00:00:01 John Daub: Hey, welcome to the question and answer series. This is the Only in Japan Go channel. This show is live, and in this episode I'm going to be answering your questions about visiting Japan. Every day I get dozens of emails from people all over the world asking me where I would go, what I would do, etc. In this live stream, we're gonna answer all of them. Hopefully this live stream will become an asset for everybody thinking about coming to Japan. Hi, good morning everybody. It's 9:45 in the morning here. Greetings from Tokyo, Japan. So let's start this thing.

00:00:49 John Daub: Before I start, I did get a lot of questions from other people, and you can also write in where you're watching from. People around the world are very interested to know. Some of the itineraries that people have asked me about—they'll ask questions like, I'm coming to Japan for 10 days, or for three days. Should I come into Kansai or into Tokyo? Where should I stay? What should I do? Oh look, we're getting some questions already.

00:01:24 John Daub: Rodolfo Mendez writes in: Do you recommend going when the Olympics starts? You know, I really don't know a lot about the Olympics. I know when the dates are gonna start. I don't know what the city is gonna look like two years from now. It's really hard to predict the services and how the city is going to be. I've never been to the Olympics, so with that said, I'm not sure if it's good to come at the start of the Olympics. I can tell you one thing: it's gonna be really crowded. If you look at the trend of tourists coming to Japan, it's just been skyrocketing. About five years ago they were struggling to get to 10 million. Now they're getting close to 35 million tourists a year, and they're gonna be at 40 million next year. So I'm gonna make a prediction: the Tokyo Olympics are gonna be crazy crowded. But should you come? Why not? I think the Olympics are a once-in-a-generation thing here in Japan. The last one was in 1964. Should you come? Yeah, why not? What can I say? Meet you after 2022, Yamachung? I'm not going anywhere, but I'll still probably be here. We'll see what happens. I take it year by year. I might not be in Tokyo—who knows where I'll be? I love Tokyo, but Japan's a pretty big place with lots of amazing cities: Okinawa, Nagano, Hokkaido.

00:03:07 John Daub: Visiting Japan end of August to early September—should I be concerned about typhoons? Typhoons can occur anytime between May and October, so it's really hard to say. The best times to come? I recommend May and October—those two periods are the best. If you're coming in early September, I don't think you should be concerned at all. Typhoons give people advance warning—this is very different than an earthquake. Should you be concerned with earthquakes? Yeah, you probably should, but typhoons give you a heads up. You kind of know where they're going to land, and they last about a day. It starts raining about 16 to 20 hours before landfall, then you go to sleep and wake up to blue skies—it looks really beautiful. We had a typhoon the other day. The day after is usually the clearest days of the year, meaning beautiful views from observation decks like Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower all the way out to Mount Fuji. Those are the best days for observation decks. So I don't think you should be too concerned. But if one does come while you're here, you can prepare accordingly because you get lots of time. Hotels are very strongly built—nothing's gonna blow over like the three little pigs. They're all made of brick.

00:04:50 John Daub: We got engaged on Mount Hiei in Kyoto two years ago, Andrea—congratulations, that makes me really happy to hear that. We got people chiming in from all over the world, which is great. How about health insurance for first-time visitors? I think it's very good and important to have, because medical costs whenever you visit a foreign country can be quite high. In Japan, medical costs are reasonable, so even if you don't have health insurance, it might be cheaper than your deductible in the US. It might be good to have travel insurance. My wife had travel insurance based on her American Express card, and when she came to Bali she ate something that gave her a stomach ache. Even though it was in the room at the hotel and it's very expensive to ask for a hotel doctor, she said the insurance would cover it. I contacted the hotel doctor who came, checked her, gave her prescription medicines, and she was okay 12 hours later. So it's important to have travel insurance—it gives you peace of mind and helps you travel confidently. Same with the Japanese encephalitis shot. I made an episode about this—a lot of people ask if you need it. It's good to have, but to be honest, I don't know if you should get it. If I tell you not to and you get it and something happens, that's my fault. Japanese encephalitis shots—not everybody gets them. If you're going just to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka on a one-week trip, you don't need it. Even if you're going into the woods or climbing Mount Fuji, there's no mosquitoes after about 1,000 meters—the elevation is too high. I don't get bit that much. If you're staying more than a month in summer in forested areas, maybe consider it, but that's up to you.

