Aloha! We are a slow-traveling family of 5. We share tips to help you travel Japan with ease. Begin your own quest!
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good to know, I have been considering going in october, I just dont know if I should go through a travel agency or a group since my japanese is rusty
October is lovely in Japan! We're more independent style travelers, so we always go on our own rather than through an agency or group tour. We share lots here on Kensho Quest about riding trains to various cities and sites, no tour needed.
First of all - I really (!!) enjoy your channel and I have watched a bunch of your travel videos, learnt many practical things and benefited from your advice. I have a question but I didn't know where to post it exactly, so here it goes ... What are your thoughts about traveling in Japan with an elderly family member, say in their 60s or 70s? What are some good things to consider and keep in mind to avoid troubles and make that holiday trip enjoyable and memorable? Many of your videos involve problem-solving, etc. while traveling with kids, and that's nice, but what about bringing the kids' grandmother or g-father along, or some other older relative or friend eager to experience Japan for a couple of weeks? In the back of my own mind, of course, is the plan of bringing my 79/yo mother to Japan in Dec-2024--Jan 2025 which is an exciting but slightly daunting project. My wife is Japanese and that will help out a lot, but I will be very much responsible for making this trip manageable and enjoyable. Let me quickly add that my mom is in good health for her age, but cannot cope with too stressful daily activities. What are your spontaneous comments and advice on this issue? Or ... why don't you guys make a dedicated video on that topic : ) / Many thanks in advance if you have a chance to address these questions / Mattias Burell / Sweden
Thanks for video but if we have two checked bag I know you mentioned we can't add that on klook do you recommend we book on smart ex app just concerned they will run out of seats with baggage if I just tell them in office after purchase with klook?
Hi. It's up to you. You could either book on SmartEX and choose seats with oversized luggage space, or book on Klook and update your seats once you arrive in Japan. In our more recent video explaining booking on Klook, we show how to use a ticket machine to switch to a seat that includes oversized luggage: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eXhkttJwqqq5ldI.html Medium sized suitcases can fit on the overhead rack on Shinkansen trains. "Oversized" suitcases that require reservation are 161-250cm (length + width + depth).
Thank you for the informative video. We were there in Hakone Japan last week, and we purchased the Hakone 2 days freepass from Shinjuku station. What a disappointing trip that was. It doesn't matter if two or three days pass once you return back to Shinjuku station, the freepass can not be reused again. In our case the station staff took away our pass. He said it is done. We were shocked and confused. He showed us a print out of the Hakone freepass with a fine print that said " The Hakone Freepass (including those valid for multiple days) cannot be used after returning to your departure station." We gave up arguing after we read that. Basically the freepass is encourages people to stay in Hakone to fully benefit from it. Which I don't mind at all if I knew this information beforehand I can plan the trip differently. We can't believe this kind of thing will happen in Japan. The whole entire trip in Japan was only positive until this happened. Read the fine print.
Hi. Sorry for the confusion. Did you find this video after your trip to Hakone? For anyone else considering the Hakone Free Pass, yes, it only includes one round trip from Shinjuku to the Hakone area 01:38. Once you reach Odawara Station you are within the area where unlimited rides apply. 🌸 Heidi
Wow your videos are great. Super informative
Thanks!
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Hi, Thanks for your video. Are there some cases where the 7 days national JR rail pass would be better than the Hokuriku Arch Pass? Price, more accessible trains, easier way of use...
Yes, there are some itineraries where the 7-Day Whole Japan Rail Pass is a better option. If you will travel long distances and spend the night in a different city almost every night. For example: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Tokyo. Here's our video explaining how to figure out if the JR Pass is worth it for your trip: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mqemvNKPiauTnNY.html
Great video! Which of these would you recommend for visiting rural areas in Japan? I am leaning towards Japan wireless but your pricing is different from their site. Are you listing the price for the business or the premium Wifi? Your pricing looks closer to their offer for the business option.
