HERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION AND ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS!!! OTHER OPENINGS: Shibuya Sky (an observation deck, it’s nice!!) and Scramble Square (mall under it) There is a new shinkansen from Fukuoka to Nagasaki! OTHER CLOSINGS: Kawaii Monster Cafe Robot Restaurant Anata no Warehouse ON LUGGAGE: Dimensions are TOTAL (length, width, height), not just height! 😆 Also, you are allowed to bring two pieces of baggage per person on the shinkansen. You can make reservations through the eki-net app, but for visitors/JR pass holders it will be easier to just do it at a ticket window (at the same time you make seat reservations, ideally) or machine! Read more here: www.jrpass.com/blog/how-much-luggage-can-i-bring-on-the-shinkansen-and-japanese-trains These luggage restrictions ONLY APPLY to the Tokaido, Kyushu, and Sanyo lines. (Yes, this includes the popular Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto route) Other shinkansen lines, the airport liner, and normal trains don’t need a luggage reservation as of now! But yeah, I definitely would look into sending your luggage ahead of time from your hotel if you can! ON CASH: DEFINITELY ALWAYS HAVE CASH ON YOU STILL!! Also in Tokyo, SOME places only accept cashless now, but credit cards are fine for this! Generally, countryside places you still need cash everywhere too. I know American iPhones from 8 onwards can use cashless in Japan (I have one haha) but you’ll have to check if your phone is compatible with Japan. Otherwise, don’t stress about it and just grab a normal suica card once you’re here! BTW, many of the restaurants that were around the Tsukiji market are still there! The market just moved to Toyosu. I don’t like fish so I’m not the person to ask about this unfortunately lol

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

And yes, the Gundam is still in Odaiba 🙈 If you come before March 31, 2023, there is also a cool-lookin Gundam Bay thing in Yokohama! Hoping they extend it to be open longer....but :(

@kurokumamaou818

Жыл бұрын

Escooter rules changed

@mikoikho

Жыл бұрын

Oh no! Good thing I already went to the monster and robot places 😢

@edwardfletcher7790

Жыл бұрын

The "Touch thing" is called NFC

@carriepadgett2743

Жыл бұрын

I've seen some vids of the observation deck, it looks beautiful at sunset!

Don´t forget to mention, that people are even more reserved towards foreigeners than before the pandemic and you may experience that the seat next to you in the subway will remain empty.

The Harajuku station closing is the most painful one. I remember visiting in 2018 and it had such a distinct Meiji era feeling

@happycook6737

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it was so iconic and beautiful. 😭

Wow, these are indeed important changes. Thanks so much for keeping us updated to the changes!

Okay, I just got back from business trip to Japan last month since I went back for good to my homeland due to pandemic in 2020. The one that baffles me alot is some convenient store now employ no microwave policy. Which means they don’t ask you if you want your food to be warmed or not. You have to warm it by yourself at the self service microwave corner using store grade microwave. And also you have to insert either crads or cash by yourself. So the machine actually facing you. Back at the micowave thingy, if you can’t read the japanese, it’s going to be a stressful time reading the recommended microwave time. Since I used to work at familymart, I can read the instructions fine. HERE’S THE WAY! LOOK FOR A BOLD NUMBER AND LETTERS AT THE BENTO’S BARCODE STICKER. THERE SHOULD BE TWO VARIATIONS. THE ONE WITH 500~700W ON THE LEFT AND THE ONE WITH 1500W ON THE RIGHT. THE NUMBER INDICATES MICROWAVE TYPE, AS THE 500-700W MEANS THE OUTPUT ENERGY OF HOME-USE MICROWAVE. THE STORE GRADE HAS LARGER 1500W OUTPUT TO CUT THE AMOUNT OF WARMING TIME IN STORE. SO IF YOU WANT TO WARM IT AT STORE, LOOK AT THE TIME NEXT TO 1500W. NOW, THE SECOND IMPORTANT THING IS HOW TO OPERATE STORE MICROWAVE. IF YOU ALREADY READ THE TIME NEXT TO 1500W, SAY IT IS 1’10 MEANS 1 MINUTE AND 10 SECONDS, PUT THE BENTO FIRST INSIDE THE MICROWAVE FIRST, CLOSE THE DOOR AND PRESS THE BUTTON WITH 1’10. DO NOT PRESS THE START BUTTON. IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY START TO WARM YOUR FOOD AFTER YOU PRESS THE TIME BUTTON. SOME OLD MICROWAVE OVEN ONLY HAS NUMBERS WHICH CAN BE PREPROGRAMMED AND THE STORE USUALLY WROTE THE RECOMMENDED TIME ON THE BUTTONS. IF YOU TRIED IT ONCE I FIGURE YOU ARE GOING TO UNDERSTAND IT. HOPE IT HELPS!!!!

