25 Essential Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Japan in 2025

[@CelestaSumero]

OMG, the depth and detail you all go into in your videos is INCREDIBLY helpful. Truly so grateful. Thank you!!

[@KenshoQuest]

You're very welcome! Are you headed to Japan soon?

[@CelestaSumero]

@@KenshoQuest I arrived a few days ago and your videos helped me handle booking a Shinkansen ticket (with luggage) with ease, as well as getting travelers insurance. SO grateful! Excited to watch more of your videos and make the most of my 2 months in Japan

[@KenshoQuest]

@@CelestaSumero 2 months, that’s awesome! We’re headed to Tokyo soon.

[@vanderley3]

wow straight to the point, no annoying intros. Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome!

[@SL-me9qv]

Yesss!!! ❤

[@StrompsXD]

I've watched your videos religiously while preparing my japan trip, THANK YOU for everything you do, your way of explaining things is clear and concise. I wish you and your beautiful family the best 🥰

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! 💕

[@michaelmang8858]

I'm traveling to Japan in June, 2025 and this video helped a lot. Thanks

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! We have lots of videos here on Kensho Quest about Japan travel.

[@MariaCollazo-q1s]

I find your videos very helpful. We’re planning a trip to Japan in April and now I watch your channel exclusively for tips and information regarding the trip. Thank you

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! In case you'll be here during cherry blossom season, here's our video on the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJDXZ3uebqtoj7s

[@Gen_635]

As always, thank you for this detailed information-this helps a lot! Happy Holidays! See you in May Japan! 🇺🇸 to 🇯🇵 ☺️

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome! Happy holidays! ❄️

[@JD-ix8fc]

Thanks!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you!

[@DongYiLy]

Sending you and your family my warmest wishes for happy new year 2025 in Japan and many many happy new years to come. Much love.

[@KenshoQuest]

That's very kind of you! Thank you so much. Happy New Year to you and your family as well 😁. Are you visiting Japan in 2025?

[@DongYiLy]

@@KenshoQuest April and November 2025. Thank you. Best wishes.

[@JD-ix8fc]

You guys are the BEST !!!!!!!!!😁

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks! 💕

[@suzy5166]

Thanks very much. Love your voice ❤

[@LauraC369]

I've found that kombini atm's have better exchange rates, so I either bring some yen with me or take out some at the airport but wait until I'm at the kombini to take out a large amount. Thanks for the advice, especially Klook, since it's what I use when I'm there.

[@KenshoQuest]

You're welcome! When I use ATMs in Japan I always decline the conversion and proceed in Yen. Because of that, it's my card network (Visa) and bank that choose the exchange rate, not the ATM itself. So using a 7-Bank ATM at the airport is the same as using one inside a 7-Eleven.

[@marioh5172]

@@LauraC369 I hope you know that Klook has crazy high fees. As a frequent traveler to Japan I have no need for such apps.

[@littlebitsworld5038]

Thanks

[@dennistani1986]

Thank you for your informative video! Please have a safe and happy holiday!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thank you! Happy holidays! ❄️

[@gwarlow]

0:52 Make sure to select the local currency option when withdrawing Japanese Yen. You will avoid extra conversion fees. 😊

[@KenshoQuest]

Exactly!

[@shanestace6222]

Great info as always, Thank you

[@KenshoQuest]

You’re welcome!

[@AbelSFR]

I’m in Japan at the moment and while these videos are helpful they leave out some small details. Especially how overwhelming Narita Airport is. You can plan as much are you want however, when you’re in the mix of everything it’s a different story.

[@dittohead7425]

Yeah, I travel solo, and I'm the type of person that moves fast. I want to get from A to B fast. Their stations, especially Shinjuku, will overwhelm you. But in Japan, I just pause and go, "Okay, I have nowhere to go for three weeks," and I immediately mellow out and just take my time. If I miss a train or get the wrong one, "no big deal." Another one is just a couple minutes behind. Or if the wrong train, see where it goes...

[@ericifune5543]

Google maps is your friend, even in train stations.

[@AbelSFR]

@@ericifune5543 even Google maps gets it wrong sometimes. Many employees at the subways speak English and very kind and helpful when you make a mistake. When I was at Narita airport live view on Google maps would not work properly.

[@dittohead7425]

Yes, it is. As for thier train stations you have to think in 3 dimensions. You coukd be looking for a McDonald's and google maps can tell you your standing on it but it is on the level below or above you...​@ericifune5543

[@aishahbustaman6232]

Hi Kensho...am planning to come at Feb end ( Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo ) .Would you recommend the Hokuriku Golden Arch Pass for this? Thanks 🌹

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. I only recommend the Hokuriku Arch Pass if you plan to stop at cities along the way, such as Nagano, Kanazawa, and Fukui. If you want to go straight from Kyoto to Tokyo, then it's better just to buy individual Shinkansen tickets. Here's one of our videos about buying individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5CqqXyoopWZmsk 🌸 Heidi

[@aishahbustaman6232]

@KenshoQuest thanks a lot,dear! ♥️🌹

[@pamelayu9513]

Is there an APP you recommend for translating Japanese and English? My main interest is translating food menu. Thank you!

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi. We use Google Lens on Google Translate. I also have Papago, but haven’t used it much yet. Here’s our video on apps for Japan travel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqTden94pJWpqJI

[@pamelayu9513]

@ thank you ! Will take a look.

