A Guide to Your First Hour in Tokyo, Japan

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  • čas přidán 2. 02. 2018
  • Here's your Japan Travel Guide for the first 60 minutes after you land in Tokyo. Check out the written tips and tricks at bit.ly/LWIF1HOURGUIDE (don't worry, it's just a link to the free guide I wrote, no strings attached).
    All info is 100% my personal recommendations, none of this is sponsored content (although tourism Japan, I am open to your funding).
    Since there were so many good comments, I decided to make a follow-up video talking more about surviving your first hour in Japan • More Tips on Surviving...
    For feedback, hit me up at greg@lifewhereimfrom.com
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Komentáře • 2,2K

  • @LifeWhereImFrom
    @LifeWhereImFrom  Před 6 lety +338

    Hey, since there were so many great comments, whether they were tips or requests for more information, I made a follow-up video czcams.com/video/Fjtogsuk-CU/video.html. Enjoy!

    • @sjbishopjones
      @sjbishopjones Před 6 lety

      .....hurriedly i subscribed

    • @tommiedoll
      @tommiedoll Před 6 lety +2

      XD I instantly cringed as I heard "suimasen" IT'S SUMIMASEN すみません^^

    • @AbeNomiks
      @AbeNomiks Před 6 lety

      Is this for people from third world countries? Just leave Japan because we don’t want you here

    • @SLOBeachboy
      @SLOBeachboy Před 5 lety

      I would have liked more information about the old airport, Haneda. When I lived in Japan in the 80’s and early 90’s the much more convenient Haneda was used only for domestic flights. The one exception for international flights was China Airways I believe. I'm just wondering if they are allowing more international arrivals these days. Also, to people who are first timers to Japan you should probably explain that Narita is in the middle of nowhere while Haneda is practically right in Tokyo.

    • @rtmfry
      @rtmfry Před 5 lety +1

      Run, Forest, Run!!

  • @alvinderektiletile3365
    @alvinderektiletile3365 Před 6 lety +2898

    No one ever mentions that bumping into a trash can in Japan is equivalent to finding a shiny legendary pokemon.

    • @vangrails
      @vangrails Před 6 lety +90

      I like that because that makes Japan so safe, terrorists can't hide bombs in trash cans.

    • @umachan9286
      @umachan9286 Před 6 lety +143

      Or you know, just walk by a convenience store. There's usually one there.

    • @SICARIO1k
      @SICARIO1k Před 5 lety +164

      This is true ! I didn't find a single trash can so I threw it on the floor and I was chased by Japanese residents! Scariest moment in my life good thing I'm fast

    • @susannekarnowka5889
      @susannekarnowka5889 Před 5 lety +450

      there is no excuse for throwing your garbage on the ground if you can't find a bin on the way than take it home/ to the hotel with you.. especially if you are a guest somewhere -.-

    • @melbournetransport8987
      @melbournetransport8987 Před 5 lety +20

      @@SICARIO1k 10/10

  • @ThatJapaneseManYuta
    @ThatJapaneseManYuta Před 6 lety +2764

    I'm so impressed that you are able to make high-quality videos in a short amount of time while having a family and a job.

  • @peterfoss2408
    @peterfoss2408 Před 6 lety +1026

    Very good. I agree with everything you say but I'd add one more warning about trains. If a train turns up at your platform 1 minute before your train is due, it's probably the wrong train.

    • @HuyLy94
      @HuyLy94 Před 5 lety +101

      Yes this happened to me when I was on my way to the airport last time I went to Japan (I had a hunch it was the wrong train but I wrongly thought they would go to the same place). Fortunately I worked out it was the wrong train and got off at the last station before it went onto a line heading west rather than continuing on the same line south to Haneda, the next train (the correct one) showed up exactly a minute after the first one.

    • @Tofunekouhai
      @Tofunekouhai Před 5 lety +52

      Yesss. My sis and I have an anxiety when we see the train arrive early a minute like that and we look at the train and know it was not our train but since it is at the platform, we thought it was more or less the same too. But luckily we go with our guts and wait for the train we waited and it arrive later.geez.in my country, the train are sometimes simpler. That platform is to north and other platform is to south.hahahahaha.maybe toooo simple that ia why people prefer use car..... i like japan train.

    • @heckincat1406
      @heckincat1406 Před 4 lety +50

      Yes they apologise for 20 sec early departure

    • @honestabe5153
      @honestabe5153 Před 4 lety +4

      Lmao so true

    • @Rehaeugleins
      @Rehaeugleins Před 4 lety +1

      @@HuyLy94 Haha, I did the exact same!

  • @jemand8462
    @jemand8462 Před 3 lety +276

    My first hour advice, if you arrive in Haneda at least:
    stroll through the restaurant "district" and all the shops in the lower floor and soak in the feeling of being in japan. I loved this first hour. Just sat in a random restaurant, pointed at a random dish and ate my way into japan.

    • @vladislavglad6596
      @vladislavglad6596 Před rokem +1

      Thanks, I will try that.
      I will arrive to Haneda in about a week!
      How were the prices two years ago? Usually food in airports cafe/restaurants are truly overpriced. Is this the case with Haneda?

    • @jemand8462
      @jemand8462 Před rokem +4

      @@vladislavglad6596 no it wasn't. In fact all of Japan is quite cheap despite what we all hear about it. True, there are some really expensive places, but you can easily have a meal for 5-6 dollars. In the airport I don't remember how much it was, but it definitely wasn't expensive at all or I wouldn't have done it (I'm a student)

    • @fetabrown
      @fetabrown Před 6 měsíci

      Thank you!

