My HONEST Advice 2024 For Anyone Visiting JAPAN Soon

In this video, I share my honest advice for travelers visiting Japan. From cultural etiquette to must-visit places and hidden gems, I cover everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
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☑️ Tourist Major Mistakes in TOKYO
• 17 biggest mistakes TO...
■About me
Hi, I’m Nao. I was born in Yokohama and grew up in a Buddhist temple in the countryside of Hyogo prefecture. Life in urban and rural areas and unique experiences in a temple can bring other perspectives on Japanese things.
I love sharing Japanese things with you, so please always tell and ask me what kind of videos you want to see in the comments.
And don't forget to subscribe and click the notification bell to stay up to date with my content.
■Subscribe → / @japanwithnao

[@JapanwithNao]

I want to go to local summer festivals this year ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°). Please let us know what you are looking forward to during your trip to Japan😘Thank you for watching!

[@SaraSilva-id8js]

oooh, I loved this and these are the advices I would say to someone going to Japan - plus: one trip tickets (to exchange the JR pass, if you have one and are unable to do it when you arrive at the airport) . I really really really want to return to Japan! the culture is something else! Thank you for being so nice :D

[@JapanwithNao]

@SaraSilva-id8js Thank you for watching and for your advice😉 We are waiting for you coming back then😎

[@Moonstone-Redux]

I only eat convenience store food when I have to keep moving, but in times when you can afford to sit and eat for breakfast, Yayoi-ken and its equivalents like Matsuya, Sukiya and Yoshinoya are great breakfast options if you don't mind eating rice for breakfast. I find that an even better option than most hotel breakfasts.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😊 Ohhhhh those restaurants you mentioned are really good for breakfasts, and many Japanese business persons have breakfast there😍 And it's cheap... a wonderful option, isn't it!💯

[@flawed1]

I don’t think that most people think they’re going to get the best quality food in Japan from a convenience store. Most people are smart enough to know better than that. It’s just that most people have also never tasted high-quality food from a convenience store and they want to try it, so they can see how high quality or not it is for themselves . I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying it.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 You're right! There is nothing wrong as far as you want to try and that's the best way to enjoy Japan😘

[@shawnbell6392]

I enjoyed conbini store sandwiches on several occasions but there are many other food sources there. I didn't have a bad meal in Japan.

[@segfault1361]

On the topic of food, one lesson as a tourist who went to Japan last year is to have dinner early if you want to go to a good restaurant because they close very early (compared to most western countries like Canada). One of my favourite restaurants was one that served food 24 hours a day and was right next to my hotel in Kyoto. It was super convenient to get breakfast and dinner when many resturants are closed. And for a full meal it only cost 600 yen ($5).

[@carlm1775]

Once again a very well thought out and clear presentation! When my son and I return to Japan this November our main objective is shopping/eating, and seeing a few sights we did not see when we were there last year so we definitely have our list together. As far as reservations, it's definitely worth spending 5 minutes of your time a month before your arrival to book/purchase tickets to popular places such as Shibuya Sky. I certainly agree about using convi stores for breakfast and snacks, and we also found that if it was late at night some hot food from Family Mart would be just fine. :) Thank you for making this video and have a great day!

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching again😊 Nice! You have a to-do list in Japan💯 Eating at a convenience store hot food is amazing, but eating at night makes me feel guilty😂 Have a nice weekend👌

[@CP-FJB]

Thank you Nao. The sincerity in your voice is always very reassuring. You truly care about your viewers. ADVICE... For 10 years I've spent 4 months of each year here in Japan. I'm in Tokyo now. The one thing I see foreigners underestimate is voice VOLUME. It is always much louder than Nihonjin. Talking in public, on their phones, in elevators... it's like they (we?) are speaking to someone across the street. (^.^) Japan is a blast. It's easy to get excited. But... things will go much better when you stay aware of your own voice volume. (^.-)

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching again😉 Wow, it's a long time in Japan in totallthen! Tokyo has been getting hotter these days, hasn't it😲 Yes, voice volume...you are right. But they are also too excited about being in Japan then the volume may be getting louder😂

[@nobodynothing00000]

I often stopped by the convi stores almost every night to get some desert, they have individual serving sizes which makes it easy not to pig out!

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 I know...but still something cautious for me to go there at night😂

[@Iymarra]

Thank you for useful tips - I am heading to the dreaded Tokyo (Asakusa) in November but will try going to less busy, less touristy parts!

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😊 Dreaded Tokyo..😂 It's a bit chilly (it may be cold already) in November, so please prepare for that💯 Have fun!

[@abrahamalatorre]

I recently come from Japan as a solo traveler first timer and I'm already making plans to go there next year again. These videos help out a lot to apply for my next trip. Thanks for your content!

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😊 Ohhhhh, You've already decided to come here again next time? Wonderful😘 I will make more videos for you as much as I can before your next trip💯

[@JohnM...]