[@PeterW-t2q]

Hi, we live in Belgium/Europe and will be staying in Japan 2 weeks end May/early June 2025 travelling as a couple. We have been watching plenty of your useful videos for which we thank you. We understood there is a Sumo festival end May in Tokyo. I was checking online to buy tickets but not very clear.. I also looked on Klook but they only sell a "tour" which we are not interested in. What do you guys advise as to buying tickets (only) online ? Thanks for your feedback.

[@ericifune5543]

You can buy from the Sumo association website, but tickets don't go on sale until a couple months beforehand.

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, for sumo, it's probably best to go to the official source here: sumo.pia.jp/en/sumo01.jsp Or you can try: www.buysumotickets.com/ while this site looks cheesy it is a known reseller but prices may be higher.

[@Smoothplayer360]

I will be in Japan end of march to mid April 2025 any tips ?

[@LeviathanSparrow]

We'll be there from March 23 to April 6. Is it going to be crowded?

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, it will be crowded, as that is cherry blossom season. Full bloom in Tokyo is expected around March 31.

[@LeviathanSparrow]

@@KenshoQuest Woops. Should have done more research before getting the tickets. Oh well! Thanks for the info!

[@JhshshhsbNndndbdb]

Is suica card also cover trains and bus in nagasaki and fukuoka

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, it will cover some but not all. Also, if you plan to head south to Kumamoto, they have discontinued support for all of the major IC cards effective immediately.

[@KenshoQuest]

Which Japan tour or cultural experience looks like the most fun to you? Save during Klook's end of year sale (affiliate link): geni.us/klook-japan Residents of USA can stack coupon KENSHOQUESTKLOOK for an additional discount.

[@Njkk66-user93]

Hi Kensho Quest, thank you for another informative video. Do you know if Suica Apps can be used by Android phones not purchased in Asia? We are from U.S. with Android phones. Heard that only iphone and Android phones purchased in Asia can use the Suica train App properly.

[@KenshoQuest]

Sorry, digital Suica won’t work on Android phones from the U.S. You’re best bet is to get physical plastic cards once you arrive in Japan. Unless you know someone who recently returned from Japan and you can borrow their card. 🌸 Heidi

[@Njkk66-user93]

@@KenshoQuestthank you for your quick reply.

[@sjhanksaz]

Charles Schwab has a checking account that is free that will refund any ATM fees all over the world. We love traveling with it because we don't worry about those fees. Happy travels.

[@KenshoQuest]

Yes, we also use Charles Schwab checking!

[@jonathanchan7448]

I want to purchase the ubigi eSIM, do I need to download the app first?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, the app is optional. But using the app does make it easy to install and setup. Either way, you can purchase first. If you are first time user you can save 10% via our affiliate link: www.ubigi.com/kenshoquest

[@jonathanchan7448]

@ thank you.

[@kyohan04]

For the immigration clearance and customs declartion forms, on Visit Japan Web, do children 3 and under required to fill the form out?

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, every single person regardless of age is required to fill out the form. Though, this can all be done under one main profile. Each person is required to have their own QR Code and this will only be issued once each person has completed the required forms.

[@kyohan04]

@KenshoQuest thank you for your quick response.

[@TC-cd5sm]

Got cash yesterday at 157.50. Its down to 156 now YES lol

[@KenshoQuest]

Good call! I charged my digital PASMO when it was 153, and then it went up to 156 the next day. Oh, well!

[@TC-cd5sm]

@@KenshoQuest Can't win them all haha. I'm just happy the yen is back up to the 150 range. I was a bit worried when it started heading towards the low 140s

[@angelaakinsanya9366]

cash ?? do you mean UDS or Yen

[@KenshoQuest]

When getting cash from an ATM in Japan it will be Japanese Yen.

[@Traveljet14]

A

[@JoshyT87]

I’m still in a week battle with Klook trying to get my refund of $2,000. It’s been a horrible experience unfortunately..

[@KenshoQuest]

Hi, terribly sorry to hear that you are having a battle with Klook. We hope it gets sorts out soon! 🙏🏼

[@JoshyT87]

@ should I go to the official JRpass website to book, due to the dispute with Klook?

[@KenshoQuest]

@@JoshyT87 Sorry, we don't know the details of why you're seeking a refund. If you want to book through the official website it is: japanrailpass.net/en/

[@christianmartinez7122]

@@JoshyT87 I would, the JR Pass was the only thing I didn’t do through Klook because it was just too much money to leave in their hands. Sorry to hear you’re having issues

[@DCSWCCkingpin1]

Obon is pronounced "Oh-bone"

[@coconutvirus2225]

First

[@EVentures888]

Just got back from a trip to Japan with my family. I’ve been to Japan for business several times and I told them it is not worth visiting. I finally gave in and took them for the Christmas holiday. After our recent visit, it has been proven to them…food is not that great, the citizens during their daily life look rather miserable, and there is not much to see. Most areas are so quiet even if there are locals there. There seems to lack of life or the thrive for life. Japan seems looked in the past. BTW, the Haneda Airport Garden Shopping Mall does not access after going through security…what a bad design.

[@MizhPai]

great info as always, no bs youtube video just the right info u need. thanks kensho quest, looking foward to my next year trip

[@KenshoQuest]

Have a wonderful time in Japan!