  • @hgxnorton1986
    @hgxnorton1986 Před 4 lety +159

    First thing that happened to me when I got off the plane was being interviewed for TV lol

    • @MA-gn5nl
      @MA-gn5nl Před 3 lety +9

      @ExpiredSushi There’s a popular show called “YOUはなぜ日本に?(Why did you come to Japan?)” and they find visitors to interview at the arrival gate.

  • @rowbearly6128
    @rowbearly6128 Před 5 lety +846

    I came to Japan, reluctantly, for a holiday, in 1999. Been here 20 years. Careful, it gets under your skin.

    • @GUITARTIME2024
      @GUITARTIME2024 Před 5 lety +11

      How are the women?

    • @rowbearly6128
      @rowbearly6128 Před 5 lety +106

      @@GUITARTIME2024 Generally insane.

    • @GUITARTIME2024
      @GUITARTIME2024 Před 5 lety +20

      @@rowbearly6128 explain

    • @ringokojima6744
      @ringokojima6744 Před 5 lety +76

      @@GUITARTIME2024 forget real women, its Japan! go for anime women. you never know after seeing a anime or two you might be the next guy to order a waifu body pillow online

    • @dominustempus8969
      @dominustempus8969 Před 5 lety +83

      Ringo Kojima What.... are you okay?

  • @justin5368
    @justin5368 Před 5 lety +103

    For your first hour *after* leaving the airport, I personally recommend making an earnest attempt at just getting lost, though within a reasonable context.
    For the more open and adventurous types, it's a no-brainer why that's a good option; but I also think the non-adventurous types would get a lot out of it. I took the train straight from Narita to Shinjuku, and just wandered around with my luggage "trying" to find my hotel. My main focus wasn't actually trying to get to my hotel, but to take in the sights while being ready to settle in if I actually found it. It was a great first 2 hours, where I immediately got immersed in the culture and got to interact with the locals.

  • @kiminopeters3859
    @kiminopeters3859 Před 6 lety +187

    Hi! I'm a wheelchaired person and my dream is to travel to Kyoto but I'm afraid that I won't be able to go there because all the shrines and monuments that I've seen have a lot of stairs...
    Could you make some video with wheelchair friendly turist spots? I would be very gratefull!

  • @christinegmcintydfre
    @christinegmcintydfre Před 6 lety +200

    This might just be the most useful video for me on youtube. Thank you. You likely just saved my husband and I some serious melt downs when landing in tokyo with two excited and jet lagged kids. .

    • @luciadoylend8672
      @luciadoylend8672 Před 5 lety +3

      Christine McIntyre If you went East jet lag isn’t at all bad, it’s returning home which is worse. (I’m very jet lagged atm ,returned from Japan back to England, and I am waking up at 3 AM!)

  • @Dragonnox
    @Dragonnox Před 6 lety +70

    I'd also add that even if something happens and you get lost or aren't sure what train to get, the locals are very friendly and are usually more than willing to help. I visited Tokyo last month and people were often coming up to me when they saw me looking at a metro map and pointing me in the right direction. I didn't feel stressed about it at all.

    • @Nazunabee
      @Nazunabee Před rokem +1

      I read it wrong and you I thout it said
      “People where mad, pointing me and the right direction”
      LOLLL
      Btw this is good to know :)
      I’ve always been scared bout this type of stuff!

  • @onthespoke2
    @onthespoke2 Před 6 lety +1163

    Alternate title: how to be naked within 60 minutes of the plane landing without getting arrested

  • @colinduran6532
    @colinduran6532 Před 5 lety +47

    I just arrived in Tokyo yesterday!!! I will be here for a month and I’m so excited!!!

    • @kojuo180
      @kojuo180 Před 4 lety +2

      Any tips? I’m planning a trip for 2 weeks to Japan solo, I’m 20

    • @Thebosss-gb6ns
      @Thebosss-gb6ns Před 3 lety

      @@kojuo180 hey same! I don't have the money to do this yet but I'm hoping next summer I can go on a solo trip where I'll be 21 by then

    • @NationalismDjazair
      @NationalismDjazair Před 3 lety

      Did u like it?

    • @openroadtravels181
      @openroadtravels181 Před 3 lety

      Where did u stay? How expensive was it?

    • @arturojett1062
      @arturojett1062 Před 3 lety

      @@Thebosss-gb6ns have you gone bro?

  • @myfriendwolf
    @myfriendwolf Před 6 lety +344

    The quality of this video is exceptional. I can't imagine how long all the research/planning, footage, and editing must have taken. Amazing job! 😁🇯🇵

  • @LifeWhereImFrom
    @LifeWhereImFrom  Před 6 lety +365

    The one where I spend just under 17 minutes explaining how to tackle your first 60! And even then, I know you kind viewers will tell me all that I've gotten wrong :-) But seriously, what are the things I've missed? More importantly (because I can't change this video anymore), what would you like to see if I created a video on how to survive the next 23 hours?

    • @indurani4603
      @indurani4603 Před 6 lety +4

      Life Where I'm From I love your channel and your sweet kids
      Lots of love from India 😘😘😘😘

    • @stanleyleung72
      @stanleyleung72 Před 6 lety +5

      Life Where I'm From yeah what about Osaka?

    • @128935rake
      @128935rake Před 6 lety +7

      How to survive the heat in the summer! If you come from Canada.

    • @generalgrievuuz
      @generalgrievuuz Před 6 lety +28

      Places to avoid at all costs. Like bad neighbourhoods ;o

    • @TristanLauzon
      @TristanLauzon Před 6 lety +25

      Ordering food!

