See what people
are saying.

How much money do we need for a trip of 2 weeks, mid-hotels and other stuffs

Im thinking of going back to Kyoto last week of june and first week of july but still afraid of rain. Should i go ?

Does anyone know what washi studio this is in Kyoto to make a Goshuincho?

Hi! The shop is 102 by Ichimaruni on Google Maps 🤍

For the goshuincho/goshuin, I'd say the mistake is when people get into it but treat it as a stamp rally instead of respecting its sacredness.

I love that Kara and Nate went to Nara!

Osaka is where my cousin & his wife met in Japan in the navy. it looked so cool when they were there! I hope to go one day

You skipped the Disneyland, I waited for it.

Japanese citizens are just as frustrated, as cleanliness, quietness and public safety have been jeopardized by foreigners.

@japanguidethank you so much , I have always wanted to see your beautiful country , and am wanting to be a respectful tourist always

That rose garden shot at the start is gorgeous. Adding Osaka to my travel list!

Hi! Watching your Japan videos again for my upcoming trip! What was the name of the bag store (with the slouchy bags) in Nakazakicho?

​@japanguidethank you for the response! This will be our first time in Japan. We are doing the reverse Golden Route as of now. Osaka, Kyoto, then Tokyo. Goal is to go to Hiroshima and Himeji Castle in the early part of the trip. We are very open to ideas for most things though. As far as timing, probably the middle 2 weeks of March. I know its touristy and expensive, but we are definitely doing Disney Seas at one point.

March is generally a pleasant time to go. Details depend on which regions of Japan you plan to visit, with what expectations you go and during what part of March. Generally speaking: the second half of March is very busy, and in late March you may be able to spots some of the first cherry blossoms. Landscapes are generally still barren. Snow is encountered in northern Japan and higher elevations. - Stefan

Here's a mistake I made on my current trip: if you are taking the Shinkansen, you need both the Shinkansen fare AND the regular fare. The easiest thing to do is to create an account on SmartEX and buy your tickets online and link your Suica/ICOCA/IC card of choice to your account and then assign your tickets to the card(s). That way, when you go to the Shinkansen station all you have to do is tap your IC card and be on your way. Otherwise it can be a bit confusing trying to buy your tickets yourself at the ticket booth.

I like your videos but i wish you included the names of the places youve been to. The other video i watched before this one was when you were in dotonbori and you had a woman tour guide. You went to alley but didnt say how you go there or whats the name of the place

"102 by Ichimaruni" on Google Maps 🤍 Hope she likes it! 😊

May I know the name of the bag shop at Nakazakicho please ? Will be surprising my wife with one :) @RalphSam Thank you!

Iphone users (and owners of new Samsung users from sometimes in early 2027) can use digital versions of IC cards in their phone wallets. Physical cards can be purchased at ticket machines at railway stations in cities across Japan. More details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-Lz88WOHK8 - Stefan

Hi there, please don’t spit back into the communal water. There is a drain surrounding the basin above which you wash your hands and your mouth. The angle I filmed it from wasn’t clear enough 😅

I don't think you should necessarily avoid it. There are some pros and cons for most seasons. Furthermore, it depends heavily on where in Japan you are planning to go and for what activities. Late December and early January are a very busy domestic travel season. Transportation and tourist spots are crowded and accommodations can be more expensive. But the time of the year also comes with very sunny weather along the Pacific Coast and wonderful New Year-related traditions. It is also good timing for winter sports. - Stefan

I have to try Pokémon cafe 😅😂❤

102 by Ichimaruni on Google Maps! ✌🏼

Hello! Great video! Canadian traveler in Osaka now. Forgive me if someone asked already, but where was the store that you regretted not buying a slouchy hand bag from? 👀 Thank you! 😊

I will be visiting Japan next week please will I be safe there

FYI there is a Krispy Kreme in Shibuya

Oh yeah...I tried to avoid any rush-hour, it's completely unable to move, don't even mention the luggage. Glad to know you enjoy the trip!