00:07:14 John Daub: Suica cards—great question. Should I get one upon arrival? I've got an ICOCA—you're gonna get this in Osaka. ICOCA cards, just like 12 different IC cards in Japan. One is Kitaca in Sapporo—it's got a flying squirrel on it, which is cool. Suica cards are what you get in Tokyo. You also have Pasmo, sold by Tokyo Metro—they're all the same system. I highly recommend getting a Suica, Nanaco, or ICOCA because it makes life a lot easier. When you get a ticket, say in Shinjuku to Yokohama, you gotta search how much it costs. With Suica, just put 5,000 yen on it minimum—1,000 yen for every day you plan to stay. You can get that money back at the airport. You just touch to enter and touch to exit—it's always the cheapest price. 100% worth it. You can also put your name on it—register your phone number. If you lose it, police can track it. Somebody turns it in, they'll call you. I've dropped my card twice and got it back both times. It pays to put your name on it—if not, it's like dropping cash.

00:09:14 John Daub: Rodrigo asked: Is a JR Pass worth it? I'm making an Only in Japan episode on this. If you plan to stay in one area, it's not worth it—you're not riding the Shinkansen much, so cheaper to buy short tickets. A JR Pass is ridiculously cheap—$260 for one week or $400 for two weeks compared to what residents pay. It pays for itself after one Tokyo-Osaka round trip. If you're traveling between Tokyo and Osaka, get it. If you're going around the country—like Tokyo to Aomori for Nebuta Festival and back—get it. If you're just in Tokyo area, don't—you can get a Suica and Tokyo passes on arrival. You might be able to get JR Passes in Tokyo with a passport—policies change, check the internet. There's the Tokyo Wide Pass—I featured it in a Niigata sake vending machine episode. It cost $85 for three days Shinkansen in the Tokyo area. Check JR for other local passes that fit your needs. If you have an international driver's license, renting a car could be cheaper for families—a rental van is more fun, easier, better access to countryside. Driving around Japan is interesting, though traffic peaks during Golden Week (end of April to May 5th), Obon (second week of August), New Year's. Avoid highways then, but Tokyo has amazing highways.

00:12:25 John Daub: Excellent question—what kind of coffee are you drinking? I got this certified organic at Natural Lawson, a convenience store. Lawson's is third-ranked, starting Natural Lawson's with healthier food. Any recommendations for a summer trip to Tokyo to avoid the heat? I made episodes on this—it's scalding. It's not the temperature, it's the humidity. People say "dry heat" in Arizona at 120°F, but here your shirt soaks in one minute from sweat—it's like a convection oven. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., you might not want to go outside. That's why I'm doing this live stream early morning—cooler with breeze. Summer days are longer—sun sets late 6 or 7 p.m. Japan has no daylight savings; sun rises at 4:30 a.m., land of the rising sun. Good for jet lag—you wake early, see everything by 10 a.m., then relax at cafes 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., go out when it cools.

00:15:58 John Daub: Sean from Ireland, 25 stone—heavy—wondering if it's easy to get around temples. I love your show. Sean, it'll be fine. Only thing: seats are narrower than in the West, including restrooms—sometimes really boxed in. Budget hotels are tough—even for me. Newer hotels are more accommodating. You'll walk a lot—with heat, you'll sweat it out, drop to 22 stone. I lose 4-5 kg in summer. Nothing to really consider beyond walking, which everybody does.

00:17:54 John Daub: Blogger Coaster: Anything interesting in Nagoya at nighttime? I lived there 4-5 years—in Okazaki, Toyohashi, Fuji-gaoka. Weekends we'd go to Sakae—it's always changing. Nagoya has a vibrant foreign community, lots of Brazilians from 70s-80s factory workers. Strong Japan-Brazil connection—many Japanese fled WWII to Brazil, huge Japanese population there. Lots of clubs, bars, fun—foreign community closer than Tokyo. Easy to make friends; nightlife local, authentic—not touristy.

