What to pack for Japan Travel and Preparation Tips | WiFi & Money
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- čas přidán 24. 06. 2024
- Traveling to Japan for the first time can be exciting but intimidating. This video I talk about Tips for preparation for your trip to Japan, and 4 Must Pack Items for Japan Travel Passport / Money / Medicine and SmartPhone.
🇯🇵First Time in Japan Series
Is Japan for You? What you can Expect in Japan: • 🇯🇵Japan Travel guide f...
Planning Itinerary for Japan Trip: • Where to Travel in Jap...
Etiquette? Mistakes? What to Know in your First Visit to Japan: • Mistakes Travelers Mak...
Preparation Tips and What to Pack for Japan: • What to pack for Japan...
First 1 hour in Japan - Survival Guide from Aiport to the City Center: • How to Start Japan tri...
Links and Services mentioned in this video:
🥷Get unlimited access in Japan with Ninja WiFi ! 🥷 ninjawifi.com/?pr_vmaf=GzP1UU...
Save 20% with Coupon Code: KENCHAN
📲Unlimited WiFi from JAPAN WIRELESS : www.japan-wireless.com/?via=t...
Order and Pickup at the airport. 10% OFF with Coupon Code: JWTK
some of eSIM providers:
Holafly: esim.holafly.com/esim-japan/
Ubigi: cellulardata.ubigi.com/rates-...
Japan Visa Waiver Program
www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/v...
💰Money
Schwab Checking Acount (US)
www.schwab.com/checking
Seven Bank ATM locations
www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/...
💊About bringing some medicine to Japan
www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/english/in...
www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy...
www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy...
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Swissgear Softside: amzn.to/3Px6hDn
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🚄Transportation
Japan Rail Pass :
Get JR Pass ➡︎ bit.ly/3ofy9AA
JR Pass Update: • All Explained JR PASS ...
🗼Accommodation
Hotels Search in Tokyo ➡︎ expedia.com/affiliate/F7h1Ey2
Hotel Choices in Tokyo: • How to Choose Your Hot...
🚩 Some of the links above may include affiliate link that I get small commission. Purchasing through the link resulted in supporting my videos without paying any extra for the products. Thank you.
#japantravel #visitjapan #packing
Chapters:
0:00 Preparation for Japan Trip
1:24 Passport
2:17 Money - Credit Card or Cash?
3:30 Three ways to get Japanese Yen Cash
5:42 Be aware of the Hidden Cost
7:48 Travel Health Insurance
8:54 In case of Emergency in Japan
9:46 Bringing your Medicine to Japan
11:10 How to Stay Connected
12:06 SIM / eSIM
13:55 Pocket WiFi / Rental WiFi
16:38 Backpack or Suitcase for Japan travel?
Thanks for the great tips Kenchan! Just to highlight a note for everyone, you will most likely need to make sure your passport does not expire within the next 6 months, if it does then you may not be able to travel to Japan (or even other countries). Kenchan did mention this but thought I'd highlight it again as this can really ruing months of planning for such a big trip.
From the information I've been able to find (Canadian Embassy site), the passport only needs to be valid for the expected duration of your stay for Japan specifically (maybe best to check with your own country's embassy site. Visa requirements are different too). This varies from country to country. However, different airlines may enforce their own rules as well, so it's also important to check with them too.
Hello Ryuga san, thank you for your note to everyone! Considering the other countries that ask for 6 months at least, as you said it might be better not to take a risk to travel with pass expiring in 6 months when you leave abroad. You are right. A little attention can avoid ruinning a big trip and budget saved for it. :)
@Krakuun David san Thank you for letting me know the situation for the Canada. I'm glad you found the same information as I did. As you mentioned, it's a must to check with Japanese embassy or airlines as requirement can change depends on the country, and some airlines (or airline staff ) may enforce a different rules. Thanks again.
Great tips here, for first timers to Japan you really should bring mostly cash, it's a very safe country and you can just lock most of it in your suitcase when leaving the hotel each day. To reduce the coin accumulation( it's a big pain after a while) get the suica IC cards and load them up, then use them to pay at convenience stores, ramen stores or any smaller purchases where possible.
LOL I must’ve used a 7-11, Lawson’s, or FamilyMart ATM 7-8 times the last time I was in Japan. It’s just sooo convenient. I also found myself making purchases with my PASMO card much more. American travelers are so spoiled with the rate of exchange right now…I can’t wait as I’m gonna be there in three weeks.
