Navigating Tokyo: A Walkable Adventure with Culinary Highlights

#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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