All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins2

Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever with Brandon Presser


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#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 Expl...

            ...more
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            All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins2By Chris Hutchins