Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever with Brandon Presser

#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

Suica Card

Yamanote Line

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
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