Tourists to PAY MORE than locals? Japan UPDATE & Changes | Know before you go

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Support and Links: www.ninjasaru.com

[@jamieguzman9299]

They should discount locals, so they can dine with tourist too. Hawaii has a discount. The locals dont make as much as most tourist right now

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

It depends on if its a local from the city or a domestic tourist in my opinion is the same.

[@AmbuBadger]

Yeah, but always get that one guy who can't say _kama'aina_ discount when asking for it! Also, a lot of places stopped offering that after COVID when everything got expensive.

[@619AGT]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Not to mention there’s also the concern about how the locals and tourists will behave around each other.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@619AGT Yes true!

[@tk65911]

Great video for the last 14 months my family and I have been watching your videos!!! we’re landing in Tokyo for three weeks in two days. Looking forward to it.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Have fun! thank's for watching, I hope you'll continue to watch hehe

[@tk65911]

Absolutely we are planning to visit again

[@FollowTheSunAustralia]

Luxury Shinkansen rooms , didn't see that coming, lucky those who get to experience it , sounds amazing

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I might have to start a go fund me lol

[@MightyGodlikeG]

I've been to Japan for the first time last fall and i really don't know what to think about all those hings. Yes, some places were really packed with tourists and some tourists just dont know how to behave or even look after other people (thats what i really loved about japanese people), but charging exra money for food is just a cheap cashgrab that other touristy places fell victim to as well. all that happens is that locals leave the areas and all there is are tourists. I see a use for a kind of small charge per day for tourists (i believe osaka is trying to implement something), that wont hurt the tourists too much but really needs to be taken as an investement to improve the situation with public transport etc and other places, where tourists gather. Social media kind of ruins places, i've been to Fujikawaguchiko, walked by the lawson but didnt take a picture. There are so many good looking spots in the are from which you can see fuji, why would you need to climb on a roof of some dentist and take a picture of fuji with a kombini in front? I hope the situation gets better since japanese people are not very conflict open und rahter suffer through it

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes Fuji kawaguchiko has MANY many great spots! The issue with a tourist fee is :who would pay and how would you prove you’re a tourist .. let’s see

[@MightyGodlikeG]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Well for me the question is :why should a tourist pay more at all? Just because i'm a tourist? (when its for food stalls, markets, restaurants). i mean tourists basically are additional customers, so they already make more money. Milking the tourists for addiotional money is just bad attitude, though nothing new. lets just hope the japan hype cools down in the near future and things kinda get back to a reasonable level

[@CzechKitsune]

Thank you for information.

[@HappyGaijin]

Happy Gaijin Channel is awesome! :)

[@pambulama973]

very helpful thank you

[@denniswhite1399]

Hokkaido beautiful hope it doesnt get crowded like Tokyo

[@abrahamalatorre]

Hi Nathan. I appreciate and love your content you have for us for important Japan news updates. As it's my first time solo traveling there, I am more interested checking out the northern rural side of Japan. I did saw your recent video and advice tips which helped about it. Hopefully if I decide to go there and check it out I won't get completely lost with the trains, and learn more about the train system there. Thanks for your video guides news!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think that big cities are easy for solo travellers, but so is the rest of Japan, The Tohoku itinerary I suggested in my previous video, mostly uses easy trains, apart from Akita to Sakata and Sakata to Niigata which you need to be careful with timings

[@abrahamalatorre]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Thanks for your response. With the timings mentioned here, can you explain a little more about that?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@abrahamalatorre simply check the train times because there are some “express trains” that get you there in a shorter time and the long trains take a very long time.. as long as you check the times you’re fine

[@abrahamalatorre]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Appreciate the follow up. These express trains do they run 24 hours or a certain times?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@abrahamalatorre trains don’t run 24h

[@brandonward3551]

Useful good info as usual on Japan travels.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Glad you think so!

[@dwarfagp]

Ive spent a little over 6 weeks in Japan over 2 trip, and have only spent a total of 3 days in Tokyo ! Very much enjoy "the road less traveled". Will be there again in January 2025 for more less traveled roads 😁 Keep the updates comming

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Less travelled roads are the best!

[@Flupke1070]

Thank you for this very useful update video. Better prepared travellers enjoy their trip to Japan more!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Like you! Hope you’re enjoying it!!

