can you tell i got rained on before filming this 🙈 ANYWAY here are some answers to some of the questions i received!! unfortunately couldn't tackle nearly as many as i wanted to because well...this video was very long and i had to cut some out already 🥲

@johnrobertmorris

Жыл бұрын

It was really well done!

@patrickcano2491

Жыл бұрын

Do you have an email I can reach out to ?

@tyzmart7586

11 ай бұрын

At 7:30 what about IC Cards ? Suica card ? Pasmo card 🤔? 🙈🙈🙈 my bad now i see at 7:59 you started talking about suica 🙏🏾

I am Japanese. We still need cash even in Tokyo. Also, free wifi is still not as widespread as it is overseas. It's a pity, but there are many more attractions in Japan than that. Thank you for introducing Japan!!

I did the wifi hotspot and picked up at Narita and also purchased the Suica card for myself and everyone in our group. Those two things made our time in Japan so much less stressful. Enjoyed this video. Thanks.

Couple notes from my experiences going to Japan: - Google Fi is a good carrier to have since their unlimited plus plan ($65 a month, unlimited everything) works internationally out of the box and you don't need to set up anything. It's great for frequent traveling in general and even works in China the last time I had a layover there. That being said, pocket wifi is still super convenient because you can just pick it up right after you get off the plane. - Tax free is a nice to have but also note that everything you buy tax free must also be declared at the airport when you come back from Japan since they mark your passport. This means that depending on how much stuff you have, you might be forced to pay import duties, which are generally more than taxes, if you are bringing back stuff above a certain amount (not sure what the exact threshold is but iirc it's $800 so be wary if you're bringing more than $800 of stuff you bought back). You also need to carry your passport everywhere you go as well (which I personally don't like). Personally, I don't really bother with tax free since it generally adds a ~15 minute overhead to any purchase I make and I'd prefer not to get hit with duties. - I think this was mentioned in another video but add Suica to your apple wallet. I'm not sure if it's still necessary, but you you might to set phone locale to Japan. It is super convenient because you can tap to pay for any transportation without fussing around at the ticket booth, but also, it's accepted at tons of places just as general payment (convenience stores, etc). Don't be afraid to load ~$2-300 onto your Suica at the start of the trip because it will save you a lot of hassle and you will likely end up using it all. - Casual sexual harassment/assault on trains is unfortunately pretty commonplace in Japan. If you're a woman, please keep yourself safe and stay vigilant.

@simmoeai600

Жыл бұрын

Me and my brother are planning a trip to Japan in a few weeks! I think we’ll be staying 8 - 12 days. Any tips on planning an itinerary for Japan? Any must sees? Trying to decide if we have enough time and should explore other cities or just hang out in Tokyo…suggestions??

@luxuryunboxingrps2072

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking of coming alone the second time and last time I came with my dad so would traveling alone in trains be unsafe for me ?

@booboos1212

Жыл бұрын

@@luxuryunboxingrps2072 There is no problem if you avoid the time when there are many people.

@lorrane2177

Жыл бұрын

@@luxuryunboxingrps2072 Please note some trains offer female only cars. Some hotels offer female only floors, too. I’ve not experienced anything bad on trains. Also, if someone touches you…don’t ignore it…punch them!!! Haha… I think when something does happen, women don’t say anything, it is very safe on the train. Like others said, if you are worried, avoid rush hour in Tokyo.

@luxuryunboxingrps2072

Жыл бұрын

@@lorrane2177 thank you this is great information. Truly appreciate it !!!!

Regarding choice of time: Also avoid the Japanese golden week, usually around the first week of May. It's the longest Japanese holiday where people travel, so a lot of things are going to be pretty hectic, and more expensive. While summer weather is awful, there are a few Japanese things that only happen in the summer -- most Matsuris (festivals) are in summer, as well as a lot of the Hanabi (firework) festivals.