00:20:18 John Daub: Andrea: Can a couple from Canada move to and live in Japan? Yes. I had a friend Leslie from Canada and her husband both teaching English in Iwaki, Fukushima—20 years ago. Both had visas sponsored by the same company. English schools competitive now—commit to a year as a couple to keep costs down, increases chances. Without Japanese skills, limited to English teaching or Canadian company jobs. They came through Aeon English school chain—I worked at Amity subdivision, taught kids seven years.

00:22:48 John Daub: Matt: Hi John, I leave for Japan tomorrow—tips for fireworks? We want to see Edogawa fireworks August 4th. I went every year for 11 years—best in Tokyo. Never rained 2005-2016. Go early—if front seats, 5-6 p.m. day before. Hammer down blue sheet, write your name, go back to hotel. Come 4-6 p.m. day of—fireworks start 7:15 p.m. Bring food, cooler—crowded stores. After, stick around an hour—Shinozaki Station better. Best because grass seating. Get yukata at Uniqlo for 5,000 yen or used in Harajuku—feel festival energy, Japanese talk to you, take pictures—you're celebrities. Hotter, but put on before start. Send photos on Facebook.

00:25:47 John Daub: Sal: Husband and I going during Golden Week next year—heard best to avoid. What to expect, tips? Japanese out and about—offices closed, roads busy, hotels 20% higher, restaurants booked—reserve far in advance. If only time you can come, come. Weather beautiful. In cities, get early start. Avoid lining up like Tokyo Disneyland—even more crowded peak holidays. Shinkansen—reserve or stand. With JR Pass, limited to Hikari. Book days in advance.

00:28:31 John Daub: I'm Risi—going to Tokyo in three days. Obon festivals or unique gifts like knives, local sake? Check Tokyocheapo.com events—they update. Obon festivals all summer, weekends mostly. Knife festival in Seki City October. Knife shops in Nihonbashi, Tsukiji. Get what you pay for. James Thompson: If staying past August 10-17, lots of festivals—holiday season too. Ask info desk on arrival—millions happening summertime.

00:30:39 John Daub: James: Fourth time in Japan November—had trouble booking Kyoto/Osaka hotels. Book two months ahead for autumn leaves, onsen, ryokan—people excited post-summer. Not as bad as summer. Repeaters valuable—explore Tohoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Tottori, Sea of Japan side.

00:32:26 John Daub: Anthony Trumbo: Been to Fukuro Festival in Ikebukuro? No, but September 23-27 it's on. Highly specialized—conventions at Big Sight Odaiba every weekend, like toy conventions—paradise for fans. Makers together, see everything.

00:34:29 John Daub: Good morning, 6:30 a.m. India—can I visit Japan with $1,000? Yes, any budget. No real daily spend answer—you can camp, hitchhike. I spent $150/month in 2003—prices haven't inflated much. Hotels $20+, guesthouses, Airbnb, hostels. Summer tent camping free or 500 yen. Ramen, 100 yen onigiri. Average $100/day—business hotels $55 Tokyo. Conserve or splurge. Fly $1,000, spend more for comfort—good sushi, unique things.

00:37:42 John Daub: Hillary Wilson: Japan accessible for motorized wheelchairs? Tokyo yes now—20 years ago no. Cities good, outside harder. Call subway ahead—staff parts crowds, you're celebrity. Makes everyone faster. Hotels help. Limit daily stuff, long battery. I've pointed out elevators/ramps.

00:40:14 John Daub: Zahan: Me and sister planning— she had four heart surgeries, needs meds, weekly blood tests. Advice? Brave—take slower, couple things/day. Mom post-stroke used wheelchairs—priority rides at Disneyland. Doctor's note listing meds, business card/stamp for customs—peace of mind. No daylight savings—jet lag affects timing. Blood tests at hospitals—appoint advance.

