have to agree BUT I would say this only applies if you plan on making a return trip to Japan. If you're going for a "once in a lifetime" trip then set aside an extra day or two to venture out of the major cities.

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

@@Dellinger9 yes absolutely can't blame anybody visiting any, or all, of the BIG-3 on their first trip. If a Japan-cities-only experience is for you, go for it. For us personally, trip-1 of 16 days to Tokyo included 2 short-stay side trips into the more rural areas which provided us a wider Japan experience. I'm now on trip #11 and only using the cities as the launching point to more remote areas not often visited by international tourists, and for me, the best of my time in Japan.

[@Komainu959]

@@Gazumi-inOZ Yeah, I've only been once but it was for 4 weeks so I went from Tokyo > Toyama (day-Kurobe Gorge > Osaka > Kyoto > Nara (day) > Koyasan (overnight) > Hiroshima > Kurokawa (overnight) > Fukuoka > Kawaguchiko. I stayed at some cities twice heading back to Tokyo. Everything not mentioned as day/overnight was at least 2 nights. Even then it was honestly too much LOL! But I am glad because now that I've done it I know that while the cities are great fun I really don't need to have extended stays in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka again and I probably would feel the same about other large cities. I much more enjoyed the smaller cities like Kyoto, Nara and even Hiroshima. Since you've been so many times care to share your favorite "Off the beaten path" or even just a little outside the norm places? For me the stay in Kurokawa Onsen (Yamabiko Ryokan) was a welcome and unique experience. I also really enjoyed Kurobe Gorge (train ride) and seeing Mt. Fuji from Kawaguchiko...although I hear Hakone is also nice.

[@Komainu959]

11:06 - Speaking of Bond film locations don't forget about Himeji Castle. Only the best castle in all of Japan in my humble opinion. Plus, if you're likely passing by it if you're going to Nagasaki anyway.

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah Himeji is pretty awesome and easy to reach as you say. There are a fair few film locations I could recommend!

[@mutedp666]

Great suggestions here! Just arrived home recently from my first Japan trip, and I wish this had come out before I got there. My biggest take away from my trip was to DO THE GUIDED TOUR! Allot of people (myself included), only show up to the land marks to take pictures. I'm not very photogenic, so after taking pictures of the scenery I was done, while allot of tourists around you have full-on photo shoots, which is fine, but I felt like I was missing so much context to everything around me. If you want to do more than just take pictures, for sure do the guided tour!

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah, totally agree. It's such an easy way of adding a TON of value to your trip.

[@xXNekou]

I've been to Nara twice and it's my absolutely favourite place. :) I noticed that most tourists seem to stick to the big main street of Nara leading up to the park, and to the main road in the park, but the further you go away from there the less crowded it is, and Nara has loads of very old little streets that remind me of Kyoto, with great atmosphere, and not many tourists venture out. :) Same for the deer park - the further away you go from the touristy main road the nicer it gets because there's no crowds and there's so much to explore.

[@japanunravelled]

I agree entirely!

[@bmkmymaggots]

Hahaha, the shout out to Luis was great

[@Oxydoz1]

Great tips! I've been in Japan once and now creating a trip for myself and a few of my friends. Having experienced my first 10 days in the land of rising sun I want to tailor "The mega life-changer 3000" trip for my friend, but I want to minimise that "mainstream" experience. Your advice has been very helpful. Thank you again and keep doing those videos.

[@margaret7384]

Hi Andrew, Thank you so much for this extremely helpful information . It has helped me enormously best wishes from Australia ❤❤

[@japanunravelled]

Thank you!

[@THAILANDCANUCK]

Did Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in October and really enjoyed it. I am going back in February, but this time going to Hiroshima and Fukuoka area.

[@japanunravelled]

Sounds good - I recommend you look up Kintaikyo...

