VISITING JAPAN Midnight QandA travel advice from Tokyo
VISITING JAPAN Midnight QandA travel advice from Tokyo
Overview
In this special midnight livestream, John Daub hosts a comprehensive Q&A session directly from Tokyo, answering viewer questions about traveling to Japan. Recorded in September 2018, the session covers a wide range of practical topics including the best times to visit, accommodation strategies, food recommendations, visa information, and cultural etiquette. John shares personal insights gained from over 30 years of living in Japan, offering advice that benefits both first-time visitors and long-term fans.
The video begins with a seasonal look at Halloween-themed snacks before diving into viewer questions. John provides detailed guidance on avoiding peak travel periods like Golden Week and Obon, suggesting instead the pleasant autumn weather of late September and October. He discusses accommodation options ranging from onsen (hot springs) and ryokan (traditional inns) to love hotels and Airbnb regulations. Food recommendations highlight affordable nationwide chains like Coco Ichibanya curry alongside local specialties like okonomiyaki and karaage.
John also addresses practical concerns such as tattoo etiquette at baths, visa requirements for working in Japan, and the best methods for learning Japanese. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing local culture beyond tourist spots, suggesting walking routes through neighborhoods like Jinbocho and Arakicho. The session concludes with tips on transport, including budget airlines versus the shinkansen, and the benefits of using taxis in Tokyo. This video serves as a dense resource of actionable travel advice delivered in John's warm, conversational style.
Highlights
- 00:01:00 John shows Halloween-themed snacks Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Hoshi.
- 00:01:45 Advice on avoiding peak travel periods like New Year's, Golden Week, and Obon.
- 00:03:50 Best weather windows: late September through October and early May.
- 00:09:34 Recommendation for Coco Ichibanya curry as an affordable nationwide meal.
- 00:12:01 Explanation of sento (public bath) culture versus onsen (hot spring) experiences.
- 00:18:14 Clarification on halal food and drug laws in Japan.
- 00:29:11 Clothing advice for cherry blossom season and autumn weather.
- 00:32:28 Update on Airbnb regulations and love hotel options for accommodation.
- 00:38:54 Tattoo etiquette at baths and using body patches.
- 00:47:40 Taxi usage tips and budget airline recommendations.
- 01:02:34 Health tips regarding portion sizes and convenience store food.
- 01:12:51 Language learning advice focusing on katakana first.
- 01:27:35 Suggested walking routes through Tokyo neighborhoods.
Timeline / Chapters
- 00:00:02 Introduction and Halloween snacks
- 00:01:00 Best time to visit Japan
- 00:05:29 Collaborations and TV shows
- 00:07:00 Career and income sources
- 00:09:34 Food recommendations (Curry, Denny's, Ramen)
- 00:12:01 Bathing culture (Onsen vs Sento)
- 00:14:46 Moss Burger and Halal food
- 00:18:14 Drugs and legal warnings
- 00:24:09 Futons and sleeping arrangements
- 00:29:11 Weather and clothing advice
- 00:32:28 Accommodation (Airbnb, Love Hotels)
- 00:38:54 Tattoos and Bathing etiquette
- 00:47:40 Transport (Taxis, Budget Airlines)
- 01:02:34 Health and Diet
- 01:12:51 Language Learning
- 01:27:35 Walking tours and Closing
Japan Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late September through October offers perfect weather with low humidity. Early May (after Golden Week) is also excellent.
- Avoid Peak Periods: Skip New Year's (Dec 29-Jan 3), Golden Week (April 28-May 5), Obon (mid-August), and Silver Week (September).
- Accommodation: Airbnb regulations are strict; many unregistered listings are shut down. Love hotels can be a clean, flat-rate option for couples or families.
- Transport: Budget airlines (Jetstar, Peach, Vanilla) are often faster and cheaper than the shinkansen for long distances. Taxis in Tokyo are affordable for short trips compared to subway complexity.
- Bathing: Tattoos may be restricted at onsen. Use body patches to cover them or seek foreigner-friendly locations like Dogo Onsen. Sento are generally more lenient.
- Food: Coco Ichibanya curry is a reliable, affordable nationwide option. Avoid tourist-heavy streets for gyoza or monjayaki where portions may be smaller.
- Language: Learn katakana first (12 hours) to read menus and signs confidently before tackling hiragana or kanji.