[@Gazumi-inOZ]

There is so many complexities with a two-tier pricing system. Economies/currency exchange all over the world shrink and then grow again, it's a matter of riding the wave. Currently Japan is enjoying mass tourism turning profits for businesses. During CV Japanese businesses were going broke due to no tourists visiting. A 2 tier pricing system would only bring about a sour taste in the mouth of returning and potential new tourists to Japan. Japan is a 1st world country and is currently the 4th biggest economy in the world, we're not talking about a third world country here. During 2016-2019 it cost Australians 119-127c to buy 100 YEN but we didn't see any tourist discount pricing or vouchers for visitors. Currently at last, AU100c = 100yen, not all currencies worldwide are killing it against the Yen. Japan needs to be very careful that the introduction of a two-tier pricing system could come back to bite them socially, economically and racially on a world stage. Australia takes in touring visitors from all over the world, visitors from the USA pay US65c for a AU$1 product in Australia and they're welcome to do so ... at no surcharge. Japan's government needs to come up with solutions to ease the financial burden on Japanese citizens internally without leaning on visitors to their country.

[@HelloThankYou]

During my recent visits to Japan, I found a lot of vending machines as well as coin changing machines still don't even accept the newest 500 yen coin that was released in 2021. I think it will take a long time before the new paper notes are accepted everywhere unless there is a government mandate to make them universally accepted by a certain date.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

The main issue will be the more remote and quieter areas, I also wonder if this will be the perfect opportunity for them to introduce the new 'flexi charge machines' where they change price depending on demand.

[@andre-wx5kh]

Just to let you guys know what type of heat to be expecting in Japan. The humidity at least in the southern part similar to Miami, but the actual temperature is not as hot. It’s more like South Carolina. I just got into Tokyo the other day and was pleasantly surprised that it was cooler than Saint Pete Florida where I’m from.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

For now! .. Summer will be a different story :)

[@highwalker339]

I think the tiered pricing would be more punishing for tourist not coming from North America or Western Europe.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

indeed, and also if things change in the future and the yen strengthens

[@OnlyOneNights]

Very cool! Good stuff, Nathan!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Thanks dude

[@geralt7144]

Updating the vending machines seems be extremely hard in Japan. Some of them still not accept the newer 500円 coin.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Yes!!

[@backintheclay]

Thanks! Nathan, up to date and informative!

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rodrigoherediac]

Ninja! Hola! Hello! I am still super confused on the best way to buy the Universal Studios entrance. The express pass is said to be needed but everytime I read about it it say its not. If I arraive very early.... is there no problem?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

there shouldnt be a problem in theory but to be safe obviously the express ticket will be the way to go

[@sih4143]

Two tier pricing is a double edged sword, and could potentially backfire greatly. Too great a difference and tourists will start to avoid and look for alternatives. The exchange rates are great for international visitors at this time, but it can just as easily swing the other way. It needs a careful balance, rather than a blanket implementation. I do not agree with eateries and hotels having two tiers. But usually free attractions could have a small entry fee for tourists and remain free for those who show local id for example.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Local or domestic?

[@sih4143]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy Sorry yup domestic id would be much better, it would also alleviate the worry of charging extra based on looks as well.

[@jimross7648]

A Snoopy museum in Tokyo well that would have never occurred to me to even look for one. That is a non Japanese history museum that I would consider going to. If they had a Calvin and Hobbs museum it would be amazing, but no. As always I learned something, well a few somethings actually. Nice update.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Time to plan the next trip! Hehe

[@GothQueenRo]

I went to the Sniopy Museum last month! Great experience.

[@_nihongo_jouzu_]

On my last trip, I went through multiple vending machines trying to get a drink using a 500 yen coin, none of the vending machines would accept it. Later I find out that they updated the coin a year or two ago.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

In a similar way that they don't accept 10,000 yen coins I guess they are less carried?

[@lelongbashi]

I'm currently staying at my younger brother's room until July 2024 because my passport can stay for holiday in japan for 3 months valid.

[@missbedu2575]

Do you have discount code for klook too?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

No specific discount code other than sometimes there are offers check out affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=53954&aff_adid=812132&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F for my affiliate link

[@tonynaq]

I got charged slightly extra, even when I was using the English menu. Food said 820 yen, but I got charged 930 yen. I didn't say anything, just paid

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Could it have been the tax?

