19 MISTAKES Tourists Always Make in Japan You Can Avoid

Allison in Tokyo
31 Aug 202414:00

Summary

TLDRThis video offers invaluable travel tips for tourists visiting Japan, highlighting common mistakes to avoid. Key advice includes timing your visit to miss peak heat and holidays, dressing appropriately, wearing comfortable shoes due to extensive walking, and avoiding large groups for easier navigation. It also stresses the importance of advance ticket bookings for popular attractions, allowing rest time, and being mindful of hotel room sizes. The video reassures viewers that language barriers are manageable and suggests using a VPN for accessing geo-restricted content. Lastly, it advises on meal planning, accommodating dietary restrictions, and embracing spontaneity in travel planning for a more authentic experience.

Takeaways

  • β˜€οΈ Avoid traveling to Japan during the hot and humid summer months (July and August) or major holidays, as it can lead to uncomfortable experiences.
  • πŸ‘Ÿ Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Japan involves a lot of walking and stairs, and you’ll often need to remove shoes in traditional settings.
  • 🎟️ Book tickets for popular attractions like TeamLab and Ghibli Museum in advance, as they sell out quickly.
  • 😴 Don’t overbook your itinerary. Ensure you schedule enough rest time between activities to avoid burnout.
  • 🏨 Be prepared for small hotel rooms and beds, especially in Tokyo, which might feel cramped if you have a lot of luggage.
  • πŸ—£οΈ Don’t worry too much about the language barrier. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, though learning some basic Japanese can help.
  • πŸ‘₯ Traveling in large groups can be difficult due to Japan's smaller family-focused infrastructure. Making reservations for larger parties is recommended.
  • 🌐 Bring a VPN for accessing geoblocked content and ensure internet safety while using public Wi-Fi.
  • πŸš† Plan public transportation in advance, especially if traveling to rural areas where trains and buses may be infrequent.
  • πŸ›¬ Consider the timing of your flight arrivals and departures, as trains in Japan stop running from midnight to 5 a.m., which may impact your transportation plans.

Q & A

  • What is the first mistake tourists often make when visiting Japan according to the script?

    -The first mistake is visiting Japan at the wrong time, especially during the hot and humid summer months of July and August, or during Japanese holidays when domestic tourists crowd popular spots.

  • Why is it recommended not to wear athleisure or leggings when visiting Japan?

    -Japanese people in cities dress well, and wearing athleisure or leggings can make you stand out. It's advised to dress appropriately and avoid overly casual attire unless it's for specific activities like hiking.

  • What type of footwear is not recommended for traveling in Japan?

    -Dock shoes are not recommended because Japan has many stairs and traditional places where shoes need to be removed. Comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and take off are advised.

  • Why is it important to book tickets for activities like teamLab and the Ghibli Museum in advance?

    -These activities are popular and can sell out quickly, so booking in advance ensures you can secure a spot and avoid disappointment.

  • What is a common mistake made when planning a daily schedule for a trip to Japan?

    -Over-scheduling without enough rest time can lead to exhaustion. It's important to leave some downtime and not plan back-to-back activities without breaks.

  • Why might hotel rooms in Tokyo be a surprise for some tourists?

    -Hotel rooms in Tokyo can be very small, especially for those coming from countries with larger accommodations. It's important to be aware of the size and plan accordingly.

  • How can the language gap be managed for English speakers visiting Japan?

    -While learning basic Japanese can be helpful, many people in tourist areas speak enough English to communicate. Additionally, many products and signs have English translations, so it's manageable.

  • Why is it challenging to travel in Japan with a large group?

    -Japan is catered to small groups and families, so larger groups may find it difficult to get into restaurants without reservations and to coordinate activities for everyone.

  • What is the benefit of using a VPN like NordVPN while traveling in Japan?

    -A VPN helps bypass geo-restrictions on content, allowing access to shows and services that might be blocked in Japan, and also ensures safe internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

  • Why is it crucial to plan public transportation carefully when traveling outside of major Japanese cities?