Great advice!! A couple of things to add from my experience in 2018: - Regarding the JR Pass and if it's worth it: For my trip I had decided to do a whole tour that went: Tokyo - Shizuoka - Nagoya - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka - Back to Tokyo, using only the bullet trains to go from city to city. So I purchased the 14-day pass, arrived in Tokyo and stayed for a couple of days, then did my entire run for like 13 days, and arrived back in Tokyo to stay for about 6 additional days until flying back to Peru. So I got my value back probably twice over! I wound up really tired but it was awesome haha. - Buy a powerbank!! Pocket Wifi was an absolute lifesaver, same as Google Maps, but if your battery runs out you might be in trouble. I bought a large power bank and kept it in my backpack, and whenever I went out I plugged the pocket wifi on it and enjoyed internet connection wherever I went. Sometimes the device would stop working though, but it was just a matter of rebooting it and it was good to go again. Keep another cable for your cellphone and you'll be able to document everything in your socials as you go :D

Thanks for this! My husband and I honeymooned in Tokyo in 2018 and would love to go back soon. We actually stayed in Shinjuku and used Shinjuku station every day - that was a big adjustment from our hometown of 2,800 people in Nebraska - but it was such a good experience! We somehow managed to not get lost!

I was supposed to go to Japan August 2020… rescheduled it 5 times and I’m finally going in March!! So excited! I’m binging your videos now to prepare!

a gem of a video, thank you for the information!

absolutely gem of a vid. so clear and helpful. thank you!! subbed!

Awesome video, Allison, thank you so much! I really thought I knew so much about Japan already and am fully prepared for my 1.5months long travel in April, but there was so (!) much new and interesting info here, just incredible. Gladly subscribed :)

This is soooooo good! Thank you 🙏🏼

Thank you, you answered a lot of my questions!

Thanks for great tips Allison!

Thank you for your sharing tips. ❤

Great information and done well. Thank you!! Coming to Tokyo in November.

Thanks a lot for this video! Been to Japan once before but it was pre covid. Love the channel

I absolutely loved this video! So informative & your vibe 🫶🏼💕

That's a great wrap-up for first-time travelers! Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information!! :)

Love the video and the Vlog. I am going to Japan in January for the first time and your videos have really helped me feel better about my trip

My tips from my Japan trips are to wear a small backpack rather than a hand bag so you are hands free while touring about and on the train. Get a little towel as the train station bathrooms don't have a hand dryer and to wear clothing with pockets for your train pass so you can quickly get through the gates.

So helpful! You covered a few places I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere, so I will add them to my list. A great quick photo of each with explanations of why each is worth a visit. Thanks!

This was great I've been to Japan a few times and this was still useful stuff to know

This is great video that specifically addresses my concerns! Thank you so much! Also I am really looking forward to your anime itinerary video. I will be visiting at the start of November. Thanks again for the tips!

Allison, you're awesome, and so appreciated. I've travelled to Japan (mostly Osaka and Tokyo areas) about 20 times, on business, so much of what you say rings so true for me. And yet, there is a fear factor about traveling to and within Japan. For me it's more about not wanting to be an ugly tourist. My goal at the moment is to learn enough Japanese to arrive with a backpack and travel way out of Osaka/Tokyo and just... mingle and enjoy Japan and its people. Learning Japanese is so slow and challenging, but it's so fun too. Maybe I'll be there next Fall (2023)!

@thetravelingpollos3198

Жыл бұрын

Hello Emma - I am Going to japan next week just visiting Tokyo and Osaka - should I buy the JR pass or individual train tickets will be ok to go around Tokyo - then Osaka and Narita to Tokyo ?

Thanks for the tips and love the Kirby's Adventure top!

We are going to Japan as a family in October and your advice has been amazing! Thank you so much.

You are informative to provide answers and tips on each aspects about traveling to Japan, Miss Allison, it would be useful for my big niece's vacation to Japan this coming Winter Solstice.

I love you videos they're so quiet it helps me when this video that you told me about the places

Love the random tips that we don’t think about such as the trash cans!! Can’t wait for the anime tourist video cause yessss!! ❤

This is a really good video! I really like your style, it's very nice to watch. I'm going to Japan in January and excited to visit again.

