The Japan Travel Pros Podcast
A local perspective on Japan travel. Hosted by Ari from Japan Travel Pros, the pod gets into the questions, debates, myths, mistakes and choices that shape a Japan trip. Expect practical advice from seasoned veterans in the Japan travel industry. Strong opinions, occasional detours and a lot of talk about what really matters for planning and enjoying memorable trips to Japan - without getting overwhelmed.
Episodes
Quick Tip: Restaurant Ratings & Reviews in Japan
Restaurant ratings in Japan can be confusing. Why does the same restaurant have a 4.6 on Google Maps and a 3.48 on Tabelog?In this Quick Tip, Ari breaks down how to make sense of restaurant ratings and reviews in Japan, including:Why Google and Tabelog ratings shouldn't be compared directlyWhat a 3.4 or 3.5 on Tabelog actually meansWhy it helps to look at who's writing the reviews, not jus
Wine, Dining & Travel in Japan: Xander Soren Part 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with Xander Soren, we pick up where we left off: with a drink in hand.If you haven't heard the Part 1 episode, we recommend listening to it here first.This time, we move from sake to wine and the story behind Xander Soren Wines. Xander explains how a personal project making small batches of California wine grew into a second career, and why Japan and Japanese food
Xander Soren: Apple, Wine & Japan - Part 1
What does working on the original iPod have to do with falling in love with Japan? Quite a bit, as it turns out.Xander Soren spent more than 20 years at Apple, working on products including the iPod and GarageBand. These days, he's a California wine producer with a longtime connection to Japan, curating wines designed specifically with Japanese food in mind. In Part 1 of our conversation, Xander t
Flights to Japan: How-Tos & New Routes
There are more ways to fly to Japan than ever, with new routes, new gateways and more flights being added. That’s good news! But more choices don’t necessarily make choosing the right flight any easier.In this episode, we talk about new routes and increased capacity for flights to Japan… flying into Tokyo and home from Osaka… what an open-jaw ticket is & why nonstop isn’t always better … and h
Uncharted Japan: YouTube Hosts Who Go Beyond the Algorithm
In this episode we sit down with John and Josephine, hosts of the YouTube channel "Uncharted Japan".Check out Uncharted Japan on YouTubeJohn and Josephine have spent years traveling around Japan, often finding some of their favorite experiences well beyond the places that dominate most Japan itineraries.Josephine also has an extraordinary connection to the country. Her family's histo
Quick Tip: Timing Your Autumn Japan Trip
When does fall actually start in Japan?You’ll see plenty of information out there describing September and October as autumn travel time in Japan. But if you’re picturing cool, crisp weather and fall colors, you may be surprised by what you actually find, especially in places like Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka.In this Quick Tip, Ari talks about what we’ve been seeing in Japan in recent years, why long-
Onsen Destination: How Ken Experiences Japan
What if the onsen isn't something you squeeze into a busy Japan itinerary, but a highlight of the trip itself?In this episode, Ari sits down with longtime friend Ken, who has spent much of his life traveling around Japan – often by car or motorcycle. After a long career in tech, Ken now has more time to explore the country and continue an ongoing search for his favorite onsen.Ken shares what he en
Quick Tip: IC Cards in Japan
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ve probably heard about IC cards, JR Passes, Shinkansen tickets, SmartEX and plenty of other ways to pay for transportation.Sound complicated? It can seem that way at first, but we're here to help.In this Quick Tip, Ari breaks down the basics: what an IC card is, what it’s useful for, when you’ll still need a separate ticket and why most travelers probab
What Keeps Bringing Adam Back to Japan?
Adam first visited Japan in the early 1980s, expecting to stay for about a week (ended up staying over a month). More than forty years later, he keeps coming back again & again.In this episode, Ari sits down with Adam, an alumni client and friend of Japan Travel Pros, to talk about the places, experiences and moments that have made impressions over the years. Our conversation covers historic t
Seeing Japan Differently: Junko & James
James is from Canada. Junko grew up in Osaka. Together they’ve now made three trips to Japan, and each one has been different.In this episode, we talk about James’s first trip to Japan, what it was like experiencing the country with Junko and her family, and how their travels have changed as they keep coming back.James shares some of those first-trip moments that stand out, from arriving in Japan
“Hidden Gems” in Japan?