Can someone help me should I book flight tickets before or just show flight itinerary for evisa application For tourist

Thank you for the reminder to enjoy our trip. I am planning an itinerary now and it frankly is sucking the enthusiasm right out of me. I remember other vacations in the past and most memorable moments were really just the simple ones -- eating a great meal at an unassuming restaurant, sitting by a river watching the birds, or watching the sunset out of my hotel window. So it is good to remember that we don't have to maximize every moment or avoiding making a mistake.

@JPN850R Japan has been a unique experience , have never experienced such a polite country , have engaged with many locals and learning local customs , when I leave a little piece of Japan will stay in my heart , hoping I can help some Japanese tourists if they ever visit Australia

For some Japanese citizens, visiting AUS is their lifetime dream...... The media and polliticians often seem to want to widen the gap between Japan & AUS (sponsored by China?), but I myself have positive impressions towards AUS. I feel sorry for the current Prime Minister though (Albanese).....the melons Prime Minister Takaichi has given to Tony Albanese were actually top-end produce that most Japanese citizens can no way afford.....llike over US $100/ea. I hope you have a memorable visit.

Foreigners are actually given A LOT better deal; you just didn't do your homework. The program, BTW, is supported by Japanese taxpayers' money. Grab a Suica and you're set except for very rural regions where cash is the only option. The admin is right. I never used a CC on public transportation nor have I seen anyone using it.

@JPN850R I'm considering making it an annual vacation. This year I'm considering a travel route from Kobe through Awajishima and around the north rim of Shikoku to Matsuyama. Japan is pretty much the last country with the ideal ratio of interesting sights to cost to safety, and the regional diversity means you can get a bit of everything there.

If you are the kind of person who sits on the bare floor at an airport, Japan is not for you. If you have no self-discipline, respect to others or plain simple common sense, I suggest that you go to Europe or other countries in Asia. Japan is not an amusement park; citizens work & live there. If there are things you wouldn't dare do in your homeland, DON'T DO those things in Japan either.

Thank you so much, you took words right out of my mouth but that is exactly what the majority of foreign tourists in Japan are missing. As a verdict, more than half of Japanese citizens are fed up with foreign tourists. Residents in Kyoto and other major cities even complain that they have extreme difficulty getting to work because their public transportations are infested with foreign tourists.

You have made a very smart move. Following the mainstream route (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) is the dumbest move. Kyushu has A LOT to offer (Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Nagasaki....Kumamoto is down at the moment). I hope you visit again.

Before you welcome foreign tourists without thinking, remember that more than half of Japanese citizens have had ENOUGH of foreign tourists trashing & destroying Japan's cleanliness, quietness and public safety.

This is so helpful for first-timers! I love how you break down the seasonal stuff—planning around the weather makes such a difference. Can’t wait to finally visit in 2026! 🗾

Wow, I can't believe the time suggested to visit Japan. Too many stressors with transportation, payment, and crowds. Maybe a Japan cruise reduces the complications.

What an amazing video! Thank you so much. It helped us a lot. We will travel next year with all your tips! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Am from Australia and visiting Japan soon , this has been my lifetime dream to see this beautiful country

when i was stationed in Okinawa like 10 years ago i felt so lost lol even tho we got classes and stuff on how to get around the areas

Our first time in Japan, my wife and I had to get from Haneda airport to our hotel in Shinjuku during the evening rush-hour. I will never forget the experience of being on the train and every stop more and more people crammed in. I kept thinking surely they wont allow any more people in this car, but they never stopped. And the almost complete silence of that train despite having who knows how many people on it all crushed together was culture shock. Then navigating through Shinjuku station was insanity. We fell in love with Japan. Thats where I proposed to her. We spent about 4 weeks in the country and every day felt like we were children again learning how to do everything from scratch in that foreign culture. Beautiful, surreal, majestic.