This is a bit of a cheat, but is it possible to buy a reserved shinkansen ticket for morning and get the early reservation discount, but then board a shinkansen after the reservation time sitting in the unreserved cart? My understanding is that if one purchases a reserved seat, but misses their train time, they can still ride the shinkansen at a later time within the same day but have to sit in the unreserved seats?
Be careful with the discounts offered on SmartEX, some of the discounted tickets do not allow taking a different train, it must be the exact train time booked. Also, reserved seat tickets are more expensive than unreserved, so if you plan to ride unreserved it's better just to buy an unreserved ticket in the first place.
this is so useful in friday i will go to malaysia!
Have fun!
Thank you for the tutorial. I’ve been hearing about this charles schwab, if it’s not too bothersome, would you consider making a video explaining some details and insider knowledge about using the card? 🙏
Hi. Charles Schwab offers an Investor Checking Account, that comes with a debit card that refunds ATM fees. The checking account is linked to a Brokerage Account, but you can use just the checking. Here's the website: www.schwab.com/checking
Quick question about Ubigi. I plan on buying the 30 day plan for Japan. But could I activate it in the US before I travel to Japan. Then turn on airplane mode while I fly until I land in Tokyo. Or could I turn it on once I land in country. Also should I turn off my T-Mobile data while Ubigi is on?
T-Mobile is my cellular plan as well.
Very informative. Thank you..
You're welcome!
How does Klook code on a credit card? As travel, online shopping, commuting expense, or something else? Trying to decide which card to charge the JR Pass on :-) Also, should a card with no foreign transaction fee be used on Klook?
Our payments to Klook were categorized as "Travel" on our credit card statement. I do recommend using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, even though Klook allows you to select which currency you want to pay in.
Hi, this is a great video, thank you. I don’t think I heard the steps to actually upgrade to the Romance Car though, assuming I purchased the 3 day pass on Klook. Is that something I would do at the station with a person or is it possible to do online before I arrive? Thanks again!
Hi. You can either pay the Limited Express Surcharge for the Romancecar at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku Station when picking up your Hakone Free Pass, or you can pay online at: www.web-odakyu.com/e-romancecar/?language=en&country= I explain each of the ways to pay in this separate video that explains Limited Express trains: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lGprlMeumcu1d6g.html
I've just viewed over 6 of your Japan travel videos....they're simply amazing. So much so, that I plan to return some items, and then use your links to purchase them (again) on amazon through your links. That said I have a few questions. We'll be traveling in July-August 2024 and you mentioned you had a video on what to pack in July - I can't seem to find the video. Also, Heidi mentioned that she can share her what to pack list, I saw it with check boxes on a video, but I'd love to have a link for the actual document. I believe she mentioned she uses an app on her phone? I have an iPhone and would be fine with downloading an app (although I like your google sheets suggestion too). Thank you & gracias, from Miami.
Thanks for watching! There's no need to return items. If you click through one of our Amazon affiliate links and purchase anything, we get credit, even if it's not the item we were recommending. Here's our video on everything we packed for our summer trip: kzread.info/dash/bejne/f4advJWto5y1Yc4.html In this other packing tips video I showed how we organized our bags for our winter trip, although we should have left the large suitcase at home! This gives tips on what we bring onto the airplane with us: kzread.info/dash/bejne/m5yTqNWkodLNhrg.html Sorry, I don't have a shareable version of our packing list at the moment. I use the Google Keep app on my iPhone and make a packing list for each of our bags. When you have a packing list open, you can click on the "+" in the bottom left hand corner and add a photo. I like to add a photo of the bag fully packed or the items spread out. I might have been referring to this separate video, which is a checklist of things to do before a Japan trip: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3ptt7t_eZCvY5s.html Safe travels! 🌸 Heidi
An upgrade alternative to Google Translate, Papago is also free and it is generally better with East Asian languages.
I have a new iPhone 15 that was purchased in the U.S. It has the digital IC card options available in the IPhone wallet. I recently put a small amount of ¥ on a digital Suica card but haven’t tried using it yet.
