Do This BEFORE Arriving in Japan!

This is what you need to know BEFORE arriving in Japan!
What you do in that first hour can set the tone for the rest of your stay.

So, it’s your first hour on the ground and you’re ready to go explore the country! But before you head out of the airport, there are several things you MUST do! You need Wi-Fi / Internet, Japanese Yen, Transportation information, train information and MORE!

Also before you arrive, there are steps you need to take to ensure an awesome Japan adventure - things like getting a Japan Rail Pass, downloading Japan travel apps, get information on Japan borders 2023, scheduling a Japan shuttle bus, and MUCH more!

This video will help you get set up quickly so you can get out and start enjoying everything Japan has to offer and do it with confidence.

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Here’s a list of helpful websites and apps that I mentioned in the video:

Japan Travel Information

Japan Rail Pass

Start aligning your sleep schedule with Japan Time

Papago Translation app

Deepl Translation app

Japan Transit Planner / Train app

Pasmo app

Suica app

Waze app

Google Translate app

Google Maps app

Japan Border Customs Website

Vaccine requirements and Border Measures:

Wi-Fi and Sim Card Services

Luggage Forwarding Services

Shuttle Bus Services

Current Exchange Rates

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
02:16 - Translation Apps
02:36 - Navigation Apps
04:45 - Airport Security and Customs
05:10 - Vaccine Requirements
06:00 - Getting Wi-Fi and Sim Cards
07:10 - Luggage Forwarding Services
08:15 - Currency Exchange
09:50 - Transportation from the airport
10:21 - Car Rental
10:31 - Getting Around by Train
10:55 - Japan Rail Passes
11:35 - Pasmo and Suica Cards
14:05 - Navigating from Airport to your First Destination
17:55 - Changing Trains
20:35 - Message from Japan to YOU!

[scottb]

For anyone who has used the Japan Rail Pass before the pandemic, it’s been drastically changed for the better. In place of the little booklet pass, it’s now the same as any reserved seat ticket and can be passed through the turnstiles instead of shown to the ticketing staff. The only issue I had was keeping it separate from other tickets since it looks the same (but with a QR code and it says Japan Rail Pass with the dates on it).

[Rockinryoko]

This far and away the best video showing what to do before and when arriving in Japan. It manages to cover everything, from someone who knows what they are talking about and without endless me-me- me waffle and promotion. Such a change from all the You-tubers and influencers who base their info on their one trip. I particularly appreciated all the footage of signages and ticket machines. So much has changed from my first trip twenty years ago. Would definitely recommend this video to first-time visitors

[fredericoespinoza]

When I went to Japan the first time. On one day I had entered a station and I was so tired from the day I just could not figure out where to go as it had structural works everywhere with not alot of signs, I asked someone and they walked with me a few minutes to exactly where I needed to go. The guy was so nice 😭😭😭 I thanked him so much

[bairdterris]

Is it just me or am I spending this whole video dancing to the music

[RitaStevenson-kqvw]

The luggage forwarding services is the best thing ever. Really makes getting around so much easier

[coreynasfell]

16:33 “When life gives you breaks, just take them.” 🔥

[cuanloader]

This play-by-play style video with actual examples is genius! Super helpful and clear, thanks so much !!

[Hi-Def]

Your video has given me a HUGE confident boost for when I go to Japan in a couple months. THANK YOU!! Amazing work you did here.

[Soul.Munchie]

love the note on when life gives you break, take it

[Marty_Mouse]

This video has a lot of great information. I feel like I have to make a comment regarding using a SIM card or pocket wifi. SIM cards are throttled and basically only give 2G speeds, whereas a pocket wifi will give you up to 5g depending on the unit. On one of my trips I had both and tested the bandwidth rates, the pocket wifi easily won. Another option is to have an international plan on your phone, but that can be expensive depending on data usage. Personally I prefer Japan Wireless and have it waiting for me at my hotel. Whether you fly into Haneda or Narita, you will have free wifi. I plan my route before I leave the airport and take screenshots of the route and already have the google maps for the area I'm staying in downloaded to my phone.

Another option for a physical Pasmo or SUICA card is to have the app loaded on your phone, although I have heard of recharging issues at some train stations, but they can easily be recharged at 7/11. One more thing, not all ATMs accept foreign debit cards, but all 7/11s have at least one ATM that does. Personally I try to make sure I have more cash than I plan for because a lot of smaller shops and restaurants still don't accept credit cards or ATM. Have fun!

[hrmtty]

My friends are coming to Japan, so I've been looking for helpful videos to send them. Will definitely be sending them this video!
Also, thank you for including the tips on train etiquette and respecting Japanese culture!
(From a foreigner living in Japan for 13 years)

[andreasbaumann]

I was 22 years old when I visited Japan (my first foreign country in 1981).
Now, more than forty years later, I want, much more, I need to visit Japan again. At that time I was in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka and other cities whose names I have long forgotten.
This video is very good for my case.
Thank you very much, Andreas.

[dangmanever]

Just want to say: Thank you for this video! I'm literally watching this 6 hours before I fly out to Japan solo!

[MidnightVibez]

One of the most sensible and helpful videos for travelling to Japan talked about the points which we need to know the most

[DUHRIZEO]

The step by step out of the airport and railway really puts the the last bit of tension I had at ease. Great video!

[NB]

My wife and I are looking forward to our first trip, we have wanted to go for 18 years. This video definitely helped with some of my anxiety about this travel. Thank you!

[ellenkoga]

Thank you for this helpful video. I checked out a few online first visits but you filled in a lot more very useful information. For a single woman traveling alone I just feel much more at ease. I know the Japanese people are friendly and helpful so I'm studying up on the etiquette because it's important. Thanks for the reminder!

[twist-]

I’m traveling to Okinawa via Japan this fall and it’s also my first international travel. You have no idea how much this video has eased my nerves! Thank you!!!

[elishamorgan]

I'm all booked and in the final planning stages of my trip to Japan. I've lived and traveled in two other foreign countries, but regardless of that experience, I cannot express how amazingly helpful this video is. Reading about it these things is great and preps you a bit, but seeing it first hand (especially since I've been to Haneda before on a layover) is invaluable. I'll be flying into Narita this time, but your summaries and video footage truly is exceptional. Thank you!

[smzig]

Thanks a lot for this. Planning a trip to Japan later this year and navigating the rail system seemed daunting. This was a big help.