Its hypothesized that the lack of public trash cans goes back to a domestic terror attack that happened in Tokyo in 1995 when a cult released Sarin that injured and killed a large number of people. They used trashcans to disperse the chemical agent. Since then more and more trashcans were removed. Could be lots of other reasons though i suppose

I go from March 3 - 20, is that a good period?

What is the thing about not having waste bins for ppl to put thier trash when your outside? I live in Sweden and we have bins everywhere and still one of the cleanest countries of the world.

You can probably find everything on Google. For the basics, see our Ogasawara guide: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e8200.html Hope you catch plenty! - Stefan

I want to go in October

I want to go fishing in Ogasawara. Anything in particular I may not see on Google to be aware of? Fantastic video

To all foreigners😉 Please come and visit Yoron Island in Japan😁 https://youtu.be/5MnVakBk850?si=EecpuW5qi6OwL_Uq

I visited Japan about three months ago and it’s fun watching these videos after having been there already. Gotta stay informed for when I go back though!

The one tip that I would recommend for your channel is to talk about weather temps (high's and low's" for each season or month, so we know how to pack for weather conditions. We are traveling in September and your tip was not helpful at all so now I will have to look elsewhere to know how to pack.

Thanks for tour video! Quick question, can you recommend me the best neighborhood to stay?

You skipped both of what I want to do...3 weeks in March..No mention of either 🤣

Booked a trip a week ago for 18 days and now I need to find what to do its my first time. I leave in 6 days 😩 I wanted to hike Mnt. Fuji but seeing how it looks in August tells me its better to look at it from afar during the winter season.

エヴァンさんへ こんにちは(konnichiwa)が正しいです。 でも心配は要りません。マナーとルールを守ってくれれば言葉は大きな問題ではないでしょう、多くの日本人はあなたを歓迎し手助けするでしょう。

The Japanese countryside in autumn is home to lots of relatively large but harmless spiders living among the shrubs. So, if you suffer from severe arachnophobia and plan to visit the countryside, this may not be the best time. Spiders are much harder to come across in the cities. - Stefan

I have severe arachnophobia and heard that autumn is spider season. Is this true? Wanted to go late October. Should I instead go in may after the golden week?

Is Tsushima worth visiting?

This video helps a lot, im going to Japan for the first time next year in november 20 days, it's going to be an adventure

Of course, you are right that this makes only sense if you are able to get a well priced open-jaw round trip through a single airline (they often cost the same as regular round trips) or use a low-cost carrier (such as Zipair, Jetstar, Scoot and AirAsia) which sells one-way flights. - Stefan

3:45 This open jaw flight plan is very cost inefficient. It is genuinely way cheaper to not only do a round flight but also just have a Shinkansen take you back to the airport. One way International flights are super expensive compared to just doing a round trip and spending a little bit of money on a Shinkansen if you are in a different area.

I plan on being in Sapporo and Otaru, Hokkaido for the first leg during February (snow festivals) and spending the rest of the week in/near Tokyo for shopping/sightseeing.

If you want to experience Japanese tradition and beautiful scenery away from the hustle and bustle of a large city like Tokyo, Nagoya, or Osaka, I highly recommend regional cities like Okayama and Kanazawa.

I've been to Japan three times but this video made me feel like my next visit to Japan will be my first time. Very helpful video.

Planning my first trip to Japan, and I feel much better about keeping my trip to just Tokyo (since I only have a week for my visit). Thank you for the tips!

I did my first trip to the country this year and bypassed the middle of the Golden Route, going straight to Hiroshima on day 2, and spent most of the vacation going around the north rim of Kyushu from Nagasaki to Oita-Beppu. Doing this in January after the holiday rush was highly affordable and gave me a trip with perfect weather for long walks, with autumnal temperatures and no precipitation. If you're more interested in human culture than flowers, it's an ideal time to go since there wasn't a lot of greenery to see.