You're the 1st person I've heard mentioning the new shinkansen luggage rules, thanks so much! Luggage forwarder is not an option when most of the time (I'm planning a trip) I plan to change hotel every night - too late for the luggage to arrive next day. I'm actually planning to bring more cash because credit card exchange rate is usually not good and buying yen is more favourable now, so a bummer if more places in cities do not accept cash! Plan to pay hotels in cash too!

@winnielim7096

Жыл бұрын

I change hotel pretty often during my trip too but I still find the luggage forwarder very useful. What i would do is carry a small backpack to hold the clothes and necessities for 1 night and forward the luggage to the hotel I'm staying at the following night. You can try that too.

@Paul-yk7ds

Жыл бұрын

Probably all places still accept cash, they just also accept the cashless ways of paying (?)

@juliehiga3557

Жыл бұрын

We normally change hotel every night so I tell my group, to pack carry on for 2 or 3 nights because we send our big bag ahead about 2 or 3 hotels ahead, let hotel know to hold luggage. We repack, put souvenirs in them, and or do laundry 3rd or 4th night if necessary. 2 or 3 days before departure we send large luggage to airport and on last day at airport, we repack if necessary.

@jamiephilip79

Жыл бұрын

I had no idea about the luggage rule too. Its a huge tip that she said it.

This is insanely helpful! About to book flights after postponing a trip endlessly and SO excited 🥳🥳🥳

Good to hear about the things that have changed over there since the world closed down for a bit. I'm looking forward to visiting Japan again next year!

This was pretty helpful, Allison, thank you! I had no idea they changed shinkansen luggage rules so I appreciate the video.

This video was SUPER helpful! I'll be in Japan in April and a lot of videos I've watched are older with some misinformation. The luggage tip in particular is a game changer. Thank you!

I’m flying out on 10/30 and staying a month. I love these videos. They’re so helpful!

Thank you SO much for this video. The shinkansen luggage info is huge for foreigners!

Thank you for this! I’m planning on visiting my brother soon in Uchigi (he’s a Jet who never came home) for the first time in 12 years! I’ve spent a total of 6 weeks in Japan in the past and this was so helpful to understand what might be different now. Yay! ありがとうございました!

Thank you so much for your updated video! I'm keen to visit Tokyo again in October - November 2023, I'd love to see an updated guide on Shimokitazawa and how it's been redeveloped since it was one of my favourite places to visit when I first went back in 2019! subscribed!

I'll be in Japan for the first time this April and am so grateful for all the cool KZreadrs like yourself that prepare us with all your knowledge. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing! I’ve been trying to figure out how to prepare for my trip in December & this has been so insightful 😊

This is so exciting to hear! I’ll be moving to Yokohama in November, so I’m looking forward to the relaxed entry. I wanna be your friend!!!

Thanks so much for all your help girl ! I really aspire to live in Japan one day and this video helps so much with things I have no clue about, and honestly kind of scare me because I'm American. You breaking down life in Japan into simple little videos really helps my anxiety lol 😅. I literally sat here and took notes on your video 😂 so thanks for the advice!

@happycook6737

Жыл бұрын

Don't wait too long because Japan favors the young, especially in terms of employment. Also never wear red lipstick there as that color lipstick is associated with prostitution. My employer made me wash off my red lipstick! Lol was a bit embarrassing. It was 22 years ago and I haven't forgotten.