    -Buses and trains in rural areas are not as frequent, with some only running once every few hours. Planning each leg of the trip in advance prevents getting stranded.

  • What should be considered regarding flight arrival or departure times in relation to train schedules in Japan?

    -Trains in Japan stop running between midnight and 5:00 a.m., so it's important to consider potential flight delays or customs wait times to ensure you can reach your destination or accommodation.

Outlines

00:00

🌞 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Japan

The speaker discusses common mistakes made by tourists in Japan and how they can easily be avoided. The first mistake is visiting Japan during the wrong time of the year, especially in the hot and humid summer months like July and August. Additionally, coming during Japanese holidays, when domestic tourists crowd popular spots, should be avoided. The importance of dressing appropriately is emphasized, with a focus on avoiding athleisure in cities and wearing comfortable shoes due to Japan's high volume of walking and stairs. The speaker also advises bringing socks for certain venues, such as shrines, where shoes need to be removed.

05:02

🎫 Booking Tickets and Scheduling Breaks

The speaker addresses the importance of booking tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Ghibli Museum and TeamLab. They also stress the need to factor in rest time during travel itineraries, warning against overloading the schedule with back-to-back reservations. Too much traveling, such as visiting multiple cities within a short timeframe, can be exhausting. Tourists are encouraged to plan chill days after busy ones and to be aware of how small hotel rooms and beds can be in Japan, particularly for American travelers used to larger accommodations.

10:04

πŸ’¬ Language and Group Travel Considerations

The speaker reassures that tourists who speak English should be fine, as many people in tourist areas speak enough English to communicate. However, learning basic Japanese is still beneficial. They also caution against traveling in large groups, as Japan's infrastructure and services cater to smaller groups, making it harder to secure restaurant reservations and hotel accommodations. It's suggested that larger groups split up based on individual interests during the trip to avoid conflicts.

πŸ” Bring a VPN for Content Access and Security

The speaker promotes the use of a VPN, specifically NordVPN, to access geoblocked content while in Japan. For instance, Crunchyroll, an anime streaming site, is blocked in Japan despite being the 'land of anime.' A VPN can help bypass this and protect personal data when using public Wi-Fi, which the speaker notes is often insecure in Japan. The use of a VPN also enables tourists to continue accessing content they enjoy from their home country.

🚎 Public Transportation and Flight Timing

The speaker emphasizes the importance of planning transportation in advance when traveling to rural areas in Japan, as buses and trains may run infrequently. Another key point is to consider the timing of flights, particularly if arriving late or departing early, as public transportation shuts down from midnight to 5 a.m. The speaker advises tourists to plan around these hours or consider staying near the airport if necessary.

πŸ›¬ Arrival Day and Mount Fuji Expectations

The speaker recommends leaving the arrival day open to adjust to jet lag and fatigue instead of packing in activities. They also caution tourists against setting high expectations for seeing Mount Fuji, as it is often obscured by clouds. It's best to plan other activities when visiting places like Hakone or Kawaguchiko. If traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto by bullet train, booking a window seat on the correct side may allow for a clear view of Mount Fuji, depending on the weather.

πŸš„ JR Pass and Transportation Cards

Tourists are advised to carefully consider whether the JR Pass is worth it, as the price has nearly doubled. The speaker suggests looking into regional passes or calculating the cost of individual trips. They also recommend getting a transportation card like the Suica, which can be used not only for public transportation but also for purchases at convenience stores, making travel and daily tasks much more convenient.

🍽️ Meal Times and Reservations

The speaker highlights the importance of planning meal times in Japan, as lunch is usually between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., and dinner is between 5:30 and 9:00 p.m. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, and last orders can be surprisingly early. For popular restaurants, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Some places don't take reservations, and in such cases, it's common to wait in long lines or write down names on a list at the entrance.

πŸ₯— Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

The speaker addresses the challenge of managing dietary restrictions and allergies in Japan. Many restaurants, especially chains, may be unwilling to make modifications to menu items. However, if a reservation is made, especially at high-end restaurants, accommodations are more likely. Vegetarians will usually find something to eat, but vegans may struggle, and it's best to research in advance. Allergy cards written in Japanese are recommended for better communication.

