Q&A: Answering your questions about JAPAN! 🗾🗻🍣

Q&A video about Japan, trip planning, experiences in Tokyo, what it's like making videos and my designs.
Thanks so much for sending in your questions - I couldn't believe there were so many! We couldn't fit them all into one video, so part 2 will be coming up soon. This episode includes FAQs about going to Japan and Cakes with Faces:
- Do you need to speak Japanese?
- Favourite Japanese Kitkat?
- Recommended convenience store items.
- Best place to stay in Tokyo.
- Tops for starting a small business.
And lots more!!
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Music made using Jukedeck.
#japan #tokyo

[@MengLeeLim]

26:10 - most important thing when traveling to a place where it is culturally different, always ask the hotel staffs for advise. where to get good and cheap food. ask them if there is any mannerism that you should watch out for, etc.

[@cakeswithfaces]

There's nothing like recommendations from a local who knows all the best places!

[@etherdog]

It was nice to see more of Phil as he was very empathetic and complementary in the discussion! This format should be a part of your regular rotation because it adds to interaction and really does address some of the issues of travel in general and travel in Japan in particulr. Thanks Amy and Phil!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it! It'd be good to do another one at some point - it seems there are lots of questions!! :-)

[@joywaves439]

That's the longest I've seen Phil talk in a video. Amy was the quiet one (relatively) this time. 😇

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hehe, he has a lot to say when it comes to his specialist subjects eg ramen! :-)

[@lifeisgude9999]

8:25 eyyy my question made it in! That is awesome! I totally didn't know you had to remove shoes in a fitting room before going in.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for your question! I had no idea either - I'm sure we all do so many things that are faux Pas without realising! 🙈

[@veganinbrighton9300]

@@cakeswithfaces I totally did that the first time I went to try on clothes in Japan. I felt so bad!

[@LordMcGray]

Fun fact: Karate Kid plays in Okinawa, but was shot on Haiwaii. Researched that for our trip last year and was a bit disappointed, but now we will ge see Okinawa just fors its absolutely stunning water and landscape and food and... you name it :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

An excuse to go to Hawaii as well then...! :-)

[@kiaradacruz1012]

Im sad the video ended... you two are so relaxing to watch talking about your trip!’ 😇 and such a cute couple!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Aww thank you!!

[@mladenmarzic7327]

hi guys really enjoyed Q&A video keep up the great vids well done

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!! Part 2's coming up soon! :-)

[@multiversefriends4381]

Omgosh - loved this video! Off to watch part 2! You're both fantastic! Loving your book Amy! Thank you for signing your name and for the doodles. Made it ultra special! 😊❤️

[@cakeswithfaces]

Aww thanks so much, really happy you like it! Should really do another Q&A sometime..! :-)

[@syuusuke1979425]

I'm glad to hear that you love Japan, as Japanese ! 日本人として、あなたが日本を愛してると聞けてうれしいです☺️

[@cakeswithfaces]

Happy to hear it! :-)

[@berrykage]

I've never liked trains in general, but after my trip to Japan, I became so interested in them. Especially the Shinkansen lol

[@cakeswithfaces]

Me too! Trains in the UK are quite boring and not interesting at all!! :-)

[@Metalkake]

Such a fun video :) thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was good to do something different! :-)

[@pcurd]

Q&A with Phil! Thanks for your detailed answers :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

A rare opportunity!! 😝

[@194DAG]

Thank you for answering all those questions. Looking forward to volume 2.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Couldn't believe there were so many questions!! 😝

[@veganinbrighton9300]

Okay I had to pause this and comment immediately because Kyary Hamu Hamu is the best thing I've ever heard!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha thank you!! :-) It's a 100% serious hamster name. 😝

[@veganinbrighton9300]

@@cakeswithfaces I had a hamster called Havok after Davey Havok from AFI but I think Kyary Hamu Hamu wins hands down!

[@daisyboswell4356]

This is a great video, very detailed answers. I'm sure part 2 will be just as good 👍

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@helenvictoria8880]

Thoroughly enjoyed this vid, hugs from Australia 🤗

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Big hugs around the world from the UK!

[@sadnhigh]

Thank you so much for answering, very helpful advice I appreciate it. And thank you Phil for that last part on being unique and selling something to believe in. I will carry that with me. If thats not a powerful motivator I dont know what is!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Phil keeps me motivated every day - if it wasn't for his constant encouragement I'm sure I would have given up long ago!! :-)

[@PJWolf35]

Great video and many thanks for answering my question, food for thought now :) and do what Phil suggested with a little twist.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for your question! :-) And enjoy planning your trip - sounds fun!

