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 Partner Deals Inside Tracker: 20% off personalized wellness & nutrition plans backed by science Athletic Greens: Free 1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: allthehacks.com/deals 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