[@choreomaniac]

Tourists with western tastes already pay a premium. A western hotel costs more. Western food costs more. Western clothing sizes. It makes sense to offer a premium price for a tourist-specific service or item. Or restaurants could just put out a tip jar and only Americans would put money in. Seriously, it would be too hard to implement and enforce. What about students? Work visas? Tourists fluent in Japanese? It adds an extra layer of bureaucracy. Fine obnoxious tourists. Raise airport and port fees. Raise hotel tax. These are all much easier ways to get more money from tourists.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I think that tourism although on the surface might sometimes seem like a burden, tourists already contribute via sales tax, hotel tax etc. Maybe the idea of the ESTA style entry that looks to be introduced in 2030 will help generate the revenue needed.. A duel price system will be difficult to manage, and I highly doubt the money will end up helping tourism products

[@axios101]

About "cheap yen": the prices are quickly adjusting, though (in some cases a little "too much") 😅😅😅....

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

In some things yes but generally food and drink remains ok

[@Shinjinkun]

Great video! One question, @NinjaMonkeyguy, I already have a reservation for a hut in 8th station for my climbling. Do I also need to book and pay the 2000yen in advance to get the QR code or is included in the hut fee? Thanks :)

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

It’s seems you will also need to pay, what is not clear is if the 4000 limit applies to you . How did you book your hut? www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/news/240513_yoshida_trail_reservation_en.html

[@Shinjinkun]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy I found the answer in the link you shared. It seems that the 4000 limit doesn't apply to people with a hut booked. Thanks again! :D

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@Shinjinkun Hey your question was if you need to pay the 2000 which it seems you do?

[@Shinjinkun]

​@@NinjaMonkeyguy Yes, it was included in the FAQ. Even if you have a hut booked, you still have to pay the 2000 yen. However, if you have the hut, even if the 4000 limit is met, you still can pass through the gate (after paying the fee). :)

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

@@Shinjinkun how did you book the hut?

[@justeswilson3995]

I always get a kick out of "Tax free shopping" have to spend x amount for it to even apply, and only really saving around 100 yen. I've yet to see the local price and tourist price. I'm curious as to how that would go. 😂 I can imagine the confusion.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I've seen the 2-tier prices a few times, but it's not as widespread as some people make it sound

[@justeswilson3995]

@@NinjaMonkeyguy I'm curious, like what I show them proof of my residency, then do I still pay a tourist price based on my looks? 😂 because that wouldn't go over very well. But still be interesting to see.

[@DavidHabnit]

Hmmm 🤔 a 2-tier system? Wouldn't that be considered a discriminatory system? It feels wrong. Hope it won't happen. Perhaps a tax-return system would be better as you don't need to differentiate between 2 groups.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

A lot of talk.. Japan likes to talk a lot :)

[@gsr4535]

Having just returned from Japan and as much as I like Japan, I am beginning to feel Japan is becoming too crowded with tourists. I think the government should cut back on the number of foreign tourists permitted to enter. I'm sorry if my views ruffles anyone's feathers but it's just my view.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

You cannot limit travel, but you can improve tourism infrastructure to cope with this

[@kuna507]

I'm All Cash

[@denniswhite1399]

I will avoid places trying to rip off visitors

[@AzureSapphireOriginal]

Tourists shouldn't pay more. Buisnesses will lose buisness. Instead, residents should recieve discounts.

[@Enshin1006]

As a Muslim. The diversity push is HUGE. I'm traveling in 2 weeks time so don't plan on seeing a lot happening so soon but I've been researching to find more halal options for both takeout/restaurants as well as groceries as I do plan on cooking at my apartment I've rented whilst I'm there

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

Im glad that this is happening, many Muslim people always ask me and I don't have much advice in this area (but im researching)

[@MentalThingsIsScary]

Get the Halal Navi and Halal Japan apps.

[@towada1066]

It is truly become terrible ... last Summer was so bad and now it will be worse ... anyway, it is nice to me, there are now places in Tokyo for Muslim to pray.

[@evilskwerl]

The Lawson Fuji view is ridiculous. It’s a totally ugly view of Fuji for one, second, in this day and age of TikTok attention spans, japan only needs to weather the initial storm before it becomes long forgotten. I’d give it a few months at most until the hype dies out and people move on to something else. Just like everything else in japan it’s just being overblown.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

they already moving to another view!

[@gamer4ever838]

how long do you think it will take for the vending machines to accept the new bills? a few weeks?

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

In cities I wouldn’t worry too much