Great Video 👍🏻 Really helpful for preparing the next trip and to know what to expect. I’m so excited and thank you so much for the recommendations about the new malls and changed areas. I’ll definitely check them out 😊

This is crazy helpful! Thank you for making this video!

The Shinkansen rule is new to me and appreciate bringing that up! Im sad that the Ferris wheel at Odaiba is no longer there as that was in my bucket list. Thanks for the video!

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I somehow never ended up going on it either 🥹

@mysakus

Жыл бұрын

but the Shinkansen luggage rule applies only for Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen right? At least that is how it was planned prior to 2020. If You travel to Tohoku or Nagano it should not have been applied originaly

@mcami9738

Жыл бұрын

Good to know. I plan to go back there on business this autumn. But...this new rule is not convenient for me and I'm wondering who benefits from this change 🤔

@robertsneddon731

Жыл бұрын

@@mcami9738 I ran into this problem on shinkansens before COVID -- as Allison said people with large suitcases would rush to fill up the end spaces in carriages with their giant roller cases and other people with giant suitcases who got on later would have to park those giant suitcases in the aisles or entryways. Now if the case won't fit in the overheads then it can't be carried. Saying that the overheads already get filled up with bags, cases, parcels, omiyage etc. pretty regularly on the busier services.

@peko7446

Жыл бұрын

There's a big Ferris wheel in Osaka called Tempozan Ferris wheel.

All the stuff closing in Odaiba is real bummer. It was always such a cool place to visit, especially since the ferris wheel was immediately eye-catching. Also on topic of things closing down, all of the Toranoana stores in Akihabara have closed. I realize that's not something most people will care about, but they were really cool and iconic comic stores, especially if you were looking for more indie comics. But yeah, glad that Japan is finally opening up again. Personally I'll be probably visiting in Spring.

Aw love the video! So informative and u are so sweet! Excited for JAPAN 🇯🇵

I'm so glad that YT recommended this to me! I'll finally be able to visit again and this was so helpful!

Congratulations on the success of this video, Allison! Hopefully it can be a great source of growth for your channel.

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave!!

i dont know how i stumbled upon your channel but im so glad i did 💕 after a horrible week filled with grad school applications, stress and bad health, i found myself barreling through your vlogs and smiling all the way through 🥲 like truly, thank you, your channel is so relaxing 💖💖💖

I am Japanese. I wear a mask every day, but I do not like to wear a mask. However, in Japan, it is respected to act according to others. Therefore, I hope you do not think that everyone is sick😀 Anyway, thank you for introducing Japan.

@ShafeenxSomewhere

Жыл бұрын

Ahh I love Japan and the people so much! 💛🤗

@Jade-cq8ze

Жыл бұрын

In my country the Philippines we still wear mask everyday. Some don’t wear mask outside but majority of filipinos still wear mask everyday. I think only Japan and Philippines are few of the countries that still wear mask now. Other countries no longer wear mask.

@Surreal452

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear this, it’s very hard to understand people or learn the language and its not good for the environment. I hope this social trend ends within the decade but I don’t hold out much hope. I miss seeing people’s faces!

@TokyoCapsuleCollection

Жыл бұрын

@@Surreal452 I hope so, too. Thank you for your comment!

@TokyoCapsuleCollection

Жыл бұрын

@@Jade-cq8ze The Philippines still do? I didn't know that! I thought Japan was the only country to do so. Thank you for your comment!

So glad I found you on here. Lots of great info. Look forward to watching more of your videos.

The infos of the new Shinkansen rule was sooooo helpful!!! Thank you

Suica in the phone was available in Japan before de COVID, more than 10 year ago. The fish market is not closed. It just moved from Tsukiji to Toyosu.

@MiaMizuno

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I was surprised about the Suica info. Our japanese class knew about that in 2014, so I wondered 🙈

I've been watching you for such a long time🌸, ur like a big sister to me who tells me everything about japan, i couldn't comment on previous videos because i was a bit busy, but your videos help me alot💕, i just entered highschool now and im working on learning japanese since 2 years and its perfect😊

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Good luck little sister 😎😎

This video was soooooooooooo informative! I love it! Thanks Allison!! also im shook! with all the closings!!