[@glcordero]

Nice vid! Thought I'd also share, as a frequent traveler. Absolutely agree with focusing on just a region. Each prefecture has so much to offer, that the big three of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are at the bottom of my list. Having to travel from one region to another multiple times in one trip is a waste of time. I think it's also worth mentioning that people might have a misconception that Japan is highly urbanized everywhere - it's not. You might find yourselves in areas with no internet connection, where hotels are few and far in between, and it's just rice fields from horizon to horizon. It's still beautiful but expectations might need to be tempered. I would not do Nagasaki if Hiroshima is my port, though - there are are closer options like Shimane or the Seto Inland Sea. I would reserve Nagasaki for a Kyushu trip. I would suggest identifying your port and hub city based on your plans: for example in my country, we have direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka and they may restore the Nagoya route soon, too. Whenever possible I'd avoid connecting flights so I tend to plan for the nearest port from my target region. I have a love-hate relationship with guided tours. On one hand, that's one day off what I have to plan and it's true that the transportation is convenient. On the other hand, I feel like there's an equal amount to stress to have: there's a good chance you'd be grouped with tourists with crappy behavior (haha yes, I don't care for connecting with other travelers), and a good chance of having to spend a chunk of your time in places you don't really care for (you might not care for shopping in Gotemba in a Hakone tour), and most likely you'd be hitting those places at their most crowded times, too. The skill of the guide is an unknown too, sometimes you'd get a very good one (and as mentioned, learn a lot of cool things from them), other times they'd just be focused on herding the group. I still insert a tour once in a while, but as much as possible, DIY tours are my preference. That said, Biei is a good example as it might not be as bad as guided tours for more popular and crowded places. Re: pocket wifi, it works well for me since we travel together as a family and nowadays battery life isn't a problem. We also carry at least 1 power bank so it's not so bad, and when you're riding express trains or Shinkansen you can charge while on the move. Pick up and drop off at the airport takes less than 5 minutes, so I don't mind that too. If you're traveling solo or with a group that tends to split every now and then, then yes, eSim is better. Re: Limousine bus, something for me to look into. We always use the trains but then we travel light so the luggage hasn't been a problem. So maybe it depends on the price and travel time. As for traveling light, a tip: take advantage of your hotel's laundry area or nearby coin laundry. Do 1-1.5 hours of laundry once or twice during your trip (I prefer late evening, prior to going to bed so it doesn't take away valuable trip time) - this goes a long way in saving you from having to carry your entire closet.

[@japanunravelled]

Thanks - great ideas! My ultra pro-tip is to invest in merino wool clothes, meaning you can skip doing laundry, and you can go everywhere with one small bag.

[@randxalthor]

Always love your videos! All the little tricks really helped make our first time in Japan smooth and easy. KuroNeko was a life saver, especially.

[@japanunravelled]

Thanks!

[@zcqrtm369]

Thank you Andrew. This numpty realizes, I would do better with all your tips, hacks, suggestions and recommendations. My trip depends on these as the distance to go to Japan is far.

[@jasminmilky7221]

Thank you, I'm gonna try all this 🎉😊

[@japanunravelled]

[@MrGold-lo6vc]

Wholeheartedly agree with the first 20 seconds. It's baffling how tourists behave. I've clocked 6 months in Japan so far, and every really enjoyable daytrip was something off the beaten path, usually outside of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. Hokkaido was remarkably uncrowded and beautiful. I have almost no desire to do the highly "recommended" sightseeing or queue for Ichiran. E-sim works beautifully, I can't imagine being here without it. Highly recommend staying in one region as you say, I do it for a few days and always spend 1 or 2 nights in each town we visit. When I see travel KZbinr's itineraries I am appalled. They're just checking off destinations, often without even staying a single night. Where's the enjoyment in spending 75% of your time on trains and buses? When I see someone recommend spending a single night in a place, I know that means I should spend at least two. You're so right, these crowded overvisited destinations are lame compared with lesser-celebrated places.

[@japanunravelled]

Baffling is exactly right. Onsen towns are a good example. You need at least one night there, 2 or 3 is better. You can't enjoy the place in a few hours.

[@xXNekou]

I didn't know about the e-sim! :) We used pocket wifi both times and we were very happy with it (though, yes, we needed to carry a power bank with us to give it a boost during the day).

[@japanunravelled]

Yes, exactly!

[@erikalloyd5842]

Thanks very much for your very enlightening and entertaining videos, especially about the airport limousine buses. Unfortunately they have temporarily suspended services to the Tokyo Prince Hotel, 3-3-1 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku Tokyo. You mentioned that the bus would probably stop at a nearby hotel. So not being familiar with Tokyo, how do I find out which nearby hotels?

[@japanunravelled]

The best way to find out is to check the bus companies' websites. If you check the airport website, it has links to the bus operator sites in the access section. Hope that helps!

[@erikalloyd5842]

@@japanunravelled Thanks for that. I found it by googling the question - got a complete list of hotels the airport limousine services one of which is only 450 metres from my hotel 😊

[@japanunravelled]

There you go! Almost as good as a taxi, and way cheaper! Nice job!