This was such a helpful and informative video, thank you for sharing so many great tips and places to visit! Myself (and manyy others) have been waiting 3 years to visit Japan, it's great that we're finally able to again! I'm hoping to travel to Tokyo and Kyoto during Spring for a few weeks to study Japanese and some site-seeing 😊✨

Thanks for the Kanazawa shout out! I’m really excited to see tourists in our city again! 💖

Regarding JR Pass: This is quite a complicated issue, as most people are probably not going to be familiar with how the Japanese railway system is set up. In the simplest terms, there are three major, and three minor companies, all bearing the JR name, and each operates in a different geographic location of Japan. JR East operates in Tokyo and its north east; JR Central operates the central portion of Japan around Nagoya; JR West operates in Osaka and to its west. Each of these JR companies issue their own "JR Passes" that can be used only *within* their respective territories, but all six came together to issue a JR pass that can be used *across* all companies. The 7/14/21 day JR Pass most people talk about is this super-pass that can be used across all territories, but even if you're staying put (say, in Tokyo but with day tours to the surroundings), you might find a JR Pass issued by JR East that works within its confines.

@carloscanizares4699

Жыл бұрын

Our entry/exit is Narita so Tokyo is our base, but we’re staying in Kawaguchiko and Kyoto too. Just confirming the best is still the super JR Pass, correct?

This is the first time seeing you . I enjoyed the video very much. I’m hoping to finally visit Japan and I love your tips and suggestions. Thank you.

Thanks for this follow-up video! I definitely want to check out Nikko.

Lovely video thanks for sharing 🥰 👍

Great video! Thanks for the tips :) subscribed.

I will be in Tokyo through March!! Thanks for your video!😊

We were in Kyoto for New Year’s a few years back. Couldn’t visit the Imperial Palace and one or two other things. The main shopping center and supermarket were open. I think New Year is a great time to visit - such a great cultural experience.

Thank you so much for this! We’re visiting within the month, and I’m so excited to be going back (with toddler it tow). Highly recommend the Park Hotel in Shiodome, their staff are so helpful and went above and beyond for us on our last trip (so it was a no brainer to go back to them).

Thank you so much for this amazing video again! It already helped me a lot although I’m not a first time traveler to Japan. I’m really looking forward to your anime tourist video since I’m very interested in that too 😊 And maybe you can do a video about how to get around and things to do in the wider Tokyo area. As you’ve mentioned, when only staying in the Tokyo area the JR pass might not be the best option. I came across the Tokyo Wide Pass as an alternative but since it’s only for three days in a row that might not be enough. As in my case I would need two of these passes to cover all the places I wanna go but I couldn’t find out if I could buy this pass multiple times. So their might be other options for longer stays in the area which I haven’t find out. This might be helpful for other people too. So if you have any more tips for transportation maybe you could share them with us 🤗

Love this video!! Congrats on nearly 20k subs!! I can tell you've gotten so much more comfortable behind the camera since since I subbed at 300. I am going to Kyoto this summer for study abroad (so excited!! I didn't think my schedule would allow it but it can!!) and since I need to be in Kyoto during the week but I want to travel on weekends, is the JR pass worth it for me or should I just buy my trips individually?

Going to Japan in 3 weeks for work, your videos are so helpful. Thank you. 😊

I'm going to stay one month in Japan, we are visiting Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo and Tokyo! So excited, thank you for the tips :)

I wish this was up when I visited in 2019. Very concise and everything spot on. We did everything you just suggested, but had to watch a lot of you tube to pull it together. We chose the wifi you carry in your backpack. That and Google maps and translate was all we needed. With our suica cards we were off like locals from day one. And the people everywhere were amazing. We learnt the tiniest of Japanese on an app for fun prior, but it helped to pick up sounds and intonations and enhanced the experience Love love love japan

Thank you so much for this! I'm looking into coming back to Japan, but I left in 2006. A lot has changed since then, esp in terms of tech. You named almost all my favorite places! I lived in GIfu for 6 years, so I went to Takayama, Gero, Kyoto, and Nara multiple times. We used to visit Shirakawa-go every winter, I loved it so much. I also went to Koyasan once and I loved it. I love temples and shrines. The most amazing place to visit in summer is Gujo-Hachiman, that's my recommendation.

