I loved my trip to Japan, 3yrs ago. My daughter studied Japanese in college and she helped us navigate dear train system and helped me communicate and also help me with the coins. We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It was a wonderful trip. Unfortunately, for us, we did not pack with carry-on only. our luggage had to stay at the back of the train, and at one time it rolled all the way down the aisles. Good thing my husband help us navigate all the stairs. I love the toilets, and hopefully one day I will install a Japanese toilet, right now I just have the little bidet system. Did Japanese people were very friendly and helpful. Once in the subway, we were very lost and a lovely Japanese lady help us navigate the subway . It was a wonderful experience and I hopefully one day will do it again during cherry blossoms season.

Fabulous video. I hosted Japanese exchange students for three years and loved the experience, always wanted to go and visit them. I hope I get to as they are the nicest, most polite and healthy minded people on earth.

Excellent review of "need to know" information often overlooked regarding everyday protocols for transportation,restaurants, using bathrooms. Speaking of the latter, ladies always carry small packets of tissue in your person. Restrooms often don't supply. And, beware of western toilets v the squat over a hole version in ladies rooms. Not a joke. Going in late September for 2 months- interior to northeast coast. Happy travelling to everyone. PS: English not commonly spoken in rural, countryside, coastal or interior communities. Google translate to the rescue!

@GenxGypsy1968

4 ай бұрын

Good pointers! I will say I never ran into an issue of no toilet paper available and only encountered one squat toilet and that was at a trailhead for a hike. But, its always good to be prepared...have to do that here in the US more than I'd like too! 😊

I'm heading to Japan in July. Not looking forward to the heat and humidity! Thanks for the tips!

P.S. I LOVE your videos. I think my favorite so far is you sitting in the floor getting rid of unnecessary travel paraphernalia. 😂

Regarding trash. People from Japan have told me, you take your trash with you, and you dispose of it correctly at home, for recycling. So, you don’t have to finish at the vending machine, but you’ll need to have a bag with you to put it in.

@kymstclaire1388

4 ай бұрын

Also, there is a HUGE fine for littering and picking up after your dog is included. You will see very few dogs in the city but if you are lucky enough to see one do their business you will see the owner using a cleaning solution to clean the area.

@pandarush.

Ай бұрын

Hello! Do stores use plastic bags when you buy something? Or do I need to take my own tote bag like I have to do in Colorado?

@kymstclaire1388

Ай бұрын

@@pandarush. they do have bags but they charge for them. I brought a tiny packable backpack made by Sea to Summit, so small it fit in my crossbody fanny pack, so I always had a bag if needed. Also came in handy when I didn’t want to wear my jacket but knew I would need one in the evening.

@pandarush.

Ай бұрын

​@kymstclaire1388 Thank you! Did you ever buy so many things that it was heavy to take back to the hotel?

I lived in Japan for two years (1989-1991) and absolutely LOVED it! Such a beautiful country, and wonderful people. I am glad to hear that the way they always seemed so honored and appreciative of a foreigner trying to speak Japanese has not changed, all these decades later. It was one of the things I really loved about the Japanese people. I found it hard to practice Japanese though, because as soon as you spoke Japanese, they were drawn to you, and then wanted to practice their English. Admittedly, their English was always much better than my Japanese. 🤣 One other tip - never, ever, ever pass food with your chopsticks. I was told, way back then, that it was really taboo, because when they clean the family tombs during Obon, chopsticks are used to pass the bones, and also they use chopsticks to put cremated remains into an urn.

I was just in Japan last month. They told me they don't give our Suica cards anymore. I had to use the online option.

use the JR rail pass calculator. Unless you are planning to bullet train your way all over the 4 big islands I think you will find you come in under the pass threshold, even with the green car reserved tickets (which are totally worth it)

Suica can be added to iPhone wallet without using the app. Super easy and can be reloaded with most US credit cards

@GenxGypsy1968

4 ай бұрын

Good to know! That was not an option they gave on their website. Thanks for sharing 😊

I'm so glad I found your channel. I just subscribed

Well, seems like you learned at least two words! Such a great video. I hope you get over 1 million views for all of this info.

The rail pass price increased for non-locals by more than 70% October 2023. It might not be worth it to get one.

Thank you! Headed there in October

I am going to Japan in a week. So excited. Thank you for your videos, very helpful!

@GenxGypsy1968

4 ай бұрын

Yay!! You're going to love it 😊

I’m going in fall, thank you for always giving such great tips!

@GenxGypsy1968

4 ай бұрын

So excited for you, such an amazing place 😊

Regular Sucia card is good for ten years after last use

Thank you so much for sharing! I loved every minute and learned a few things. Makes me want to go there.😊

@GenxGypsy1968

4 ай бұрын

You should! One of my favorite travel destinations ever. Can't wait to return 😊

Nice video for the Tips on KZread. To much to know love your video ❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍

Love your informative videos. I just got back from Barcelona. Are the mini rvs automatic of 5speed?

@GenxGypsy1968

4 ай бұрын

No, thank goodness! I don't think I would have been able to drive a stick with my opposite hand, LOL! It was super easy to drive around and that little RV trip in the Nagano area was definitely one of the highlights of the vacation 😊

Have you considered using the WISE APP and card for currency?