Nobody tells you 50 Travel Tips for Japan First Traveler | Guide for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

When you travel in Japan, you might be confused in some cases how to behave. For example, you don't need to pay tips at restaurants or hotels because Japan does't have tipping culture. Another example is when you step a escalator, standing on the left side is unspoken rule in Tokyo.　However, when you travel in Osaka and Kyoto, you will see completely opposite (people are standing on the right side). Watch this video before coming to Japan and master Japanese culture and customs.

0:00 Opening
0:29 Preparation for First Japan Travel
2:13 Traffic & Access in Japan
Correction:
4:38 Suica and Pasmo for Travelers are No Longer Available due to its lack of semiconductors in Japan. Instead, it's a good option to use "Welcome Suica" when you travel to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. Get one at JR EAST Travel Service Center or Midori no Madoguchi. Make sure you cannot get one in Osaka or Kyoto! Get one at a measure area such as Narita airport, Tokyo sta, Shinjuku sta, around Tokyo first

6:27 FYI: There is also Uber service in Japan, but there is NO Uber service just like in the US. In other words, there is no private car in Japan. Technically speaking, if you want to be an Uber driver in Japan, you need to get permission from MLIT. Therefore, most of the drivers belong to a company.That's why, Uber service is a little different from the US!

6:39 Lifestyle in Japan
Correction:
11:59 Error) Morening → Morning

12:48 Food in Japan
16:46 Cultural Mannar in Japan
20:59 Cultural Experience in Japan
23:36 When Emergency in Japan

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Born in Japan and living in Tokyo more than 10 years.

[luckygurl]

I just got back from Tokyo & surprisingly there WAS Uber. It was comparable to prices in the US and not super expensive. The Uber cars were nice black vans & super comfortable. I also had the option to request a taxi from the Uber app. I didn’t need a Japanese phone number or SIM card. I went to Yokohama & Uber app worked there too! Really wish I would’ve known this at the beginning of the trip, but at least we figured it out at the end of the trip!

[Placebo]

Cash is king in Japan, which is a good thing and for a good reason

[jtstudio]

Thanks for the effort. Most of the tips here are quite common when I saw the title 'Nobody tells you...' in the title, I was expecting something different. Anyway, here are some advice that may be overlooked:

1. Izakaya that promote super cheap meals mostly have table charges and the staff speak barely any English. Unless you can speak Japanese well enough, you may often end up paying for food you didn't order/wrong order speaking from experience.

2. Convivence stores (Lawson, News Day, 711, Family Mart) offers a large variety of food and they are almost everywhere especially in Central Tokyo. 99% of the time, if you are a foreigner, the staff won't ask you so much questions except for the necessary ones like mentioned 'Fukuro wa irimasu ka?' (just remember fukuro which is bag) or 'Atatamette idesu ka?' (Atatamette is to warm/heat up). The stores with machines where you put in money are best ways to get rid of your coins

3. Not all trains can use IC cards, some private railways require you to buy a ticket, this is especially common beyond the Kanto region and they have their own gantries.

4. Different regions have different cultures and practices, some buses require you to the board via the back door and exit through the front, some the opposite, some only through the front door

5. Trains usually arrive and departs on time. Train network maps can be confusing, Google is your best friend and your worst enemy. It will show you up to 4 different routes, some ridiculous ones that require multiple transfers and costs more, just pick the one depending on whether time or money is important to you, it will tell you exactly what lines, what platforms and what time, match it with the signboards that tells you what time the rain is arriving and you will be fine

6. There will be music playing signaling the train is departing, pay attention

7. Multiple types of trains can run on the same track. Some stops at every station, some stops at some stations, and some stops at major stations, again follow Google timing. In some areas, local trains and express trains going different places use the same track too

8. Transport passes may not be always ideal. For example, Tokyo has two metro/subway companies, each with their own 1/2/3 days passes or you can buy both for a higher price. Chances are, your routes may require taking trains from both companies but the amount of rides may not justify the cost. Transport fees outside of Tokyo will cost a lot more (I spent 3, 000 yen a day just visiting one location)

9. Please try not to walk and eat at the same time, it is not illegal, but people will stare at you. Also, carry a plastic bag with you at all times to keep your trash when out on the streets

10. Kakiage like tempura have sauces to dip. Do not double dip!

Here are some Japanese words that can help you:
Daijoubu - It means alright/fine, also means it's okay (meaning you dont need something)(name of place) Doyatte ikimasu ka? (How to go ____?)
Tennai de - Dine in. / Mochikaeru - Takeaway
kin'en - Non smoking / Kitsuen - Smoking

[MegLog_JAPAN]

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[raydomenech]

Excellent video, downloaded the Japan Travel app, has a lot of great features. Going to Japan in two wks,

[MegLog_JAPAN]

If you have any questions or your ideas, please give me a comment below!

[bjamesm]

Thanks for the great video! I will be there in June to see the Fireflies! The video is very helpful!

[tlsvlog]

Thank you . Your information is very helpful. I will be coming to Japan in Japan

[johnmckeown]

Thank you so much for all these tips great to have them all at one time and very helpful for our upcoming first trip to Japan 😊

[KevinAndCatTravel]

Very helpful and great video fans from Canada :)

[bgsvitha]

It was very very informative.👌
Thankyou for making this video🙏☺️

[IndigobluBeauty]

Just got back from Tokyo 2 weeks ago and this is spot on! Excellent video 💜

[barbarahallowell]

😊 thank you, the was very informative and useful. I appreciate what you have shared.

[ikuike]

it is very useful and enjoyable for even japanese.
thanks anytime !!

[christopherking]

Hi where coming to Japan in March. Your video is very good. Chris and Kitty from Liverpool England . Hope to see you in March.

[sharonv]

May I know the name of the eco bag that you showed in the video and the place where I can buy it? Planning to visit Japan soon! Thank you for this video!

[man-gaming]

18:37 English CC subs says "Lift your ball when eating". Mmm... okay... i guess so?🤣
Great video btw. Heading to Japan end of the year, and your tips will definitely helps

[bernadettegalit]

Hoping you can also cover other prefecture like Osaka, Kyoto etc.

[MarkPuke]

Beautiful video and new subscriber here!! Watching from guam!!! Thanks for the tips

[swampking]

I don't have the means to travel to Japan but your video was fun and interesting to watch. Thank you