Next video for seccond trip japan 🇯🇵

Carrying your trash around is extremely annoying. Get trash bins for crying out loud! And for first-timers, don't try to do everything 24h/24h: okay for sucking up the vibes in Shibuya, but chilling in a park is very nice too. Lastly, bring your most comfy sneakers (don't buy new shoes right before your trip), you're going to do a lot, a lot of walking.

You would have to had to travel to places like central, eastern or northern Hokkaido in order to see the blossoms around May 2 this year. Today, May 8, they are at full bloom in cities like Kushiro, Abashiri and Wakkanai. - Stefan

We're here May 2st, no any cherry blossom.

What’s good Matt (my middle name). I’m going for the first time for 2 weeks starting 5/15. I can’t wait & am finally diving into all of these videos. Best of luck gang

.. as I will go to Tokyo next holiday, this video is super informative 👍 thanks so much for sharing 🧡

12:02 There's garbage bins in every 7/11 or FamilyMart stores right?

東北は避けたほうがいいよ。熊が出るから登山は厳禁だ⚠️

we booked for june then had a look at changing our dates to november, the prices in november were absolutely shocking lol

Yay! Congrats for having the courage to go on a 16 day trip on your own! Don't worry, I'm sure your trip will go perfectly fine. Don't hesitate to check our website if you need more information and tips: http://japan-guide.com Have a lovely trip! - Charly

Just said screw it and bought myself a ticket finally. Going for around 16 days (after travel time) and I'm gonna fly into Osaka and spend most my trip on that side visiting areas around then heading to Tokyo for my last 3-4 days to leave from Narita. It's my first time out of the country and solo trip so I'm extremely nervous. I'm flying from Miami FL

It happens to us in Nagano. They ask for cash on the bus and not Suica

Although the yen is still weak, prices are rising. But remember, a cheaper price is round the corner, or a phone call away. One tip, no rainy season in Hokkaido. Try the Japan Alps if the summer heat is melting you. And car rental is cheap but the conditions (International Driving Permit) can be an issue unless you have a Japanese who can front for you. Jack the Japan Alps Brit

It is not true that most trains accept credit cards! Not even half! In particular, JR trains do not accept tap-and-pay, and they are often the most useful or even only choice for getting around. In Kyoto, you could barely get anywhere with a credit card (not accepted on JR, subway, buses and Keihan) and would have to pay with cash, instead. The situation in Tokyo is a bit better, but you could still not use the most useful Yamanote Line and other JR Lines and Keisei and the Tokyo Monorail. Only in Osaka and Fukuoka you can get around relatively conveniently by non-JR trains, because the subway gets you to most places. Transportation in other cities, like Hiroshima, do not accept credit cards, at all. An IC card, on the other hand, let's you pay virtually all trains and buses in all cities of Japan, as well as many trains outside the cities. Much more convenient than buying paper tickets with cash! I myself would not use "Welcome Suica", though, the tourist version, whose balance expires after a certain period. I recommend to use regular IC cards, such as regular Suica or Icoca, whose balances don't expire. It is also easier than ever to get rid of one's remaining IC card balance, because IC cards can be used to pay at a huge number of shops, restaurants and tourist spots these days. Even better if you can get an IC card for your Iphone. - Stefan

IC cards are just a way for companies to make money off of tourists who either forget or are too lazy to get their unused money back. Honestly a real scammy part of the country and I dont know why all these people push them in every video. Most trains just take credit and debit card tap to pay dont listen to these people who are paid advertisers of these pointless pay methods

only doing three nights before Thailand, still think ill enjoy it going to just stick to Tokyo

This page introduces some recommended websites for looking up routes: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2323.html - Stefan

It's a good video but... the title isn't really accurate. It doesn't explain how to plan it, like write this down and look for plane tickets this way and focus on this and that in this order. Japan Transit Planner is gone or doesn't exist in Europea/Sweden! That would be some bullshit... You should also have an offline dictionary, best one I know is just called "Japanese" by Renzo.

