Travelling to Japan? Here’s 50 Things You Need To Know in 2023

[@TrewDomko]

Just a heads up. Japan no longer requires a covid test before getting on flight

[@AceOfH34rtz]

Thanks!

[@BjornPennenburg]

Bedankt

[@CurrentlyHannah]

If you want to avoid the crowds, support the locals and unlock Japan’s hidden gems, you’ll love my new travel guide: geni.us/beyondthetouristtrail ❤ Update since uploading: Japan has no entry restrictions whether vaccinated or not so you can now enter as freely as you could've pre-covid. AND mask usage among the Japanese population has dropped significantly since the government left the decision up to the individual. So mask as you feel appropriate.

[@nicolaikc]

Giving it a go! My wife and I are currently travelling Japan. First week has been Osaka and Kyoto. Now for Takayama and Gero Onsen.

[@conza1989]

I believe the PCR test requirements are gone now?

[@nicolaikc]

@@conza1989 Yes, but with some exceptions. I think China still needed to provide a negative PCR-test at entry when we were there. But otherwise no worries. Long story as short as possible. We went from Japan to Vietnam and back to Japan (couldn’t get enough, so rearranged our trip). The first time we went (2,5 months ago), you needed to either provide a negative PCR-test or preregister prof of 3 vaccines. But when we went back (1 month ago), no corona restrictions. We only preregistered customs for easy entry.

[@jonathanm9436]

Wow - I'm so, so, pleased to have just tripped over your channel! My son and his mate are heading to Japan for some of next year as part of their gap year, and your material is EXACTLY what I think they need. (And your travel guide, of course 😋😋😋😋) I like your no-nonsense practicality and quality information. A real find. Thank you.

[@asaka616]

Thanks for reminding me in the comments section. I don't think you mentioned your travel guide at all in the video.

[@Glitchs247365]

Japan has lifted their entry restrictions, no longer requiring a negative test or proof of vaccines before departure. Valid 4.23.23. Cheers!

[@btayl81169TREES]

Thanks. I would cancel my trip if this was required.

[@てぃちゃ-q5m]

素晴らしいです 本当にリアルで実用的なアドバイスですね あなたの作ったガイドを参考にすれば日本を訪れる外国人にとって最高の旅が出来るに違いありません こんなに素敵な紹介をしてくれて本当にありがとうございます あなたにとっての今日が最高の１日でありますように

[@Nynke_K]

One more thing, about nr. 17, not eating on trains: true except on the shinkansen, where eating your ekiben is totally fine!

[@dandjsh7978]

Or any train with tables for that matter. Not just the Shinkansen.

[@polarbearsarefat123]

or eating/drinking while roaming the streets of Japan that’s why there’s 0 garbage can around and multiple seating areas

[@HybridTwisterVR0979]

@@polarbearsarefat123cant you just get a Non-Plastic Water bottle?

[@Malachi516]

@@HybridTwisterVR0979plastic water bottle or non plastic water bottle, as long as you just keep it on you and fill it up, water is totally fine just don’t chug it of course!

[@SeanBradley1986]

I’ve lived in Japan for the same amount of time as you and I have NEVER seen such a brilliant travel advice video. Seriously, this is so good I’m just going to link your video any time my friends message me on social media asking me for Japan advice 🤣 Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh wow! This is honestly the best review and tick of approval I could read 😂 Thank you!

[@yuliaoSunny]

Thank you for pointing out the issues with harassment and how caucasian tourists get treated differently (better) compared to other tourists. While Japan is still one of my favourite travel destinations, it was very unsettling when my friends and I experienced these issues on our first trip, when all we've heard about Japan was how safe and welcoming it is. I've been back and had much better experiences traveling Japan after knowing what to expect.

