Why Visit Japan? - ask me anything (August 2023)

[@omotesando5456]

Japan has superb baked goods. High quality bread / pastries can be found every where. Stations/ shopping streets etc.

[@kochichris]

Also baking schools, and the bakery like to learn bread, cookies, cakes around the world😊in osaka i was in the bakery school delivering some dutch cookies and cakes, to create new goods❤

[@gazza8939]

Hi John, great live stream, as always. 6 am is a little early for me to catch the live stream. Regarding the rail pass increase. I believe the rail pass is only cost effective if you use JR a lot. So if you are using local transport the price difference isn’t that much of an issue. Also there are other independent train companies that offer great services. And a note to all those who have doubts about travelling to Japan. I waited for over 4 years to get there. I finally visited in April, missing most of the blossom but Japan has sooo much more to offer, I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, certainly not a small increase in travel costs.

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

Would sticking to Tokyo be the best experience for a first time visit, or would I be better off exploring another region? If this ends up being the only time I ever visit Japan, would just the Tokyo area be a worthwhile visit?

[@subhrajyotibhar5993]

I will be visiting Japan in mid-November. I will be arriving at Narita Airport around 2:30PM on a Tuesday and after immigration, ATM, getting Welcome Suica card etc. ( 1.5 hours), I plan to take the Skyliner to Nippori and then connect to Yamanote line to reach my hotel in Shin-Okubo. I was wondering when does rush-hour traffic start in the afternoon and if it will be too uncomfortable to travel in Yamanote line with a carryon luggage and a backpack from Nippori to Shin-Okubo. Please advise.

[@TomLowdermilk-yn8wu]

hmmm,... if you're going to be in Nippori, depending on your interests you might like crossing the train tracks into Taito ward to visit Yasaka cemetery and Yasaka Ginza.

[@franco3584]

Great Stream , so many Great Questions and Great Information .

[@yogimew]

30:26 I think Keikyu is better in this case as they have through service to the Asakusa Line. The fare should be 510 jpy.

[@bennykoh]

hi John, i would like to try staying at one of the Kaikatsu club internet cafes in Tokyo, likely near Shinjuku. Is it easy to become a member? Are foreigners without local addresses allowed to stay in internet cafes?

[@asethi72]

As a foreigner can I buy a residential property it’s out being a Japanese National? What are the costs involved, like stamp duty,legal fee, agency fee and can we lease it out? If we resell the property what costs are involved? Are same rules apply all across Japan?

[@maryrivers1502]

Wow! I loved hearing the conversation on the education system. That would be a very difficult dilemma - stuck between rote memorization or $30-40,000 a year! Do they have any kind of homeschool system?

[@johnnacke4134]

John, My wife and I have booked a 15 day guided tour of Japan , 2024 June 21-July 6. Starts in Tokyo, goes to Hakone/Mt Fugi area, Kanazawa, bullet train, Kyoto and surrounding towns, then depart from Osaka. The majority of people who took thus tour, loved it, despite not going to Hiroshima or spending time in Osaka. I know this is the rainy season… We expect rain, but will it be hard and constant; and, will it be unbearably hot at this time? ciao, John N

[@vincekimura3937]

john whats the best way to get from fukuoka to miyasaki?

[@ando1135]

hope you are right about humidity ending in september aha i dont remember last year if it was or wasnt humid but i'll look out for it this time because these past couple months are so humid. And so true about the rules hah...i work as a JET and i have been told by my friend here that became a teacher, that if something they spent months planning doesnt go as planned, no one can improvise haha....its so unreal....its like the people are coded like robots and if it wasnt previously coded then it wont happen. Japan is so curious haha

[@bmedve3427]

Regarding school in Japan: Leo's English might turn out "bilingual", you'd be surprised how well children can adapt their language to that of their peers even though it's impeccable at home 😀 I remember in the early 90s, my colleague worked for the Japanese department of the office. If she didn't get the instructions right she was given by her Japanese boss the first time, that was it. No chance to ask. He allowed no questions. We thought he was a strange guy but hearing this from you, John, it was most likely culture-based...

[@FancyPants-s2v]

Hi! I saw your segment on Kurashiki Bizen sword museum. There’s a sword museum in Tokyo. Have you gone there?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I heard of one, I don’t think it has the same history as there’s no real sword production that I’m aware of in Edo.