πŸ’Έ Ordering and Paying for Food

In Japan, wait staff don't hover, so customers need to signal them by making eye contact or calling out. To pay, customers often go to a cash register rather than paying at the table, bringing a bill from the table. Japan is still largely a cash-based society, so it's important to always have cash on hand. Though some places now accept cards, especially after COVID-19, it's better to be prepared. Lastly, tipping is not customary in Japan.

πŸ›οΈ Packing for Shopping

Tourists are encouraged to pack light, leaving extra space in their luggage for shopping, as Japan is known for its excellent shopping opportunities. Many tourists end up buying additional suitcases to accommodate their purchases, so it's better to come with a half-full suitcase if you plan to shop.

πŸ›« Avoid Overplanning

The speaker wraps up the tips by advising against overplanning the trip. While having reservations and a loose itinerary is important, it's equally necessary to leave pockets of free time. The most memorable experiences often come from spontaneous activities and wandering through unfamiliar areas. Finally, the speaker reminds viewers that making mistakes is natural when traveling, and Japanese people are generally understanding and kind toward tourists who make an effort to be considerate.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Tourists' Mistakes

The term 'Tourists' Mistakes' refers to common errors or oversights made by visitors to a foreign country, which can negatively impact their travel experience. In the video's context, these mistakes are specifically related to traveling in Japan. The narrator discusses various avoidable mistakes such as visiting at the wrong time of year, dressing inappropriately, and not planning activities in advance. The goal is to help viewers have a smoother trip by being aware of these pitfalls.

πŸ’‘Athleisure

Athleisure refers to clothing that is designed for both athletic activities and casual, everyday use. In the video, the narrator advises against wearing athleisure in Japan unless it's for physical activities like hiking. This is because Japanese urban fashion tends to be more formal, and wearing athleisure might make tourists stand out in a way that could be perceived as culturally insensitive or inappropriate.

πŸ’‘TeamLab

TeamLab is a collective of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects that creates interactive digital art installations. The video mentions that tourists need to book tickets for TeamLab in advance as it is a popular attraction that sells out quickly. This highlights the importance of planning ahead when visiting popular cultural sites in Japan.

πŸ’‘JR Pass

The JR Pass, or Japan Rail Pass, is a special ticket for foreign tourists that allows unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the shinkansen or bullet trains, for a set period. The video script suggests that purchasing a JR Pass without careful consideration might not always be cost-effective, especially with recent price increases. This keyword is crucial for understanding the video's advice on transportation planning and budgeting during a trip to Japan.

πŸ’‘Public Transportation

Public Transportation in the context of the video refers to the use of trains, buses, and other communal carriers in Japan. The narrator emphasizes the importance of planning out one's public transportation meticulously, especially in rural areas where options are limited and schedules can be infrequent. This keyword is central to the video's theme of travel logistics and the practical aspects of navigating Japan.

πŸ’‘Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural Sensitivity is the awareness and respect for the different cultural practices and social norms of a society. The video touches on this concept when discussing appropriate dress codes and the need to remove shoes in certain establishments. It underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to local customs to ensure a respectful and enjoyable travel experience.

πŸ’‘Dietary Restrictions

Dietary Restrictions refer to specific limitations individuals place on their food intake, often due to health, personal, or cultural reasons. The video mentions the challenges travelers with dietary restrictions might face in Japan, where certain food allergies or preferences like vegetarianism or veganism may not be as widely accommodated as in other countries. This keyword is important for viewers who need to plan their meals accordingly.

πŸ’‘Travel Planning

Travel Planning is the process of preparing for a trip, which includes scheduling, budgeting, and organizing activities and accommodations. The video script provides various tips on travel planning in Japan, such as avoiding peak travel times, booking tickets in advance, and considering rest days. This keyword encapsulates the video's overarching theme of strategic preparation to enhance the travel experience.