Many thanks for this, it helps prepare for mid-January visit :>

I’m a new subscriber! I love your videos and humor! I’m heading back to Japan in march, it’ll be trip 5 for me

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

thanks, welcome back!!

Allison. Delightful, informative, open, strangely vulnerable and honest, I will follow with interest. My wife and I are going to Tokyo for a week, (Setagaya-Deita area), then cruiseing down east coast,🧐 so a lot to learn. Thank you.

Very useful and well presented clip. I have Japanese grandchildren so I benefit from your insights.

Thank you for this! I can confirm all of these tips are very accurate. My partner and I took a trip to Japan in 2018 and can't wait to go back. Sadly, it'll have to be next fall. For those visiting soon, I have a couple other things to note from my experience: - Bring or buy a coin pouch to keep your change. (I bought a cute coin pouch from Loft) Since Allision mentioned you still need cash while traveling around Japan, those coins will accumulate fast, especially 1 yen coins. To get rid of them, I donated them to a donation box in 7-11 or donated a monk praying on the street. - Carry a handkerchief to wipe your hands after using the sink in the bathroom. It makes a great excuse to buy one as a souvenir, but I also read that they've turned off the hand dryers in the bathrooms to reduce bacteria spread. (Also bought mine from Loft. Can you tell I love that store? lol.) - Someone in comments mentioned this, but definitely Google Fi is a great carrier while traveling internationally. We bought the plan before our trip and it was less stressful than worrying about battery life on a pocket wifi. Not to say that aren't convenient. This is personal preference. - Check if your debit card is free of international fees for withdrawing money from 7-11 ATMs. We have the Capital One debit card, so we didn't need to pay any international fees. It was super convenient than bringing a load of cash from the US to Japan. There were a couple of 7-11 ATMs in the train stations last time we were there, but unsure if that's changed. - I know a commenter mentioned about sexual harassment/assault being common in trains. Just to add, there are train cars specifically for women only. Otherwise, please stay cautious of your surroundings and stay safe!

@sokiepokiee

Жыл бұрын

Awesome tips! We’re going next spring, my first time but my brother’s second😊

@raymondlee4838

Жыл бұрын

I've heard a lot about getting cash from the ATMs, but aren't those have worse exchange rates than a good currency exchange counter within Tokyo, I've found a few that have decent rates.

Great video! Just stumbled across your channel - I’m going for 27 days in May! ❤️

My partner and I discovered your channel when it popped up in our recommended last week. Since then we have watched probably 40 of your videos. We love the vibe. Keep it up!

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!!

Great video! I'm excited for the anime travel guide hehe

Thank you for your videos! I’m American and my son lives in Japan. I’ve been there twice, once in winter and once in summer. Both trips were fantastic and it was nice to be there during less busy times. The only real problem with a summer visit is that it’s also typhoon season, which can cause travel delays.

thank you allison! google maps is fr a lifesaver in japan!!

I didn't know you had to get a JR pass before your arrival thank you

this makes me wanna travel japan more! this was super useful even for me as someone new-ish to living here :0

Making mental notes of all of this

Great tips and updates! I’m taking my family there in April but I’ve been to Japan 2x now, good to know what’s changed post pandemic 😅 anything you can share on how to get tickets to Studio Ghibli Park that just opened would be amazing! ❤ (read it’s only available to get 20 days prior to the desired month of visit) 😔

Thank you Allison! My family (hubs and three kids) and I are going to Japan at the end of December. We've been anxiously awaiting Japan to open and yay!! anyhow, we've been studying Japanese and are so excited to finally visit. Thank you for all this informative content!

@lilyrosepunkunicorm9871

Жыл бұрын

YESS

@seandavis8213

Жыл бұрын

Like she said, try to avoid going towards the end of December as many places will start closing for the new year.

ive booked and im coming!!

For busses in Kyoto, what we did is look up the route of the bus you want to take (for example Kinkaku-Ji to Gion) and walk BACK one stop and take the bus from there. You’ll always have a seat before the bus fills up.

i agree with allison on Haneda. really a lot more convenient to get to tokyo itself. the only time you choose narita is if the ticket prices are cheaper or airlines that only fly to narita.