After 4 years I am coming back to Japan this November! 😍😍😍 Thanks for the video! 😘

I’m not able to go until next autumn so… hoping the crowds are too intense but also I don’t freak out in crowds. It is what it is. So exciting to know I can really start planning my trip! I hope to go to the Ghibli Park!

I’m studying abroad next April to July and I’m a little worried it’ll get super crowded, but Thank you for the updates for now and it’s nice to know all these things~

@brendita2010c

Жыл бұрын

Omg me too! Are you going through EF or KCP?

Thank you soooo much for all the tips. Planning to visit Japan for the first time next year, springtime.

Great vid. Excellent info about the luggage on Shinkansen, thank you!

i'm visiting in november! 🥳 thank you for your statement on kyoto - it was a NIGHTMARE when i went (didn't plan correctly and ended up going during korean and chinese golden week that year). so excited to make it back soon. thanks for the updates!

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Oh god that sounds rough 😅 November should be great though!!!

Konnichiwa Allison, my heart literally sank to the floor when you said teamlab had gone but then you said it was coming back, we had a hectic 3 week visiting many places and for some reason we never got to experience team lab, kicking myself obvs, great news we'll be visiting from the UK in 2 and a half years time so here's hoping ❤️🙏

This was so helpful Allison, thanks!

Lovely video. HAPPY to hear Japan is open for tourist. 👍🥰

Currently in Japan and took Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima and then back to Kyoto w/ regular size 153cm suitcase with no problem. You don't really need to put suitcase behind last seat or above head as the space between seats (leg room ) is more than sufficient for your suitcases.

Man am I glad I ended up going back to Japan in summer 2019! Got to see a lot of places in their last days without even knowing. It's crazy how much has closed / gone / changed drastically, lots of stuff you thought would be there for many more years! Kawasaki Warehouse, the old Harajuku station building, Nakagin Tower... My only regret is I missed out on Ōedo Onsen in Odaiba. Would've loved to experience it at night. Oh well...

@sethaldrich6902

Жыл бұрын

yeah a bunch has closed, never to open again.

@jomargumboc9429

Жыл бұрын

I was planning an Ueno-Asakusa-Odaiba trip with Senso-ji temple, Sumida river ferry and Onsen Monogatari as my bucket list in that area.. now that the Odaiba Onsen is closed, I dont feel like I want to include the Sumida Line anymore

@samuelbarta4635

Жыл бұрын

Same, I'm sad about the Sega logos and that I missed out on the Robot Restaurant.

@myself1525

Жыл бұрын

Oedo Onsen is closed permanently now. It used to be a lovely attraction with sunaburo, footpath, edo style shopping hall/food court.

@AndySmith-rg7mh

Жыл бұрын

Not only Japan, the whole world has changed.

We had a great experience sending our bags ahead while we daytripped. 110% recommend.

Coming to Japan for the first time at the end of Feb.. Totally excited and I appreciate this video to give me the heads up. I look forward to watching some of your other tips

Thanks for the Shinkansen tip, that could have screwed me next month when I am going

This was such a fun watch. Good to know about the bags being a charge since here in LA that’s been a bit of a main stay. I’ll be out there this thanksgiving so hopefully the crowds are still pretty light. Should definitely be a fun time regardless!

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Yes its a great time of year here too!!

Really helpful info!! esp about the closures and new openings! Tysm for sharing! 😊💖

Thank you for the train-specific info!

Thanks for the information. I went to Japan the year before covid and this is really useful for us going back in coming up March or so. My fiancee and I originally lugged our suitcases onto the train when we arrived but we came in at Narita last time and will be closer this time on Hanada, about 11 miles when I checked of our hotel in Shinjuku I believe. There is a really nice food place in Akihabara in the Yodabashi big store there called Meat Rush and I have never seen any youtuber do a vid there ever, but it's super good and you should try if you like hamburg steak. I got the plate with that and there was shrimp on the side, and a small veggie pasta that was amazing XD

Thank you for this! We are planning a trip next year and the last time we visited was before covid! Would love a video on just all the new openings/must visit in Tokyo and nearby areas :)

@sethaldrich6902

Жыл бұрын

unfortunately alot more has closed here than open. She might have mentioned about all the new openings.

