Beyond Tokyo: Discovering Japan's Hidden Villages with Yen Shen Chan

What if the best parts of Japan are the places most tourists never visit?In this episode, I sit down with Yen Shen Chan, a Malaysia-based travel advisor who specializes in Japan's lesser-known destinations. Yen's journey from accounting student to Japan travel expert started with anime and manga, led him to a life-changing semester in rural Oita, and eventually sparked a passion for helping others discover authentic Japanese experiences. We explore why focusing on one region beats the typical Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto rush, discuss mountain villages just 30 minutes from Kyoto, and uncover places like Wakayama Prefecture with its famous cat station master and themed trains. Yen shares practical tips for navigating Japan's complex transit system, explains how to balance must-see spots with hidden gems, and reveals budget-friendly strategies for exploring this beautiful but expensive country.Tune in to discover a side of Japan that goes far beyond the crowded tourist hotspots and learn how to plan your own authentic Japanese adventure.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Why choosing one base city and exploring surrounding areas creates better experiences and saves moneyHidden gems near major cities in JapanComparing bullet trains vs. regular trains, regional passes, and navigation tips for non-Japanese speakersBudget travel strategiesRESOURCES MENTIONED: Website | http://yentravelsjapan.comInstagram | @yentravelsjapanInstagram | @yentravelstheworldBEST MOMENTS:"The thing is, every scenery in Japan is beautiful, like even the normal neighborhoods, because the one merit Japan has is they maintain everything, including their public order in a very orderly and hygienic manner.""Japan is such a beautiful country itself and I believe there are a lot more destinations that even I myself am looking forward to explore and discover in Japan."CONTACT THE HOSTWebsite |  www.thereikihealingcoach.com Instagram | @sophia_i_got_igInstagram | @createlifeyourwayFacebook | www.facebook.com/sophia.e.754LinkedIn | Sophia Elcock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What this episode covers

What if the best parts of Japan are the places most tourists never visit?In this episode, I sit down with Yen Shen Chan, a Malaysia-based travel advisor who specializes in Japan's lesser-known destinations. Yen's journey from accounting student to Japan travel expert started with anime and manga, led him to a life-changing semester in rural Oita, and eventually sparked a passion for helping others discover authentic Japanese experiences. We explore why focusing on one region beats the typical Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto rush, discuss mountain villages just 30 minutes from Kyoto, and uncover places like Wakayama Prefecture with its famous cat station master and themed trains. Yen shares practical tips for navigating Japan's complex transit system, explains how to balance must-see spots with hidden gems, and reveals budget-friendly strategies for exploring this beautiful but expensive country.Tune in to discover a side of Japan that goes far beyond the crowded tourist hotspots and learn how to plan your own authentic Japanese adventure.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Why choosing one base city and exploring surrounding areas creates better experiences and saves moneyHidden gems near major cities in JapanComparing bullet trains vs. regular trains, regional passes, and navigation tips for non-Japanese speakersBudget travel strategiesRESOURCES MENTIONED: Website | http://yentravelsjapan.comInstagram | @yentravelsjapanInstagram | @yentravelstheworldBEST MOMENTS:"The thing is, every scenery in Japan is beautiful, like even the normal neighborhoods, because the one merit Japan has is they maintain everything, including their public order in a very orderly and hygienic manner.""Japan is such a beautiful country itself and I believe there are a lot more destinations that even I myself am looking forward to explore and discover in Japan."CONTACT THE HOSTWebsite | www.thereikihealingcoach.com Instagram | @sophia_i_got_igInstagram | @createlifeyourwayFacebook | www.facebook.com/sophia.e.754LinkedIn | Sophia Elcock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode is 25 minutes long.

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This episode was published on August 14, 2025.

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