1 Year in Japan Travel Guide @tommytravelz in 4k 60fps
this deep dive is all about you well a potential you the you that’s maybe just maybe thinking about packing it all up and moving to Japan for a whole year a whole year that’s incredible right not just a quick trip not just a taste but a full-on immersion we’re talking about really getting under the skin of Japan experiencing it as a resident and I know it can seem like a lot trust me I get it but that’s what we’re here for to break it all down exactly we’re going to cover everything you need to know for your first time to make this giant leap a reality it’s about moving beyond those tourist hot spots and really feeling the pulse of daily life in Japan finding those hidden rhythms the stuff most travelers never see okay so first things first timing when’s the best time to actually go well for a first- timer I’d always recommend either spring or autumn classic choices right for a reason think about it springtime in Japan means cherry blossoms everywhere the landscape is just painted pink it’s gorgeous yeah I’m sold what about autumn autumn is all about those vibrant colors the maple leaves turning fiery red plus both seasons offer well pleasant weather you’ll avoid that intense summer humidity yeah not everyone’s a fan of that and you’ll miss the peak season clouds which means shorter lines more relaxed vibe you know easier to just soak it all in so summer in Japan is more for like the hardcore heat lovers it definitely has its own charm especially if you’re into festivals and fireworks but for a year-long stay especially a first time yeah probably better to ease into it exactly spring or autumn a much gentler introduction to everything Japan has to offer and you know winter can be magical too with snowcapped mountains and those steaming hot springs the onen i’ve heard they’re amazing oh they are but spending a whole year in winter maybe not the best starting point right okay so timing is key now where do you even begin exploring in a country as diverse and fascinating as Japan i know it’s like where do you even start you could spend a lifetime there and still not see everything absolutely but for a first timer you got to hit those iconic spots like the greatest hits tour kind of yeah we’re talking Tokyo neon lights ancient temples all that energy tokyo is definitely on my list then there’s Kyoto the old capital zen gardens tea houses it’s a different pace altogether and Osaka oh man Osaka is a foodies paradise okay I’m already hungry seriously the street food there is incredible and the nightife is vibrant and of course a visit to Hiroshima that’s a profound historical experience i must see definitely and I know it sounds cliche but I can’t imagine going to Japan without at least seeing Mount Fuji of course it’s like a symbol of the country but here’s the thing each of these places isn’t just about like checking it off a list they’re significant for more than just their beauty i’m listening take the Fushimianari shrine in Kyoto for example everyone’s seen those pictures right thousands of bright orange Tory gates oh yeah it’s stunning but those gates they represent something deeper in the Shinto religion which is like a core part of Japanese culture those gates symbolize the transition between the physical and spiritual worlds wow I didn’t know that so it’s not just a pretty picture it’s about understanding what it actually means exactly okay so we’re talking about all these incredible places to visit but how do you even get around in Japan i mean the country is huge public transportation in Japan is legendary it is it’s incredibly efficient if you’re planning to travel extensively the Japan Rail Pass is a must-have i’ve heard of it but what exactly is it it’s basically an all access pass for the country’s bullet train network imagine zipping across Japan at 320 km hour and you know enjoying the scenery while you’re at it that’s faster than my internet connection what about just getting around like within cities for local travel a prepaid IC card that’s your best friend so I don’t have to fumble with tickets every time I hop on a bus nope you can use it on the subway the buses even some shops saves you time and money okay so we’ve got the long-distance travel covered we’ve got the city travel covered but after all that exploring you’re going to need a place to crash exactly and you’ve got choices there’s hotels they’re comfortable you know what you’re getting but if you’re after a truly unique experience a real taste of Japanese culture you got to try a rayoan a rayoan a traditional Japanese inn think about it sleeping on a futon on the Tommy mats the room’s got sliding doors maybe a little garden and they have these amazing multi-course meals authentic Japanese cuisine that sounds incredible but what about the budget are Ryokans like super expensive i mean if our listeners planning to stay for a whole year good point ryokans can be pricey but there are options for every budget for the budget traveler host are great especially if you’re solo or looking to meet people the social butterfly option yeah you get shared dorm rooms common areas it’s fun and then there’s always Airbnb you know reliable Airbnb more space usually and you get that local touch right okay okay so we’ve got the travel sorted we’ve got a place to sleep now the fun part culture this is where it gets interesting right you can’t just drop into a new culture without like understanding the rules of the game exactly japan is all about respect and tradition there’s etiquette involved but it’s part of the experience like bowing for example bowing it’s more