Is it not scary being on your own? I’ve never been abroad, planning on going next year, and I’m shi**ing myself 😢. No one is ever interested in what I am, and because I’m older than most (54), I have to do everything on my own. I’ve been learning Japanese for a year now, but I feel like I’m not even at pre-school level!🥹🫤. I’m also very boring when it comes to food. Sigh.

[@JapanwithNao]

@JohnM... Thank you for watching😊 Traveling alone for the first time is always full of worry, I believe! But you study Japanese and planning yourself👌 And even watch my video😂 It seems a good start already! I'm here, so if you wanna ask something, feel free to ask me😉

[@gsilverstone]

I can't agree more! You summed it up perfectly! A first trip to Japan should be unforgettable!!!

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching again😘 I have more things to share with you so stay tuned😎

[@collwyr]

I hope you do another one of these videos next year, I'm coming there for the first time late October to do a cruise starting in Yokohama, down to Singapore and plan on coming for a couple of days before hand to soak up as much ramen and culture as possible :D

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 Okaaayy! See you on another video then😎

[@TelekineticKhai]

Thanks for solid, real advice 😊

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching agian😊

[@shawnbell6392]

I did not have a bad meal in Japan and I did eat pasta and Middle Eastern food as well. Definitely research the culture as it seems too many people go who are not really there for the culture and don't have the best trip they could. Indeed be quiet on trains. Not disturbing others in public spaces is one of the strong values in the culture. Hotel prices are indeed increased this year. In Kyoto try to use the new tourist loop buses to free up the regular ones for locals and don't chase or harass geisha for Instagram photos. It's illegal now and even other tourists are angry at the bad behavior. As much as I love Tokyo, I agree its best to branch out to other places.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching and for your advice😉 Foods from other countries are localized in Japan. So as long as you like Japanese food (taste of Japanese dish), you like other country foods in Japan I believe💯 I love Tokyo too, but for sightseeing, definitely go to the countryside in Japan😊

[@yurtemre7]

thank you ! planning on visiting japan in october :)

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! Cool! It's an excellent season to visit😘 Have fun!

[@HD-ol1mc]

Good advice! We had a family holiday late last year in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kurashiki and Takayama. Two nights in a ryokan in Takayama was a highlight 😊. We’ve booked to go next March-April to Kyushu for onsen, scenery, food and ryokans 🤩. And hopefully cherry blossoms 🌸.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 You've been so many places in Japan😘 I went to Takayama last year too!hehe Kyusyu! Awesome! So many nice onsen towns there so you won't regret💯 Have a wonderful trip in Japan with cherry blossoms 🌸

[@rko1095]

Heading there later this summer to Tokyo then Hamamatsu for an International Handbell Symposium. We have been planning and researching what to do for a while now. So excited to seeing everything.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 Ohhhh great! It's a coastal area and famous for its limestone cave👌 Have fun!

[@axios101]

Nice advices, but don't forget that Tokyo could also be used as a base to day-trips to other locations as well (Kamakura, Ehoshima, Yokohama, Nikko, Kawagoe, Todoroki Valley, etcc..) and it is important because moving luggages and changing hotel every night or so is also very tiring and confusing... In my upcoming trip to Japan I will make Tokyo my base for a lot of days (12 days in two stays, one shortly after landind and other just before departing) and travel in the vicinities some days. Latest days will be dedicated to short trips inside Tokyo AND lots of shopping and buying (to avoid carrying things around all over the Country).... I think I will buy something "touristy" only in Kyushu and then send the things back to Tokyo (for the last leg of my travel) along with my luggage (using Yamato - Kuroneko).

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching and for your advice😉 Yes, Tokyo is the best place for your base! I can see you know very about traveling to Japan😊 Kyusyu! It's a good place to travel! I hope you have a good time in Japan👌

[@user-oi8wt3rk6s]

Good advice

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching and for your comment😊

[@thisismyexcitedfacee]

i am planning a trip back to japan right now for tokyo disney/disney sea, but "what do you want to DO in japan" has got me thinking, so thankyou! our main objective is to shop in tokyo but i missed out on visiting hiroshima last year so i think i will try for it this time, and you are right, just spend the money! ^u^

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 Hiroshima is a great place to visit💯 Have fun😘

[@EnWorks]

Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima… absolutely magical cities. Osaka, not so much. And Himeji Castle is a must see.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 Ohhhhh a Himeji castle! Haven't been there for awhile but yes, it's amazing😘

[@nobodynothing00000]

I agree I thought that Osaka was highly overrated and Hiroshima, Nara and Kyoto were wonderful. I'd like to go back to Hiroshima for a week or two but I haven't visited Korea or Thailand or Vietnam yet.