πŸ’‘Geoblocking

Geoblocking is the practice of restricting access to online content based on the user's geographical location. The video mentions the use of a VPN to bypass geoblocking for accessing content like anime, which is blocked on certain streaming platforms in Japan. This keyword is relevant for travelers who wish to maintain access to their online content while abroad.

πŸ’‘Accommodation

Accommodation refers to the lodging or living space provided for travelers. The video discusses the reality of small hotel rooms and bed sizes in Tokyo, which can be a surprise for visitors, especially those from countries where larger accommodations are common. Understanding the scale of accommodations is crucial for setting realistic expectations and planning luggage and space needs.

πŸ’‘Language Barrier

The Language Barrier is the difficulty in communication due to a lack of proficiency in the local language. While not the primary focus, the video briefly mentions that despite the language barrier, many tourists can manage in Japan due to a basic level of English spoken in tourist areas. This keyword is important for understanding the communication aspect of traveling in a non-English speaking country.

Highlights

Avoid visiting Japan in summer due to the extreme heat and humidity.

Plan to avoid Japanese holidays to steer clear of crowded tourist spots.

Dress appropriately to fit in with local styles and ensure comfort for extensive walking.

Choose proper footwear that is both comfortable and easy to slip on and off for various Japanese venues.

Book tickets for popular attractions like teamLab and the Ghibli Museum in advance to avoid disappointment.

Schedule ample rest time to prevent burnout from an overly packed itinerary.

Be mindful of the small size of hotel rooms and beds in Tokyo when making reservations.

Don't stress too much about the language gap; English is spoken in many tourist areas.

When traveling in a large group, consider splitting up to accommodate different interests and ease reservations.

A VPN is essential for accessing geoblocked content and ensuring internet safety on public Wi-Fi.

Plan public transportation meticulously, especially in rural areas with infrequent service.

Consider the timing of your flight arrivals and departures in relation to train schedules.

Leave your arrival day open to adjust to the time zone and avoid over-scheduling.

Visiting Mount Fuji is popular, but be prepared for cloudy conditions that may obstruct views.

Carefully consider the value of purchasing a JR Pass due to recent price increases.

Get a Suica or similar transportation card for convenience on public transport and at stores.

Plan meal times around typical Japanese dining hours to avoid restaurant closures.

Be prepared to address dietary restrictions and allergies in advance with restaurants.

Learn the local customs for ordering and paying at restaurants to avoid awkward situations.

Come with a half-empty suitcase to make room for shopping sprees in Japan.

Avoid over-planning; leave room for spontaneous activities and cultural experiences.

Transcripts

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I have seen countless of taist in Japan

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make the same mistakes that could have

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been easily avoided if they had just

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done a little bit more research in

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advance so today let's go over some of

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the most common mistakes I've seen

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tourists make over the past 6 years I've

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been living here in Japan because I

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promis they're really easily fixable and

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thinking about these things in advance

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will make your trip go a lot smoother

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number one just coming to Japan at the

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wrong time especially summer right now

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it is miserably hot and humid and it's

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not fun I have a whole video on summer

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but but if you can I would really avoid

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July and August especially but also

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coming during a Japanese holiday there

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are a few times a year where Japanese

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domestic tourists just crowd everywhere

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and everything and if possible you don't

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really want to be here during that time

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please see my separate video on that

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number two not dressing properly now

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Japanese people in cities dress very

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well usually and honestly if you show up

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in leggings you're going to kind of

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stand out I'm not saying you need to

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follow Japanese styling Like rules schs

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or anything like that you don't need to

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dress like Japanese people but I would

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caution against wearing athleisure if

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you're not like hiking or something I

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don't know think about how European

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people dress if you're a European you're

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probably fine but more than the fashion

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I see a lot of people here with the

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wrong shoes in Japan if you're here on a

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trip you're probably going to be walking

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a lot probably like 20,000 steps a day

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not only that Japan has tons of stairs

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and Metro stations just everywhere so

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not only do you need to make sure that

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your shoes are comfortable you need to

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make make sure that they aren't really

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hard to lace up in Japanese homes it's

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common to not wear shoes in the house

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but beyond that even at like traditional

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style restaurants or hotels if you visit