  • @kodaisama5677
    @kodaisama5677 Před 5 lety +139

    I just watched this entire video and i live in japan.

  • @noneedtoknowme
    @noneedtoknowme Před 5 lety +61

    Google maps saved me so many times, but has also confused me many times.
    Another recommendation is bringing a coin purse or something to hold all your coins. LOL They add up.

  • @briandemodulated
    @briandemodulated Před 6 lety +217

    One small detail I learned through trial-by-fire was that you're supposed to pay some cashiers by placing your money in a small bowl. Don't hand it to the cashier, even though they will hand your change back to you. I got a bit of a scowl from a cashier for not being aware of this custom.

    • @kamiiu
      @kamiiu Před 5 lety +3

      that's weird...

    • @FredMaverik
      @FredMaverik Před 4 lety

      @osnapitzasta ..what?

    • @tarzan2441
      @tarzan2441 Před 4 lety +12

      There’s always a little tray next to the register and u just put the money there

  • @conjestion
    @conjestion Před 6 lety +136

    This is really well researched! But I just want to add that in case you're in Tokyo for a short trip (like 3 days) and want to make the best of it, I highly recommend the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24,48,72hrs). You can use it on all the subway conpany but not on JR trains. I was able to go to all of the popular tourist spots in Tokyo and didn't spend a ton of transpo money coz of this. They also have a tourist train map that will show where you can go down to visit a tourist spot.

    • @susannekarnowka5889
      @susannekarnowka5889 Před 5 lety +2

      oh good you mentioned this, that is actually something most well at least most touristy cities have - Kyoto has for example a 500 yen bus ticket for the line that drives by all the famous temples ... or the Kansai region is periodically selling a three days ticket which allows you to use (I think it was) both subways and trains to get around so you can go on day trips and if you are careful about the hours you don't even have to go consecutive days; I don't remember when it expires though .. maybe two weeks or even a month after purchase?

  • @noyler54
    @noyler54 Před 5 lety +47

    I travel to Japan often and know how all of this stuff works. With that being said, I just want to say this video is very accurate and so so helpful for anyone that is new to all of this. I really loved how efficient and calmly you explained everything. Awesome stuff. I'll definitely be sharing

  • @naabii2722
    @naabii2722 Před 5 lety +39

    One day, I'll have my japan trip.

  • @BennyTheAzn
    @BennyTheAzn Před 6 lety +286

    9:57 - "Do you see this map?"
    *Brain explodes*

    • @vangrails
      @vangrails Před 6 lety +7

      It is not that bad. Focus first on the Yamanote line, most sights that tourists want to see are near a Yamanote line train station.

    • @straightpipediesel
      @straightpipediesel Před 5 lety +7

      It's the same scale as most Western cities.
      Tokyo Subway (Metro+Toei): 285 stations on 13 lines.
      London Underground: 270 stations on 11 lines.
      New York Subway: 472 stations on 36 lines.
      Paris Metro: 302 stations on 16 lines.

    • @RealityContradiction
      @RealityContradiction Před 5 lety +2

      Every big city-travel line map looks like that 😒

    • @richardrocha
      @richardrocha Před 5 lety +1

      @@RealityContradiction laughs in Rio de Janeiro

    • @Ceece20
      @Ceece20 Před 4 lety

      straightpipediesel well call me a country bumpkin, because all I know are streets and driving lol

  • @gideonroos1188
    @gideonroos1188 Před 6 lety +104

    My aunt and I were in Japan beginning of December last year, and we did almost everything you mentioned in this video, save the wifi. We just used public wifi.
    Also, regarding the wifi, Japan has this app (I can't remember the name) that has an internal list of all the free wifi points in the country. You just download the app, register once, and then click logon in the app. It searches for an availible free wifi network and logs you in. This made it very easy to get wifi, since you don't have to search through your wifi network list and guess which might be a free system. And also, in most free wifi systems you also need to register with your email adress before you get access to the itnernet, with the app, you only have to register once, and it handles everything else.

    • @bvpham88
      @bvpham88 Před 5 lety +8

      did you ever find out what app this was?

    • @ThatFlower12
      @ThatFlower12 Před 5 lety +4

      does anyone know what app?

    • @wahaha858
      @wahaha858 Před 5 lety

      sooo any news on the app?

    • @xTenshiAi
      @xTenshiAi Před 5 lety

      I would like to know too

    • @seoul3037
      @seoul3037 Před 5 lety

      Need that app going to japan in a couple of months and would be really helpful!

  • @Paktoy_100
    @Paktoy_100 Před 4 lety +90

    I’m doing research about being an exchange student. My final choices are France and Japan. It seems stupid, but I think I prefer Japan over France,mainly because it has a lot less pickpockets. (But I am aware of how rigorous school in Japan can be.)

    • @tinanag0
      @tinanag0 Před 4 lety +4

      you're always welcomed ;)

    • @shizukadoitsukitsune1919
      @shizukadoitsukitsune1919 Před 3 lety

      @@tinanag0 ぴえん

    • @unicats6785
      @unicats6785 Před 3 lety

      Ok so I’m doing the exchange program in about a year and a half to japan! Is it possible to exchange insta handles Bc I really want someone to talk to about it. Also none of the grades you get there will be on a permanent record so u can do really bad but it is very encouraged for people to try hard. Don’t be worried.