Thanks for the tips. I’m travelling to Tokyo in November. I knew it had changed a lot but this videos helps 😊

Extremely informative video. Thank you!

Great video; thank you for taking the time to share it! Just one tiny nitpick as an English teacher: use "fewer" when referring to a number of things being counted (e.g., fewer crowds/airport connections) and "less" when referring to quantities of things that can be measured (e.g., less time/money). I wouldn't have mentioned this at all, but I think you're there teaching English, right? Also, you mentioned the bad impression foreigners make, so I thought the tiny grammatical glitch may be worth noting. My son (who is studying Japanese and wants to live there someday) and I really enjoy watching your videos. You have such a positive energy!

The Shinkansen rule really affects my travelling plans, thanks for bringing it up. Guess it's time to alter them, maybe travel light and make use of the public washing machines/dryers more often.

@JohnSmith-nz2yq

Жыл бұрын

wear wool

@TM-pu3rf

Жыл бұрын

The luggage rule is only applicable on certain Shinkansen lines, not all.

@GeorgiaWitt

Жыл бұрын

The shipping is actually fairly cheap. $20 to $40 for large checked bags

@ScuttlePants

Жыл бұрын

@@TM-pu3rf The major ones, though.

@dm44444

Жыл бұрын

I strongly suggest traveling light for many reasons (many places do not have elevators or even escalators, so you will have to carry your luggage fairly often), but be aware that dryers in Japan are pretty horrible and you'd be better off air-drying everything. Time your laundry days for those periods when you are at a hotel for 2+ nights and always make sure you have a full 24 hours before checkout when you wash your clothes. Most hotels will have drying racks or hangers you can hang stuff on at the front desk.

I’m planning a trip to Japan next year and this was so helpful ❤

What a great video idea! I'm sure many people will benefit from all the info and general overview you provided ☺ Not going back to Japan before April, but thanks in advance!

Good to know about the suitcase situation, We were going to go to multiple cities around Japan but looks like it's going to be a lot harder to do that with the luggage issue/ costly to keep moving our suitcases every 2 days

@kalet196

Жыл бұрын

plus all the stress and waste of time and money of having to move around the city to the shipping company

@Chris-ml2yu

Жыл бұрын

They allow you to take your case on the shinkansen if it's less than 160cm which is standard large suitcase size. You're allowed up to 250cm which is massive if you reserve the seat, so you'll be fine. Only above 251cm is banned and I've personally never seen a suitcase that big.

@infiniteloopcounter9444

Жыл бұрын

In Japan some/many hotels have luggage delivery that does this for you. This way you only need a backpack or carry bag for going around and is much more convenient. Much more annoying is many people insist on wearing masks. You will see people wearing masks in the car by themselves, riding a bicycle, or just walking outside still... Please just take your mask off for photos if you come as tourist and if you feel the need to do this too.

@auwz66

Жыл бұрын

@@Chris-ml2yu thanks

@loliknow.3352

Жыл бұрын

@@Chris-ml2yuhow to do reservation for beg with using JR pass?

thanks allison for your updates, never knew about the shinkansen luggage but just measured my luggage bag and it not oversized :) , my wife will be totally happy about the non smoking ban in restaurants. but yeah coming back next April so that would be exciting, hopefully it won't be too chaotic haha. not too surprised about venus fort, any chance whenever you buy tickets for Ghibli Park can you do a tutorial , i do hope they have ticket for april

this is very helpful info as someone who frequents Japan a lot as a visitor-lots of recent videos are for newcomers so makes it challenging to sort through

This is very helpful for a first time visitor! Thank you so much!

Ahh this is a really helpful video. I was there in 2018 and I want to visit again. I was thinking of spending time in Tokyo then taking the Shinkansen down to Kyoto but I didn’t know about the luggage restrictions. Great tip on the shipping service!

