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  • SHINKANSEN MUST-KNOW FOR YOUR JAPAN TRIP🇯🇵

    Yaya, a Tokyo-based tour guide and anime enthusiast, begins by sharing her passion for Detective Conan.

    The main part of her presentation provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to purchase and use Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in Japan. Yaya explains how to choose departure times, the differences between standard and Green Car seating, and the rules regarding large luggage.

    She emphasizes that both a base fare ticket and a limited express (Shinkansen) ticket are required—having only the express ticket is not enough to board. She also touches on payment methods at ticket machines, noting that they generally accept only cash or IC cards.

    The presentation also highlights proper etiquette for handling large luggage, as recently covered in Japanese media. Yaya describes the premium services offered in Green Cars, such as power outlets and Wi-Fi, and points out that prices vary depending on the day of the week.

    The guide concludes with a summary of proper Shinkansen etiquette—keeping quiet, handling luggage carefully, and maintaining cleanliness. Yaya wraps up the session with an interactive quiz about spotting Mt. Fuji from the train.

    Do you want to book at YAYA TABI?

  • 3 Essentials When You Arrive in Japan | For First-Timers & Returning Travelers

    Yaya, a Tokyo-based guide specializing in food tours, provides essential information for travelers visiting Japan.

    She emphasizes three key elements for a smooth trip in Japan: cash, reliable internet access, and an understanding of public transportation. Yaya explains that cash is particularly important for buying train tickets, at ramen shops, and when using vending machines.

    For currency exchange, Yaya recommends several options including airport exchange counters, Daikokuya, Travelex, and World Currency Shop. She specifically highlights favorable exchange rate locations in Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro.

    Regarding internet access, Yaya introduces several eSIM providers in detail. Mobal offers 3GB for 8 days at ¥2,340; World eSIM provides flexible data plans; Sakura Mobile offers unlimited data for 15 days at ¥6,500; and Japan Wireless offers a 4GB/day plan for $5 USD.

    When it comes to transportation, Yaya explains the differences between the regular Suica card and the Welcome Suica card. The Welcome Suica does not require a deposit or personal information and expires after 28 days, while the regular Suica requires a ¥500 deposit and personal registration.

    Yaya concludes with practical tips on electrical compatibility (Type A plugs, 100V), taxi services (recommending the GO app), and arranging shuttle services.

    Do you want to book at YAYA TABI?

  • How to Buy Train Tickets & Suica in Japan | Step-by-Step Guide

    Yaya, a Tokyo-based tour guide, provides a comprehensive guide on how to use Japan’s railway system, with a particular focus on purchasing tickets and obtaining a Suica card.

    She shares some surprising statistics about Tokyo’s railway system, noting that around 25 million people use the city’s main railway lines each day, and that between late 2024 and early 2025, JR’s Shinkansen recorded an all-time high of 412,000 passengers.

    Yaya offers a detailed explanation of how to purchase train tickets and emphasizes the importance of carrying cash, as credit cards are often not accepted. While the smart Suica card is a convenient option, she explains that it may not work outside the Tokyo area, so it’s essential to know how to buy physical tickets as well.

    She goes on to explain how to obtain a Suica card, highlighting the difference between the standard version and the personalized version. She notes that a personalized Suica card can be replaced if lost—just visit a JR station—whereas a Pasmo card can only be replaced at the store where it was originally purchased.

    The guide also introduces the “Welcome Suica,” a special IC card for tourists. It can be obtained at JR East Travel Centers and airport vending machines. This card requires no deposit, can be charged with amounts between ¥1,000 and ¥10,000, is valid for 180 days, but does not come with loss protection.

    Do you want to book at YAYA TABI?

  • JAPAN TRAIN TIPS

    Yaya, a Tokyo-based tour guide, presents a comprehensive guide to using Japan’s railway system, especially in Tokyo.

    According to Yaya, Tokyo has more than 20 railway companies, with the major ones including Tokyo Metro, JR, Toei, Keisei, Keikyu, and Tobu. She emphasizes that passengers often need to purchase a new ticket when transferring between different companies, but also introduces Suica and Pasmo IC cards as convenient alternatives.

    Yaya provides detailed information about the main railway lines, focusing especially on the nine Tokyo Metro lines and the useful JR lines (JB, JO, JE, JY, JC). She explains that each line connects to popular tourist destinations, such as Akihabara on the JB line (a favorite among anime fans) and Shibuya on the JY line (famous for its iconic crossing).

    The guide also includes practical advice on how to use ticket machines, find train stations, and basic Japanese phrases to ask for directions. Yaya teaches expressions such as “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) and “Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?” (Can you speak English?).

    Lastly, Yaya offers a step-by-step guide on how to ride trains in Japan, stressing the importance of checking the platform and using Google Maps for navigation. She also notes that many trains in central Tokyo provide English announcements and information displays.

    Do you want to book at YAYA TABI?