Thank you Allison, your KZread is indeed very informative and enriching. As a frequent 日本Visitor myself, i do still enlightened very much from your Video. JiaYou ! My very last visit to Japan was before the Pandemic in Feb 2020, my next coming visit will be end of the this year, spending my Christmas and New Year there. 頑張って下さい。 ありがとうございます、又ね。

hakone is amazing and they have fantastic ryokans! I definitely recommend heading there

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

yes!!! 🤲

Thank you Allison for the great video!. Very helpful for anyone planning on visiting Japan.

I’m trying to go to Japan in either 2023 or 2024 (sooner rather than later lol) so these videos are so helpful!

Great video! I'm an Otaku (Candy Candy, Sailormoon (went to the Sailormoon exhibit at USJ in 2018), Robotech, Gundam (went to Odaiba to see the Gundam and store at Divers Mall and want to go back and see the Unicorn Gundam), and Haikyu) too, and so are my family members. We traveled to Akihabara in 2014, and 2018 we traveled to the Kansai area, and while there we took a day trip to Kyoto to the Manga museum. I could've stayed all day, but we had an appointment at the Ramen University. I didn't get to go to Den Den town in Osaka 🙁 We plan to go again next year and will definitely check out the places we've not been to the last two times. Mahalo from Hawaii!

Wonderful tips ! I’m having major anxiety planning a trip with my daughter 😅 I have no idea what area should I stay or what to see first! I know my daughter wants to go to Sanrio theme park. I’ve been living in SK the past 2 years, so I’m happy I’m finally be able to go there ! If I get this right I’ll be there every other weekend 😂

Super helpful. Love it ! I am taking my kids to Japan in Nov! Totally struggling with getting Disney tickets and reserving Kirby cafe … sigh. Let me know if you have any tips to share.

Location suggestions: The best (and popular) ones have been mentioned, but I think a couple to the west of Osaka deserves a mention as day trips: Himeji Castle -- The most gorgeous castle in Japan, bar none (sorry, Matsumoto). It has this elegance sitting on top of its small hill that just can't be matched elsewhere. Hiroshima -- Great museum dedicated to the memory of the first Atomic Bomb, as well as Itsukushima (Miyajima) Shrine. It's a tight day trip from Osaka, but very worth it.

Hi! i'm new to your channel and glad that know a brief plan for Kyoto trip as i'm planning to go there probably next year. Just wonder if you have video that you talk about Kyoto? would love to watch and know a little about it :)

Thank you for all the knowledge, I'm going to japan next October!! Took your advice and am learning hiragana now, then katakana. Want to be polite, and at least attempt to communicate if needed. Haha I feel like I'm going to get lost, so at least should be respectful when asking for help 😅

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Nice!! Even just learning a few phrases will go a long way in showing your appreciation and interest ✨🤲

Regarding location of stay in Tokyo: It's better to have access to both the Tokyo metro system, and the JR system. Since changing between the two systems cost extra money, staying at a station with access to both can save a bit depending on where you're going for the day. I find myself gravitating towards Ueno (if flying in from Narita) or Shinagawa (if flying in from Haneda) though, as both are large rail hubs, and also provide easy direct access to their respective airports. This minimizes the amount of walking / transfering / dragging luggage around Tokyo when you enter or leave.

@AllisoninTokyo: For many of my trips to Japan I researched attractions, and chose those that I was interested in. For example, watch Sumo at Ryogoku(Tokyo), Amida Daibutsu(Ushiku), dinner/play geisha games with real Geisha(Kyoto's Gion district), Hiroshima and Kumamoto castles(2 of the biggest around), riding a tarai-bune on Sado-ga-shima island(wooden tub 'boat'), watch Kabuki play in Tokyo, Yuki Matsuri in Sapporo etc.