I agree Pasmo/Suica is very convenient to make payment quickly. I didn't know ATM is that convenient to get cash. No wonder I don't see many lines at currency exchange shops. Yes, now everything is so expensive if Japanese go to the US... 😅
My wife and I have wanted to visit Japan for a long time. My youngest child leaves school next year and so we will be planning our trip soon after. We have just found your channel and it is great, interesting and informative, and so very useful for first time visitors like us. So keep up the good work, and maybe we’ll see you, and buy you a beer in a year or two.
Thank you for finding my channel and watching videos. 🍺😄 That's great you are visiting here with your family next year! I'd like to keep working on more videos so that it can be useful for your trip. Thank you again.
@@tokyokenchan It’s very kind of you to reply, thank you. Good luck with your channel, I’m sure it will be a great success.
What a coincidence! Every time I think about something for my trip this December you post a video addressing my concerns as if you read my mind! Thanks for the wonderful content as always!
Thank you for watching! haha, I'm glad I posted this video when you were thinking about it. 😄
Thanks for all the useful tips you reached all the Way to Denmark🇩🇰
Thank you for watching from 🇩🇰 Denmark!
I have to say that your videos have helped me with the difference of traveling 5 yrs ago and present time. I like the way you answer all the questions presented to you and that you give concise information to the question that was presented... thanks for all your hard work on the videos.
Thank you so much for sparing your time to write your kind message for the video. I'm glad the video was helpful. I wish you the best trip in Japan. :)
my debit cards do not have the "triangle plus" insignia on the back - They only have the Visa/Mastercard insignia on the front. Will the 7-11 ATM take my debt cards??@@tokyokenchan
From Lebanon, Tennessee USA Absolutely appreciate your channel, thank you sir! Although it will be a couple of years, my son and I are really excited to come to Tokyo for a vacation. Great information and helpful information to assist us in visiting your country.
Thank you for watching from Tennessee! Thank you for your email too. 😄 I'd like to make videos as many as possible by the time you and your son visit Japan. Thank you again for your kind message.
Great practical tips! Passport, money, smart phone, and ready to go. ✈🌺Heidi
Hello Heidi san. Yes! Everything else you can get in Japan. 😄
Thank you for mentioning the numbers for emergencies in Japan. I've watched a lot of Japan travel tip videos and you're the first one to mention it.
Thank you Kenchan for the video. The medicine information really helped! 🎉🎉
Thank you as always!! Your videos are very helpful. I am traveling from the US to Japan in October and will stay in Ueno. I have been obsessed with preparation since June 😭😂.
The subject of money is very important. I’m so happy to hear that credit cards are becoming more widely used. I will get a welcome suica card and also bring some Yen.
Thank you for watching! That's great you are staying in Ueno. It's a fun place to stay. haha.😄 I hope this video was helpful even a bit. Yes, I think it helps to get Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport and keep some cash too. I wish you the best trip in Japan. Thank you again.
Thank you again Kengo-San! Another very helpful video for all visitors, even if I’ve been Japan many times, I still don’t know everything!!
thank you Kenchan! love your informative videos
Thank you so much for your comment! 😄
Nice video, I hope you make a separate video about tips going to Japan in winter, what to buy and the prepearation, since many touris comes from tropical country and might be shock with the cold weather 😅.
Thank you for watching. Haha, that's true. I didn't think about the climate difference. I'd like to make a winter video. ⛄️
Thank you again Kengo-San!!! 🏆
Hello Davy san! Thank you so much for your support for the video! I'm sure you knew a lot about these, but I'm glad you think it was helpful for visitors. :) Thank you again.
Thanks for another quality post Kengo, simple straight ahead advice well presented. These are the questions that we all wonder and it is great to have them answered! For instance not taking more than 1 month of prescription medication was something that I was not aware of and great to know now than have difficulty at Haneda customs. Thanks again mate
Matt san, thank you for watching this video too. :) I'm glad you found some useful information. Thank you always!😄
During my career I have traveled internationally many times, for 8 years semi-frequently to Japan. It has been 14 years since I have been to Japan (now retired) but my wife and I have decided to start initial planning for a 10-day trip beginning of April 2024. Good to see what changes have been made with transportation and the procedures. Good information, looking at your other videos as well and have subscribed.