- Health: Convenience store (konbini) bentos may contain preservatives. Cook rice and eat fresh meals for better health.
- Visas: Working visas require unique skills (nursing, English teaching). English teaching is a viable entry point.
- Cash: While not explicitly detailed here, taxis and small shops often prefer cash. Carry yen.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Onsen vs Sento: Onsen are hot springs often located in ryokan or resort areas, requiring nudity. Sento are public bathhouses historically used by communities for daily bathing.
- Futon: Traditional floor mattresses that fold away. They save space and are cooler in summer as hot air rises.
- Bathing Etiquette: Wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Nudity is standard in same-sex baths. Children can often accompany parents of the opposite sex until a certain age.
- Katakana: One of the three Japanese scripts, used primarily for foreign loanwords. Mastering this first helps foreigners navigate menus and signs quickly.
- Halal/Kosher: Halal meat is available but requires specific slaughter methods. Some sake is certified Kosher (Dasei sake).
- Drug Laws: Japan has zero tolerance for drugs, including marijuana. Conviction rates are nearly 100%. Do not bring any prohibited substances.
- Tattoos: Historically associated with yakuza, tattoos are increasingly accepted but still restricted at many public baths. Cover-ups are recommended.
Food & Drink Guide
- Kinoko no Yama (Mushroom Mountain) 00:01:00: Chocolate snacks shaped like mushrooms. Popular Halloween editions available in October.
- Takenoko no Hoshi (Bamboo Shoot Stars) 00:01:00: Chocolate snacks shaped like bamboo shoots. Rival to Kinoko no Yama.
- Coco Ichibanya Curry 00:09:34: Nationwide curry chain. Affordable, consistent quality, adjustable spice levels. Considered a national dish.
- Okonomiyaki 00:05:29: Savory pancake. Best found in family-run establishments rather than tourist streets.
- Karaage 00:29:11: Fried chicken. Top five favorite food item.
- Katsudon 00:29:11: Pork cutlet rice bowl. John's favorite.
- Vermont Curry 00:29:11: Sweet curry variety with apple and honey base, popularized in the 1960s.
- Ramen 00:09:34: Pick busy local spots to ensure freshness and avoid food poisoning.
People
- John Daub: Host and creator of Only in Japan Go. American living in Japan for 30+ years. Provides expert travel advice and cultural context.
- Kevin: Mentioned as a viewer/friend who took someone to an okonomiyaki place. Not present in video.
- Viewers: Questions sourced from live chat and Instagram. Represent a global audience (45-50% US-based).
Key Takeaways
- Timing is Everything: Avoid major holidays for better prices and fewer crowds. Autumn is the ideal season.
- Food Safety: Stick to busy restaurants for ramen and family-run spots for regional specialties.
- Cultural Respect: Understand bathing etiquette and tattoo restrictions before visiting onsens.
- Language Strategy: Focus on katakana first for immediate practical benefits in reading menus.
- Accommodation Reality: Airbnb laws have tightened; consider hotels or ryokan for reliability.
- Transport Flexibility: Budget flights can beat the rail pass for certain routes. Taxis are undervalued for short trips.
Notable Quotes
- 00:01:45 "Avoid New Year's—everything's closed, transportation's busy from after Christmas till January 5th or 6th."
- 00:03:50 "End of September through almost all of October, weather's perfect."
- 00:09:34 "Coco Ichibanya curry rice—national dish, even army/navy eats it."
- 00:14:46 "I was shy first year—no naked dudes—but once tried, wasted time missing out."
- 00:18:14 "Drugs illegal, police 100% conviction."
- 00:32:28 "Love hotels option (flat rate overnight, karaoke/PS in rooms). Good for couples/families politely away from kids."
- 00:38:54 "Fly budget (Jetstar/Skymark/Peach/Vanilla)—faster/cheaper than Shinkansen, forget JR pass."
- 01:02:34 "Learning Japanese: Duolingo good, but I did flashcards—master katakana (foreign words alphabet) in 12hrs."
- 01:12:51 "Wander Tokyo: Shinjuku-Shibuya walk (Meiji/Harajuku/1964 Olympics), Jinbocho alleys (books/coffee)."
- 01:27:35 "Livestreams need goal for value—learn + fun."
