#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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Selected Links From The Episode

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

• Suica Card


• Yamanote Line

Miscellaneous information

• Ratings/Reviews: Tabelog
  


• The 10 best Japanese convenience store souvenirs

Full Show Notes

Introduction (00:00 )

Why Japan? (01:31 )

Japan: Post-pandemic and post-olympics (04:12 )

How to plan for your first visit to Japan (07:50 )

Destinations outside of Tokyo and Kyoto (09:52 )

The best time of year to visit (12:12 )

Is it beneficial to have a guide? Can people get by using English? (13:51 )

Understanding the rating/review system (15:20 )

Japanese people and culture (17:43 )

Culture: Meeting & getting to know the locals (21:49 )

Tokyo: How to geographically think about the city (24:59 )

Transportation and the Suica pre-paid transportation card (29:07 )

Tokyo: What to eat, drink, do (33:21 )

Misnomer: Tokyo is expensive (36:17 )

Dining in Tokyo (36:47 )

Dining etiquette: Tipping (37:57 )

Dining etiquette: Meal times (38:58 )

Segmented dining (40:23 )

Food specialties (41:18 )

Restaurant/bar/cafe recommendations (42:46 )

More things to see and do in Tokyo (49:28 )

Nightlife scene (59:03 )

Is Japan family-friendly? (1:01:13 )

Kyoto (1:04:02 )

What to know about visiting Kyoto (1:07:29 )

Working with high-end travel planners/Access to personalized luxury cultural experiences (1:09:44 )

How the hotel industry has changed due to the pandemic (1:12:57 )

Top things to see and do, and where to stay (1:16:51 )

Kyoto: What to eat, drink, do (1:20:12 )

Specific types of foods to try (1:22:51 )

Other things to see and places to explore in Kyoto (1:24:53 )

Etiquette: Be engaging and show appreciation (1:25:53 )

Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: Emerging destinations and interesting places (1:27:07 )

Shopping in Japan (1:36:21 )

Osaka (1:36:50 )

Seto Inland Sea (1:38:45 )

Where to find Brandon online (1:40:18 )