[@pilotpancake1397]

Gonna use the luggage transport thing when I'm there. Saves me the hassle of a backpack

[@clarkbenefitconsultingltd8907]

Having transported luggage around Japan ealrierr this year I can recommend this. Hotels make it easy and luggage always arrived as promised

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah, those big ones are tough to carry.

[@KethrenanKG]

I'm having my 1st trip to Japan right now (it's almost over sadly) and I have to admit that my time outside the big cities were the most interesting! But I did also really enjoy Tokyo! I did watch your videos before and they helped me plan my trip! Thanks!

[@japanunravelled]

Good to hear!

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

Andrew you've done it again 10/10 🥇🏆 Absolutely sound advice that every traveller to Japan should consider. 1. Yes yes yes, Bus Transfer for sure 💯 - Trip-6 before I wised up 🫣 🚌 2. SIM Card - I buy a SIM in my country before my trip and it's live when I land on the tarmac 🛬 3. Regional rail passes are the go, research for the area of your stay. 4. Guided Tours 🤔 ... BUT make sure you're with an English speaking guide and listen to the guide NOT the tour group members 🙉 😂 5. Stay in the city, get the heck out of the city 😎 👍 6. Luggage forwarding 🤔 ... being that I travel with my folding e-bike I'm still reluctant. Keep bringing this type of excellent Japan travel information 👍 well done 😊 I'm 4 weeks out from trip #11, I'm spending 12 days in Shirahama Wakayama (& region) after an overnight stay close to KIX/Osaka airport due to my late night arrival. 1 night - I passed thru 2 nights - I was there for a day 3 nights - for a weekend 4+ nights - I experienced the area 😊

[@japanunravelled]

You're too kind! Thanks. I checked into luggage forwarding for my Brompton and last I saw was they didn't accept them. A lot of bus companies also don't allow them in the luggage hold too. However, you're fine on all trains if it's completely inside a bag (no exposed wheels). Plus, airlines handle them well. Luckily, taking a folding bike means I can disregard a bunch of my own tips, because a 15 minute walk to a hotel becomes a 5 minute ride. And I one bag travel, so no worries there. Enjoy Wakayama! It's awesome scenery down there.

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

@@japanunravelled I haven't experienced any problem loading my folding e-bike onto a transfer-bus because my folded bike is below the luggage size limit, (same goes for airlines). Standard bikes with the front wheel removed are classed as 'oversized luggage' and will be usually refused on airport-transfer buses. My completely bagged folding e-bike was actually knocked back on a local bus in Takashima Shiga on one trip for the first time. It was a public holiday and the bus was packed 🤔 On my most recent past trip, to Shima Mie, I hired a car AND had my e-bike in the back. The best of both worlds, drive, park, ride, maximum exploration options. As you would know Andrew, there's nothing like having your own folding bike in Japan 🚲 👍 The concerning issue when it comes to e-bikes is, the battery, which cannot be taken onto aircraft worldwide. Purchasing a battery within your destination country is one option. I now leave my bike battery in Japan awaiting my return.

[@jakeconnelly2441]

some extra tips for staying connected: A wifi hotspot is still a great option for a group. HOWEVER, you need a battery bank. Keep it in your bag hooked to the battery and it should last you all day no problem (I used a 10k one).

[@japanunravelled]

Thanks for sharing

[@nickwatson2217]

There seems to be only 3 limousine buses per day from narita to asakusa. None at a suitable time for me. Think I’ll just take the train for turn up and go service.

[@japanunravelled]

That's what happens when you stay in Asakusa. Hope you have a great trip!

[@lotusdevi]

This will be my 7th trip to Japan...with 7 years since the last eeek can't wait....and this time I'm hiring a car and going to really enjoy the scenic drives through Wakayama and the Izu Peninsula....yes will need a shinkansen to get up there but also staying with a good friend who lives an hour out of Tokyo so looking forward to a more local pace :) Think We'll also drive between Kinosaki onsen and Amanohashidate and Ine

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

Absolutely love it 🤗 ... You've got yourself a good plan. Coincidentally I'm heading to Wakayama on trip-11 in 4 weeks staying at Shirahama to explore the area for 12 days. Be sure to spend some time in Shimoda Shizuoka. Enjoy Ine, prior to your time in Amanohashidate, I recommend a bike rental between the 2 ropeways, and a return ferry/boat trip. Enjoy your trip 😊

[@phiromthach550]

The JR wide pass and the Hokuriku Arch pass is great. I'm going to use the JR Wide pass to go to Kuzawa, Nikko and Kawaguchi for my day trips at only 15000 yen, its a no brainer. It also provides you access to the JR lines in Tokyo! I heard people even buy 2 JR Wide passes back to go because it provides coverage all the way to Izu Peninsula and Chiba!

