Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever with Brandon Pressor
#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.
Partner Deals
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to our Partner Deals
Selected Links From The Episode
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
Miscellaneous information
- Ratings/Reviews: Tabelog
- The 10 best Japanese convenience store souvenirs
Full Show Notes
Introduction (00:00)
Why Japan? (01:31)
Japan: Post-pandemic and post-olympics (04:12)
How to plan for your first visit to Japan (07:50)
Destinations outside of Tokyo and Kyoto (09:52)
The best time of year to visit (12:12)
Is it beneficial to have a guide? Can people get by using English? (13:51)
Understanding the rating/review system (15:20)
Japanese people and culture (17:43)
Culture: Meeting & getting to know the locals (21:49)
Tokyo: How to geographically think about the city (24:59)
Transportation and the Suica pre-paid transportation card (29:07)
Tokyo: What to eat, drink, do (33:21)
Misnomer: Tokyo is expensive (36:17)
Dining in Tokyo (36:47)
Dining etiquette: Tipping (37:57)
Dining etiquette: Meal times (38:58)
Segmented dining (40:23)
Food specialties (41:18)
Restaurant/bar/cafe recommendations (42:46)
More things to see and do in Tokyo (49:28)
Nightlife scene (59:03)
Is Japan family-friendly? (1:01:13)
Kyoto (1:04:02)
What to know about visiting Kyoto (1:07:29)
Working with high-end travel planners/Access to personalized luxury cultural experiences (1:09:44)
How the hotel industry has changed due to the pandemic (1:12:57)
Top things to see and do, and where to stay (1:16:51)
Kyoto: What to eat, drink, do (1:20:12)
Specific types of foods to try (1:22:51)
Other things to see and places to explore in Kyoto (1:24:53)
Etiquette: Be engaging and show appreciation (1:25:53)
Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: Emerging destinations and interesting places (1:27:07)
Shopping in Japan (1:36:21)
Osaka (1:36:50)
Seto Inland Sea (1:38:45)
Where to find Brandon online (1:40:18)
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
