Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever with Brandon Presser
Description
#101: Travel writer Brandon Presser joins Chris to discuss all things Japan. They cover why they both love the country so much, what makes it worth a visit, where you should go, what you should see and do, and all the incredible foods you should be trying (including their favorite spots to eat at).
Brandon Presser (@brandpress) is a freelance travel writer who has lived in Japan twice, written 3 books on the country and has traveled there in all but one of the last 20 years. Aside from Japan, he's also written 50+ travel guidebooks, contributes to numerous travel publications and recently released his latest book: The Far Land.
Full show notes at: https://allthehacks.com/japan-brandon-presser
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Resources Mentioned
Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Tokyo
- Sites: Meiji Shrine | Shibuya Crossing | Imperial Palace | Four Seasons Hotel (Imperial Gardens view) | Team Labs Planets | 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
- Neighborhoods: Shimokitazawa | Kichijōji | Daikanyama | Nakameguro | Jiyūgaoka | Odaiba
- Dine/Drink: Maisen | Kagari Ramen | Kikanbo | Rokurinsha | Min Min | Savoy (Azabu Juban) | Tama | Tatemichiya | Haritts | Sushizanmai | Deus ex Machina | Bar Trench | Bar Tram | Bar Benfiddich | Breakfast Club | Bear Pond Espresso | 7-Eleven snacks
- Accommodations: Aman | Hilton Tokyo | Grand Hyatt Tokyo
- Shopping: Omotesando | Tsukiji Outer Market (shopping & dining)
Kyoto
- Sites: Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Yasaka Pagoda
- Neighborhoods: Gion | Sanjō
- Dine/Drink: Pizzaria Napoletana Da Yuki | Bar Rocking Chair | Yugen | Ippodo Tea | Monk | House of KI NO BI | Yasai Hori
- Accommodations: Park Hyatt Kyoto
- Shopping:
Secondary Destinations
- Kyushu (volcanoes, hot spring culture)
- Ōita Prefecture
Beppu (Stay: Intercontinental)- Yufuin
- Shikoku (small villages, farming/rural)
- Hokkaido (natural destination, skiing)
Niigata (Design Hotels: Satoyama Jujo)
Transportation
Miscellaneous information
- Ratings/Reviews: Tabelog
- The 10 best Japanese convenience store souvenirs
Full Show Notes
(01:31 ) Why Japan?
(04:12 ) Japan: Post-Pandemic and Post-Olympics
(07:50 ) How to Plan for Your First Visit to Japan
(09:52 ) Destinations Outside of Tokyo and Kyoto
(12:12 ) The Best Time of Year to Visit
(13:51 ) Is It Beneficial to Have a Guide? Can People Get By Using English?
(15:20 ) Understanding the Rating/Review System
(17:43 ) Japanese People and Culture
(21:49 ) Culture: Meeting & Getting to Know the Locals
(24:59 ) Tokyo: How to Geographically Think About the City
(29:07 ) Transportation and the Suica Pre-Paid Transportation Card
(33:21 ) Tokyo: What to Eat, Drink, Do
(36:17 ) Misnomer: Tokyo Is Expensive
(36:47 ) Dining in Tokyo
(37:57 ) Dining Etiquette: Tipping
(38:58 ) Dining Etiquette: Meal Times
(40:23 ) Segmented Dining
(41:18 ) Food Specialties
(42:46 ) Restaurant/Bar/Cafe Recommendations
(49:28 ) More Things to See and Do in Tokyo
(59:03 ) Nightlife Scene
(1:01:13 ) Is Japan Family-Friendly?
(1:04:02 ) Kyoto
(1:07:29 ) What to Know About Visiting Kyoto
(1:09:44 ) Working with High-End Travel Planners/Access to Personalized Luxury Cultural Experiences
(1:12:57 ) How the Hotel Industry Has Changed Due to the Pandemic
(1:16:51 ) Top Things to See and Do, and Where to Stay in Kyoto
(1:20:12 ) Kyoto: What to Eat, Drink, Do
(1:22:51 ) Specific Types of Foods to Try
(1:24:53 ) Other Things to See and Places to Explore in Kyoto
(1:25:53 ) Etiquette: Be Engaging and Show Appreciation
(1:27:07 ) Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: Emerging Destinations and Interesting Places
(1:36:21 ) Shopping in Japan
(1:36:50 ) Osaka
(1:38:45 ) Seto Inland Sea
(1:40:18 ) Where to Find Brandon Online
Absolutely loved this episode. Made me want to plan a trip to Japan!