[@conspiracy_shine]

日本は島国だから人種に関係なく外国人は苦手

[@mongomaddy]

white tourists behave better as well

[@lynda.grace.14]

Great tips, Hannah. I wish you success with the guidebook. It looks amazing. One cautionary note for anyone wishing to purchase electronics, do your due diligence for several reasons: 1. After factoring in exchange rates and actual prices in your own country you may pay more for the same product in Japan. In addition, you might be required to pay duties depending on your country's limitations on goods brought back from abroad. 2. Operational directions and installation instructions will be in Japanese. 3. Any guarantee on the product is null and void outside Japan. If, however, you simply must have the latest editions of a particular item, those cautionary points may not matter to you.

[@lukasmihara]

No.12 - From my experience in Tokyo and what I was told from Japanese friends is that it's actually less crowded in Tokyo during Golden Week and Obon because many people are visiting their families in other areas. But you're right, since many places are closed, it's probably not the best time to visit anyways. I might also add, if possible people should maybe also avoid Chinese holidays... ^^" No.20 - Google Maps is usually fine, but in my more early days in Japan I was once sent on a very weird route to Takaosan that not only cost more money but also more time. So in some cases I'd advise to check the map a bit more thoroughly to look if there isn't any other train station etc. you could use. Recently I use both Google Maps and NaviTime. With a bit of experience you can customize your route and save some money that way. No.23 - Stereotypically I experienced some pretty careless driving by some obasan drivers (even more so on bicycles...), but yeah, generally it's pretty safe :) No.35 - I know it's safe to drink, but unfortunately I don't like the chemical smell of the tap water :/ Great video! :)

[@DanielK1213th]

Golden week is the worst time to travel. Just forget about that week

[@HaiChaConCuocSongOUc]

hey can I just ask why you wouldn't travel during Chinese new years?

[@lukasmihara]

It's because if there are holidays in China, chances are higher that more Chinese tourists are abroad, which then raises the chance of having bad experiences because of these tourists who often can't behave properly.

[@hirojo621]

From one of Japanese, Thank you for your accurate information to travelers about Japan always! Most general Japanese will welcome travelers. I hope all travelers spend wonderful time in Japan. Of course Hannah too!

[@imadetouch6295]

Hi RC Do they allow black people travel to their country ?

[@RandomDude-is1ng]

@@imadetouch6295 why not? Shouldn’t be a problem.

[@alwaysinsearch]

How's the weather in Japan in November?

[@TheVirtualRealityShow]

Oh my god, i was showing this video to my boyfriend since we’re going to stay in japan for a few weeks during Tokyo Game Show….. he literally went “WAIT IS THAT BLENDERGURU?” In the middle of watching LOL. Didn’t expect to find out you two were related!! Been watching your videos all day, thank you both for the amazing and helpful content!!!😊

[@monching6919]

Japan Navitime is another option if you have JR pass since google maps doesn't have option to select transpo that is covered by this pass or other available passes. For example, Navitime will only show shinkansen train except for Nozomi which is not covered by the Jr pass.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

That’s a great tip!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the update on Japan in 2023 Hannah! We're making a return trip soon! And thanks for the plug at 5:10!

[@henrikott-ebbesen9157]

In preparation of my first trip to Japan back in 2019 I found your channel while searching for simple, useful phrases to know. From there, I inhaled most of your other Japan travel tips videos and passed off your knowledge as my own to my travelling companions, who were very, very impressed by my research. Suckers. Really good people of course. But…suckers. Later, in 2022, a few days after Japan opened up again I was there on the ground, by myself, walking my ass off, exploring all the stuff in between the stuff. The most useful Japanese phrase this time around was “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Japanese. English?”. Man, communication was so easy after that. Even if they didn’t speak any English! My amateurish attempt at Japanese put them right at ease. Add that as your 51st tip! Anywho, I ramble. I’ll be picking up your guide book and my Danish friends will once again marvel at my research. Thank you, I owe you one!

[@garyille8398]

Great Job. Your Japanese pronunciation is very clear and easy to repeat. Japanese is difficult for me because I am not learning grammar, just phrases. But you have presented basic courtesy phrases that should be in every travelers list.

[@kenniecoro6162]

Big thanks for promoting tourism at countryside. It made me happy when you said help the locals by visiting countryside.

