Abroad in Japan This Hidden Region in Japan Won Best Global Location 2026
Nov 3, 2025
The hosts dive into Yamagata Prefecture, recently named a top global destination for 2026. They discuss the stunning Ginzan Onsen and Yamadera, sharing personal memories and concerns about overcrowding. Tales of boarding the wrong Shinkansen spark lively anecdotes about travel mishaps in Japan. Chris highlights the tranquil charm of Yamagata, while the duo also tackles quirky regional mascots and offers insights for aspiring JET Program applicants. Join in for a mix of humor and travel wisdom!
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Wrong Shinkansen Led To Toyama
- Chris described black ramen in Toyama that originated post-war and was eaten with rice for stamina.
- The listener Miguel accidentally rode a Shinkansen to Toyama and missed the intended Tokyo route.
Avoid Panic-Boarding Trains
- Don't rush onto trains just because they appear; Japan's trains are frequent so you can wait for the correct one.
- Give yourself time to check directions instead of panic-boarding the first train.
Missed Shinkansen During Rush Hour
- Chris missed his Shinkansen due to Tokyo rush hour and watched it pass while he was stuck below the tracks.
- He notes the Nozomi trains come so frequently that missing one usually isn't a disaster.