@Chuck8541

Жыл бұрын

If time isn’t a constraint, you can take a capsule bus - plenty of luggage space allowed. They’re really interesting. It’s like an overnight bus…but you have a private little room with a recliner, some with a tv. Plus you save on a night of lodging. They look fun! I’m gonna try one next time I’m there. Or, as she said you can just ship your luggage.

Huge bummer about the Ferris wheel and Venus Fort! Very fond memories of Odaiba, I hope they have good plans for that area. Thanks for the info on luggage on the Shinkansen; I hope they come up with some sort of good solution for all the tourists with their luggage. It’s arguably the best way for tourists to get around.

SUPER useful video. Some of these tips I had no clue of. Glad to have them on our radar now.

Really helpful tips. I’m looking forward to travelling back to Japan, next year. Miss it!

Tips for anyone wanting to transit. It is really hard to do so. Singapore for one has a 48 hour transit rule. Be sure you check before planning your trip to Tokyo. (Note A PCR Test pre-arranged at Changi is required at present to proceed onwards from Singapore).

@weishylee459

Жыл бұрын

Do check the official government website for transit in Singapore or other countries (if do so ) as of 29 august 2022 .All covid 19 vaccination status accepted into Singapore .

@RONNIERABBIT1

Жыл бұрын

@@weishylee459 Entry to Singapore was NEVER the issue here. Transiting from eg BNE-SIN-HND-BNE is the issue. Singapore has a 48 hour transit rule. (You then require an arranged PCR Test to transit on.)

@1983simi

Жыл бұрын

interesting. this has to be a rule from Japan's and/or Australia's side though, as the question of a PCR being needed while traveling onward from Singapore is dependent on the travel rules your country of destination imposes. eg. if traveling from Singapore to India you don't need a PCR at all as long as you're fully vaccinated.

@shademar3

Жыл бұрын

Wait what do you mean 48 hour transit rule? I'm going to Osaka in 3 weeks and will transit in Hong Kong for 3 hours. Did I made a huge mistake?

@RONNIERABBIT1

Жыл бұрын

@@shademar3 To the best of my knowledge this currently would ONLY apply to mainland China. As to my personal example above, my 3 days in Singapore (stopover) is considered a transit stop in Singapore on the way to Tokyo Haneda. As a result Singapore (Changi Airport) is where I will require a PCR test to continue my transit onto Tokyo by pre-test arrangement. (In my case Singapore is requiring the PCR Test to transit on.)

Thanks for all the useful info, esp. about the large luggage restrictions. Sad to hear about the Odaiba closures. I'm glad I visited there on my last trip; teamLab Borderless was a highlight and I still recommend it every time I talk about digital art installations with someone. Hopefully the new site will be open by the time I next visit

@tomires

Жыл бұрын

Fortunately, TeamLab Planets is still open. I visited the place in June and it was awesome! From what I can tell (never been to Borderless, but I have spoken to a friend who has), some of the installations have featured in both locations.

Really helpful! Thanks so much for posting this! For someone who is excited to come back after the pandemic, these are great tips!

JUST booked my ticket for Tokyo next month, thank you for this video!

I am going to Tokyo by mid-November. I’ve already known that TeamLab Borderless in Daiba was closed but did not know there is TeamLab Planet in Toyosu. I shall reserve a ticket online. Thanks for the info. From my last visit, I got a personalized Pasmo Card. I guess I could still use it just as much as the Suica, right? Yes, I am still bringing cash/yens. Enjoy your informative video. 👍🏻

I'm looking forward to coming to Japan at some point! I'm attempting to get into grad school in Kyoto and it's been a challenge haha especially since my Japanese is still very limited.

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Good luck 💪💪😊

@ariesfairy4444

Жыл бұрын

good luck!! u got this☺️

Thank you for this…I had no idea about the Shinkansen luggage rule so that was super helpful! I arrive in Tokyo this Thursday!!!!!🎉🎉🎉

I remember visiting in 2018 and just fleeing Kyoto ... I really didn't enjoy myself unfortunately but cities like Fukuoka and Kanazawa really surprised me and I loved them. A bit sad to hear that Odaiba changed so much because I didn't visit back then :(

@tamerebel

Жыл бұрын

Kanazawa is great, I also didn't enjoy Kyoto that much.