[@japanunravelled]

Thanks!

[@himawari4166]

I was considering sending my luggage by yamato etc... however I`m sort of afraid it might get lost, so I always carry my suitcases around :/

[@japanunravelled]

Understandable, though once you've used them once, you'll understand why I recommend it.

[@johnparker1029]

Lovely guy. Thank you

[@japanunravelled]

So nice of you!

[@sbaluba]

well I'm not young, I'm good looking, and my phone is definitely young (and overpriced)🤣 I'll go for the e-sim

[@RmNrIHRoZSBDQ1AK]

Whether you take the bus or the train from the airport depends where you're staying. If you just get off of a 16h flight, think beforehand about your initial stay. For me taking the Skyliner from NRT to Nippori was the obvious choice. I had a 60GB / 1 month pocket wifi for $25. The battery didn't run out on me once because, you know, you're in Japan, why would you hang on your phone for 10 hours straight? By ordering it to your hotel, the inconvenience in negligible. Don't buy the e-sim argument with the current prices.

[@japanunravelled]

Of course, in your case you're but a short trot from the station. Ueno is a similar case too. Not sure how you're getting through 60GB in one month. I barely get through 2. Do you not connect to wifi, ever? Or are you streaming 24/7?

[@Komainu959]

I've used pocket wifi twice already but the next time it's e-sim for me. Charging the extra item, always having to remember to bring it with us and make sure it's charged AND not over heating AND it weighs down your pocket when you just want to walk around without anything more than your phone....it just gets old after awhile.

[@dragonzord6615]

I think I beat you with #1. I'm landing in KIX and booked a hotel in Namba near the traino so I don't even need to think about what's going on . Also bought a new phone for japan just so i can use an eSim. Love your videos man

[@japanunravelled]

Yes, Namba is a straight shot. And Nankai has those crazy expresses. It's a win-win!

[@Eldiran1]

Last year i was in Japan and i skip Tokyo entirely. Some of my friend and people who i talk about my trip didn't understand this choice. They where like "You can't skip it" and i was like, i've already been here once, and when i only scratch the surface on 9 days, i wanted to live away from the Japanese "image d'Épinal". And what an adventure! Also i've to say that Ikeshima>Gunkan-jima. Yeah i was 3 day in Nagasaki for the lantern festival and i did visit Ikeshima along the way. It's also an abandonned island who did had 9000 people on his glory but has now only around 50 habitants . Yeah it's more difficult to go there than Gunkan-jima (you have to take the bus and they aren't much ferries) but you can freely move around. All in all this video give amazing tips, i 100% agree (except on the detail about Gunkan-jima if you can deal with japanese bus ^^ ). In fact, if i've to recommand one channel to help for preparing your Japanese trip, it's this one. Ps:As an apprentice tourist guide, most people don't know that guide spend most of their time preparing their itinerary, reading books about what to say, verifing that what they know is still valid, that the weather will allow to go there, etc... A least in France where i am, you can't improvising yourself guide, you need to have your license.

[@japanunravelled]

100% agree. You can and should skip places. Don't take someone else's trip. It's your money. As for Tokyo, well, better value elsewhere - in every sense of the word.

[@chicomtl]

Again, great video, thanks ! Did not consider the bus limousine . Do you recommend a particular site to book in advance besides Klook ? Arriving in late december so I'm guessing seats will be hard to find live on site. Our hotel will be near Kanda station G13.

[@japanunravelled]

Generally direct with the bus companies is fine. Airport websites have the access info and links to bus providers. See what you can find.

[@exercising1621]

Hi Andrew! Can you make a video about the JR East South Hokkaido Pass, please? I'm wondering how many seat reservations I can make with it. Thanks!!

[@japanunravelled]

I don't really want to make lots of pass videos because the details are very prone to change. Reservations are unlimited on the JR East passes, this one included.

[@WaifuTrashWeeb]

Local flights > Shinkansen. Faster and way cheaper.