    • @unicats6785
      @unicats6785 Před 3 lety

      Also guys I just wanted to write a breakdown of how to do the exchange program if your interested (I’m doing it in a year and have been planing it for 4months now).
      First you want to go online and search a program that is best suited for you. I personally chose ASSA because it was relatively cheaper than the other programs and they allow free travel around the area you are going to on the break days. Second you want to talk to a school counselor about getting the credits for the year you are going abroad or just go ahead and take another year. After doing so you can start learning some basic language skills to study there. Note that some programs require you to have a certain amount of knowledge about the language but some don’t require any at all. You want to apply for the program 4-9 months in advanced to make sure you get to go to the country you want. Once applied the program will give you a set of instructions to follow and things to send over such as the past two years of schooling you’ve done or write a letter to your soon to be host family. If anyone has anymore questions please ask!! Also go follow Bella abroad on tik tok and CZcams Bc she give great tips and how to’s.

    • @Sara-xb9qx
      @Sara-xb9qx Před 3 lety

      @@unicats6785 I'm not planning on exchanging to japan but this was still useful! Thank you! I plan on going to Korea in my senior year and I'm so nervous😅

  • @pupu416
    @pupu416 Před 6 lety +93

    Going to Japan tomorrow and this video helped my anxiety!!! Thank you!!!

  • @internationallyME
    @internationallyME Před 6 lety +243

    Yay new video :) P.s hope you're having a good weekend, Greg!

    • @lordvader89a
      @lordvader89a Před 6 lety +1

      internationally ME funny how both of you uploaded a video only one hour apart from each other :'D

    • @del787b
      @del787b Před 6 lety +1

      Wow Angie you and Yuta liked it ! He’s awesome I need to check out your new video 👍🏼

  • @slloo7692
    @slloo7692 Před 6 lety +50

    Wonderful guide ! Just wanted to share my experience in getting out of narita airport travelling with children and luggages. I opted to book a hotel which was served by the airport limousine bus to avoid the transfers between the train lines and climbing up and down stairs and get point to point with less hassle. Just an option to consider for those with young kids and luggage.

    • @saphiric
      @saphiric Před 6 lety

      I love the Narita airport limo bus! So comfortable and turns out to be much cheaper than trains and buses

  • @quackinator1609
    @quackinator1609 Před 3 lety +25

    I used Google Maps and Hyperdia when it came to using the trains. PRO TIP: Always pay attention to the time the train arrived. If one arrives a bit sooner than stated then it's most likely going to a different destination than yours. You would think that all the trains on your platform would go the destination since they stopped at the same platform... nope! I learned this the hard way and ended up getting on the wrong train which took me to the opposite direction I wanted to go.

  • @waqar88
    @waqar88 Před 6 lety +15

    Just like to add that if you’re landing in Haneda Airport (which is much closer to Tokyo than Narita) you can take the monorail that takes you to Hamamatsucho Station which links you to the Yamanote Line. This line does a full loop around the city which might take you to the hotel you are staying in. The monorail and Yamanote line are free if you bought the JR rail pass.

    • @MajorG25
      @MajorG25 Před 5 lety +1

      Haneda isn't much closer to Tokyo than Narita - it's IN Tokyo

  • @marianad.1361
    @marianad.1361 Před 6 lety +116

    Great video! 38 day countdown to go to Japan, yay!! My flight arrives early in the morning, so my plan is to activate the JR, pick up the pocket wifi, leave the lugagge at the hotel, have breakfast and go to Oedo Onsen on my first day

    • @llallewashere
      @llallewashere Před 6 lety +5

      I'll be there in 35 days. Have fun :)

    • @thatcornfedrx8guy372
      @thatcornfedrx8guy372 Před 6 lety +2

      Mariana D. I'm going in 134 days 😄

    • @marianad.1361
      @marianad.1361 Před 6 lety +1

      I feel your pain, I bought my ticket in July

    • @marianad.1361
      @marianad.1361 Před 6 lety +14

      Update as requested. Back from Japan, it is amazing. I did one thing differently from my plan: activated my JR on day 2 and took a bus from the airport. All was fine, fairly easy to get by with no Japanese, onsen experience was great and only weird on the first few minutes. I would do it all over again and change nothing. Japan is so worth it.

  • @generalgrievuuz
    @generalgrievuuz Před 6 lety +103

    RUN FOREST, RUN! :D

  • @kalokal5812
    @kalokal5812 Před 6 lety +477

    Why am I watching this again?
    I am not even going or planning to go to Japan.

    • @troodon1096
      @troodon1096 Před 6 lety +51

      I find travel videos very entertaining, and it satisfies my curiosity, even if I may never end up going to that place. And I don't rule out going to Japan at least once in my life, some time.

    • @hvick2229
      @hvick2229 Před 5 lety +8

      You have a sad life ..

    • @sayhellotopigeon3083
      @sayhellotopigeon3083 Před 5 lety +7

      Ken narville have u even been there? I went to Japan in the summer of 2018 and the people were great in my opinion. The service was really good. One time in this restaurant the worker was a great person. When they know we had a bad time. The worker got us chocolate cookies before leaving and was saying sorry.

    • @sayhellotopigeon3083
      @sayhellotopigeon3083 Před 5 lety +2

      Ken narville but have been there in these following years

    • @sayhellotopigeon3083
      @sayhellotopigeon3083 Před 5 lety +2

      Ken narville bro chill I have a lot work to do. Y are u so hungry for a reply? That depicts of how bad of a person u are.

  • @luukspijker7939
    @luukspijker7939 Před 6 lety +36

    Your videos are great! I like the fact that you shot all of the clips yourself.