@monstergoat88

Жыл бұрын

@@tamerebel why didn’t you enjoy Kyoto

@monstergoat88

Жыл бұрын

why didn’t you enjoy Kyoto

I have booked flights for January 2023. Already booked all hotels since its super cheap at the moment. Good to know about the Shinkansen lugguage rules, but my flight with ANA only allows 158cm anyway, so I do not need to worry.

Thanks for the informative video! You seem so genuine and straightforward, so I'm definitely subscribing.

Thanks so much for this info. So much has changed! I'm coming to Tokyo in December and headed on the shinkansen to Osaka so you really saved me with the suitcase news. I will reserve my luggage because I'm sure it will be oversized. Thanks again for creating awesome videos.

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Yes definitely try it out!! 🥰

Thanks for the Shinkansen heads up in particular, I'm going this month with two suitcases I think are both probably over the limit and hadn't even considered I might have an issue moving them from Tokyo to Nagoya when I change hotels! Hooray for Kuroneko, I've used them before :)

@livebundtrading8962

Жыл бұрын

I am going to have this problem myself, what is Kuroneko? Is it a service? First time traveller to Japan on the 13th October

@robertsneddon731

Жыл бұрын

@@livebundtrading8962 It's a shipping and delivery service, its symbol is a cat with a kitten on its shoulders. It's a very common sight, like FedEx in other countries.

@livebundtrading8962

Жыл бұрын

@@robertsneddon731 thank you

Alison,thank you for update.Hope will be able to visit Japan soon.

Thanks for this video! Super informative! Heading to Japan for the first time in a few years and you made this video perfectly to help people like me!

Thank you for the pro tips! My husband and I will be traveling for our first time to Japan from the states here in a few weeks. We will only be staying one night in Tokyo before heading to Sendai for a month (his work). Any tips on a hotel or area to stay at for one night? Because of your recommendation we will look into having our large luggage shipped to hotel, then to Sendai (we will be taking the Shinkansen). Thanks!

I remember reading about the new luggage rule in the shinkansen but I already forgot about it😅 Thanks for the reminder! I’ll be travelling to Osaka from Tokyo and stopping at Kyoto on the way so I’ll have to think about whether I want to take it on the train or send it ahead with Kuroneko, the latter would definitely be an easier option…

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Yess kuroneko is so worth it imo 👀

@AndresSalazar

Жыл бұрын

I’m going from Osaka then Kyoto then Tokyo. Shinkansen is needed for Kyoto to Tokyo but can I get from Osaka to Kyoto on a different line that I can take my big ole luggage on?

@kuroxtsuki

Жыл бұрын

@@AndresSalazar There are local trains between Osaka and Kyoto that don’t have rules about luggage. Although the 160 cm luggage is quite big, I have an L sized Rimowa and it’s actually smaller than that so I don’t need a reservation for it.

@russianguy1341

Жыл бұрын

@@AndresSalazar Take the Hankyu Line out of Osaka to Kyoto - about 1/2 the price of the JR Line.

@stephan3077

Жыл бұрын

@@russianguy1341 definitely DO NOT take the Hankyu Line between Kyoto and Osaka with big suitcases,there's no room for them and the trains are packed most times of the day and days of the week.

Thank you very much for breaking everything down (and especially the note about suitcases on the Shinkansen). I had heard about the reservation system for large suitcases, but I didn't know above a certain size is also forbidden entirely.

Thank you haven’t been for four years so it’s handy to know these things . Love Japan 🇯🇵

Woah the Shinkansen luggage thing is really good to know! Will be going in November (booked everything at the beginning of the year and just prayed japan would open lol). Sadly I also got no Ghibli Tickets :c It was the main reason why I planned the trip at this time so it bummed me out HARD that I couldnt even apply to the lottery as I do not have a japanese adress

@simmoeai600

Жыл бұрын

Who did you contact for the Ghibli tickets??