than just saying hello it’s showing respect gratitude the deeper the bow the more formal it is so there’s like levels to it yeah a quick nod for casual greetings but for formal occasions or if you’re showing deep respect you do a longer deeper bow okay bowing etiquette check what about gift giving i’ve heard it’s a big deal in Japan it is it’s about thoughtfulness you give these gifts called omiage local snacks or souvenirs from the region you’ve visited so you’re not just buying a random knickknack no you’re sharing part of your journey with people showing them you thought of them now table manners that’s another one this is the part where I’m always worried about messing up don’t worry it’s not that strict just remember you wait for the host to sayakimasu before you start eating it means I humbly receive expressing gratitude for the food that’s beautiful and what about like slurping noodles is that rude actually slurping your noodles especially ramen is a compliment to the chef it shows you’re enjoying it no way see this is what I love about learning about different cultures all those little details that make it so interesting okay bowing gift giving slurping noodles we’re getting this but let’s be honest no trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the food oh the food right it’s like a whole other level we’re talking sushi ramen tempura where do we even begin those are definitely mustries but don’t stop there each region in Japan has its own specialties in Osaka you got to try takoyaki it’s like these little octopus balls oh yeah I’ve seen those they look amazing and okonomiyaki it’s like a savory pancake with cabbage and meat and this special sauce i’m drooling just thinking about it but what if our listener has dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free is Japan still a good option japan is getting much better at accommodating different dietary needs especially in bigger cities you’ll find vegan restaurants gluten-free options it’s becoming more common that’s good to hear everyone deserves to experience delicious food okay so food is covered now let’s get real about the budget a year in Japan it can’t be cheaper right well it depends on your lifestyle it’s definitely not a backpacking trip but it doesn’t have to break the bank either let’s break down some potential costs yeah give us the nitty-gritty okay accommodation that’s where you’ll see the biggest difference a hostel could cost you like $45 a night a decent hotel room more like $100 and a luxurious Rioin you could be looking at $180 or more per night okay so there’s a range a big range but if you’re staying longer you can often find discounts or monthly rates that make it more affordable what about daily expenses like food and transportation yeah let’s talk about those food costs can be all over the place you could grab a bowl of ramen from a street vendor for like $8 or you could splurge on a fancy sushi dinner for $50 or more okay so eating in is probably the way to go for budget travelers definitely grocery stores in Japan are amazing you can find fresh ingredients readymade meals all for reasonable prices and transportation if you’re not going all over the country budget around $10 $15 a day for local travel so all things considered what’s a realistic daily budget for someone living in Japan ballpark figure i’d say factoring in the basis plus some fun activities you could comfortably get by on $7500 a day that’s not bad at all and I’m sure there are ways to save money if you’re really budget conscious absolutely japan has tons of free or cheap things to do parks gardens temples shrines just wandering around and exploring the best things in life are free as they say okay last but definitely not least let’s talk about safety is Japan a safe place for travelers i mean for a whole year japan is one of the safest countries in the world violent crime is rare people are honest you can walk around at night without worry that’s reassuring but what about natural disasters earthquakes typhoons that kind of thing it’s true japan does experience those most buildings are built to withstand earthquakes and there are safety procedures in place it’s good idea to download a safety app on your phone just in case better to be prepared okay we’ve covered a lot of ground here but it feels like we’ve just scratched the surface we have this is just the beginning so much to explore from those bustling city streets to tranquil gardens ancient temples to the peak of Mount Fuji it’s all out there waiting what resonates most with you so far what’s sparking your curiosity about Japan i think it’s incredible to think about you know spending a whole year in Japan there’s so much to uncover from those buzzing cities to the peaceful countryside it really is a choose your own adventure kind of place speaking of choosing we talked about Mount Fuji before but how do you actually experience it is it all about that like epic climb to the summit well climbing Mount Fuji is definitely a bucket list item for a lot of people but the climbing season is short just July and August because of the weather makes sense and it’s physically demanding for sure but those views from the top they say they’re breathtaking i can only imagine but for those of us who you know maybe prefer a less intense mountain experience what are the other options there’s tons you can take a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi for example get those classic views of Mount Fuji reflected in the water super peaceful the Fuji 5 lakes region that whole area is amazing for hiking forests lake shores with glimpses of the mountain through the