  • @svefnpurka9804
    @svefnpurka9804 Před 6 lety +25

    Just a tip for transport around Japan hyperdia (they have an app too) is also really good to find connections where you can dictate what modes you want to include (JR, shinkansen, busses, flight, etc.). Fairly simple to use.

    • @LifeWhereImFrom
      @LifeWhereImFrom  Před 6 lety

      Thanks for the suggestion.

    • @MajorG25
      @MajorG25 Před 5 lety

      I was just about to say that. I found it MUCH better than Google

  • @ProphecyEU
    @ProphecyEU Před 5 lety +4

    I visited Japan 2 years ago for 3 months, I loved every minute of it. This video has a lot of valid & good suggestions. Would recommend it to all first time visitors. Remember, stay humble, stay polite & everyone would help you to the best of their abilities if you're ever in need of help.

  • @quaolitiamoorman4705
    @quaolitiamoorman4705 Před 5 lety +8

    I'm so happy I came across a video THIS HELPFUL

  • @120ail1
    @120ail1 Před 6 lety +13

    I loved the video and it looks like a lot of work went into it. Your process of arriving is almost the same (but slightly different than mine). I always use Haneda. I hit the 7Eleven ATM, refill my Suica card, head up the escalators to platform where I grab a hot canned coffee from the vending machine and then take the monorail to Hamamatsucho. If I'm arriving in the morning, I use one of my favorite amenities in Japanese train stations, the automated lockers. This allows me to drop my luggage and go about my day, before heading to my hotel. Japan has awesome amenities at the airport, and its always a joy to arrive at Haneda.

    • @LifeWhereImFrom
      @LifeWhereImFrom  Před 6 lety +3

      Automated lockers are a good idea to show for the next 23 hours :-) I like that monorail, it's a nice, scenic ride!

  • @honeybunbadger
    @honeybunbadger Před 6 lety +33

    Thank you SO SO much for all of your hard work on this video, Greg. I've been a fan since LWIF only had 30 subs, and I'll be one when it has 30 mil!

    • @miksuko
      @miksuko Před 5 lety

      it wont really hit 30 mil

  • @emilyrose5282
    @emilyrose5282 Před 6 lety +1

    Super helpful! I'm traveling solo to Japan and I'm super overwhelmed videos like this really help clear up a lot of my questions/concerns

  • @1903Zippy
    @1903Zippy Před rokem +1

    The mobile wi-fi router was a godsend for us. Easy to use, 100% connectivity, no data limit issues - cost us about £40 for the 2 weeks - absolutely well worth it..!

  • @ArtalaCarte
    @ArtalaCarte Před 6 lety +164

    THANK YOU so much for this! Would love to plan a trip with a friend but have nearly 0 Japanese (only what I have picked up from Miyazaki films) Been a long time viewer of your channel and super excited about this series. Would love to see a video on the best words and phrases to know. Sumimasen

    • @LifeWhereImFrom
      @LifeWhereImFrom  Před 6 lety +20

      Haha. In this case I don't think Sumimasen would quite work out as thank you :-) Arigatou would fit better. But if a service person helped you out, saying sumimasen and a little bow would be totally on point.

    • @retardo9633
      @retardo9633 Před 6 lety +1

      LMAO JUST DO WHAT LOGAN PAUL DID

    • @angelicrose8406
      @angelicrose8406 Před 6 lety +1

      Learn some really basic phrases! My friends mom was deported to Japan for business reasons and she was able to learn japanese in an amount of 2 months.

    • @rm9968
      @rm9968 Před 6 lety

      there are a bunch of youtube vids for basic traveler japanese. my japanese training came from mainly anime and i was fine. sumimasen is very useful, so is arigato and a bow. plus if you are using google maps with the location centered, 'sumimasen' and point to the phone. failing that, stair at a map and looked confused, that helped a lot!

    • @CoryTheRaven
      @CoryTheRaven Před 6 lety +8

      I have a caveman Japanese vocabulary that got me through Tokyo and Kyoto fairly well...
      Sumimaisen - excuse me, sorry
      Arigato - thank you (Domo Arigato and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu for increasing formality)
      Konichiwa - Good afternoon
      Onegaishimasu - A request for a favour, which I used in restaurants and in stores when pointing at what I want. Basically "I'm a stupid foreigner who doesn't know Japanese but I would like this please."
      Gomen - sorry
      I know a few other things I picked up form anime, but that's what I got the most use out of. Ironically, I could never figure out how to say that I couldn't speak Japanese in a way that was intelligible to anybody. But I think they figured it out :)

  • @roserv521
    @roserv521 Před 6 lety +5

    We went to Japan in 2016. I found the prepaid data sims for tourists very useful. It enabled us to have internet connection everywhere including the subway. The signal is very good and is compatible to most phones. 😊

  • @FamilyonStandby
    @FamilyonStandby Před 5 lety +1

    We're taking our parents to Japan for the first time in a few weeks, this is going to be a GREAT guide for them. Can't WAIT to see their reaction!

  • @couches11
    @couches11 Před 4 lety +2

    I've been to Japan on holiday 4 times and I still learnt practical, helpful stuff from this video. Wild!

  • @christopherwilson3113
    @christopherwilson3113 Před 6 lety +45

    Lol, I survived on "sumimasen" in Tokyo. Video is very well done!

    • @factionalhitman
      @factionalhitman Před 6 lety

      C. Wilson
      What the hell did you even do?

    • @lalilulelo
      @lalilulelo Před 6 lety +1

      Me too!