Watched all your videos on Japan. Thanks a ton for all the useful information. We had a wonderful time in Japan last week.
So glad to hear! Thanks for letting us know. 💕
Looks like the Volta Charger is sold out. Any other suggestions?
HI, sorry about that. Here is our Amazon page that has some alternatives. these are all very good depending on what you need: www.amazon.com/shop/kenshoquest/list/2RS1JHDHATV1N
Can I take local trains and buses with the JR pass?
Yes, the Whole Japan Rail Pass includes local JR trains and local JR buses. We go over exactly what's included in this follow-up video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iK2Guc-PqsWnmrQ.html
You absolutely nail it on the part where issues occur paying on Japan platforms and buying tickets through Klook
We love using Klook!
The bad thing about eSIM is that you can't stop other devices from tracking your phone. See, tracking a phone is done by tracking the physical SIM card, so to avoid this, one simply removes the SIM card from the phone and toss it away. If the SIM is embedded hardware-wise, though, one has to toss away the phone, instead.
If my flight were delayed, can I change my smart ex reserve seat shinkansen ticket online? Does Narita Airport have a Smart Ex ticketing machine? Can I change the reserve seat ticket thru a smart EX machine? Am I able to change the reservation ticket 10 min before departure? . Sorry that I ask quite a lot of questions hopefully I can get some information from you. Your channel did help explain a lot about shinkansen but I need some details on the change of reservation seats ticket timing.
this video explains how to change a reservation from the ticket machine: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eXhkttJwqqq5ldI.html
If my flight to Narita Airport was delayed and arrived much later than anticipated. Where can I change my advance book reserve seat shinkansen ticket at the Airport? Any subway ticketing machine or only Shinkansen ticketing machine? Does Narita Airport have a service counter to make the changes? If I brought the advance ticket thru smart EX, can I change it from the website itself?
Hi, your best bet will be to visit the JR ticket office at Narita or visit the JR reserved ticket macine. If you bought from Smart EX then yes, you can make changes online.
@@KenshoQuest thanks for your kind explanation
i needed this, thank you! Are there any international transation fee-free cards you would recommend?
Hi. We use a Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit card and a debit card from our Charles Schwab checking account. Here's our more recent video on payment methods accepted in Japan: kzread.info/dash/bejne/g3-MmsGGo9i_drg.html
This video is very helpful...thank you! Ninja Wifi and Japan Wireless do not have pickup counters at Osaka Airport (ITM). Do you know which vendor has the counter at this airport?
Hi, because ITM is not a popular international airport there aren't many options. Here is a link to the official site page that has some information. I do not know if Ninja is there www.osaka-airport.co.jp/en/service/internet/03.html
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much for the link!
Great video. If you use a mastercard branded debit cards there is no 220 yen fee as only applies for visa. Realise you got it refunded but for my visa branded card it was not. My back-up card was a mastercard so just moved to that.
Thanks for sharing! I’d heard that was the case for Mastercard debit, but wasn’t sure, since we only have Visa debit. Good to know for anyone who has a Mastercard debit card!
We enjoy your videos! However, we tried to set up Smart ex and it is essentially unusable… We tried several different browsers, several different credit cards, laptop and phone but nothing worked. We noticed the app has 1 1/2 star rating. Sounds like a great service but unfortunately it is challenging to use.
Hi, I kindly ask, I am trying to buy Hokuriko Arch Pass for my son. Ages starting 6 -11 years old from web sides. My son is 5 years old so Hokuriko is free for him ? Thank you.
Hi. Children ages 5 and younger can ride trains for free in Japan, if accompanied by a paying adult. However, if you would like to reserve seats for him, then it’s best to purchase a Child Hokuriku Arch Pass. We often buy a pass for our 5 year old so she can have her own reserved seat.
I will go to Kyushu next october so I'm thinking about purchasing all kyushu jr pass. But I think it won't last for the entire time I'll spend there because I will stay 13 days. What do you think?