[@dottieland7061]

Moving to Japan is a huge move, we were lucky our employer paid for us to move to japan, we came as a joint package. Ideally you need a lot of money to be able to support yourself at least 5 years, if your not that lucky. Employers are looking for degree BSC level graduates ideally in languages, finance and engineering. I was lucky was able to leave my nursing role and go into vintage fashion and the return to nursing. We have only just bought our 1st House and have we have lived there for 15 years. My advice is to be realistic and don’t treat it as a holiday. One good thing is we do see lots of festivals and local events. Working hours for men can be hard. But family time on a weekend is precious. And we do have a better lifestyle than what we would do in UK. Hope this helps someone.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for sharing, it's interesting to hear your story, especially as it's different from the usual English teacher path. I'm sure it's not easy moving abroad, but it must be interesting to experience Japan in a completely different way to when you're on a trip (after 15 years I'm sure it feels like home!). I'm glad it's worked out so well! :-)

[@craigmaddison8254]

And you thought you wouldn't get any questions! You have a great channel with well presented, interesting content, of course you're gonna get questions. lol

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha, I should trust in you guys - I didn't think I'd get pledges on my Kickstarter either!! :-) Thank you!

[@christopherhightower7308]

yah my name was mentioned! :D umm, thank you for answering my question. I do like plushies, but can't seem to find any that I like or cheap enough, so thank you.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the questions! I always get drawn in by the hamsters at Tofu Cute! And Inki Drop's crabapple cousins are awesome.

[@Cheops2112]

Thank you for the video...👍

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@ians4564]

Great video to watch in the evening, but I'll be happy to wait until my question is asked... Maybe in the next video? 😊

[@cakeswithfaces]

Volume 2 is on the way!!

[@CharlieStuff407]

Thanks, Y'all!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it! Part 2 coming soon! :-)

[@LordMcGray]

Uh, we had that ramen at Haneda last year as well, right before boarding!!! Its soooo great and soooo sad at the same time...

[@cakeswithfaces]

The sushi I had was top quality too! So bittersweet!

[@Kwijiboi]

Rokurinsha. They have a place in Tokyo Station too (ramen street)

[@kellybeaumont3183]

Amazing video. Such great questions and answers. I didn't know you were requesting questions. Woukd have asked which airline you recommend based on experience, price and baggage allowance. Also hotel or airbnb and which hotel chain is best

[@cakeswithfaces]

Maybe I'll do another Q&A at some point! :-) For airlines, ANA is excellent. I've heard JAL are too, and was going to try them on my cancelled trip! For a hotel, I don't really stick to one chain, but pick whichever has a good price in a good location near a station (there are so many, I'm not loyal to any one in particular!).

[@dottieland7061]

I like KLM as we can get a transfer to my parents airport from Amsterdam. Plus we get KLM blue which is nice.

[@lizzielee4]

Thank you Phil and Amy for answering my question on where in Japan you would love to go next, Shikoku and Gifu! Yeah those places looks interesting to visit ☺️

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the question! :-) Where's next on your list?

[@lizzielee4]

@@cakeswithfaces Otaru in Hokkaido ☺️ have you been there? I think it's a lovely city

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@lizzielee4 Yes! I was there for the Snow Light Path Festival, it was absolutely magical! Here's my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZanXpiMqpinsK8 You might also like Hakodate in Hokkaido too. :-)

[@lizzielee4]

@@cakeswithfaces ohh great! Will definitely watch this. Thanks Amy ☺️

[@alvinwhitehead1069]

Awesome video

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!!

[@alvinwhitehead1069]

Cakes with Faces u are welcome

[@toshikawa3515]

Now In Kyoto, domestic visitors are increasing, but still the number of tourists is absolutely small. I wish that people can easily move everywhere as before corona virus. I miss British great museums, Big Ben, and vast park with palace in London.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Looking forward to when it's safe to travel again! I'd love to see Kyoto without the tourist crowds, it must be so much calmer. The museums in London are fantastic - the Science Museum and Natural History Museum are my favourites!

[@michelleglennon3484]

Outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto, what is your favourite place? Thank you both so much for sharing your adventures and information 😊 I also enjoy the fun you have together Haha. I agree about India, very colorful like Morocco! I have a lot of friends from India and its been on my bucket list. I hear south of India is nice but I just did a report (for my masters degree) about the state of sikkim and khangchendzonga national park (UNESCO world and natural heritage site) and looks really nice.

[@joywaves439]

Check out Ahmedabad too. It's declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Wow I just looked up those places on Google Images - they look beautiful! And also colourful! I love the look of those prayer flags (this will make me sound really uncultured but that's what I like about the theming at Disney's Animal Kingdom - obviously it's just an imitation and it'd be amazing to see the real thing one day!).