[@Thamhas]

I see the red Takayama mascot 👍

[@JapanwithNao]

Bingo! You are the first one who commented on that💯 It's called Sarubobo😘 Thank you for watching and for your comment👌

[@silvae6870]

👋 Hi thanks

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching as always😘

[@darthdiddums845]

❤ Brilliant and concise information. I tend to over plan, book hotels months in advance, and research, research, research. My first trip last year was wonderful and not one day was wasted. This year I'm travelling mainly to the central Japanese Alps with many side trips to places less travelled by tourists...and I love Combini food. I will go to boutique cafes and restaurants during the day, but I'm usually exhausted by nightfall and just want something quick, delicious and easy to eat during the evening. Spending only 1 day in Tokyo too...and still planning to travel out from the city on that day 😊

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😊 You know how to enjoy Japan on your way, which is perfect! The Japanese Alps area is a great place with a lot of nature. It takes time to move around since you can't move straight because of the mountains. So you need to make a plan well, but you may have already done it😘 Have fun!

[@darthdiddums845]

@@JapanwithNao 🥰

[@luckytai-lan2166]

I've been to Tokyo the last time so my next target would be Osaka and the places you mentioned.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching again😉 There are many nice street foods in Osaka💯

[@lilychau8616]

thank you for the advice, Nao! I have a question about going to restaurants, as our family (4 adults) wants to try as many restaurants as possible, but if we always order 4 sets of meal or ramen, etc, we will end up only be able to eat at one restaurants as a time. what my family usually do in other countries is we may order 2 sets to share for 4, and then go to other restaurants and have another 2 sets. But I have heard that in Japan, it is impolite to not order according to the number of guests going in. May I ask what's your advice on this?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 As you said, you are not allowed to order fewer menus than your number of people in most restaurants, especially Ramen restaurants, so the best way is to go to a restaurant that has a variety of menus! If you want to try a variety of food, you should go to Izakaya pubs in Japan. They have a variety of menus👌 Family restaurants in Japan are also a good choice! But not menus, but if you wanna try to eat in a different restaurant, hum...you may need to eat a lot simply...😂

[@nhermawan]

Going to Sapporo this December for the first time. Any advice?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching👌 It's so cold in winter and snowing😲 But I believe many places are illuminated so you can enjoy the night view😘

[@shawnbell6392]

Sapporo is great but indeed bring a warm and windproof jacket and gloves. I went last December and it was too early for snow but I still liked it. I was sad about no snow.....

[@MovieBuffReal]

Thanks for the clip. I've purchased my plane ticket and have booked my hotel but I'm a little worried that I get there and the hotel tells me they don't have any record of my reservation. Is that something common in Japan? Could that be prevented?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😊 I don't think it happens a lot and have never experienced it. You can ask the hotel through email if you worry about that💯

[@JohnM...]

I don’t think that level of incompetence exists in Japan. It’s probably illegal 😅

[@MovieBuffReal]

@@JapanwithNao I'll try. Thanks.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

I want to eat at a restaurant that will not serve me unless I order in Japanese. That way I will either improve my Japanese quickly or lose a lot of weight, so a win-win situation. Also thanks to your channel I will go in the last week of September to first week in October.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😘 There are many places that only have Japanese menus...😆 But...even though you don't speak Japanese, you can order at most restaurants I guess😂 That's a nice time to visit! Welcome to Japan! Have fun😎

[@gsilverstone]

I think Japanese are too polite to put you in this kind of situation... 😆

[@Josh-hs5hp]

Hello Nao! May i ask, I'll be coming to japan in the summer (Aug) and I have a full arm tattoo, is it ok if i put on a singlet/sleeveless top?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching and asking😉 It's totally fine! One thing you should know is there are some places you can't enter with Tattoo. You may be able to enter if you hide it, so it's a good idea to bring something to put on to cover it💯 Have fun!

[@Josh-hs5hp]

@@JapanwithNao Appreciate your kind response Nao. Thank you for your advice!! :D

[@culturevultureonline4742]

Can anyone tell me what the dish at the 5:50 mark is?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! I forgot the name but I ate it in Akita prefecture so it might be a local food from there😃 I'm sorry that I can't tell you the name but I hope there are subscribers who live or from Akita find your message🙌

[@culturevultureonline4742]

@@JapanwithNao No problem! Thank you for replying and for making such resourceful videos!🙏🏻

[@vanhoe0]

I want to talk to random people on the streets with my broken Japanese.

[@shawnbell6392]

Hmm, people are often in a hurry to get to places like work or appointments and Japanese commonly don't really chat with people they don't know. They aren't trying to be rude but bear that in mind. Again, research the culture before you go.

[@JapanwithNao]

@vanhoe0 Thank you for watching😉 I would say if you have a clear eye contact with them, you can probably make small talk with them😎

[@Khadeezy]

Completely disagree, convenience stores in japan must be experienced if you’re visitig

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 You are right! I don't say you shouldn't go there, but try their foods for breakfast or your snack😂