HI, we recommend using the pass during your most heavy transit days of long distance. This way you will get the most value out of the pass. Probably the 7 day will serve you best. So activate your pass on the day you start doing a lot of travel. While 7 is not quite enough an IC card will help with the rest of your travel. You could also consider getting a 7 and maybe a 3 day one as well...
For currency exchange, which gives a better exchange? Atm or in person?
We get a better rate using an ATM and proceeding in Japanese Yen. Here’s our video about avoiding ATM fees in Japan: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nX-XxaaYdciamdo.htmlsi=KDXbb9nH5UB2r_Z7
A host asked for payment via bank, check, or post, which I found suspicious. Booking confirmed it was legit, so I used Western Union. After payment, the host canceled and claimed they never received the money. Booking now tells me they only accept bank transfers and want a bank statement. Why allow the host to request other payment methods then?
Thank you. These videos are super helpful. Please keep them coming.
Great video! simple to understand, much better than staring at websites comparing and reading changes made 1 by 1.
Glad it was helpful!
Japan is kinda behind China and Singapore & Malaysia in some ways
paying by cash is better than using credit cards , the exchange rate is terrible when using credit cards
We’re happy with the exchange rate given by our Visa credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. There’s a website for checking the Visa network exchange rate: www.visa.com.my/support/consumer/travel-support/exchange-rate-calculator.html And one for Mastercard: www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/convert-currency.html
Can i use IC card to pay the taxi.?
Some taxis accept IC card as payment. Some taxis only accept cash.
NO cash no shop
Awww the my little pony stickers :) Thanks for the informative sharing!
You’re welcome! I thought they matched with the Wells Fargo horses. 🐴 😂
Excellent updates, thank you!! Quick comment, Japan will be changing to an updated currency bills on July 3rd. So the ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 bills will be different. One of the impacts will be to those small restaurants that use the ticket machines for people to pay for and order food. Those machines will have to be replaced to accept the new bills. Take care!
Thanks for adding that! I heard that some of the restaurants might switch to accepting cashless payments like IC card instead of updating machines to accept the new bills. We’ll see!
Great tips! One question about the digital IC card option: can it be used for several people (kids and parent) or only for one person each time? Thank you
Hi. To use for public transportation each individual person must have their own separate IC card. If your children are between the ages of 6-11 years old, they can get a physical Child SUICA card to pay the child fare, which is usually half the adult fare. Here's how: kzread.info/dash/bejne/dJaqs9erese1nsY.html
Aeon ATMs charge no fee. Just went on a trip this May and found this out. Wish we had known sooner!
Do you know which network your debit card uses (Visa, Mastercard, etc)? I heard that even 7 Bank ATMs don't charge a transaction fee if you use a Mastercard debit card.
How to activate the data of Mobal? I can't access the internet, Thanks.
HI, sorry but you will need internet access. Can you find free WiFi?
@@KenshoQuest Yes I have access to WiFi
We have just come back from Japan, used the pocket wifi and it worked brilliantly allowing us to use multiple devices without any problems. Even worked on our cruise ship whilst we were at sea, only lost connection once.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video. I have a tour to Japan the end of this month. This video helped me so much!!
You’re welcome! Have a wonderful time in Japan.
Hi, thank you once again for the fantastic videos you make. This is going to be our first time in Japan in Sept. Is the Hakone area a good place to get views of Mt.Fuji. I’m confused if we should take the Hakone free pass or do the bus tour to Kawaguchiko. We intend to make it a day trip just to get to see Mt.Fuji and get some pictures. Gosh so confused. Please advise. Thank you.
Hi. Kawaguchiko is closer to Mt. Fuji and you have a better chance of getting an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji. From Hakone you can sometimes see Mt. Fuji in the distance, but only if the sky is clear enough. So a day trip to Kawaguchiko would probably be the better option.
Thank you for your video and information on how to pay in Japan. Very useful for our trip to Japan this October 2024.
You’re welcome. Enjoy Japan!
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