Going to Japan and ever expecting to not need cash is crazy...

japan travel planner app : how do I know if I’ve gotten the right one because there’s more than one in the App Store

You can send your luggage to/from airports, convenience stores, hotels, service centers and private homes. This means you can send from your hotel to another hotel. Here is a little bit more information, in case you need it: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html Hope this helps! - Charly

Is the luggage delivery service send your luggage between hotels? So if you use the delivery service of one hotel, it will it be sent to another hotel?

getting this recommended soon to my first time being in japan gets me more and more excited

@Sara-vd2sv いやいや、夏よりも秋か春のほうがいいでしょ。気候も丁度いいし、春は桜、秋は紅葉あるし。冬なんてスキーしないなら日本に来ても何もできんよ。山は閉山しているので登山もできないないし。

あんまおすすめしない。理由は梅雨で雨が多い上に暑くて湿度も高いから外で過ごしづらい。

Going to Japan 🇯🇵 is one of my major goals

Many regions of Japan will see the rainy season during that time, but with the right attitude it can still be great. Some basics about the rainy season can be found here: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html - Stefan

Im traveling to Japan 25 june to 9 july, thats not bad? Or am i cooked?

Can you sent me iteranery please .im 62

見ていて面白かったです！夏は東京駅や新宿の長い地下を歩くのも楽しいですよ！夏は日本人は日傘を使用しています！夏は海や川が楽しいので楽しみたい季節に日本に来てください！🥰店によって味が違う食べ物をわかるようになったらあなたも日本人です！

There is a few special same-day delivery services offered at resort hotels. You can find details here: https://faq-en.tokyodisneyresort.jp/answer/683f07a2b6a5e9c780b1c4be/ But if you use the regular delivery services, the delivery would be on the next day. - Stefan

So any idea how long it would take you to have your luggage get to you if you were in Tokyo proper and wanted to send them to Disneyland? Or even from the Tokyo bay to a Disneyland hotel?

Thank you for the wonderful video. I hope foreign visitors to Japan will be mindful of their manners. Just yesterday, adults were making a lot of noise at Shibuya Scramble Crossing while carrying children on their shoulders.

2-3 hours sounds excessive. Are you refering to lining up at check-in counters (which varies by airline)? Typical queing times for security checks are 0-30 minutes. The same applies for immigration. - Stefan

3:45 why would you recommend flying off from osaka? kansai airport has notorious queueing time of 2-3 hours before departing. The other way round makes more sense.

That was an excellent video. Thank you for sharing. My partner and I want for 10days last year in mid May. It was the best trip. The weather was amazing. We did Kyoto, Nara and Osaka and Tokyo. We are planning for 2027 to do another trip. Legit I left my heart there lol. It was a bucket list trip and I am so thankful. Have the team ever explored Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato?

I flight to Osaka, Kyoto and ending in Tokyo from 5/13-5/27 for the first time. Any tips please?

Did a late nov/early dec trip a few years ago. Mostly golden route but we also went to Touhoku (Sendai) to see Matsushima Bay (one of the best days of the trip honestly) and later the Zao fox village. Definitely recommend spreading your wings and going off the beaten path!

These shots are from a town called Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture 😊 We have a video about the town coming out in the next couple of months! - Aimee

Hi! We actually have a 30 day itinerary on our website that we call The Great Traverse of Japan. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2400_traverse.html This itinerary is appropriate if you are OK with fast pace travel though! Hope this helps! - Charly

Hey. Thanks for this amazing video. We have hotels, flights and bullet trains booked, we are looking for a travel planner to arrange and book everything else for us. Is that something that you do?

can share with me what is your suggestion for a 30days Japan? Thanks

Thank you! My wife and I are worried now with the recent anti-immigration and anti-tourist rhetoric coming from Japan. We are a mid-age couple and not content creators. We will just keep quiet and to ourselves and mind our manners.