[@johnvienna3422]

In 2019 my family and I visited Japan EXACTLY during Golden Week. It was actually very nice to see the Japanese at play for once, instead of constantly working.

[@ks-vq5er]

In terms of masks, yes government has downgraded the mask recommendation but from this March to August many many Japanese will suffer from Hay fever, including myself. For those masks are mandatory outside! So please don’t be surprised to see many people still wear masks outside… purpose is different 😂

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Haha that's a good point actually. Some people need them for other reasons.

[@WiscoMel]

One of the reasons I picked Japan for our big trip was because so many people still wear masks.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@WiscoMel A 10 cent surgical mask renders no meaningful protection against any type of virus. With everyone being infected with Covid multiple times in a calendar year, a mask is just an expression of Covid theatre. Nothing more. Covid is forever, with masks changing nothing of this public health reality for the 2020s.

[@WiscoMel]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b you have your opinion, I have mine. I also haven’t had a cold or the flu since 2019 so I’ll continue to use one.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@WiscoMel This is not a personal opinion. Rather, it is simple medical science fact that everyone has been infected with Covid. Nearly all Covid cases are asymptomatic and undiagnosed. Covid is everywhere, so this explains why Japan dispensed with its closed border policy in October 2022. Whether you care to admit or not, you have been infected with Covid a number of times since the onset of the pandemic in January 2020. Moreover, there will be a good deal of actively Covid infectious people on your plane flight to Japan, on the Yamanote Line train and at Shibuya Scramble crossing.

[@BernardMina]

Google translate saved my life in Japan !!! Even though I did study Japanese in primary school and high school still didn't prepare myself for the times when my Japanese wife isn't with me

[@sichibukailaw6418]

Hannah you are the goat honestly.

[@annking6508]

Extremely informative. We lived in Japan for 1.5 years and you have taught me a few things. We are planning to visit 2024 and I am grateful to have watched your video. Thank you! Arigato!

[@benrichards8166]

I just returned from a 2 week vacation in Japan, and your video is 100000X accurate! I wish I had seen it before I went because everything you said was true. 💯💯💯

[@annabellebraeuning9205]

I’m so glad I’ve found your interesting and very authentic (your presentation and expression) video and I’m going to buy your book! Thanks a lot! You’re great!

[@本居宣長-k5y]

プレゼンお見事でした。情報が豊富だが簡潔な内容、編集の巧みさ、飽きさせないプレゼン表現力、すべて良かったです。前回の動画に次ぐ今回のプレゼン調の動画は、ハンナさんのスキルが際立つ魅力的なコンテンツ動画ですね。

[@RaymondCalloway]

Hello Hannah. I just came upon your channel quite by accident, pleased that I have done so and have subscribed! My younger sister, her husband and I are planning a trip to Japan in the next 10 months and as well traveled as I am (all European), this will be my first to Japan. I am an American and lived in the UK for nearly 4 years, so it won't be a problem for me to drive in Japan, and I am glad you have suggested that, as well as saying the language won't be too much of a worry. Thank you very much for your helpful hints and I will continue to review your videos here to learn more.

[@教會別鬧了]

This is the best tokyo travel tips I've watch in YT, thanks for your sharing!

[@Cinnamon52]

Just what I needed to see before my trip in seven weeks

[@Sharingan6500ify]

Going to Japan next week and been watching your videos and really appreciate the amount of effort and detail you put!

[@theshisho]

I'm going in 3 weeks bro, have a nice trip 😎👊

[@Lumenaus]

@@theshisho Yoooo I'm going in just over 3 weeks too! Korea first though, dual trip :)

[@theshisho]

@@Lumenaus nice bro maybe we can grab a beer 🍻

[@dudeguy9081]

@@theshisho How was/is the trip bro?

[@theshisho]

@@dudeguy9081 can't say yet, my flight is on Thursday and I'm dying 💀 2 days to go

[@Vlog-in1ln]

Thank you so much for introducing Japan :) It made me so happy as a Japanese.