[@joywaves439]

@@cakeswithfaces I have never been to Disneyland. Hopefully will get to see those flags someday!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@joywaves439 I'm sure the real thing will be much more amazing! :-)

[@michelleglennon3484]

Oh I love Disney worlds animal kingdom! I go once a year with my daughter. Really fun! Have you been to Disneyland/sea Tokyo? We went last year, it's fun!

[@gdore15]

19:14 I can confirm that no English should not be a problem. There is actually a lot of train stations where IC cards do not work at all, for example in Matsue and Tottori prefecture and on some more remote lines. Same for local bus/tram, it really (Shimonoseki and Matsumoto do not work with Suica) depend on the region/city. Buying train tickets is easy using the ticket vending machine and turn in to English. For local bus you do not buy ticket, you just pay fare, so it's good to have an idea of how it work, for example you take a ticket with a number when you get in and pay the fare under that number on the fare board or sometime it's a fix price. I guess that for some city to city bus, if they require a ticket purchased in advance, you might want to write it down or show the itinerary on your phone, but that is the same thing as if you want to book reserved seat for the train at the ticket office. It will be harder if you have no idea where and when you want to go. Worst case, use a tool to translate. On the "navigate" part of the question, the deeper you go in the countryside, you might end up in place where the announcements are not recorded and only spoken in Japanese and limited display, so you have to pay attention, you can even follow on Google maps to see if you get close to your station. Finding local bus and time schedule for bus and ferry for example can be challenging without Japanese, but that is something I personally try to figure out before going, especially as in some area, there might be a small number of bus each day.

[@largesmallworld]

Have you guys had unexpected rendezvous with followers in jp?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, quite a few times!! :-) I was always surprised, but I guess I'm quite easy to spot with my colourful hair!

[@smyth339]

Can you please do another q&a ❤️

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's been a long time since the last one!

[@WarmGhost]

If you havent already, could you do a video about traveling in Japan with luggage? My partner and I are going in september of this coming year for about 1/2 weeks and I know it will be difficult to take suitcases and such around on trains. We plan to stay in a different place nearly every other day while we travel around the country all the way from Tokyo to Kyoto to Nara to Miyagi, Sendai etc. Most of the places we stay in will be booked a day or two in advance but I know it wont always be an option to transport our luggage to each place like it would be from the airport. Also, if you could, any tips on finding places to stay would be helpful! Thank you for your videos as well ❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

It can be difficult travelling with luggage - I normally just carry my suitcases with me. You just need to allow extra time, and avoid rush hour on the train. (I travelled in the pre-9am rush hour in Tokyo with suitcases once and it was NOT FUN!). :-) Sounds like an exciting trip - but make sure you have enough time to enjoy each place and not spend too much time on the train and checking in/out of hotels. It might be quite tiring to be travelling to a new place each day! Some places are close enough to do as day trips (eg you can get to Nara easily from Kyoto or Osaka), so you might not need to change hotels to go to each place. Remember that with new updates this year, you may need to make a reservation to take your luggage on the bullet train - details are in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5moZmqDfdqep80 If you don't want to carry your luggage yourself, there are luggage sending services: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html Did you see my Japlanning video about booking hotels? www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html Hope that helps! :-)

[@WarmGhost]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you so much for the reply, you're always super helpful! Thank you again for all your videos! ❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@WarmGhost Enjoy planning your trip! :-)

[@dottieland7061]

Hi, I heard April 21, but the government isn’t yet committing to it. I haven’t told my parents yet as I don’t want build their hopes up. My heart bleeds for you guys in the UK, we nearly missed our flight to get back to japan back in March, which seems so far away now. I hope you guys to get back here. We all miss you here.

[@cakeswithfaces]

That was a close one in March! Can't wait to travel again, although we're very cautious so even if borders are open, I don't fancy going to an airport if it's not safe, and risk spreading infections. Let's wait and see how it goes!

[@michelleglennon3484]

It has to be very very difficult for you to choose a favorite place in Japan right now because you're so young and you haven't seen a lot of Japan. Have you been to Kyushu? The islands? I'd like to ask you that question when you've seen more to see if Tokyo is still your favorite. I live in new York city so I suppose its hard to believe that Tokyo would be a favorite place for anyone. Even though its INCREDIBLE, an amazing incredible city, I just think Japan outside of Tokyo is unreal beautiful and it takes you to places like no others on Earth. For example, in Tokyo I feel very much like im in Manhattan, but in nikko, mt koya, matsumoto, I feel like I'm in Japan... the real Japan!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

I love Kyushu! There's a whole playlist from when we went here: kzbin.info/aero/PL-YXkErUfa4mMamzwAYQXCw0Xo55PBy-6 We've been travelling to Japan for 10 years, but there's always more to see!! I love Tokyo the best because it's the modern side of Japan that captured my heart, but I enjoy the other places too, and new places are always the highlight of the trip. Outside of Tokyo, it's so hard to pick just one favourite place - we saw so many interesting places in Kyushu, and places that stand out have been the Beppu Hells, Matsushima Bay and Otaru with the Snow Light Path Festival.

