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#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).\nBrandon 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.\nFull show notes at: https://allthehacks.com/japan-brandon-presser\n\nPartner Deals\nInside Tracker: 20% off personalized wellness & nutrition plans backed by science\nAthletic Greens: Free 1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs\nFor all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to:\xa0allthehacks.com/deals\n\nResources Mentioned\nBrandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website\xa0\nTokyo\n\nSites: Meiji Shrine | Shibuya Crossing | Imperial Palace | Four Seasons Hotel (Imperial Gardens view) | Team Labs Planets | 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT\n\n\nNeighborhoods: Shimokitazawa | Kichij\u014dji | Daikanyama | Nakameguro | Jiy\u016bgaoka | Odaiba\n\n\nDine/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\n\nAccommodations: Aman | Hilton Tokyo | Grand Hyatt Tokyo\n\n\nShopping: Omotesando | Tsukiji Outer Market (shopping & dining)\n\nKyoto\n\nSites: Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Yasaka Pagoda\n\n\nNeighborhoods: Gion | Sanj\u014d\n\nDine/Drink: Pizzaria Napoletana Da Yuki | Bar Rocking Chair | Yugen | Ippodo Tea | Monk | House of KI NO BI | Yasai Hori\n\n\nAccommodations: Park Hyatt Kyoto\n\n\nShopping:\n\nSecondary Destinations\n\nKyushu (volcanoes, hot spring culture)\n\n\u014cita Prefecture\n\n\nBeppu (Stay: Intercontinental)\n\nYufuin\n\nShikoku (small villages, farming/rural)\n\nHokkaido (natural destination, skiing)\n\n\nNiigata (Design Hotels: Satoyama Jujo)\n\nTransportation\n\nSuica Card\n\nYamanote Line\n\nMiscellaneous information\n\nRatings/Reviews: Tabelog\n\n\nThe 10 best Japanese convenience store souvenirs\n\n\nFull Show Notes\n(01:31) Why Japan?\n(04:12) Japan: Post-Pandemic and Post-Olympics\n(07:50) How to Plan for Your First Visit to Japan\n(09:52) Destinations Outside of Tokyo and Kyoto\n(12:12) The Best Time of Year to Visit\n(13:51) Is It Beneficial to Have a Guide? Can People Get By Using English?\n(15:20) Understanding the Rating/Review System\n(17:43) Japanese People and Culture\n(21:49) Culture: Meeting & Getting to Know the Locals\n(24:59) Tokyo: How to Geographically Think About the City\n(29:07) Transportation and the Suica Pre-Paid Transportation Card\n(33:21) Tokyo: What to Eat, Drink, Do\n(36:17) Misnomer: Tokyo Is Expensive\n(36:47) Dining in Tokyo\n(37:57) Dining Etiquette: Tipping\n(38:58) Dining Etiquette: Meal Times\n(40:23) Segmented Dining\n(41:18) Food Specialties\n(42:46) Restaurant/Bar/Cafe Recommendations\n(49:28) More Things to See and Do in Tokyo\n(59:03) Nightlife Scene\n(1:01:13) Is Japan Family-Friendly?\n(1:04:02) Kyoto\n(1:07:29) What to Know About Visiting Kyoto\n(1:09:44) Working with High-End Travel Planners/Access to Personalized Luxury Cultural Experiences\n(1:12:57) How the Hotel Industry Has Changed Due to the Pandemic\n(1:16:51) Top Things to See and Do, and Where to Stay in Kyoto\n(1:20:12) Kyoto: What to Eat, Drink, Do\n(1:22:51) Specific Types of Foods to Try\n(1:24:53) Other Things to See and Places to Explore in Kyoto\n(1:25:53) Etiquette: Be Engaging and Show Appreciation\n(1:27:07) Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: Emerging Destinations and Interesting Places\n(1:36:21) Shopping in Japan\n(1:36:50) Osaka\n(1:38:45) Seto Inland Sea\n(1:40:18) Where to Find Brandon Online