Shinkansen correction :) When taking the Shinkansen, I always use Non-Reserved seats only. There are like, 3-4 cars Non-Reserved BUT they are very popular, so you might not be able to get connecting seats as a group Greets from a fellow Tokyoite

You're like my second favorite KZread channel

I'll be in Japan in a few days for couple weeks. I got an e-sim from Ubigi. 10 gig over 30 days for $17. Anyway, for e-sim, you have to have a fairly recently purchased phone to support it. Much easier than switching out physical simcard and you can set it up and activate before going. Turn it on when you land and you can use it right away.

those train rules are amazing, wish the rest of the world was that considerate toward others

How do we get a Suica card on the iPhone?? Can you please elaborate?? Do we need to purchase a physical suica card in order to do it??

@simmoeai600

Жыл бұрын

I assumed it’s just a card you add on your apple wallet

Hi! I love your video! We are planning a family trip for 6 next summer. Do you have any recommendations on good tour guides?

Hi Allison! Love your videos, especially this latest one. Do you do discord or something else Q&A sessions at all? Thanks! Mike

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

thank you!! maybe one day, I’d love to organize that kind of thing but don’t have the time, maybe in 2023 🤲

could you do a video on what u can do in each place in Japan :)

I just want to say, that hostels in Japan are unlike anywhere else. You may be sharing a room but you can hardly tell you do. It's very comfortable. I've experienced hostels that were better than hotels in Kanazawa or Takamatsu for example.

Yes! I can’t wait for the “How to Be an Anime Tourist” videos!!!

Regarding eating on Trains: This is a complicated issue that the Japanese themselves are sometimes confused. As a general rule, eating on trains is allowed. There is no law forbidding it, and it's even promoted as an integral part of a train journey (ekiben). The social taboo comes from it being impolite to be eating in front of strangers, so if the train has logitudinal seating (i.e., two long rows facing each other), people will refrain from eating; while if all seat face forward, eating is fine. If you get a little table that props down from the seat in front of you, eating is *definitely* fine.

I have friend in Japan that will help my planning. I really want to try to do it by myself first to try the difficulty.

Thank you Allison, your video came in right on the time. We 're going to Tokyo at the end of Dec (but only for 3 days - lay over before heading to other countries). Question regarding the transportation: do the 1 day pass still available to go around in Tokyo ? Because we'll be mostly stay there, except half a day to Mt Fuji 》any tips for Mt Fuji will be appreciated too ! Thank you

You can get your shinkansen tickets online now. Smart-ex was super easy and once you make an account you can change your reservation if you need to. much better than dealing with the lines at the stations. Google maps is awful at telling you where a bus stops are. Put the stop in the middle of a 3-way intersection at one point. Doesn't tell you what side of the street to be on. Works well for the trains though.

Thanks for the informative video! I'm planning a trip to Japan from 12/24 - 1/1 with a friend (first Japan trip, woohoo!), we'll be staying in Tokyo! I was wondering if there was any real difference between the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport card. Is there any difference/benefits between the two? Can they both be added to Apple Pay easily? Your videos have been super helpful with planning :)

Can I just say you are the most in depth and helpful japan travel youtuber Ive seen so far!!! And Ive been watching a lot of youtubers while planning my trip to japan. Tytyty for your work and passion

please, do the anime turism, I need that soon. I hope I can go there next april

With a tourist visa, you can buy a JR pass in the country until March 2023, but I think it's about more. As I type this (I'm interested now...), JTB sells the 7-day pass for $218. JR East website lists the same pass for 33,610 yen. At 135 yen per dollar, purchasing there costs $249. There are other limitations.

Thank for all the Tips! We have a layover in Narita. We are thinking about ditching our final destination. Do you know if we can do that?

Hello Allison, I found your videos are very great! Could you explain why sim card is not preferable & how to connect suica to iphone 😊 Also btw can we buy the JR Pass directly when we arrive in airport or should we book it before our arrival? Your answer is appreciated thank you!

From Before Pandemic to Post Pandemic Tokyo, can you give more tips on where to go, and what changed? Thanks in advance!

Hi Allison: thank you very much for extremely informative videos. Please kindly advise if JR operates on 1/3 to 1/6? We are planning go to Hakodate from Tokyo JR to Hakodate. We will be buying the 14 days JR Green passes because I am afraid no seats on ordinary seats. Thank you Allison! Have a peaceful week!

officially a subby thnx to this vid! >3>