[@zerakhu]

just bought the guide it’s so good thank you for this 🙏🏽 was looking on capturing content rather than worrying about an itinerary

[@camilavex]

i'm so excited to read your travel guide! i started following your channel around the time i moved to japan in 2018 because you had the best resources for being vegan in japan on youtube :) i've been back in the states since the pandemic but i'm coming back in may so your timing could not be better. thank you for all the work you've done to help vegans going to japan. it's hugely appreciated and super helpful!!

[@Suyorukun]

This is fantastic

[@sophierenaude2164]

I absolutely love your style and lovely humour. Very refreshing! Thanks for your video😃

[@nigeltan7766]

im going to japan this friday for the first time ever!! super excited omgggg >.>

[@ManOfTrades]

Is that the Blender Guru!!! Also thank you for the tips lol!

[@josephdelvin7771]

I plan on going to Japan for the 1st time with some friends next years so im researching things up now. I found this video very helpful!

[@user-pm6hb2ql9z]

ハンナさんの日本旅に世界中が魅了されています。素晴らしい映像美に感動です。

[@robertwatson4840]

Great Video. I am going for work in 2025 and I plan to hang around after I am done for a couple of weeks and I abhor being stuck in tourist mobs so your guide sounds like just what I have been looking for.

[@Mercurzzzz]

I'm leaving for Japan tomorrow! Yay for a 15-hour flight...

[@sophiejones-op8vh]

this was brilliant and informative, thankyou so much! I'm so excited to go now they've opened their borders properly again!

[@AuguHeinrich-O]

Thank you!❤

[@marykatekelly6452]

THANK YOU FOR BEING SO REAL AND SO HONEST!!!!!!

[@bonwatcher]

I've watched my share of Japan videos do, don't's, etc. and this was by far one of the most level headed one, so thank you. I think most videos are done by foreigners that live in Japan, but forgot what it's like to be an unknowing foreigner in Japan. 🤣

[@CurrentlyHannah]

This is such great feedback to receive. Thank you!!

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Was waiting for an old school POCKET WIFI shout-out but it never came. If you know, you know. Haha. Great vid.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Hahaha yeah it would’ve been the perfect time for it but alas, they don’t sponsor me anymore so no free promo 😂

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

7:04 *Driving is essential for a complete Japanese experience* Japan is _not_ Singapore. Japan is a real country with significant distances between towns, cities and prefectures. The fabled Shinkansen bullet trains can only take you so far, as the network is, by design, mostly limited to the most populated city centres. To reach 90% of the country, a traveller will certainly need a hire car. John Daub went as far saying: “Know this: Japan is a car culture.”

[@A.I.generatedsongs]

Good thing to know : no more entry procedure for COVID, you don't need to be fully vaccinated anymore to go to Japan or have the negative PCR test taken within 72 hours :)

[@hansolo4021]

Thank you so much kind stranger! I was wondering.

[@onceuponalonetime]

I just booked Nagoya for Feb 2024!

[@niamhmn4]

was not expecting blender guru to make a feature, amazing video though thank you!

[@JustaaGuy]

what i do is just think with japanese writing a yes that is katakanaa probably sounds like english word and like 80% it does also if you make a mistake or do something wrong someone at some point will tell you so that it doesn't annoy many people

[@JustaaGuy]

legit: ギター (gitaa) what im sure you know what that means

[@TingBie]

Great to hear tips from an Aussie! Thanks, Hannah!

[@saujanyaacharya266]

Whoa Hannah! Impressed by how fast you picked up Japanese.

[@brianablackk]

awesome video - I'm heading to Japan next month for the first time. Your voice is very calm and to the point!