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a shrine some museums even if it's like

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an old castle if there's like tatami

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especially you're going to have to take

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off your shoes leave the docks at home

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guys this is really not a good docks

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country for travel an extra note of

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caution if you are wearing sandals

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that's fine or any kind of Footwear

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where you don't have socks on I would

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always keep an extra pair of socks in

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your bag if you can this is kind of

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Niche but there are like some museums

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and shrines especially in Kyoto where

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it's like the Tommy or you just you have

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to take off your shoes to go in and a

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lot of these places also do not allow

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bare feet like they want you to have

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socks on this may never happen to you

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during your trip but it's easy to put in

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your bag number three not booking your

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tickets for things in advance there are

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a few activities namely like team lab

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and the jibli museum where you really

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need to book these in advance because

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they do sell out very quickly number

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four not factoring in enough rest time

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into your schedule don't do too much in

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one day Reserve things but don't have

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your whole day be plan down to the

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minute with back-to-back reservations

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you're going to get really tired but

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let's say you do have like a really

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packed day that's fine but make sure the

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next day is kind of more chill or you're

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going to burn out same goes for

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traveling too much I see a lot of people

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who want to fit a lot into their

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schedule and it's too much if you're

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here for a week you don't want to go

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from Tokyo to Nagano to kadu zawa to

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kanazawa to Kyoto to Osaka back to Tokyo

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it's too much traveling you can do it

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but just be prepared for what you're

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getting yourself into five not realizing

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how small hotel rooms can be in Tokyo

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same goes for beds hotel rooms here can

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be very tiny especially for my American

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viewers the hotel rooms that you

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experience here are probably going to be

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some of the smallest hotel rooms you've

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ever stayed in but they're very

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efficiently designed really the main

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negative is if you have a bunch of

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luggage but it's just something to keep

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in mind and then also the bed size I've

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seen a lot of people who accidentally

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reserve a bed that's really only meant

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for one person like even if it says it

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can fit two people online it probably

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means like a child and like a mother

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that kind of thing just be careful about

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the bed size six worrying too much about

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the language Gap if you speak English

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well you're watching this video so

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probably you do then honestly you're

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going to be fine many people nowadays in

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the tourist areas especially do speak

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enough English to communicate with you

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about you know whatever you might need

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help with it's certainly not everyone

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it's not everyone but you're going to be

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fine you're going to get by also a lot

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of like products here a lot of items

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also have English on them now it's good

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to learn basic Japanese if you can cuz a

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little bit will go a long way but don't

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stress about it too much seven trying to

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plan things or even coming as a really

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large group Japan is aimed for very

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small families hence the low birth rate

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maybe ah no but seriously if you're more

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than four people you're going to find it

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a lot more difficult to get into

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restaurants without making a reservation

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you're going to find it kind of

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difficult to do a lot of things and

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inevitably if you do come as a bigger

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group say like a friend group people are

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going to have different interests some

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people might want to do shopping some

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people don't care about shopping so keep

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that in mind you don't all have to stay

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together all the time during your trip

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maybe unless you're a family then but

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also I'd caution against trying to find

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a hotel room that can fit everyone there

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are hotel rooms that can accommodate

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large groups but there's not that many

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at all compared to the number of rooms

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that can fit like four people eight not

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bringing a VPN if you want to keep up

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with your shows while you are traveling

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so this is where I'd like to think to

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sponsor of today's video nordvpn because

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a lot more content is geoblock than you

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think so if you're coming to Japan and

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you're thinking like oh I can't wait to

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much anime in the land of anime well

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think again because sites like crunchy

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roll are actually totally blocked here

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you cannot access them so not only does

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a VPN like nordvpn help you get around

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this by changing your IP address so it

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looks like you're physically like in a

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different country it also protects your

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private and personal information so that

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you can connect to the internet safely

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which is really important because

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honestly Japan is is not that up to date

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with Internet safety anything especially

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public Wi-Fi networks they are iffy I

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mean look I've been a loyal nordvpn user

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for years and it's really been a

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lifesaver so if you're interested in