Thank you for watching. That is exciting you are coming back here next Spring. I wish you have a great time in Japan. :)
Perfect and thanks for your advise.....cools
Thank you always. :)
Arigato. Traveling to Japan for the first time in November. Your channel has been helpful.
That's great you are visiting here soon. Thank you for watching the videos. Wish you the best trip in Japan. :)
Very useful as usual, thank you.
Going to 🇯🇵 after 4 days.
In 4 days! You are visiting here soon. Thank you for watching. I wish you the best trip in Japan. :)
Hello Kenchan!
I am here in Japan now!
Thank you for your videos - it helped me a lot on my trip planning.
Hope to see you around! :)
Hello! Oh great! Thank you for watching. I hope you are having a great trip in Japan. :)
No matter how often you have traveled to a foreign country, it's always a good idea to keep yourself updated because airlines and airport rules can change. Thank you Ken-san for always providing essential info ^^
Im hoping there are no changes that can cancel my teigeki plan next month..
** added I always carry 1 small/medium suitcase and 1 small backpack as carry-on, and an extra foldable bag (for all the omiyage haha) that I can stack on my suitcaae
Thank you always. I'm sure you are a professional Japan traveler so know how to pack and prepare. I hope your Teigeki tour goes perfect next month. 😄
a great video with awesome information thank you
I'm glad to hear that. :) Thank you.
Lots of good information!! We're getting ready to start making reservations, I can't wait to visit Japan! I already don't want to leave your beautiful country :D -
Thank you so much for watching this video. I'm glad to hear you look forward to your trip and I already miss you all leaving here.. haha. I wish you the best trip in Japan. :)
If you need ibuprofen, I recommend bringing a lot. Compared to other meds, it is ridiculously expensive here. I have a bad back, and wish I had brought more when I moved here.
I didn't know you live in Japan. ^^ The dorsage is smaller here, so it might not work well for you. I hope your body gets well first of all.
Thank you 🙂. I live near Mishima and try to get up to Tokyo as much as I can.
Thanks for including Kenny! Always a welcome cute inclusion in your videos. Great information and effectively a checklist for all travelers traveling to Japan. Also, a great payment and currency exchange information summary!
Kevin san, Dayle san, thank you so much for your support the video!! It got a little too long and I have to learn to keep it shorter, but I'm glad if I could put lots of information. :) And thank you for your message for Kenny! I will take him out to somewhere after it gets cooler this Autumn. 🍁
@@tokyokenchan the video has a lot of good information. Also it confirmed many things that we were not sure of so it is not too long.
Thank you for this summary. I use my earring post to get to my SIM card. It’s really hard to deal with money after a long flight so I ordered a small amount of Yen from my bank, enough to charge a Suica card. Then I didn’t have to stand in line at the money exchange or ATM at the airport. I also have the Charles Schwab ATM card. It’s great because you get charged fees by the 7 bank but those fees are refunded. I need to get travel insurance next time
Thank you for watching. I agree it is tiring to be in the line after the long flight. I saw long line for some services during the busy afternoon, so that's a great idea that you prepared cash and SIM card. Oh wow, how nice you have Charles Schwab ATM card. That sounds like a really good one for internatioal travel. Thank you again for sharing. :)
Hi Kengo san, amazing tips again. Backpack user here, rented a pocket wifi, and few medicines. All of it are very important. And for the toothpick.. i borrowed one from a japanese guy eating yakisoba 🙃
Thank you Bryan san. That's a great communication skill to get the toothpick from the Yakisoba guy! Backpack gives you mobility so it's great especially as you travel with your family. :)
@@tokyokenchan the Yakisoba guy is using it, so i said, dont throw it, i will use it. 🙃 hahaha!
Great video and excellent information!! I'm a USA citizen living here in Japan for 4 years. I recommend using your bank ATM card for cash withdrawals at 7-11. You can withdraw up to your back account daily limit for ATM cash transactions. So if your withdrawel limit is $1,500.00 daily, you can take out at a 7-11 ATM that amount daily. From what I remember, 7-11 bank fees are relatively low, but your bank may charge you a fee. Yes, 7-11 has their own bank that processes cash ATM transactions. The tip on the health insurance is good as most USA group health insurance is not valid outside the USA including medicare. Take care everyone!