[@japanunravelled]

I'll give you the way cheaper bit. But whether or not they are faster really depends on the location of the airport.

[@singas2854]

We land in Tokyo take limousine bus to hotel area Shinjuku stay 4 days get train to Toyama stay overnight and keep the hotel for 3 days in the morning its bus to Shirakawago stay overnight then back to Toyama next day train to mt Fuji stay four days then back to Tokyo asakusa area by train 4 days home We will use cash suica and debit card and digital esims I’m loving some of your tips Unfortunately we are skipping the snow monkey tour as I have opted for no rush travel

[@japanunravelled]

It's quite a laid back plan, I like it. Hope it goes well for you! Shirakawago is great.

[@singas2854]

@@japanunravelled no rush no drama first visit 👍

[@johndavidco8501]

Does the limousine bus put luggage tags on your luggage?

[@japanunravelled]

No. Remember that Japan is a high-trust society. If you're worried, put an airtag inside.

[@johndavidco8501]

@@japanunravelled I see. Thank you!

[@GK-q3b]

I echo Andrew’s point on #1. Limobus was the way to go, for my first 3 trips to Tokyo, so comfy and convenient. By the 3rd or 4th trip, when snow caused its cancellation on departure day, we were comfortable enough with the trains to take them to the airport, even with at least one change of trains. This is our 6th trip, but our first outside Tokyo / Ski resorts, so we’re exploring Kyoto, Kanazawa and Tokyo. Used Airalo last time, in 2020, so good to use eSIM. Thanks for your tips Andrew! I’m downgrading my expectations of hitting all the ‘must sees’ and looking for oases of calm in what will still be a busy Autumn tourist time. Next time will plan things more regionally…

[@ianmarkham149]

Number 8. Google maps for directions is awesome in Japan. So much better than the UK. Tells you the entrance/exit for stations. Where to board a train for the quickest transfer and exit. And the price.

[@japanunravelled]

I would think that Google Maps figures that the train will likely be suddenly cancelled in the UK, with no announcement, so it's hardly worth telling you where to board.

[@franscorner8618]

I came across your video as I'm passionate about Japanese culture and I would LOVE to visit there! One of the things that got my attention really quick was the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Is there really a place in Kyoto where you can print your own? Would you mind sharing the link if they have a website? Thank you!

[@japanunravelled]

The place I did my experience seems to not be doing experiences now. But, I did find this place in a search: www.takezasa.co.jp/mokuhan/mokuhan05.html (you'll need autotranslate of course). I did also find this one, but it's in Osaka: www.getyourguide.co.uk/kamigata-ukiyoe-museum-l165726/osaka-ukiyo-e-woodblock-printing-experience-t405049/?ranking_uuid=b8983bce-8127-46ba-a9c5-7fbc9fa1e379. Kyoto tourist information will surely be helpful for this. Not everyone has a website!

[@mellamosteve331]

I am planning to go to Ueno Station from Haneda, but I am unable to find one Limousine Bus that goes near the station :c Is there a better website to check the stops besides the official one?

[@japanunravelled]

I'd be surprised if there is one. Most people would be going to Yokohama or Tokyo station, not Ueno. Good place to stay though. Have you checked Haneda Airport's website? They usually have all the details on the access page.

[@mellamosteve331]

@@japanunravelled I checked on the airport limousine bus website and the closest one to Ueno is the one to Asakusa, but we would had to do quite the hike to get to our stay. The other option I was thinking is to send our stuffs via Yamato Kuroneko to a nearby 7-11 that I found on the Yamato e-map website, since our stay can't recieve it, go there by train, and receive our stuffs the day after. I also want to thank you for your videos, your actitude is fenomenal and your tips and advice are splendid.

[@japanunravelled]

​@@mellamosteve331 Thanks! Pick up at 7-11 is a great way to go then! Enjoy!

[@Panda_Roll]

Are you ok? The way you talk in this vid is really weird. You're not coming down with a cold or something? Take care of yourself!

[@japanunravelled]

I wasn't as loud as I usually am, partly due to me not giving it the full beans during recording, and also because I think I forgot the final stage during sound processing. No cold though, thanks for your concern!

[@colinmathie2710]

I noticed this to, i had to turn my volume up a tad to hear you.

[@japanunravelled]

@@colinmathie2710 Funnily enough, so did I, and I still didn't realise my mistake!

[@colinmathie2710]

@@japanunravelled As long as everything is cool.