    • @xyz9006
      @xyz9006 Před 6 lety +5

      "Excuse me miss you're 50 yen short"
      "I'm sorry"

  • @BrendanishLeo
    @BrendanishLeo Před 5 lety +3

    Ok, I don't plan to move to japan for a few years but I wanted to thank you for this video, it's a bunch of helpful advice that I haven't heard about before, I really appreciate it!
    Also, the shots you use make Japan (as always, it seems) absolutely stunning, and only revitalizes my urge to study!

  • @shai4449
    @shai4449 Před 5 lety +1

    I’ll be travelling to Japan sometime this year, and this has been really helpful. Love your videos, Greg!

  • @tuvideoloco6551
    @tuvideoloco6551 Před 5 lety

    One of the best videos about how to get around in Japan. Thanks for thanking the time to post a video.

  • @189x
    @189x Před 6 lety +8

    I've been to Japan about 5-6 times in the past 3 years, going again in May.. the first time I was there I wasn't so much scared or worried about how to survive as to how exciting it was. Like, you don't need to know any Japanese or any knowledge of Japan because everything is so convenient and easy to do.

    • @Outland9000
      @Outland9000 Před 4 lety

      Yass! Wing it. It's a blast!

    • @travels129
      @travels129 Před 9 měsíci

      Yep that first trip is meant to be exciting not scary .especially in the 1980s etc no cell phones no internet then and I can tell u from my experience much more exciting then now travel about adventure

  • @elinaxd
    @elinaxd Před 4 lety +31

    "Because I'm dedicated to my craft, I went to both." This man is godly.

  • @ScibyTravels
    @ScibyTravels Před 6 lety

    I think this is your best video yet - everything I've told friends about the first hour/day when visiting Japan, you've covered. Now I'm just going to point them to this video.

  • @shamanazakura
    @shamanazakura Před 5 lety +3

    So, I'll be going to Japan in 2 months or so, and seeing this just made me happy and excited

    • @aaronkruk8041
      @aaronkruk8041 Před 5 lety +1

      shamanazakura you’re going to have a blast!! I went over the summer, and literally had the time of my life. Enjoy!!
      Be sure to stop by Osaka, everything is especially good there lol.

  • @pokosure3080
    @pokosure3080 Před 2 lety +7

    Incredibly big tip: There are many levels of trains. The normal ones would stop at every stop, but some, in many different levels, like express, only stops at major or semi-major stops. Make sure to not skip your stop!

    • @DreiEUS
      @DreiEUS Před rokem

      I learned this the hardway. Saw my fellow tourist get off at station before Fushimi Inari. and asked myself why did they. Found out that the Keihan line does not stop there and skips it. You have to get off 1 or 2 stops before and ride the smaller line. Had to go ride back and go off on that stop. Still was a great experience

  • @jelaaatine6261
    @jelaaatine6261 Před 6 lety +52

    You're amazing, thanks a lot!

  • @alfred0231
    @alfred0231 Před 2 lety

    This level of diligence is uncommon on CZcams and makes for quite a resource.

  • @squid98
    @squid98 Před 5 lety +2

    Japan is such a respectful culture and place cause in America in air ports there are so much pushing shoving but in Japan people just mind there own business and is just so nice

  • @ayanotanabe5220
    @ayanotanabe5220 Před rokem +13

    Sorry one more. For Kansai/Osaka arrivals/visitors, immigration queue can be very long. But moves efficiently or relatively fast, fast meaning at busiest times maybe an hour to hour/half wait to the agents. Then to customs check which is quick, but as opposed to Narita airport, in this case YES the train is your better bet, it’s very clear and if you get confused just ask someone at the airport staff. They will show you where to get the train tickets and it’s not that bad to get to Osaka, heck even Kyoto from Kansai Airport. Cheers.

  • @mics1377
    @mics1377 Před 6 lety +5

    Hi Greg, loved this video! I've been to Japan many times and I feel that the video would definitely help someone who has never visited before! have some suggestions for surviving the next 23 hours:
    1. Finding a place to eat that does not have lines (that preferably has an English Menu!)
    2. Looking for restrooms in public areas
    3. How to navigate Shinjuku station (because all tourists will end up going there anyway and it's really hard to find the right way out)
    4. Words that will be helpful when talking to Japanese folks (like ikura = how much, doko = where)
    Looking forward to seeing you expand this series!

  • @madscientist8286
    @madscientist8286 Před rokem

    With the pictures to show the personell in store... that is so kind and thoughtful of you! Thank you for that! I would really like to travel to Japan now.

  • @andrefcury
    @andrefcury Před 6 lety +1

    I really appreciate the amount of effort you put into making such informational videos. Thanks.

  • @khaibernate
    @khaibernate Před 6 lety +5

    Going to Japan with my wife in March-April. THIS IS WHAT I NEED. THANK YOU.

  • @mmughal
    @mmughal Před 6 lety +23

    Correction : JR pass can be now purchased with in Tokyo from Tokyo Station this started from from March/ April 2017

    • @catsspat
      @catsspat Před 5 lety

      Yup. According to japan-guide, it is from March 8, 2017 to March 31, 2019, with possible extension. But it will cost more to buy in Japan. Some versions of the JR Pass, such as the JR East pass that only works in Tokyo and east side of the main island, were available for purchase at the airport way before this, though. I had purchased them multiple times before 2010. I see they now charge a little extra if bought in Japan. Back then, it was a lot of hassle to get it before arriving, but nowadays, it can be purchased online. Nice. Too bad I don't fly anymore, so it doesn't apply to me.