trees okay that sounds more my speed and if you’re feeling adventurous you could even try paragliding paragliding with a view of Mount Fuji that’s next level this is making me want to start packing my bags right now speaking of which what are some like packing essentials for a year in Japan what can’t I forget the most important thing make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay and do your research on visa requirements ah yes the paperwork some countries have agreements with Japan so you can stay vis you’ll probably need a specific visa check with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country just to be safe always good to be prepared what about travel insurance worth it for a long trip like this highly recommended especially for a whole year it covers unexpected medical expenses lost luggage even trip cancellations peace of mind is priceless exactly okay tech gadgets you’ll want to stay connected of course how else am I going to post all those amazing Instagram pics a portable Wi-Fi device is a must you can rent them at the airport or buy a SIM card no crazy roaming charges come oh and don’t forget a power adapter japan uses type A plugs noted don’t want my phone dying on me in the middle of exploring all right back to cultural stuff for a minute any like specific situations where I really need to be mindful of Japanese customs it’s all about being respectful and aware when you visit temples and shrines for example dress modestly and take your shoes off before entering shoes off got it anything else you’ll usually see designated areas for shoes just follow everyone else’s lead same goes for some traditional restaurants you might be seated on tatami mats tatami mats woven straw mats it’s customary to kneel or sit cross-legged on them and again shoes off okay tatami mats shoes off sit properly i’m learning so much it’s amazing how these little things can tell you so much about a culture they really do and remember Japanese people are incredibly hospitable even if you accidentally make a mistake just apologize show you’re trying to learn it goes a long way that’s good to know okay so we’ve got the practical stuff the cultural dos and don’ts but what about the bigger picture yeah the personal side of living in Japan for a year what can our listener expect beyond just the tourist experience living abroad especially for that long can be truly transformative in what way you encounter new perspectives you challenge your assumptions you learn about yourself as much as you learn about the new culture it’s like you step outside your comfort zone and suddenly you see everything differently exactly you might discover strengths you never knew you had or passions you never realized were there and when you go back home you take all those experiences with you a whole new perspective on the world and who knows maybe you’ll even pick up some Japanese along the way even a few phrases can really enhance your experience i’m all for that all right so we’ve talked about when to go where to go how to get around the cultural side of things now let’s get to some insider tips the stuff that takes your trip from like good to unforgettable the secret sauce exactly let’s start with money matters how do I handle my finances in Japan is it a cash society or do I need to rely on credit cards japan is still pretty cash heavy especially outside the big cities it’s good to have a mix of both just in case and let your bank know you’re traveling so they don’t freak out when you start using your card overseas makes sense what about ATMs are they easy to find you’ll find them at convenience stores banks post offices but not all ATMs except foreign cards so check with your bank good to know now communication i know English isn’t super widely spoken in Japan any tips for handling the language barrier a good translation app is your best friend you can use it for text conversations even take pictures of signs or menus and get instant translations technology is amazing but what if I want to like actually try to speak Japanese learning a few basic phrases can go a long way greetings thank yous things like that even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect the effort is appreciated it shows you care right okay hit me with some insider tips what are some hidden gems or off-the-beaten path experiences that most tourists miss one of my favorite things is just exploring local neighborhoods get away from the main tourist areas wander the back streets find those tiny cafes the local shops getting that authentic vibe exactly and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you might be surprised at how friendly and helpful they are making those connections those are the memories that stick with you absolutely what about souvenirs yeah what should I bring back for my friends and family instead of generic souvenirs look for things that have meaning handcrafted pottery from a local artisan maybe or a calligraphy scroll with your name written in Japanese characters something unique that reflects your experience love that so much better than a cheesy keychain speaking of experiencing the culture what about markets oh the markets a mustdo fresh produce seafood spices all those regional specialties a feast for the senses any other food experiences you’d recommend if you love ramen try a ramen tour each region has its own style i’m down for a ramen tour or if you’re feeling super adventurous you can try fugu fugu the puffer fish it’s a delicacy but it can be poisonous if it’s not prepared correctly definitely a once in a-lifetime kind of thing maybe I’ll stick to ramen for now okay