Related Topics
- Japan Travel Planning
- Onsen Etiquette
- Japanese Food Guide
- Visa Requirements for Japan
- Language Learning Strategies
- Budget Travel in Japan
- Tokyo Walking Tours
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #tokyo #travel-advice #q-and-a #livestream #japan-travel #food #onsen #visa #language #autumn #halloween #curry #ryokan #budget-travel #tokyo-walking #japanese-culture
Full Transcript
00:00:02 John Daub: Good evening everybody. I'll give everybody about 30 seconds to come online before I start answering some of the questions. I'm taking questions directly from everybody watching live in the live chat. I'll do about 15 to 20 questions depending on the time. I've gotten a lot of people asking about what they should do for travel here in Japan. One person on Instagram said, why don't I make the videos that I show on Patreon for everybody? The reason is those Q&As are for Patreon supporters. So I'm doing this one for everybody because people have really good questions that benefit even Patreon supporters.
00:01:00 John Daub: It's October, Halloween time. Here's Kinoko no Yama (mushroom mountain) and Takenoko no Hoshi (bamboo shoot stars), Halloween-themed snacks from Japan. I like the Kinoko no Yama, but Takenoko no Hoshi is pretty good too. If it's October in Japan, Halloween is all over the place with marketing. The first question everybody asks, besides hotels and where to go, is when's the best time to visit Japan? Process of elimination: avoid New Year's—everything's closed, transportation's busy from after Christmas till January 5th or 6th.
00:01:45 John Daub: Next, Golden Week from April 28th to May 5th—really crowded, forget it. Then Obon in August—not as bad now with good restaurants open. There's also Silver Week in September, a second summer holiday when prices drop for airlines and hotels, so it's more relaxed but still busy. Avoid those four periods. Best time? Right now. Summer humidity's gone, nice and cool in Tokyo. Only downside: occasional typhoons, but they're usually weak tropical depressions by landfall—cloudy and windy for half a day, then sunny for days as it cleans the air.
00:03:50 John Daub: End of September through almost all of October, weather's perfect. Cherry blossoms are good too, but chilly. After Golden Week, May 6th to rainy season is beautiful—flowers out, warmer, not humid yet. Beginning of May from May 5th on is great. If you have questions now, ask. I ignore irrelevant ones. Do I collaborate with YouTubers? Not really—better to have experts. For the vlog channel like this, collaborations work, but not main channel stuff.
00:05:29 John Daub: Favorite TV show in Japan? I don't watch much—mostly news to know what's going on. Someone's been here three weeks on Rotary Youth Exchange—Kevin took them to that okonomiyaki place. Coming to Osaka for a meetup? Might go to Kansai soon, but Osaka needs more tourists now—they're recovering quickly, less crowded maybe even in Kyoto. Kevin's awesome, that okonomiyaki spot is amazing—best I've had in 20 years because it's authentic family-run, not touristy.
00:07:00 John Daub: Family businesses care about reputation, don't skimp. Avoid tourist streets like Utsunomiya gyoza or Tsukishima monjayaki (savory pancake)—they shortchange quantity. Yakuon shomai [?]. How do I earn a living? YouTube now, but I do client projects—turning some down to finish YouTube stuff. Made videos for DHC cosmetics, produced 39 for BS Fuji TV 10 years ago—first big TV producer gig. Have a company producing content, did iTunes, NHK reporting over 10 years.
00:09:34 John Daub: Best onsen? Hard—too many. Check January main channel video. Hana Kanzashi onsen is amazing. If hungry for affordable nationwide meal? Coco Ichibanya curry rice—national dish, even army/navy eats it. Introduced by British Navy post-Perry/Meiji, considered Western. Quality consistent, good toppings, adjustable spice—my mom loves it. Denny's in Japan is different, backed by 7-Eleven. Ramen too, but pick busy local spots to avoid food poisoning.
00:12:01 John Daub: Moving to Yokosuka? Neighbors, great curry there from Navy influence. Japanese curry's unique—don't miss Coco Ichibanya or CoCo Curry (has halal/vegetarian). Roux often pork-based, ask. October weather? Perfect, my favorite time. Sentos alternative to onsen? Yes, introduces bath culture—sento (public bath) for daily bathing historically prevented disease, community spot. Now declining as homes have tubs, but support them.
