The Japan Travel Pros Podcast

Thinking about staying at a ryokan in Japan? In this episode, Ari (a real human living in Japan) talks about the different types of ryokan, from small family-run inns to modern luxury properties, and what to look for when choosing one. Learn about Japanese-style rooms and Western beds, private onsen baths, meals, location and what you're actually getting for your money.__________Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:56 Listener question02:50 What is a ryokan?04:45 Rooms, tatami & futons/bedding07:00 Onsen & private baths08:12 Meals & the ryokan experience10:16 Location, atmosphere & value12:09 Our recent ryokan stay in Izu14:32 When do ryokan reservations open?15:29 Contacting ryokan directly16:22 Booking directly vs. travel websites19:03 Comparing room rates & meal plans19:35 Booking strategy for trip20:54 Closing thoughts__________Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. Your collaboration partner based in Japan's Kansai Region. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠__________Theme Music:"Tokyo Nights" by Snoozy Beatslicensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License (free download available from the Snoozy Beats page on Free Music Archive)-----More Music:"旅ゆけば" by Tinymemory (Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)_________

Can you bring luggage on trains in Japan? Of course you can! So why does everyone seem to recommend luggage forwarding?In this Quick Tip, Ari talks about Yamato's luggage delivery service, why it's a great option for some travelers and itineraries, and why it can sometimes make things more complicated than necessary.And yes, Ari is a real person living in Japan, speaking into a real microphone... no AI-generated voice here!__________Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. We make travel planning make sense. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________Music:Investor Night - by Anonyment(all tracks with Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp) 

How does living in Japan change the way you see the country as a traveler? And what do you learn along the way that you won't find on social media or in a guidebook?In this episode, Anthony Moretti - a journalist, journalism professor & podcaster - takes over the microphone and interviews Ari of Japan Travel Pros.They talk about what first sparked Ari's interest in Japan, how a chance meeting at an airport changed his life, how he's experienced Japan over the years and how all of that eventually led to Japan Travel Pros.Along the way, they get into what living here has taught Ari about Japan & its people, and what makes a great visit.__________Ari is the co-founder Japan Travel Pros. We make travel planning make sense. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__________Episode Chapters:(00:00) Intro & Overview(00:58) Meet Ari(05:11) Japan Impressions(07:28) Regrets & Mistakes?(10:46) Has Japan Changed?(14:26) Why Japan Travel Pros?(22:49) Planning a Trip to Japan(28:45) Success & Helping People(33:11) Closing Thoughts__________Music:Island Travel - by Anonyment旅ゆけば - by TinymemoryInvestor Night - by Anonyment(all tracks with Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp) __________

Pro Tips from Real People Who Live Here!You've landed in Japan. Now what?In this episode, Ari walks through what to expect during your first 24 hours in Japan, from getting through the airport and reaching your hotel to making the most of your first full day.We talk about airport transportation, jet lag, restaurant reservations, choosing the right hotel location and getting started in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto… or anywhere else.__________Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. Your collaboration partner based in Japan's Kansai Region. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.Get started at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠__________Episode Chapters:(00:00) Intro & Overview(01:30) Day 0: Arrival Day(02:40) Plan Ahead, Stay Flexible(03:17) Arriving from N.America (afternoon/evening)(04:15) Morning Arrivals(05:57) Jet Lag, Adrenaline & Fatigue(06:26) At the Airport(09:31) Getting to Your Hotel(09:57) Tokyo Airports to City(10:59) Osaka & Kyoto from KIX Airport(11:55) Reserve Transport Ahead of Time or Buy at Airport?(12:40) Airport to Bullet Train Connection Time(14:13) Leave Bags or Early Check-in?(15:12) Food in Japan - First 24 Hours(17:58) Getting Acclimated in Japan (Exercise, Sights, Jet Lag etc)(20:40) First Day in Tokyo(24:32) Should You Take a Tour on Day 1?(25:27) Day 1 in Osaka(27:22) Day 1 in Kyoto(30:03) Local Transport Tips(32:42) Closing Thoughts__________Theme Music:"Tokyo Nights" by Snoozy Beatslicensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License (free download available from the Snoozy Beats page on Free Music Archive)-----More Music:"旅ゆけば" by Tinymemory (Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)_________

Have you found yourself researching your trip so much that you can't make a decision?With so many places to visit, hotels to choose from and opinions about what you allegedly *gotta* see, it's easy to get stuck when planning a trip to Japan.In this episode, Ari talks about analysis paralysis, FOMO and five questions to help you get unstuck and get your trip planned.Plus, a pair of walking shoes, how to thank well-intentioned friends & colleagues while still managing to sidestep their Japan advice... and a little wisdom from Neil Peart.__________Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. Your collaboration partner based in Japan's Kansai Region. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.Get started at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠__________Theme Music:"Tokyo Nights" by Snoozy Beatslicensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License (free download available from the Snoozy Beats page on Free Music Archive)-----More Music:"旅ゆけば" by Tinymemory (Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)_________