Live in Okinawa Island back in the 80's and it was heaven on earth.....love the people, food and culture....it was Japan's decade of Economic boom where technolgy meets the reality of good life

@Ymrcdr

Жыл бұрын

It has been changed so much and so many uncomfortable things you can see nowadays sadly. But there is still beautiful ocean

I'm glad you talked about the suitcases, I'm moving there for school in April and that's good to know!

Thank you for your information about Shinkansen's new luggage rules. Will travel to Japan again this weekend. Very excited!

as a heads up to anyone going to or through small towns (inaka) the cash vs contact-less payment hasn't changed as much out here. in the city i live in, only a couple of places accept cards at all and the places that do require you insert them (no tap means no phones) the only place that might is 7/11 i realized just now i've never tried to pay by card there lmao

Going in a few weeks!! I rescheduled 4 times since 2020. So excited. Thanks for the update!

Thank you for the tips. We are booking flights tomorrow! So excited to visit.

Hi, thanks for sharing! As always, i love and look forward to your content each week! Also, I hope your family is doing well in Florida. As a person who grew up on the gulf coast in Texas, I’ve seen my fair share of hurricanes, flooding and have experienced losing my home and all of my personal belongings. Hopefully, your family is safe as well as their community! Sending good vibes! ❤ ❤

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!! Yes somehow they managed to escape unscathed other than some landscaping 🥳🥳

Hey Allison, thanks for making this video. It's super useful and most of the new rules are awesome! Btw, the "touchy" phone thing for payments is NFC :D

Thank you Allison. Cant wait to experience the new Tokyo on my return.

This is super helpful, thank you!

Im intending to travel to Japan early next year, last visit was 2019. Im sad even more of the arcades closed. Except for a very few places I always had very good experiences with the people over there despite my Japanese being very limited so hoping that doesnt change. Will just be nice to go abroad as havent been anywhere since early 2020.

@asherwoodman8821

Жыл бұрын

I was there in 2019 too :/ a lot of the cool hotels I stayed at are gone :/

@AllisoninTokyo

Жыл бұрын

Yes, really so much has closed it’s impossible to cover it all 😔

This is the content I've been waiting for! Thank you Allison - can't wait to get back in April 🌸 Also - is cash still okay everywhere? I know you say there's cashless options, but I love travelling with JPY. Is it like, completely not an option in places, or everywhere still has the option?

@y416

Жыл бұрын

Though cashless payment is much more accepted now, make no mistake japan is still very much so a cash-based society. Larger stores/restaurants and chains most likely will accept credit/debit cards, but even here in Tokyo expect to run into many places like izakayas or small businesses that only accept cash. Cash is an absolute necessity traveling around Japan - even as a resident I still carry 3x the amount of cash I carried living in the US and Europe…on top of the credit cards and pre-paid cash cards.

@y416

Жыл бұрын

I should say, cash is always an option. Even in places or for amounts you would not expect cash payment, you still see people paying in cash!

@CassidyMackie

Жыл бұрын

@@y416 Thank you!!!

Foreigners cannot use their phones to replace a suica card or pasmo card. There is a rf transmitter that phones in Japan have and phones in other countries do not. You might be able to use apple pay, but you need to check on your phone individually.

Thank you for covering the shinkanesen rules. I was unaware until watching this video😅

Great video. I watched a recent video from a Japanese creator that said even a lot of Japanese people are tired of the masks, but as long as everyone keeps wearing them.... Everyone will keep wearing them. Endless cycle.

@CharlasiOS

Жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@wolfboy20

Жыл бұрын

Gotta love the severe lack of individuality 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@YesterdaysDeadTodayOnlyExists

Жыл бұрын

@@wolfboy20 for reals

@clairchristine

Жыл бұрын

@@wolfboy20 This is incorrect. It's about respect and collectivism something Americans can't comprehend. They love guns over masks.

@wolfboy20

Жыл бұрын

@@clairchristine Really? And the insane consequences of these norms should be ignored? Honestly people should be able to be themselves in Japan while still following certain norms. Not all of them since a lot of then are fucking outdated and bring soo many unnecessary stress on people in general

ive been to japan 4 times and love the place but I'm not interested to see it in a covid state especially since the rest of the world has pretty much moved on. I'll wait