PODCAST · society
Japan Travel Smart
by Travel Smart Productions
Japan Travel Smart is a biweekly podcast all about the joy of travel through Japan far and wide, from the perspective of a frequent traveler who just can’t get enough of the place that does it best.
Episodes
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A routine perfected: The day you arrive in Japan
Your first day in Japan can be surprisingly busy, but we talk about how to take care of everything and put your best foot forward for a successful rest of your trip. Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter)...
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Forget Mt. Fuji: Climbing a mountain elsewhere in Japan
Why does Mount Fuji suck to climb, and why might you want to consider literally anywhere else to climb on a trip to Japan? Find out on this towering episode of JTS! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Mt. Mitsutoge Mt. Takao Mt. Inari (Fushimi Inari Taisha) Mt. Misen (Miyajima Island)...
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The two most sacred locations in Japan—visited back-to-back
What are my impressions of the two most important places in the Shinto religion after having visited them back-to-back? I'll let you know if they're worth it on this episode of JTS. -Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture -Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi!...
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Profound solitude: Traveling solo in Japan (and other assorted thoughts)
On this episode, we offer candid commentary about the ups and downs of solo travel in Japan. In addition to that, we note about how the weather affects your impression of places in Japan! We also briefly touch upon about how Japan always manages to throw curve balls at experienced travelers with…
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9 unsung marvels of Japanese cuisine to try on your visit
This episode exists because there are really popular dishes in Japan that need a bigger international spotlight, including Western-inspired and regional staples. These are my 9 picks for food you ought to try in Japan! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener...
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Tokyo as I enjoy it
This time around, I finally decide to cover Tokyo without going into the obvious. Actually, we are throwing out the guidebook for this one, because it's all about how I personally approach the city! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener feedback:...
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Hacking the Japan travel experience
Sit back and tune in to another carefully crafted episode of JTS with unconventional tricks and tips inspired from personal experience alone to vastly enhance anyone's independent discovery of Japan! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener feedback:...
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Ultimate pre-travel checklist for Japan!
In the age of increasingly ambitious and complex independent travel itineraries, it becomes incredibly easy to mess up your best possible travel plans. Take every scenario into consideration by maintaining your own pre-travel checklist! We'll tell you everything to account for on this episode of...
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The underrated prefecture right beside Kyoto and Osaka
Be inspired to visit more than one popular destination in Hyogo, a stone’s throw away from Kyoto and Osaka! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Kobe -Nada Sake District: Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, Hamafukutsuru, Sakuramasamune Museum Sakuraen, Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum…
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Around Japan with just a carry-on
Traveling in Japan for weeks at a time while packing just a carry-on: Is it feasible or even possible? Find out on this episode of JTS! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from...
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The konbini AND Japanese supermarket geek-out episode!
It's time to get you up to speed with the wonderful world of Japanese convenience stores, as well as the relatively low key supermarket offerings. What sets them apart? How do you ask the clerk for a fork or refuse a shopping bag? And why even care about supermarkets in the first place? Find out…
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[RE-RECORDED] Smart to visit: A sampler escapade on the revitalized coast of Iwate
Dare to head away from the well trodden path and go into coastal Iwate for a different Japan! Find out how we did it on this episode of Japan Travel Smart! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Entry points by rail: Ichinoseki, Hanamaki, Morioka, Hachinohe JR East ‘Joyful Trains’...
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[RE-RECORDED] 9 understated Japan survival tips
What is some travel advice applicable to Japan that no one is really bringing up? Find out in this episode! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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[RE-RECORDED] My 9 favorite online resources for where to visit and what to do in Japan!
So you’ve decided to do your own travel itinerary planning for your trip to Japan. But where should you start? Here are some websites that will make it easy. Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Websites and resources mentioned on this episode: japan-guide.com…
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An update about upcoming episodes
Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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The easiest way to include Shikoku in ANY Japan Travel plan!
Were you already thinking you'd need to skip Shikoku on a trip around Japan? Think again! I'll tell you how easy it is to include the island region of Shikoku on ANY Japan itinerary. Errata: At 11:08 we said that "Ehime" was our arrival point to Shikoku when we meant Kagawa Prefecture. Marugame…
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Japan forever changed: Thoughts on the state of tourism and travel in Japan
Japan has changed so much ever since we first started visiting. Some of these changes really alter the travel situation for better or for worse! Find out what changes actually affect your visiting experience in order to be better prepared! Tabelog international version Business contact and…
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9 insane tourist traps of Tokyo (and our perfectly sane alternatives)
These Tokyo attractions and experiences are popular, but are they worth it in 2025 and beyond? Be sure to listen in before signing off on that Tokyo travel plan! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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The well-trodden Nara and the hidden Nara
Nara is not a "day trip". Here's why. Nara Park, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine Heijo Palace Site, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushiji Temple Imaicho Town, Tanzan Shrine, Hasedera Temple Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from...
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9 more tips for saving money on a Japan trip!
Don’t waste your travel budget on simple mistakes that can be prevented by listening to JTS! We’ve got 9 more ways to stretch your yennies on this episode of the show! Lodging: Minshuku and shukubo Observation decks: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Bunkyo City Office Shinkansen discounts:...
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Smart to visit: Northern Tohoku - Aomori and Akita prefectures
We continue our Smart to Visit series by returning to the Tohoku region on one of our most eclectic trip reports yet! It’s time to introduce Aomori and Akita prefectures! Hachinohe -Niida-maru cruise -Nanbu Senbei Aomori City -Nebuta Matsuri -Nebuta Warasse Osorezan Hirosaki -Hirosaki Castle…
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Learn from my most egregious mistakes traveling in Japan!