[@michelleglennon3484]

@@cakeswithfaces wow thanks I'll add those to my list : )

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Hey Amy thanks for answering my question and I m gonna 26 years old on Sunday it’s my buddy.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for your question! And happy early birthday!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Thanks I will

[@UntangledKnots]

I feel like they finally ran out of Kit Kat flavors ideas..... Welcome back anytime. It’s all business as usual now. You guys should join Hive.blog, really awesome people! I run a community there called Cross Culture for content creators like you. 😆

[@cakeswithfaces]

They'll never run out of Kitkat flavours! The most recent ones are Ocean Salt, Sake Yoghurt and Yuzu Sake.

[@JustPlainRob]

"Planning to reopen to tourists on a trial basis in April" Yeah, that went well.

[@cakeswithfaces]

🙈🙈🙈 Probably good that we didn't know back then how long this would go on for....!

[@robertikeno6193]

I agree. I am of Japanese ancestry and I love everything about Japan but as an American it would be difficult to live the culture everyday. Rules rule Japan.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It definitely seems that way! Sometimes a good thing, but it's a lot of pressure. Sometimes I feel like when I get back to the UK I can somehow relax in a way I couldn't in Japan.

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

I gave another question for you Amy how are you right now?

[@samuraistretch3986]

Noooooo I didn't realise you were doing this. 😭 I wanted to know which tourist trap is worthwhile and which is overrated?

[@cakeswithfaces]

There's a question coming up in part 2 about tourist traps/overrated/underrated attractions! 👍

[@samuraistretch3986]

@@cakeswithfaces 🙌🏻

[@dottieland7061]

Sendai, is very beautiful, 90 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo station

[@Rachit114]

There's a separate fan base for Phil xD

[@cakeswithfaces]

😂😂😂

[@evanbutler9813]

Nicu nicu

[@cakeswithfaces]

Nico nico niiii!

[@ilanitavi9648]

💜💙💚💛🧡

[@pixelwanderer6751]

Hello mate, Amy and Phil. Thank you for answering my question. I really like you two's sincere and polite attitude for answering each question you got. By the way, I'm super glad you're interested in visiting Shikoku island because I was born and raised in Shikoku. (´▽`)ノ As you said, I think there're a lot of tourism -untouched places in the island, Here's my recommendations about Kochi prefecture. 1.Kamegamori road(瓶ヶ森林道) It's a high land road going on the peak of the mountains. It literally looks stunning but It's closed during winter and sometimes because of danger. 2. Shimanto river(四万十川) What makes the river special is that there're so many sunken bridges made by concrete over it and those bridges suit the environment around it and make landscapes more beautiful. During summer, you can swim there. 3.Oki beach(大岐の浜) It's a beautiful not-crowded beach surrounded with mountains. and of course you can swim there during summer. But be careful, Rip currents occur at some spots of the water. So make sure you stay safe with a swim ring when you swim there. 4.Hirome Ichiba(ひろめ市場) Hirome Ichiba is a busy food court where you can eat many different Japanese dishes. Kochi is well known to the Japanese for the delicious seared bonito and you can eat it there. you search for the places above on KZbin or Google and you'd see amazing landscapes. But It's just one part of the whole of Shikoku and there's much more to it. I hope you will be travelling Japan and Shikoku next year without any threat of the virus and I personally recommend you to go to the places during summer to swim there. Even though Japanese summer might be quite harsh on English people, But I love Japanese summer's bright green everywhere. I wish you luck, Cheers

[@pixelwanderer6751]

Kamegamori road kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn2knZSwerxraqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIa9mmOLac1orJI Oki beach kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJuXZqF6gahgadk kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYjdpqqhdsafm7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWYq2yEqpiqiLM Shimanto river kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqqrkqWBr7qjY9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5DShapnrMeHbM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqTZhKhnp7V3oac kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5KqcnuqnthjmtU

[@evicencio31863]

I will send a Twitter & KZbin, because there's an interesting fellow who knows about the foods at the right price. Trust me, you're going to believe this. Later.

[@towada1066]

私の質問を答えてくれてありがとうね！ (^_^) ... もし来年は日本を観光できたら、青森県の十和田湖はめっちゃきれいんだ！ ... wwww! 炊飯器を作るのは頑張ってね！ (^_^)　「let's enjoy ricecooker!」

[@overlord606]

Seems like you are moving to Japan and dont know it yet. 😂

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hehe, I'm sure I wouldn't complain... :-)

[@overlord606]

@@cakeswithfaces Indeed.