Many folks are seeking "hidden gems" for a trip to Japan. But what does “hidden” actually mean?In this episode, we look at why travelers ask for hidden gems, why those places often stop being hidden once they appear in the public domain, and why popular places can still be well worth visiting.We talk about Uji, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Naoshima, Koyasan, Ginzan Onsen, the Nakasendo, Kyoto
Kyoto Tour Guides with Laura & Javier
In this episode, we sit down with Laura and Javier from Kyoto Daily Tours to talk about what they've learned from years of guiding visitors through Kyoto.The conversation goes far beyond temples and shrines. We discuss how Kyoto has changed over the years, why summer surprises so many visitors, how to avoid the biggest crowds and why flexibility often leads to the most memorable travel experie
Part 2 - Staying Local in Japan at Rise's House
In this episode, the second of a two-part series, we're joined by Rise-san, the founder of:Rise's House in Nishio, Aichi PrefectureIf you haven't listened to part 1 yet, we encourage you to do so before listening to Part 2.In Part 2 of our conversation, Rise-san returns to talk about the people, places and ideas that have shaped Rise's House in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture.We explore
Staying Local in Japan at Rise's House - Part 1
In this episode, the first of a two-part series, Rise-san joins us for a conversation about hospitality, community and a different way of experiencing Japan. Rise-san is the founder of:Rise's House in Nishio, Aichi PrefectureInspired by a serendipitous journey abroad, Rise-san returned to Japan with a vision of creating a place where travelers could connect with local people, businesses and ev
Japan Travel Myths vs Reality
Japan Rail Pass?Trains always on time?Japanese food is always healthy?Japan is living in the future?In this episode, we break down some common Japan travel myths and what first-time visitors should know before planning around them.Plus a listener question about luggage forwarding.-Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. We make travel planning make sense. Clients from around the world trust our Japan
Japan Travel: You Don’t Have to Do Everything
In this episode, Yuki joins us for a conversation about photography, Tokyo, local neighborhoods and the pressure travelers often feel to fit everything into one trip.Yuki grew up in the States with Japanese family, visited Japan throughout his life and eventually moved to Japan as an adult. The conversation starts with photography, but it quickly opens up into a broader discussion about how Japan
Kyoto, the Japan Travel Bubble & Planning with Intention
Ari is joined by Brad for the first guest episode of Japan Travel Pros.Brad first visited Japan in the 1980s, lived here in the 1990s and recently returned with his family. In this conversation, Brad & Ari talk about how Japan has changed over the years, what still feels familiar and why the small moments often feel more meaningful than the big checklist items.They talk about Kyoto, bullet tra
Listener Q&A: Rice, Cash, Underrated Japan & More
In this episode, we answer a round of Japan travel questions submitted by our listeners, clients and alumni. We cover practical insights on local food, weather, logistics and much more.What we discuss:Rice in Japan, and Japanese food expectations inside versus outside JapanUnderrated destinations, foods & experiences in Japan (a few of our picks)Japan travel for vegetariansHow much cash you ne
Japan: Travel & Food
Food is one of the biggest reasons people visit Japan. It's also a topic that makes a lot of visitors anxious.In this first full episode of the Japan Travel Pros Podcast, Ari takes a look at convenience stores, ramen chains, famous food markets - and some of the alternatives that can make your trip feel more local & legit.Beyond food, this episode is about a travel philosophy. It's abo
Trailer
A quick preview of The Japan Travel Pros Podcast.Ari introduces the show and what we’ll be talking about: Japan travel, food, cities, regions, seasons, crowds, tourist traps, baseball, sumo... did we mention food?!(learn more at www.japantravelpros.com)
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