Everyone screws up traveling in Japan. But especially me. Find out more on this episode. Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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The vast, lush frontier: national parks of Hokkaido
There's an entire world to see just past Sapporo. Get to know about Hokkaido's incredible national park areas on this entry of Japan Travel Smart! New Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport , Memanbetsu Airport, Kushiro Airport Daisetsuzan National Park -Sounkyo Onsen -Mount Kurodake -Ohachidaira...
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Bike sharing services: super convenient!
Should you actually consider bike sharing services to get around for your Japan trip? What is important to know to get set up to use shared bicycles and what's some important riding advice to bike safely in Japan? Find out everything about bike sharing on this episode of Japan Travel Smart! Bike...
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Trendy neighborhoods in western Tokyo
Boldly head out from the busy and crowded tourist areas of Tokyo to find a much more intimate version of the city in western Tokyo! Find out where you can go on this episode of the show! Nakano (Nakano Broadway) Koenji Mitaka and Kichijoji (Inokashira Park, Ghibli Museum, Kichijoji Autumn…
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We love Japanese hot springs and onsen culture!
What options de we have at our disposal to experience onsen culture in Japan? How to properly use a shared bathing space without committing faux paux or creating embarrassment for yourself? Find out all about hot springs in Japan in this episode of JTS! -Onsen vs sento -Staying at ryokan -Onsen...
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Get to know the cities in Kyushu!
Get to know Kyushu through its cities on this episode of Japan Travel Smart! We'll talk about what makes each of them unique and worth checking out on a visit to Kyushu. Fukuoka -Yatai food stalls -Tenjin shopping -Tonkotsu ramen -JR Hakata City Rooftop Garden Nagasaki -Peace Park Nagasaki…
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How to fly to Japan for cheap
Flying to Japan is expensive, right? Right? Well, it certainly can be, but it doesn't have to be needlessly expensive on a budget. Find out more on this episode of Japan Travel Smart! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from...
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Japan Rail Master - All of Japan within reach with regional rail passes!
Regional rail passes in Japan offer foreign visitors the chance to binge on exploration of a unique region in Japan, but what exactly is the trick to them? Can they hope to match the former glory of the JR Pass or is it truly over? In this episode we blow the lid off regional rail passes!…
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The better Japanese for travel that I actually use
What Japanese from the basic phrase book have we found to be actually useful when traveling in Japan? In this episode of Japan Travel Smart we bring up better Japanese for travel that we really use. Sumimasen vs Gomenasai Dozo Shitsureishimasu! Orimasu Hitori, Futari, Sannin, Yonin Osusume wa......
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9 questionable attractions in Japan that you’d do best to avoid
There exist some popular places in Japan that are a bit dubious at best. In this episode we’ve come up with 9 examples of spots in Japan that you might want to reconsider visiting for reasons that may shock you! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter)...
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Japan rail master - Course 1
The best rail travel tips and advice for the best rail travel country! It all begins here on Japan Travel Smart! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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Smart to visit: Osaka city
Get our unique takes on Osaka on this special “smart to visit” episode of Japan Travel Smart! Airports Kansai International Airport Osaka International (Itami) Airport Kobe Airport City centers Namba Umeda Locations Dotonbori Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Osaka Castle and Castle Park Osaka Museum of...
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9 counterintuitive good etiquette tips for travel in Japan
Is it possible that things are completely different in Japan when it comes to proper etiquette? You have no idea how much it is, and for your sake we'll tell you on this episode. Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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Smart to visit: the Shin'etsu region - Nagano and Niigata prefectures
In this first entry to our "Smart to visit" episode series, we introduce the attractive Shin'etsu subregion of Japan and the main draws of Nagano and Niigata prefectures! Locations named on this episode -Togakushi Shrines in Mount Togakushi -Matsumoto city and Matsumoto Castle -Nagaoka city -Sado...
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Tell me how you got to the city from Narita Airport and I’ll tell you everything about you
You've arrived at Narita Airport. Now what? We go in depth about your options to get into town, and we are pretty sure that your usual option isn't the best that you could be using. Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Transport service names...
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9 weird tricks to save money on a Japan trip
What's a better way to get around a Japanese city for cheap? And how do we even manage to always travel all over Japan on a reasonable budget? We share our best tips to save money during a Japan trip! Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music…
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9 myths about traveling in Japan
How expensive is Tokyo? Do you need to speak the language to get around? We clear up some common misconceptions about Japan that people who visit are often caught off guard by. Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) Instagram Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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Why do people keep going on holiday back to Japan?
Why do people keep going on holiday back to Japan? That's me. I am people. We explain the reasons for the name of the podcast. We set some groundwork for what to expect content-wise and we give our best reasons for Japan to be a destination that you want to keep coming back to! Business contact…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Japan Travel Smart have?
Japan Travel Smart currently has 39 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Japan Travel Smart about?
Japan Travel Smart is a biweekly podcast all about the joy of travel through Japan far and wide, from the perspective of a frequent traveler who just can’t get enough of the place that does it best.
How often does Japan Travel Smart release new episodes?
Japan Travel Smart has 39 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Japan Travel Smart?
You can listen to Japan Travel Smart on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Japan Travel Smart?
Japan Travel Smart is created and hosted by Travel Smart Productions.
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