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being able to browse the internet safely

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while also being able to access all the

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same sites all the same content to that

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you can back home while you're traveling

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purchase of a twoe nordvpn plan also

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comes with four extra months on top so

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thank you nordvpn and now number nine

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not planning out your public

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transportation if you're traveling

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outside of the major cities so if you're

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going somewhere more rural I really

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really recommend you plan out every

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single leg of your trip in advance

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because buses and trains are really not

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that frequent depending on where you're

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going in many rural places there is only

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going to be one every like 2 hours

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sometimes even less just keep it in mind

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if you're going somewhere rural 10 not

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considering what time your flight

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arrives or leaves from the airport in

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Japan so I say this in a lot of videos

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but really important to note and really

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easy to overlook is that the trains in

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Japan even in Tokyo stop running from

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between about midnight to 5:00 a.m. so

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Tokyo has two airports Narita and Hana

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for example and Hana I'd say you could

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get the last train into the city at

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about 1130 to midnight but narut the

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express trains stop at around 10:00 p.m.

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so you need to think what if your flight

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gets a bit delayed what if you need to

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wait in a really long line at customs

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and also if you're planning on like

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sending your luggage out through a

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delivery service which I really

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recommend you won't be able to do that

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cuz the counters Clos at night it's just

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something to think about you may have to

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get a hotel nearby for the night and

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this goes for early morning flights as

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well 11 very similarly to that not

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planning a chill Arrival Day depending

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on where you're coming from you may be

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really sleep deprived like I always am

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when I arrive at the airport and if you

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try to plan to do something like let's

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say your flight arrives in the morning

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and you want a reservation in the

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afternoon for like team lab you're going

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to be probably really tired and not have

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that much fun but I see people who

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really try to pack their schedules

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really tightly like this and I just

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don't recommend it if possible I just

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leave your arrival day totally open so

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you can just kind of vibe and see how it

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goes 12 a bit specific but a lot of

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people travel to Mount Fuji just to see

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Mount Fuji but honestly it's actually

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cloudy quite a lot and you may not be

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able to see it it's great to go but just

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don't make that your only activity if

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you're going to hakone or kawaguchiko

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try to plan something else cuz the

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weather is so unpredictable and the best

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time to see Mount Fuji is in the really

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early morning but a side note if you do

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want to see Mount Fuji and you're going

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to be traveling between Tokyo and kyotto

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at some point on the bullet train then

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try to book your window seat in advance

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on the correct side cuz you can actually

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see Mount Fuji quite clearly depending

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on the day and weather so if you're

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going from Tokyo to Kyoto this is going

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to be on the right side of the train and

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then on the left side if you're coming

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from Kyoto to Tokyo 13 just buying the

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Jr pass without really putting too much

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thought into it you used to be able to

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just buy the Jr pass and it' probably

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pay for itself but nowadays that's not

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the case I have a whole another video on

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this but they did almost double the

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price of the Jr pass last year and

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because of that it's not as good of a

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value at all so Alternatives there are a

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lot there's actually a lot of regional

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passes by Jr as well please look them up

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I have a link in the description down

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below too or you may not even need a

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pass it just kind of depends where

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you're going I would add up the

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expensive legs of your trip and just see

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if it's worth it 14 not getting a sua

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card or well any transportation card

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this is a sua it's the most popular

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transportation card in Tokyo and you can

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either get the physical version or you

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can just get it on your cell phone you

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can download it in advance before even

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coming to Japan it just goes right into

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your wallet look it up it's really easy

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I recommend it do one of the two you can

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just buy this at like any station almost

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get one not only do you just tap on to

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public transportation Like Trains Etc

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with it but you can even use it to buy

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things like at the convenience store so

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you don't need to worry about you know

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getting all the cash out and stuff it's

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really convenient 15 not planning out

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your meal times so lunch in Japan is

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usually between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. and

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then dinner is probably about 5:30 p.m.