I would include Hokkaido. Hokkaido isn’t affected by the rainy season, and it is cooler. And, mosquitoes are active from Jun. thru Sep. during the hot and humid season.

Just be aware it'll be extremely humid (Jun. ~ Sep.). Actually winter is better than summer. The weather is typically dry in the Tokyo and Osaka areas (Nov.~Feb.), and there's a high chance of being able to see Mt. Fuji during this time.

sending luggage is such a great service. I had a bag sent from Osaka to Okinawa. It took two days but it was much nicer to get on a plane with just a carry-on.

Any body else going around June17th?

Japan Airline had offered a deal in 2025 where if you flew internationally on JAL, they comp the domestic connection.

i'm planning late july-early august .. did i pick bad times 😭

Do you accept services like tour guide in Tokyo japan

Mosquitoes are most prevalent when temperatures are around 25-30 degrees, which is actually a temperature often encountered in June. Naturally, you will find more of them out in the nature than in the cities, although I was once attacked badly while waiting in front of Tokyo Dome. They can also be pretty bad in my garden, but I rarely encounter them elsewhere on my travels in Japan. There is a wide array of repellents available in Japan, but they can be difficult to understand if you don't read Japanese. - Stefan

There are no exact definitions. I would call any suitcase "large" that cannot be brought on board of a plane (i.e. larger than carry-on luggage). And "oversized" if the suitcase's three dimensions add up to more than 160 cm (this is an actual definition used by some bullet train companies). Just as a rule of thumb. - Stefan

What is exactly a big suitcase?

do more coverage on Tohoku region

Thank you so much! I just booked the airlines and starting to sort through places to visit. We don’t like a packed itinerary but enjoy culture, nature, and both big and small environments. We won’t do the Disney or experiences like that looking for more authentic experiences. How are the mosquitoes in June? My family member has an aversion to them and bees so we will be aware. Would you use Japanese repellent or one from home? Thank you.

I recommend to pick your destinations primarily based on personal preferences. What places and what activities are your family members interested in? There is a huge difference in attractions between the Golden Route and Hokkaido. Your stay falls into the rainy season period, which means that there is a higher chance of rain than average and a relatively lower chance for rain in Hokkaido, but I personally would still not give the weather a higher priority than your interests. - Stefan

It is the rainy season, during which it usually rains a bit more often than average. I would reserve indoor attractions for particularly wet days and think a bit about rain protection. Here are some more basics about the rainy season: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html - Stefan

It sounds to me you downloaded the app rather than added a card to your wallet. Could that be? This is Apple's guide to using a Suica on an Iphone. I hope it willl make things clearer: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120474 - Stefan

Hello. I like your channel. Out family of five-three teens included will be in Japan first time. We will be there June10-26. With these dates, would you stay the Golden Route with day trips or fly to Hokkaido for a portion towards the end? 15 full travel days. We fly in and depart from Tokyo. Thank you!!

Just came back from a15 day Japan trip and so many things that he said are to the point . WOW.

Indeed. I'd also recommend carrying a couple of 100 Yen coins.

​@japanguidevery much! One week was a good choice, given the fact the island has a lot to offer, but it relatively small in size. Could have easily stayed longer though.

just found your channel, I have a trip planned for next month. I downloaded the sucia card, and it’s in Japanese. I have not figured out how to translate it..any tips? what am I missing?

I’m going to Tokyo, Kyoto and ending in Osaka from June 25th to July 6th any tips?