any final words of wisdom for our listener before they embark on their year in Japan embrace the unexpected be flexible be adventurous japan is a blend of tradition and modernity be open to learning be respectful and most importantly have fun sounds like a plan we’ve covered so much from the practicalities to the deeper more personal aspects of what it means to live in Japan it’s a journey for sure and as we wrap up this part of our deep dive I want to leave our listener with something to think about i’m intrigued imagine yourself at the end of your year in Japan standing at the airport ready to come home what’s the one experience the one memory the one lesson that stayed with you the one that’s truly transformed you wow that’s a heavy one really makes you think about the impact this kind of experience can have let that question guide you as you explore the answers will come i promise you that this year in Japan is a gift a chance to experience something new connect with people discover parts of yourself you never knew existed embrace it every moment let the magic of Japan transform you all right welcome back to our final deep dive into living in Japan for a year it’s been a whirlwind of info hasn’t it from navigating Tokyo to slurping down ramen like a pro we’ve covered a lot of ground that’s for sure but now I think it’s time to shift gears a bit oh what do you mean well we’ve talked about the practicalities the cultural stuff all that’s important but there’s another layer to this whole experience okay I’m intrigued tell me more it’s about the personal transformation the way living in a new culture for a whole year can change you from the inside out you mean like it’s not just about seeing Japan it’s about becoming a different person exactly it’s like imagine yourself in a peaceful Japanese garden cherry blossoms are falling around you there’s the sound of water everything is calm and serene okay i’m feeling zen already and in that moment you start to think about what you really want out of this experience what are your aspirations what do you hope to gain from this whole year of immersion it’s like planting a seed right and then watching it grow into something beautiful i love that analogy and the soil in this case is Japan with all its rich culture and traditions so how might that seed grow for someone living in Japan for a year h good question i guess it depends on the person right what are their interests what are they hoping to find absolutely for some people it might be a newfound appreciation for mindfulness for simplicity the Japanese way of finding beauty in the everyday you know I could definitely use a bit more of that in my life others might be drawn to something more creative like calligraphy or the tea ceremony discovering talents they didn’t even know they had it’s amazing how being in a different environment can unlock those hidden parts of ourselves and for a lot of people it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of their own values and beliefs seeing the world from a different perspective can really make you think about what’s important to you so it’s like stepping outside the box of your own life and realizing there’s a whole universe out there a whole universe of possibilities and that can be both exciting and a little bit scary right definitely so what advice would you give our listener to help them navigate all these potential changes and really embrace this personal journey i’d say be open to new experiences even the ones that make you feel a bit uncomfortable step outside your comfort zone allow yourself to be surprised it’s all about growth right pushing those boundaries exactly and don’t be afraid to make mistakes japan is a very forgiving culture as long as you’re respectful and show a willingness to learn people will be happy to help you along the way that’s good to know okay so being open to new experiences is key but how do you actually like do that what are some practical steps start small learn a few basic Japanese phrases explore different neighborhoods try all the weird and wonderful foods you can find talk to people even if it’s just with a translation app it’s about those small everyday interactions those little moments that add up to something bigger and don’t forget to document those moments keep a journal take pictures write down your thoughts and feelings create a record of your journey something you can look back on and remember how much you’ve grown exactly it’s like creating your own personal map of Japan with all the highlights and discoveries you’ve made along the way and speaking of discoveries I want to bring back that thought-provoking question you posed earlier the one about that one transformative experience you’ll carry with you from Japan ah yes it’s a question worth pondering isn’t it it really is and I think it’s a perfect note to end our deep dive on as you embark on this adventure keep that question in mind let it guide you let it shape your experience the answers will come in their own time and when you return home you’ll be a different person in the best way possible enriched by everything you’ve seen done and felt in Japan so to our listener we say embrace this incredible opportunity open your heart to the magic of Japan and allow yourself to be transformed happy travels [Music] heat heat [Music] [Music] heat heat [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] hey hey hey heat heat n [Music] [Music] hey hey hey hey hey [Music] hey hey hey hey hey hey hey [Music] hey hey Hey hey [Music]
1 Year in Japan Travel Guide @tommytravelz in 4k 60fps
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