[@itsjonathanwade]

😆I just got back like a week ago WHERE WAS THIS BEFORE THEN?! I had an amazing trip. Will be back

[@JaseSung]

Keep your driving polite, be cautious and you’ll be fine driving most places in Japan, even in the middle of Osaka. In urban situations, you’re definitely going to make mistakes, but Japanese drivers are fair so it’s less pressure than say a city like London. As for speed limits, people ARE a bit flexible with them but as a traveler, best to just stick to the rules. Patrol cars can be common even in the countryside and even unmarked so I’ve been caught running a stop/speeding a few times. As for women’s safety, stay vigilant. It is safer than most places around the world perhaps, but don’t take it for granted. I have talked with a few folks who have had bad experiences, as Japanese and as foreigners.

[@nellybell32]

Thank so much for these tips! My family and I are going in May. I didn't know about Golden week when the flight for Tokyo deal fell into my lap, but it just so happens that we arrive in Tokyo at literal "last day" of Golden week, May 5, none of our "major" sightseeing happens until the following week, but hoping the one last day is not too bad. We are very excited none the less and are so thankful for folks like you willing to give such great tips!

[@EricAntiHero]

Just bought the book to prep for my trip in May. Thank you for a concise video without hyperbole!

[@thengo1494]

Dude. I’m stoked to check out your travel guide now. 100% sold me on it with that little spiel haha. This video is fantastic as well. I officially have extended family in japan! My brother married his wife when he moved over there.. so I can happily say Japan will be a big part of the rest of our lives.

[@ghostbird3651]

Absolutely cannot wait to let your travel guide take me places, even more now when I know vegetarian/vegan tips are included 😁♥

[@JacquelineWilliams-kk3ut]

I love that you made a travel guide. Will definitely be buying this. I think this is such a smart idea. Thanks for offering this. Also the information in this video was so useful!

[@marcocabrera4428]

It's like a super guide. All other KZbin tidbits compressed into one. I think next up is 60 tips!!

[@BenRig811]

Wow, that sounds like a fantastic guide!! :0

[@gigiromano6557]

Great advice Hannah 👍 I’m going to Japan in two weeks for the first time so it’s appreciated

[@inabearsuit2425]

oh my god that e book is incredible thank you for doing that!

[@Undersizedutopia]

That’s the blender donut guy! 🍩 2:55

[@petercdowney]

Routine immunisations in Japan include measles and rubella but not mumps. Make sure you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine before you go.

[@ScreamDump]

I'm gonna go on the train and eat crumbly baguettes and sing loud football chants. Arsenal ones.

[@lalilulelo]

Been to Japan 5 times, google maps is all I need to navigate.

[@adamriel]

Dear Hannah, my genuine acknowledgement to you, your travel buds and your tremendous effort on behalf of all of us who dream to go to Japan and get the feel of the place the precious exact same way you and your peeps have. Big, warm heart-up to you for your passion and I'll be sure to look into keeping up with your channel and, of course, your guide.

[@Briannal884]

Yes I’ve never understood why people here hate Google Maps! Been living here for over a year and it’s never let me down… and I live in the inaka.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Google maps dominates IMO :)

[@Cobbbler]

To present the side of people who don't like Google Maps in Japan: I will admit Google Maps is probably the best option just for someone going on a trip, but as someone living in Japan, I eventually grew to dislike it. It just simply doesn't have some transit options. There are tons of buses that aren't on Google Maps at all. Also recently tried using it for public transit in Kyoto and it frequently told me to get on buses going the wrong direction. The train times are generally good, and getting better, but it used to not have all the trains either. It was especially bad for things like rapid/express trains. It's fine for simple routes, but not great for anything beyond that. For example, you can't do multiple stops when using the public transit directions, which can be very annoying when planning routes ahead of time. While it will usually get you somewhere, it often won't be the fastest or easiest way. The other day, the best option Google presented to me to get across the city was a 90 minute, 3 transfer train trip. The actual best route only took 60 minutes, but involved walking 10 minutes from one station to another in the middle. These kind of options are often just omitted from Google Maps. I honestly juggle between a bunch of different sources for directions these days, unfortunately.

[@peterg1753]

IMO Google Maps for driving, Navitime for public transport. Love Navitime's multiple options for pt. It's just cleaner looking.