I think the Suica you are referring to is the Welcome Suica card, available to foreign tourists. That one expires after 4 weeks, and its app version after 180 days. We have more information on IC cards here: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html Hope this helps! - Charly

That's a good tip! I've stayed at a few manga cafes back in the day 😁 - Charly

Usually to my friends and family I recommend at least 1 night in Hiroshima. Arrive in the morning, enjoy the sights in Hiroshima City on Day 1, and on Day 2 visit Miyajima early. But, if you want to stick only to Hiroshima City, you could do it as day trip, we have a suggested itinerary for a half day here: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3409_hiroshima_half.html You would have to start from Hiroshima Station though, not Miyajima 😊 Hope this helps! - Charly

I hope you will be able to come to Japan this fall! If you do, I also hope you will get to see some nice autumn colors 😊 In the meantime, have a nice trip to Hawaii✈️ - Charly

I don't think it is bad, there are definitely pros and cons to traveling to Japan during Christmas/New Years. We actually have a detailed page on "Visiting Japan during New Year": https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2276.html Hope this helps! - Charly

she do video about going to Okinawa for scuba

I prefer staying at manga cafe than capsule hotel if I'm really trying to save money. too many bad experiences with sound at the capsule hotels, but they're pretty cool ngl.

is late december for 2 weeks that bad since it would overlap with christmas/new years?

We are planning a potential 2 week trip. Flying in to Osaka, and flying out from Tokyo. Would you recommend doing Osaka - Kyoto - Tokyo (this is what we are currently looking for + some day trips), or would we want to squish in Hiroshima from Osaka as a day trip?

I like your Video, it´s the only one thats not build on personal preferences. Great informations. But i wish some people tell a bit more about the local Railpasses, like JR West. They are so affordable and great when you do Daytrips. Like Osaka as a homebase and do trips do different Cities like Hiroshima or even Fukuoka

I might go visit Japan in fall this year. We were supposed to go visit Japan in March because my older sister wants go to see Bad Bunny in concert but we have to wait for saving money first. I hope we will go visit Japan in fall season this year. I'm going to visit Hawaii in April since 10 years ago that I first visited Hawaii in April 2016.

​@japanguidereally? I always thought the suica you bought at the airport would expire after like a couple months same with pasmo. Which you can't buy anymore

All ten cards types, including Suica, Icoca, Pasmo, Toica, etc. become invalid if you do not use them for ten years. But they remain valid if you keep using them. It is nothing particular to Icoca. - Stefan

Traveling to Japan Quick tips to make your trip easier: Money & Transport Get an IC card first. Suica or ICOCA works nationwide for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. Just tap—no tickets needed. Cashless Payment You only need PayPay. It’s the most widely used QR payment in Japan. Travelers should charge it with cash at 7-Eleven or Lawson ATMs. Overseas credit cards often don’t work. PayPay is optional but convenient. Cash Some small shops and rural areas are cash-only. Carry some yen. Convenience Stores Japanese convenience stores sell meals, hot food, coffee, toiletries, medicine, socks, and have ATMs that accept foreign cards. Open 24/7. Where to Stay For first-time visitors, business hotels are the safest choice: clean, affordable, 24-hour front desk. Examples: APA Hotel, Super Hotel, Toyoko Inn. Airbnb is fine for groups or long stays, but check location and check-in carefully. Best setup: Suica or ICOCA + credit card + some cash (+ PayPay if available) Let's enjoy cheap JPY😃

I feel like there is one big advantage of a ICOCA compared to the rest. It's like valid for like 5 to 10 years if you don't use it. But if you keep using that card it doesn't expire. So that way you don't have to buy a new card each time.

I’d say if you want the least crowds but not too cold, try late Feb. it’s still very crowded tho but the least of the year without the problem of freezing cold.

I think carrying a few ¥1,000 notes for emergencies would be better than a ¥10,000 note. I once boarded a bus in Nagano thinking they would accept IC or credit cards but they only accepted cash and I only had a ¥10,000 note with me which the change machine would not accept. Fortunately, an elderly couple came to my rescue and helped break my note.