[@madeleinenguyen7953]

Hello John, I have been following your channels (old and new), and really like it. I have never been to Japan and love to visit in October 2024. By any chance can you help me with 2 weeks itinerary where I can enjoy the country without a crowd. Thank you Madeleine

[@michaelsasano8622]

Hi John. Sweet livestream. Love this format and hearing your loyal supporters ask their questions. Mahalo for making time for us to chat with you. Brandi wasn't able to stop by but you know she's always here with us. We can't wait for your return visit to Oahu. Have a fun weekend!

[@dbl0fluff]

I have never had sushi. I have never liked canned tuna because of the smell and also never had salmon. What is the best way to try sushi for the first time and not offend the chef if I didn’t finish it? I AM coming next year. I also don’t know how to book trips, etc. and who is best ranked to plan through. Thanks John!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Hmm, I had sushi with another KZbin creator, Mike Chen in 2019 and it was his first time - he wasn’t ready for HIGH END sushi. So I took him to Sushi Zanmai, mid range with a good reputation. If you’re worried about the chef, KAITEN SUSHI or conveyor belt sushi may be the best place to try. Fish should NEVER smell like fish. That means it’s not fresh. I’ve never had sushi that stunk. It means the sushi isn’t fresh and avoid it. Keep that in mind, the flavor is pleasant and a little soy sauce brings out the flavor. I like sushi zanmai because the rice is good, excellent cost performance and experience. By the way, sushi restaurants also have good fried food - you’ll find karaage chicken and tempura on the menu quite often. KAITEN Sushi, they’ve burgers too! Hahaha

[@Cliffdog01]

There are pretty good Sushi worldwide so you could try it before the trip. They won't be as good as Japan but google could definitely help you get the best version locally.

[@franco3584]

Hi John, I'm seriously considering moving to Japan. I've worked for the last 25 years as a Special Effects artist in Hollywood and plan to get out of the Industry. My plan is to go back to doing Fine Art and the Art I'm doing is related to Japanese Culture . The need to be in Japan is really important to doing my work . I'm coming to Japan in May for 10 days to get things started. I'll come back to San Diego and do the art work initially but probably will need to be in Japan for longer periods of time . How hard is it for a self employed person to get some kind of long term Residency or is there some kind of Application that I can apply for ?

[@craigsnyder5421]

Is Kyoto worth visiting

[@armandolopez5318]

I visited Tokyo for 2 weeks and we went everywhere but something that I found kind of odd was that with all the traveling we did we never saw a gas station. I’m used to seeing Gas stations in the states at every corner even 4 in one corner, but I never saw a single one in Tokyo. What gives?

[@dalejay8901]

A little late to the party, but nice to hear your prior responses. Just returned back to Alaska from Japan yesterday and still adjusting to the jet lag. I did have a question to ask though based on a visit to the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo earlier this week. As I was walking toward the shrine along the forested pathway a mother with her young son - who was dressed in colorful dress - approached me and said something about a photo. I first assumed the mother was encouraging her son to learn English by speaking with a foreigner. However when I asked a few questions in Japanese the mother responded that they were from China. I said the one Chinese word I know, Nee-How, and that elicited a big smile from both. I then posed for a photo with the boy taken by the mother. While the encounter was positive, upon later reflection I was wondering if the original intent was for me to take a photo of the boy and then be asked for money. I know that is common in third-world countries (and Las Vegas) when people approach you dressed in native costume. Is that something you have observed recently in Japan at tourist locations?

[@rogersomera-lj8do]

Aloha John, missed live stream, but watching after the fact. I’ve been meaning to ask, about wheelchair accessibility, I’ve been searching and gathering info about what is accessible, especially on transportation, not much issue on train rides, but I’m trying to figure out about buses, especially those buses that travels between Tokyo to Osaka, Kyushu, etc. I know that like the double deckers have wheelchair access, saw it on KZbin videos, I’m trying to know who could I call (Japan Bus Co?) and ask how many buses they have available or their schedules that would have the wheelchair buses on their schedule and how often they have available. Do they have English speaking customer service I can call and ask? Hope my question is understandable. Same info I’m looking for on Trams(Street cars, etc). Hope you can help. I just want to travel more in Japan, now that I’m retired! Thanks John!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Well, between Tokyo and Osaka, I’d highly recommend the Shinkansen because this buses, esp night, you really need to be tough to sleep on those. WILLER is probably the most well known right now. Try contacting them in English: willerexpress.com/en/?mid=157&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIid3WmYXmgAMVVdpMAh0EwA7WEAAYASAAEgJBN_D_BwE Compared to 25 years ago when I came, it’s a totally different world for accessibility. So many multipurpose toilets, even in the Shinkansen. Ramps and elevators 🛗 are the norm now thanks to the Paralympics coming, the city stepped up. Even the taxi drivers are trained to help visitors with disabilities which is great, the new cabs are more accommodating for some wheelchairs I’ve been told. There’s a lot of good being done in the city, but they also need to do more of course, esp outside the city. I wonder how it compares to NYC or London now?