00:43:19 John Daub: Texan abroad: Museums/restaurants near Yokota Air Base? Good for day trips? Don't know much—chime in if serving. Base like US—supermarkets with rare stuff. Invite me! Area: Chichibu day trip spring flowers, mountains, hiking. Rent car—trains infrequent, more flexibility. Roadhouses cool—Japan car culture.

00:46:55 John Daub: Rent3: Paid $1,200 for six-week JR Pass, $5,000+ value. Share for my video? Send message—great to hear experiences. JR Pass works for some—not if staying one city. Families good—no driving stress. But cars flexible, funky drive-thrus (ramen/sushi). Six weeks daily trips pays off. Day trip Tokyo-Fukuoka possible—mind-boggling for residents.

00:50:26 John Daub: Roberto: Japanese restaurants preferring not to serve gaijin? Signs to avoid? Hard to say—restaurants obligated to serve. Rare "no foreigners" signs in places I wouldn't go. Snack bars no windows—avoid. See inside for comfort. Check TripAdvisor/Google reviews. Chains like Yoshinoya safe. Know order—no special requests (e.g., ramen no noodles). Japanese McDonald's? Better than US—pickier consumers, top quality, smaller portions—eat less, more often.

00:55:17 John Daub: Ichiban: Necessary to make hotel reservations advance? Depends peak times. Backpacker me never did—last-minute cheaper, always availability. Now popular—book ahead, especially families (rooms small). Peak/ryokan: 1-3 months. Hotel just crash—spend little time.

00:59:10 John Daub: NZ17: Hokkaido week—where/Sapporo? Hard without living there—TripAdvisor. Breweries, cheese shops, Sapporo Ramen Alley. Everyone different—hard advice. Jed: Least popular time? February—between seasons, fewer tourists, but cold. Shonen Jump building tour? Impossible—first floor gallery open, need pass (I got via PR friend at Shueisha).

01:02:24 John Daub: Asian movie enthusiast: Splurge teppanyaki/kaiseki—high-end recommendations? Mid-range sushi enough—Sushi Zanmai near Tsukiji outstanding, chain. High-end yakiniku A5 wagyu life-changing—not US level. Argentina competes. $100 ramen/curry curiosity (lobster bisque)—get what pay for mostly, but check.

01:06:46 John Daub: Irving: Mario Kart annoying locals—don't? If want, do—$100 for 4-6 hours tour inexpensive. Responsible driving key—not idiot weaving dangerous on Tokyo roads. Neat attraction, won't last. Clubs: Popular ones only (Akihabara, Yellow, Air, Roppongi Daikanyama)—avoid ill-repute late-night. Police crack down touts luring tourists (Kabukicho, Osaka worse).

01:10:28 John Daub: Support: Super Chats, Patreon postcard club (I write/send from Japan). 150 members, 20 daimyo get packages. AJ: Kabuki worth? Yes—one afternoon, memorable cultural. Brooke: Roppongi dangerous? US Embassy warns—bad via deception (touts lure). Don't drugs—police competent, instant ban. Smoking: Vending machines, areas—Tokyo smoke-free push.

01:15:36 John Daub: Least known prefecture? Tottori (least famous, won Wagyu Olympics). Akita/Tohoku, Shikoku (Tokushima Awa Odori), Kagawa udon, Takamatsu, Niigata. Saitama suburbs fun. All prefectures foreigner-friendly—racism everywhere small %, don't act on it. Never unwelcome. BB: Places people of color avoid? No—evolving, Miss Universe half-Japanese helped. Polite—no face racism. Story: Racist neighbor hated Koreans/Chinese—kids told me, I corrected. Don't get angry—lose instantly. Smile, walk away—Japanese stick up for you. Be adult, let go—respected more.

01:29:05 John Daub: Thanks for questions—do more if liked (500 likes?). Can't email all—apologies. Meetup tomorrow Asakusa (Facebook event). Patreon intimate livestreams. Hope useful—push like for more. Going inside, beautiful Tokyo view. Working Kyoto temples video. Have great Japan trip—bye.