15 Tips for First-Time Travellers to Japan

In this video we list some of our most useful tips for first-time visitors to Japan, specifically those landing at Narita Airport and then travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto. From picking up rail passes, to transportation options, to booking bullet train tickets via a smartphone, hopefully there are a few tips for everyone.

⚠️ UPDATES ⚠️
This video is now several years old, and some things have naturally evolved since then:

1:38 Internet access: eSIM has since emerged as another convenient way to connect to the internet.

2:22 IC cards: the acceptance of IC cards as payment option has further spread considerably in recent years.

2:30 IC cards: Iphone users can also add a Suica, Pasmo and Icoca card to Apple Wallet and use them digitally.

2:47 Rail passes: the cost of rail passes has increased considerably over recent years, and many of them - especially the Japan Rail Pass - are now much more difficult to pay off than they used to. Use our rail pass calculator to find out whether a pass makes sense for your trip: https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/

4:55 smartEX is available not only as an app, but also as a website: https://smart-ex.jp/en/

5:23 smartEX: it is possible to make reservations for up to six people at the same time. Instead of using IC cards, it is also possible to use QR codes or print out paper tickets. smartEX can also be used on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo.

7:04 Luggage: the space behind the last row of seats is reserved for those using these seats on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu and Nishikyushu Shinkansen.

7:53 Food cart services on board of trains have been discontinued along many lines in recent years, including along the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Video Credits
Narrator: Sam Evans
Videographers: Andrew Marston & Charles Sabas
Producer: Stefan Schauwecker
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Useful Links
• Plan your trip to Japan:
https://www.japan-guide.com/

• Top destinations in Japan:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623a.html

• Any questions regarding your future trip to Japan? Feel free to ask in our question forum:
https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/que...

• Our Rail Pass Calculator:
https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/

• Our Social Media:
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Facebook:   / japanguidecom  
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