[@D_2peu]

The name got me here. You are 🌞 awesome in many ways, and yet, I do swear the - Currently - part got me HERE. Hi 👋

[@highcommander2007]

9:24 I would advise against suggesting flying drones is simply following the list of rules you have there... There are a few very important rules (that if broken could land you in jail for a year and a 500,000 yen fine). Firstly if you are not a resident of Japan, and your drone weighs 1/4 lb or more (all commercial camera drones do): you must get permission to use the drone. You must submit in Japanese writing a request 10 days in advance (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese Holidays). There are a few websites the Japanese government created to speed up this process, but they constantly get shut down. On top of this, in Japan the landowner owns the airspace above them. This means (unlike in the US) you must get written permission beforehand from the owners of the land, "The private property also includes forests, mountains, public transport stations and rail tracks, riversides, schools, shrines, temples, riversides, and so on." Also, you should know that most of Japan is considered a "no-fly zone" and unless you get special permission, they just wont let you. This includes all the major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. And finally, if you do get permission to use the drone in a remote area of Japan, 10 days in advance, you need to know that Japan requires you register your drone with the government AND have a "RID" - remote ID function. "The RID equipment installed in the Unmanned Aircraft transmits the aircraft’s identification information via radio waves even during a flight, enabling you to identify whether or not it is registered and ensuring safe skies." Note that many commercial camera drones don't have RID and it would have to be added by the drone user.

[@navbasnet]

How much cash should one carry for a 2 weeks trip to Japan????( Looking to eat as much as possible)... Thanks

[@TiffanyLynTube]

I just downloaded your ebook. I leave for Japan in 3 weeks. I am so glad I stumbled upon your content 😊

[@kelly_browning]

Hey!! Is that Andrew the Blender Guru??! If so, it felt like the ultimate KZbin Easter Egg seeing him pop up! 😀

[@Bebin369]

Hello, thank you❤️ nice video and will check your book. can you tell me where is the beach is where wild roses grow?

[@FlickerNick]

Very detailed!!! Love this👍

[@vinsanity161]

Very proud of you and your hard work! Your perseverance is inspiring

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very informative content friend

[@Saqel]

Wow Keren Kakak👍😃 tampaknya Kakak sering ke Jepang, sesekali Kakak kunjungi Indonesia 👍😘

[@aboutmagic97]

Thank you for the fact that you present the information so structured and clearly! Keep doing that!😊

[@valeoxis]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@tommykay7427]

Thanks Hannah! Great vid!

[@lucidatrium3200]

Omg I was not expecting to see BlenderGuru in this video 😂 I'm so curious.

[@santiagojaramillo8446]

Good Marketing skills not going to lie! As a Agency owner btw.

[@jerometsowinghuen]

Glad to hear that we are finally able to travel to Japan again, as the pandemic measures are losing up.

[@markdevis721]

Great video! My wife and I loved watching it together, and we've picked up the guide which looks fantastic! We're heading to Japan next month and think this will be useful. Thanks!

[@gowheregotherenow]

This is such practical and useful information. Thanks for doing this video! 😊

[@scotttan6377]

Excellent , excellent info / episode !!! hopefully , you'll consider doing a deep dive of specific location(s) like some of your previous episodes .

[@jamescummings2131]

going in 3 weeks and just found this. Love it. Thank you!

[@scottrose7216]

Great advice Hannah.

[@ExpatNatt]

Thank you for sharing! 🥰

[@GL-GildedLining]

Happy little comment for the algorithm!

[@shehansilva-j5k]

is that blender guru?! I didn't expect that

[@theshisho]

Thanks for your hard work 😊

[@EhCloserLook]

How come other videos that I’ve watched don’t mention the passport thing??? 🤔

[@FlabPast]

I wasn't ready for Blender guru to pop up in the video!

[@ballieupride]

Amazing thank you!

[@Loubardeur]

Andrew ?! I never expected to see the king of donuts in this video

[@ChauNguyen-zv9rw]

thank you.