Thank you for your information about 7-11 ATM! So it's really good with the cash card. I'm sure your informatoin becomes a big help for everyone.:)
Hey there... did you just have the MC/Visa logo on the card or do you have to have special insignias on the back of the debt card. The banks no longer have the different insignias on the back... it has been a few yrs since I have been back to Japan. Please advise. thanks
@@olivilla6960 I would check with your bank. You can also check with 7-11 bank, google 7-11 bank, they have an english website. I can say I've had no problems withdrawing funds from my Union bank and credit union account here in Japan. When you call your bank, you might tell them you are traveling to Japan and to expect withdrawels there. Some USA banks like to know so they will make a note in your account.
God bless too informative video you share one last question once again please guide timings of Hakone winter time November, we booked already japan tickets .which time everything opens and close during winter .i forgot to ask this before u had replied me about kyoto .
I will bring my passport. 1 suit case . iPhone 13 . iPad 10 generation enough cash and my Mastercard .
Hello Kengo, pls help to talk about tips for luggage storage, luggage delivery service? Thanks
Hello, Frances san thank you for watching. I'd like to cover that in the next video. 👍
Hi, and thanks for another helpful video.
One thought: You mentioned that Suica cards can only be recharged using cash. I understand that, as of recently, you can add Suica to your Apple wallet and simply recharge it as needed by phone through your Apple account (which will likely be linked to your credit card). Maybe this could be a convenient cash-free option for some people? ✌️
Thank you for watching and your information. Yes, I went to see Haneda Airport last week and there was a long line to get Welcome Suica. JR staff were asking them to get Apple Pay if that works for them. I'd like to add them in the next video. Thank you again. :)
@@tokyokenchanNo worries - I’m very happy to help. I love your channel! ✌️
I don't think I would have to deal with the currency change fee because my bank is an international bank with a branch located on the edge of tokyo it's a military Bank
Hi Kenchan! Love your content!
You mentioned in one of your videos that reading a Japanese book is a good way to get a deeper understanding of japanese culture. You recommended a book, but I have forgotten the title! Do you remember what it is? If so, can you please tell me what book it is?
I think the book is a classic Japanese novel.
Hi! The novel I talked about was "The old capital" by Yasunari Kawabata. Thank you so much!
@@tokyokenchan Thanks Kenchan 😊
Hi, Kenchen. As always with all your travel videos, this one shows practicality and usefulness. Thank you. For all my previous travels, I bought SIM cards prior to travel or at the arrival airports. I am coming back to Tokyo (again!) by mid-November for about 10 days. For the first time, I intend to use eSIM as you mention in the video. Anyway, as I am preparing the itineraries, I come up with a question that I need to clarify. It's about the opening days of the Tsukiji outer market 築地場外市場. Do most shops and restaurants there open daily? I have come across the term "中央卸売市場" at Tsukiji which, on it's website, says it is close on Sundays and almost all Wednesdays. Due to language barrier, I am a little confused. Could you kindly find out whether the shops (selling dry seafoods and seafood restaurants) are still open in the outer market? Appreciate your help.
Hi Chow san, great you are visiting Tokyo again! 3rd visit since I started this channel!👍中央卸売市場 is the name of the wholesale markets in Tokyo and 築地 is one of them focusing on fish. For example, they have one of the 中央卸売市場 in front of Shinagawa station and that is focusing on meat. www.tsukiji.or.jp/calendar/?date=2023-11 In this calendar, the dates colored blue are the days wholesale market is not open. Outer market is not necessary tied with this business date and it depends on the stores, but some shops may close as they can't get products from the market. So if you can visit any dates, it might be better to avoid these days with blue. :)
I just discovered your channel!
I have a question. For my November trip, I am going to Nikko, Sendai, and fujigoko, will I need long sleeves shirts and jacket?
Or is it like Japan in early April where light jacket and possible short sleeve is good?
Hello. Thank you for finding my channel.:) November is a little more cooler than April, especially if it's close to December. All the 3 regions are colder than Tokyo, so I recommend you to carry long sleeves and jacket. If you are from northern country, you might feel it's no that cold. Still, I think it helps to bring one extra layer. I wish you the best trip in Japan in November. 🍁
Too late Kengo san. we’re in Tokyo already 😊😊
Oh finally you are here! WELCOME TO TOKYO! I wish you the best trip in Japan. 😄👏
@@tokyokenchan Thank you. It’s been amazing so far. 😀👍🏻👍🏻
my debit cards do not have the "triangle plus" insignia on the back - They only have the Visa/Mastercard insignia on the front. Will the 7-11 ATM take my debt cards. Planning a family trip in November this year and I want to make sure everyone has the money access on their debt cards.
