Michael Zislis lived in Japan for several years before starting a company (JPN Guides) that helps other westerners learn how to navigate the "land of the rising sun." In this episode, Michael tells how he happened upon his favorite ramen, shares why he visits his favorite sushi place at 5:00 a.m., why he recommends venturing into the Japanese countryside, life in Niigata, recommendations in Sapporo, Shinto temple etiquette, why hot milk and hot springs follow affordable skiing, cherry blossom maps, and language tips.

He then goes through the process of creating a custom personalized guidebook for Zackery, just as he would for JPN Guides.

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JPN Guides: https://www.jpnguides.com/

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Transcript: https://nearandfar.travel/your-guide-to-japan-with-michael-zislis-of-jpn-guides/

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Other travel book recommendations: http://nearandfar.travel/books/ https://bookshop.org/shop/near_far_travel

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About the Podcast: https://nearandfar.travel/podcast

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Chapters

0:00 Welcome

0:57 Michael's First Trip to Japan

4:47 Sushi and Ramen in Tokyo

11:56 Be a Podcast Guest!

12:23 Sapporo

17:48 Shinto Temple Etiquette

21:42 Cultural Differences When Living in Niigata

27:35 Subscribe to the Near and Far Newsletter!

28:02 Hot Springs and Skiing

31:29 Cherry Blossoms, Kyoto, and Going Beyond the Golden Route

34:23 Language Tips and "Sumimasen!"

39:11 Your Guide to Japan