[@Cliffdog01]

@@onlyinjapanGO It could be a good topic for a Live stream or main channel Video. If you could have a Viewer or local who is Disabled (blind, deaf or in a wheelchair) talk about their experiences getting around Tokyo and Japan. I have a close friend in a wheelchair who wants to see Japan, so it'd be helpful to know of any issues and good resources to look for before we go.

[@michaelallan7981]

My father in law will be traveling to Tokyo this October. I am wondering if you are selling Only In Japan kids t-shirt. My 5 year old son is a big fan and loves watching your videos since 3 years old. I am hoping that his grandfather can buy a t-shirt from you.

[@IkukoKing-le2ix]

Is there any japanese taxi drivers in Tokyo ? Last time almost all drivers

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yes, most drivers in Tokyo are Japanese but there are more non-Japanese doing this these days than before but it’s still rare.

[@Cliffdog01]

Does anyone think that tourists travelling to Japan should eat Japanese; is it a waste of their limited time to try Pancakes, Starbucks or other Western foods? I’m a New Zealander, and while searching for places to eat during a trip to Tokyo, I found two cool-looking Scandinavian restaurants, Allt Gott in Musashino and Lilla Dalarna in Minato City. Would it be weird to try them even though I’ve never been to Scandinavian countries?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Well, keep in mind those chains change the menu in Japan, it’s really interesting! But I have loads of US friends who come and eat Dominoes Pizza, McDonalds, KFC because they’re afraid to order something they don’t know 🤷🏻‍♂️ I don’t argue hahaha everyone has their comfort levels and it’s not good to push people, they have to come around on their own.

[@bkhelen]

Any recommendations to iwate prefecture ?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Sure, Morioka and the morning market were incredible! … did a live stream there at 5am in 2020 I think. I thought Hachinohe is much underrated, worth a visit. Kamaishi has really grown since the 2011 Tsunami hit it hard, hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Really good food up there, good ramen culture.

[@TomLowdermilk-yn8wu]

ummm, actually, I would like to visit the seaside town of Kuji. It was the setting for the really popular tv series Amachan.

[@FromAmericaToJapan]

Awe I missed the live chat

[@nancyha4619]

Can I use Uber from Ginza to Haneda

[@Cliffdog01]

I still think it would be wiser to have tourists get their VAT/GST refund at the airport rather than immediately discounted at the shops rather than raising the tax for the Hotels. Supply and Demand suggest that if people come to Japan for cheap tech because they get it artificially discounted, they are making it even more expensive for the locals because the Base price is rising, and they have to pay the VAT. I am trying to understand why there is an IC card shortage for just one place; that looks pretty suspicious to me. Hotels, Credit Cards, and other cities like Brisbane seem to be fine also; why haven't they made the Apps better for international travellers if they knew they were short? Or if they want to ditch IC cards, then accept Credit cards at the tap and go? I don't want to go complete conspiracy nut, but it does feel like a targeted move to make travel on commuter trains (i.e. public transport not covered by JR Passes) harder.

[@coolrottie2565]

When it comes to the declining population could the be a good thing as maybe Japan has too many people. Maybe 70-80 million might be a better number.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Declining populations don’t get foreign investment, and there is no one to support pension systems. There’s a huge need for nurses since the older generation can’t be cared for. 70M might be better, but it will cripple the economy for a long time. Japans countryside will be more crippled, the countryside is already like a ghost town in many areas, that probably can’t be helped.

[@effie-Toronto]

Are 90% of your viewers are american? As a canadian our dollars is equal to Yen

[@arceus54321]

Just slightly higher than the yen haha

[@prowlermadmax2]

I lived in Iwakuni, Japan when i served in the US Marines back 1985 to 1987. I have a felony for possesion of marijauna. Can i visit Japan or will that felony prevent me from entering the country?

[@conormaynard3265]

Use google

[@mdjcsmith]

Wonder if has @tomiputra done much research on shojin ryori?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It’s not common - you have to go to places that serve it and it’s usually a premium, but entrepreneurs are starting to pick up on this and the last few years have really brought some changes! I did a live stream on it. kzbin.infoQmV_fY1XJ8s?feature=share

[@mdjcsmith]

@@onlyinjapanGO ah that's a bloody shame. Cheers John.