Thank you for the video. It was very helpful. I do have a question regarding medicine. I keep reading in various posts that certain allergy medication can't be brought into Japan. Have you seen any medications in Japanese pharmacies that one might find in America such as Benedryl or Allegra? Thank you!
Thank you for watching. The amount of active ingredients might be different but they selll Allegra in Japan. For Allegra, we have Allegra to take twice a day (120ml each) but not 24h (180ml) that you see in the US. We don't have the brand of Benedryl but I see the medicine with the same active ingredient. I haven't found any information that these are not allowed in Japan, but I might be missing something. www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html
@@tokyokenchan thank you so much. This information is very helpful. I really appreciate it!! 😊
Hallo Brother please let me know the timings normally when shops open and close in kyoto etc .specially winter November
Hello. Usually restaurants open until late around 22:00 or later than that if a bar, but regular shops might close around 7 or 8, and for souvenir shops, it can close around 4pm.
@@tokyokenchan Thank you so much 🙏last question and Hakone timings in November shops restaurant visiting places do they close too early ty please guide
Hi Kenchan. Great video!
So, I am traveling to Japan and will be there for 13 days then I will go to another country again. So I will have a big bag or backpack of gadgets with me but the one I am worried about is my luggage.
I know there are lockers everywhere but is there a locker I can leave my luggage indefinitely? Or atleast 1 week? Or more?
I don't mind paying for it. But I just want to make sure i can leave it somewhere secure while I backpack travel around Japan. I have the jr-pass so I don't want to keep bringing with me a lot of things dragging it everywhere.
Thank you 😊
Thank you for watching. I checked about it and some cloak service in Tokyo Station accept for 13 days cloak.ecbo.io/en/space/4lsYY9YS I tried to make reservation as sample from Oct.1 to Oct.14 and it was 14,000 Yen total for a suitcase. There might be some more places. There are some more of them. Usually coin locker is up to 3 days. 👍
@@tokyokenchan thank you 😊 🙏🏻 💓
My friend has epilepsy.
Will he face a problem with his treatment, which is Depakine?
Stay just for 2 weak
I'll traveling by myself for 20 days. What esim company do you recommend? Are esims connectivity just as good as pocket wifi devices?
Hello. I haven't used them in Japan so I cannot say much about the actual connectivity, but I see reviews with many pro and cons for every SIM card and pocket wifi. You might be able to choose one based on how much data you like and the price. Some of them are Holafly is 6900 Yen for unlimited Ubigi 2400 Yen for 10G 30days, the Japan Wireless I introduced is 3438 Yen for 10G 30days.
Hi Ken-san. This November i'll in Tokyo and doing lots of train travel. So I noticed that sometimes Google Maps shows that I should remain on board. But if I have a ic card (icoca from osaka) and a Tokyo Metro Pass, when I catch a train that starts out as a subway/metro line and it then says remain on board and it changes to a line not covered by free metro pass. Do i need to hop off and go in and out through the gates so I need to swiped my ic card for the next station? Thanks
Hello. In that case, you shoul be able to pay the fare with cash or IC card when you get off at another line (eg.Tokyu, Keio) by showing the Metro pass. It might not work with the machine, so you have to go to the person. When you get on from another line and go into Metro, you cannot enter with your IC card. You can just purchase the ticket to the connecting station. In case you cannot leave the gate with the pass, you can show both the ticket and the pass.
I see, thank you for the great info. You are very helpful
Does credit card equivalent to debit card?
Do they work the same way?
Hello, each card might have different function and condition, but usually Debit card is a card the amount you purchased is taken from your balance in your bank account the moment you use. Therefore, you cannot use more than the balance you have in your bank account, but it can be minus depends on the debit card. Credit card, you pay back on the billing date or pay back the certain amount monthly (high interest rate apply). I hope it helped.
What about white socks? Ok ok I' m joking😂
I had to Google to find out what that means. 😎
I advice to take your medicine! Because Japanese medicine doesn’t work exactly good on Caucasians!! To week!