@japanguide It was really nice, the host brought us around the area and showed us around his farm. Made kiritanpo together with them which I am still craving for 🤤just unfortunate that we couldn't stay longer as it started raining heavily so we had to leave early in the morning.. Farmstay Sakakoshimai is the place we stayed at oh and another one is Furusawan Onsen (a guesthouse) that we stayed in purely coz we wanted to see the Akita dogs 😅

Nice!! How was the stay at the farmhouse? It's on my personal bucket list. - Charly

That sounds like you had a great trip! Did you enjoy Ishigaki? - Charly

Thank you for your nice comment! I agree, two weeks is definitely the sweet spot to aim for. - Charly

I want to go to Japan so badly! 😭

Thank you for that video. A few things: - Japan Transit Planner is for me only in an Asien language available. It doesn't seem to be Japanese though. When I try to swith the language in iOS to English, it doesnt change the app at all. Is there any trick/advice? - I think a Pocket Wifi only makes sense when your group stays together. Should you split up at any point of the travel, it becomes useless. - I used your calculator for the JR Pass, and it was great. THANK YOU. ❤ - If you use credit card in stores, keep in mind, that not all stores accept to pay with your smart phone (like google or Apple), even if they accept credit card. So you should have a real credit card with you for these cases. - Another good app / website to find restauants is "Tabelog". I heard it is the one that locals use instead of google. (However the rating seems to be different. a 3.5 is quite good, as Japanese guests seem to be more picky) Everyone who goes for the first time. Have fun. I just came back and would go again right away. 😊

観光名所がいっぱいあるので出来れば西に行ってください(*･ω･)*_ _)ﾍﾟｺﾘ東北はつまんないですよ、オススメしません。但し、日本の歴史に興味ある人には興味深い物が多いです、特に戦国期の有名な甲冑武具類が結構有ります。特に仙台、米沢、酒田、青森に多いです By東北人

Having travelled to Japan numerous times and having lived there for years on two separate occasions, my biggest tip to first timers is be respectful and obey the local laws. You can literally just google how to behave in xxx for wherever you go. Rubbish, smoking, selfie sticks, the correct side of the escalator etc. Do your research before embarrassing yourself and insulting the locals.

Just came back from sixth trip. Ishigaki, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Osaka and Tokyo from mid December to mid January. I very much prefer autumn and winter. If your first trip is over two weeks, try to squeeze something like Matsumoto, Okayama or Kanazawa.

had a 3 week trip last year and spent mostly around tohoku and hokkaido region.. avoided all major tourist places, went to an onsen town that is pretty much abandoned, visited plenty of the countryside, stayed in a farmhouse and participated in a few bon odori.. only spent last night at kyoto to be near our airport at osaka.. among all the places visited, we hated kyoto the most.. holy @!$# the amount of tourists there is too much... if you've never been to tokyo/ kyoto/ osaka.. sure go there once and experience it but I suggest just try and go out onto the countryside, heck any other cities than those golden route.. afraid to go too far out? fine then go north of Kyoto to the seaside town like Ine.. Planning for another trip this year but to shikoku and fukuoka area this time.. 😊

Great video! I have been to Tokyo twice now, and personally feel that two weeks is the minimum for visiting - especially if your travel is 12 hours plus. I rather like going in February-March time, as it is generally cheaper to travel then and the climate is similar to the UK. Almost time to go again :)

Fukuoka definitely is a gem! - Charly

Thank you for your really nice comment! We will have some videos in the near future that feature Shikoku. Stay tuned for those! - Charly

I was able to visit Japan twice last year. My first trip was late-April, my second trip was the first half of December. On my second trip I focused on Fukuoka. I think Fukuoka is a gem that doesn't get as many mentions. It's a big city with a much more relaxed vibe, and the airport is about as convenient as you could possibly get, as well as Hakata Station.

Awesome video and I love your site... it's my inspiration for past and future trips to Japan 😊 would be great if you could cover some more of Shikoku 👍