    • @MajorG25
      @MajorG25 Před 5 lety

      Yep - it's like an extra $50-80 to buy it in Japan as opposed to your home country

  • @Redwater_media
    @Redwater_media Před rokem +1

    This video is a must see for anyone on their first trip to Japan!

  • @Nautilus1972
    @Nautilus1972 Před 6 lety

    Great videos, man. Watching these all day with the family ....

  • @pesto12601
    @pesto12601 Před 4 lety +14

    Updated video: Guide to First 14 days in Tokyo, Japan.... sit in isolation in your hotel room.... fun!

  • @MrCryingMoon
    @MrCryingMoon Před 6 lety +6

    We need a video like this but for food. thanks

  • @KEY2HEAVEN
    @KEY2HEAVEN Před 6 lety +1

    You're possibly the nicest CZcamsr I've ever watched! Thank you!!

  • @deewonda1952
    @deewonda1952 Před 5 lety +2

    Thank you sooo much for this video (and your other videos, too). I've always wanted to visit Japan and I've made this my 2019 goal to take a 2-week trip there. You provide AWESOME content!! I'll be well prepared!

  • @Lemonademan
    @Lemonademan Před 6 lety +5

    Thx for this video I went to Japan before at Narita airport and I wanted to plan out my future of going back there and this video is a super help because I am Canadian and your channel is japan and canada

  • @Wolf_Khain
    @Wolf_Khain Před 5 lety +4

    WoW, thank you for the effort, kind sir.

  • @loulove321
    @loulove321 Před 6 lety +2

    I'm not even going to Japan anytime soon, but this video was so well put together and would definitely be a huge help to people travelling there.

  • @HawkeyeRox
    @HawkeyeRox Před 6 lety +1

    this came at literally the best time, im going to japan in a month and was just starting to look at what to do once i arrive

  • @khadeejaahsan4512
    @khadeejaahsan4512 Před 4 lety +4

    I am leaving for Japan with my husband and baby for a two week trip in 5 days and we haven’t had a chance to as much research or planning as we hoped. Bless you for this video because it helped me understand things so much better! I’m going to go through your playlist but if you haven’t already could you consider making a video about how to travel Japan with a baby? For example where strollers are/are not allowed, breastfeeding, diapers etc.

  • @persgodiva
    @persgodiva Před 4 lety +3

    Ohh wow, this is perfect! I'm going to be in Japan for a month in January and organizing everything has been a little nerve-wrecking. I still have over four months to prepare but this has been incredibly helpful, so thank you!

    • @Moridin101
      @Moridin101 Před 4 lety

      I just got back from my first time there, watching this again before I landed probably would have helped a bit. You'll love it, I know I'd go back in a heartbeat if I weren't still recovering from horrible jetlag.

    • @persgodiva
      @persgodiva Před 4 lety

      @@Moridin101 Ohh thank you, I'm actually both super excited and really really scared. How long did you go?

    • @Moridin101
      @Moridin101 Před 4 lety

      @@persgodiva 2 weeks. I think the only stressful thing is the first day of figuring out the trains. Most of the signage has english in the bigger cities, and if you're not feeling too brave you can live off convenience store food XD. You'll have nothing to worry about as long as you're not in a hurry.

  • @phillenan2494
    @phillenan2494 Před 5 lety

    I m a frequent traveler, and you sir do a really good job at explaining the little things.

  • @XxCrazyxX456
    @XxCrazyxX456 Před 6 lety

    Youve covered so much thank you, i love your channel! Ive been to japan with my school for a study abroad class and my amazing teacher did all this work, which i watched her do. And now i want to travel myself but was to overwhelmed when trying to figure it out myself. Thank you so much for this, you’ve really covered it all :D

  • @3th4nP31ff3r
    @3th4nP31ff3r Před 4 lety +22

    My first hour would be going through customs and stuff😂

  • @Sisterfistr
    @Sisterfistr Před 6 lety +91

    15 minutes to learn how to survive a hour

  • @vasilikonstan
    @vasilikonstan Před 4 lety

    Awesome video! I love your pacing, narration, and information.

  • @arieswilliam1120
    @arieswilliam1120 Před 4 lety

    Most useful japan travel video ive seen so far!

  • @zodiark93
    @zodiark93 Před rokem +8

    I'm planning to go to study in Kitakyushu in the next months, to do my two years Master Degree in Japan. This will be very useful for my arrival °w°

  • @kfyugavin5944
    @kfyugavin5944 Před 6 lety +7

    thanks for the video! my family and i traveled to japan and okinawa for more than 20 times in the past 5 years and we love it so much! we were planning to move to okinawa to start a new business but now still staying in a remote island of hong kong having a herbal tea shop.
    i love your videos! always remind me how i traveled in japan, and some of my memories and so on.
    wish you and your family has a wonderful life in japan, stay healthy! :-)
    if possible, wish to keep in touch with you, feel like my heart is attached there~
    gavin

  • @Jkeez07
    @Jkeez07 Před 6 lety

    This video is good, I never thought about how complicated just to get out of the airport and trying to get any train ticket. It’s definitely something all first time travelers should know before trying to get to japan.

  • @koraXro
    @koraXro Před 6 lety +1

    This video is amazing. Thank you for all the effort put into making it. I'm going to Tokyo for a couple of week at the end of August and this is crazy useful.

  • @LukeBeacon
    @LukeBeacon Před 5 lety +23

    Unless you are going to be travelling to many cities (like, 6+ cities all around Japan), I have found that the Japan Rail Pass is not worth it if you want to use the Shinkansen.

    • @quackinator1609
      @quackinator1609 Před 3 lety

      I was there for 1 month and it definitely came in handy. At first, the price seemed way too much but then you see it's worth it if you decide to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto because the shinkansen would've cost like $400 round-trip.