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to 9:00 p.m. and a lot of restaurants

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close in between lunch and dinner but

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not only that last order for restaurants

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can be surprisingly early depends on the

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restaurant and where you are but it is

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not rare to have a restaurant with a

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last order time of like 8:00 p.m. or

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even earlier so just be careful also if

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you're planning to go out to eat on the

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weekend I would see if you could reserve

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a place maybe because restaurants do get

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booked up here and sometimes you can

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just book it through Google Maps

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directly or you could use like table

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check for English but if you don't want

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to do that that's fine some restaurants

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don't even take reservations and in

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these cases if the restaurant's popular

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if it's really good if it has a good

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rating on Google Maps you're probably

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going to have to line up Japanese people

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love to line up for everything so

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sometimes you're just going to like

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literally just wait in a line for maybe

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an hour even if it's like really popular

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or other places will have like a piece

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of paper out front where you write down

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your name and how many people are in

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your party be prepared to wait 16 not

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being prepared for how you're going to

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address dietary restrictions and

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allergies so in Japan many restaurants

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are not going to change anything on the

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menu to accommodate you local

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restaurants may it kind of just depends

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on the restaurant but like chain

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restaurants especially can usually be

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notoriously unwilling to even like

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remove a tomato or anything from like a

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hamburger but places are generally more

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willing to like work with you if you

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tell them about it in advance if you're

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making a reservation especially for more

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expensive like coar restaurants and

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things a lot of these will have some

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kind of option when you book it or you

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can just leave a comment whatever

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allergies will be taken very seriously

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but I really recommend like getting a

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card in advance that lists your allergy

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in Japanese clearly but still the

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restaurant may not be able to

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accommodate you it kind of just depends

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also vegetarianism and veganism are

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really not that popular among Japanese

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people at all still here if you are a

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vegetarian most places will have

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something you can eat but veganism is

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much more difficult like I would really

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research everywhere you're going to be

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eating in advance 17 not knowing how to

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order or pay for food at a restaurant so

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just a note that weight staff here

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generally do not like hover you need to

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make eye contact with them or like

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vocally call out to them or there may be

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a button on the table you can press and

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then to pay the bill well you've

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probably already heard that Japan is a

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Cash country this is true you definitely

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should always have cash on you even in

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Tokyo because some local restaurants and

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shops even will not accept anything but

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cash but a lot do take things other than

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cash now especially since Co but still

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so at restaurants some places you do pay

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at your table but what's most common is

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you're going to have to like walk over

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to a cash register once you're done with

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your meal there's probably going to be

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like a piece of paper on your table that

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you take up with you not always but

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usually look for it first and then when

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you go to pay you need to put your money

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if it's cash into a like a tray they'll

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almost always will have a tray it's

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considered rude to like accept the cash

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directly even if you have a card

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sometimes you need to put in the tray it

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kind of depends on the restaurant also

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no tipping stop it unless there's a tip

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jar then you can do it but don't leave

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it at the table 18 coming with a full

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suitcase Japan is like amazing for

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shopping and I frequently see people

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buying extra suitcases to fit all of the

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stuff they buy so try to come with a

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suitcase half full I'd say if you're

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planning on doing any shopping at all 19

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perhaps the most important one is is

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over planning your trip so of course as

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I've said you should reserve and plan

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out your trip to some extent right but

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you also need to prioritize having

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pockets of downtime where you don't have

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any plans because usually the things you

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do in these like last minute decisions

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where you're just wandering around town

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are probably some of the most like

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impactful Memories or you'll meet people

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or something it's just it's very

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important to have especially in Japan

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also it is great to watch videos like

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these but it's also natural to make

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mistakes especially cultural ones when

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you're visiting a foreign country

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Japanese people are very kind and

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they're very understanding and as long

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as you're trying your best to be

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considerate that's all you really need

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to do cuz people get it you know look

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I've been here for years and every now

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and then there will still be something

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that surprises me so that's all the tips

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for this video let me know down below if

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you have any other tips or if you'd like

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to see another video with more cuz

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there's a lot more so thank you so much

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for watching make sure you like the

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video subscribe to my channel for more

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content about traveling in Japan and

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I'll see you guys back here again soon

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bye

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