00:14:46 John Daub: Onsen is ryokan (traditional inn) experience. I was shy first year—no naked dudes—but once tried, wasted time missing out. Amazing once over shyness. Moss Burger great unique chain—cheaper than gourmet, pricier than McDonald's. Halal video soon—trying halal ramen, learning from viewers (45-50% US). Halal: animal slaughtered per Quran, blessed. Kosher too—Dasei sake certified. Hard Rock Cafe? Many—first in Nagoya helped homesickness.
00:18:14 John Daub: Three in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka. Next video street food in Tokyo this week, then Ogasawara islands. Q&A likes mean more. Halal meat slaughtered specific way, tastier. Video editing good—five street foods soon. Vegetarian sushi interesting, will cover vegan/veg to show all sides. CBD? Weed—not legal, big trouble. Drugs illegal, police 100% conviction. Futon (floor mattress) folds away—space saver, cooler on ground (hot air rises), cultural (no shoes indoors).
00:24:09 John Daub: Older Japanese crawl/slowly rise, family helps—no falling out of bed. AKB48 tickets? Luck/internet, but monetized heavily. Not becoming citizen—happy American. Jobs need unique skill (nursing, elderly care, English teaching)—easy visa extension. Pro wrestling episode maybe. English teaching great—kids learn fast, energizing. New York/Europe/India meetups planned. Foreigners at host bars? Yes, seen Filipina/Russian women.
00:29:11 John Daub: Sakura Gaoka [?]? Been everywhere. Cherry blossom wear: pants, shoes, sweater/light jacket—layers, can be cold. Chicken food easy—karaage (fried chicken) top five, katsudon (pork cutlet rice) favorite. November cooler, 5-10°C (41-50°F), autumn leaves. Japanese curry mild—Vermont Curry (apple/honey base) popularized sweet version 1960s. Catholic Japanese to marry? Good luck. Toyooka [?]? Good. 15 days Tokyo enough—get out.
00:32:28 John Daub: Clinics everywhere, cheap—bring insurance for discount, doctors speak English. Hospitals busy from elderly. Airbnb: new law requires registration/taxes like hotels—many shut down, first enforcement last week. Hotel crunch in Tokyo/Kyoto—love hotels option (flat rate overnight, karaoke/PS in rooms). Good for couples/families politely away from kids. Best time: now, end Sept/Oct—avoid lines.
00:38:54 John Daub: Tattoos at baths? Kid under teen can join dad in men's. Sentos 99% OK now. Onsen accommodating foreigners—use body patches (cheap, cover up). Dogo Onsen (oldest, Shikoku/Matsuyama) allows all, emperor's bath—check my video. Fly budget (Jetstar/Skymark/Peach/Vanilla)—faster/cheaper than Shinkansen, forget JR pass. Jetstar strict 7kg baggage—weigh pockets.
00:47:40 John Daub: Private bath? Ryokan in Takayama/Kyoto—book 2 months ahead (Jalan.net best, Japanese site w/English). Hana Kanzashi stunning. Taxis useful—¥480 (~$4) start, rarely over $7, cheaper than subway sometimes. Uber Black pricier, wait 8-10min but luxurious. Doors auto-open/close. New cabs like mini London taxis fit more luggage. Indians teach English? Yes, accents valuable globally—GABA hires.
01:02:34 John Daub: Diet hard—amazing food, but small portions, less sugar (unsweetened tea vending). Avoid konbini (convenience store) bentos—chemicals. Cook rice for health. Learning Japanese: Duolingo good, but I did flashcards—master katakana (foreign words alphabet) in 12hrs for menus/signs/confidence. 5 vowels (a/i/u/e/o), simple sounds—builds momentum to hiragana/kanji/verbs.
01:12:51 John Daub: Samurai/martial arts? Check Naginata (1000yr sword basis), Spochan (air sword sport). Night buses for budget long hauls, but flights cheaper. Bikes: Docomo Tokyo Bicycle Share—app/Suica, docks citywide, e-bikes. Wander Tokyo: Shinjuku-Shibuya walk (Meiji/Harajuku/1964 Olympics), Jinbocho alleys (books/coffee), Arakicho (old streets/ryokan), Shimbashi-Hibiya-Roppongi-Aoyama-Shibuya.
01:27:35 John Daub: Livestreams need goal for value—learn + fun. Patreon.com/onlyinjapan for support/postcards. Great questions—ideas in comments. Happy Halloween!