  • @KeithAndersch
    @KeithAndersch Před 6 lety +3

    I hit like right after the "CZcams money" comment. I felt like I was at the Narita longer than an hour only because I was bumbling around from one side to the other, trying to pick up things, find counters, etc. Someone else already said it, I recommend the 72 hour subway ticket if you're gonna be in Tokyo for 3 days and riding the rails a lot. I did that and it seemed like a good way to go. The one hitch was the line that went to the Ghibli museum was not a part of that pass so, commence more bumbling with buying a regular ticket. Anyway, thanks for the informative video!

  • @MsPandaSushi
    @MsPandaSushi Před 5 lety

    Thanks so much for making this! I'm traveling for the first time to Japan this November and all these tips were super useful!

  • @ericklanza1
    @ericklanza1 Před 6 lety +2

    This video was amazing! It was very informative and practical! 🙌🏼

  • @sparkylildog3410
    @sparkylildog3410 Před 6 lety +93

    If I ever go to Japan (which I'm sure I'll do someday) I would definitely want to get something to eat! Could you make a video about how to order food at restaurants (if you haven't already)? Especially since I'm vegetarian, I would like to know what I'd be ordering. Thank you : )

    • @Holcee
      @Holcee Před 6 lety +2

      I agree!

    • @ashscar5686
      @ashscar5686 Před 6 lety +3

      Jaehee!! I love your profile pic

    • @cats17100
      @cats17100 Před 6 lety +4

      Omg!! Yes!! The vegetarian part! I'm a vegetarian and a small part of wanting to visit Japan scares me. Cause I've heard fruits and vegetables can be a little bit on the pricey side of things.

    • @StrangePieceOfCake
      @StrangePieceOfCake Před 6 lety +9

      If you plan in advance and research vegetarian-friendly restaurants, you should be fine. Happycow (website/app) is your friend! Fruits are pretty pricey, but cooking for yourself shouldn't be very expensive if you dare to try some japanese ingridients.
      Source: Am vegan and lived in Japan for a year :)

    • @TokyoBalletReprise
      @TokyoBalletReprise Před 6 lety +2

      Ice Trex OOF, Japan is all about that meat. I went there and there were barely any vegetables.

  • @q.b.8176
    @q.b.8176 Před 5 lety +11

    I took a 4-hour transit in Narita airport 5 years ago and got myself a bottle of green tea there. Gave the cashier US$5 and got back 4 💴 ..still keep the change until now lol~

  • @juppukun
    @juppukun Před 6 lety +2

    Very beautiful footage. Thank you. I never really got into anime and stuff like that but I always was interested in Japan's landscapes and futuristic design along with it's history and philosophies. I never had the chance to visit but I was close to once.

  • @khnz21
    @khnz21 Před 6 lety +1

    This is so detailed, I'm really impressed!

  • @Terr-E
    @Terr-E Před 6 lety +32

    6:11 Hema SIM card ! That surprised me so much ! How does a Japanese / Canadian person find a picture of a Dutch SIM card before finding a Japanese one ?

    • @kn00tcn
      @kn00tcn Před 5 lety +3

      i'm going to assume it's a royalty free photo

  • @cupcakelikes
    @cupcakelikes Před 6 lety +3

    The last time I went. Stairs at train stations were my biggest hassle especially outside of major cities or in less touristy neighborhoods. I would have either packed lighter or worked out more before hand. lol

  • @PoppyHatake
    @PoppyHatake Před 5 lety

    This is probably the most helpful video of all I've seen so far & I've seen a lot.

  • @caitlinford2304
    @caitlinford2304 Před 6 lety

    Wow finally an actually helpful video! Thanks for putting the time and effort into creating this!

  • @martinytcz1762
    @martinytcz1762 Před 4 lety +3

    I just tried Google lens on the ticket machine (pointing my phone at the monitor) and it translated it without any issues, so that is a good way of navigationg machines that are only in Japanese :)

  • @XSpImmaLion
    @XSpImmaLion Před 6 lety +9

    Awesome stuff Greg!
    Going there by the end of next month, last trip was 11 years ago. xD
    Getting through Narita and I'll be staying with other 7 family members and relatives around Narita station.
    Even though I mostly knew all of those, it's always nice to reconfirm the whole thing...
    I already got myself a JR Pocket Wi-fi, will be getting the pass later this month, and I guess everything is in check. I also got a couple of Suica cards ready.
    People also recommend having an external battery charger for your stuff, specially if you'll be relying on the phone for a whole ton of stuff... Google Translate, Maps, communication in general...
    Quite different from the last time we went... no smartphones, calls with international pay phones only, but I already used a huge laptop and Google maps to print everything and carry it around back then. xD
    I'm catching this video a bit late, but I imagine the next topic would be hotels and reservations... I did everything through Tripadvisor and Booking. I'd go for Airbnb but most of the people who are going with me are seniors, and they really wanted the conveniences of a hotel stay, so we went with that.
    Oh, I'll try subtitling your video in portuguese later today... wanna show the info for relatives. Thanks! o/

    • @LifeWhereImFrom
      @LifeWhereImFrom  Před 6 lety

      Yep, hotels and reservations will definitely be another video!

  • @PewPewSol
    @PewPewSol Před rokem

    Thanks for this 4 years this is still relevant and sent to my friends who will be first timers in japan next year.

  • @kaivalyanilkanth8025
    @kaivalyanilkanth8025 Před 6 lety +18

    Good 👌👌