Japan Story: Travel Tips Japan, tradition, innovation and connection!

Host: Nobu, Sam, & Erika
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  • Places & Travel
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Planning your next escape to Japan? You're in the right place. Japan Story explores the real Japan — from must-eat local dishes to insider travel tips and cultural nuances you won’t find in guidebooks. Join Nobu, Sam and Erica and start your journey with Japan Story. Learn more on website: https://x.gd/XuWAq Enjoying the podcast? Help keep the stories coming: https://x.gd/L4gL4

  1. 3d ago

    Haneda or Narita? | Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose? | Ep.39

    Flying to Tokyo and wondering whether you should choose Haneda or Narita Airport? Both are major gateways to Japan, but the best choice depends on much more than which airport is closer. In this episode of Japan Story, we break down five things travelers should consider before booking their flight. #5 Location — Where Are They? Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo, while Narita is located farther away in Chiba Prefecture. But distance isn’t the only factor that matters. #4 Getting to Your Hotel From trains and airport buses to connections for Shinjuku, Ueno, Tokyo Station, and other areas, your hotel location can make a big difference in which airport is more convenient. #3 Flights, Airlines & Price Sometimes the better flight decides everything. A cheaper nonstop flight to Narita might make more sense, while Haneda could be worth paying more for if it saves you time and makes your arrival easier. #2 The Airport Experience Flight times, terminals, restaurants, shopping, airport hotels, and onward connections can all affect your experience—especially if you arrive late or depart early. #1 Which Airport Is Right for YOUR Trip? There’s no single answer for everyone. Consider your airfare, hotel location, luggage, arrival time, transportation costs, and overall itinerary before deciding. Haneda may be closer, but Narita can still be the better choice for some trips. The key is choosing the airport that works best for your entire journey, not just looking at the map. #JapanTravel #TokyoTravel #HanedaAirport #NaritaAirport #TokyoAirport #JapanTravelTips #VisitJapan #JapanTrip #JapanStory

  2. Oct 21

    Why Visit Toyama? | 5 Reasons to Discover Japan’s Hidden Gem | Ep.38

    Toyama may not be as famous as Tokyo or Kyoto, but it’s quickly gaining international attention. Named one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2025, Toyama combines dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages, local sake, and some of Japan’s freshest seafood. In this episode of Japan Story, we count down five reasons Toyama deserves a place on your Japan itinerary. #5 Toyama Bay — Where the Mountains Meet the SeaDiscover the spectacular contrast of Toyama Bay and the towering Tateyama mountain range. #4 Tateyama Kurobe — A Dramatic Mountain ExperienceExplore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, famous for breathtaking mountain scenery and its spectacular seasonal Snow Walls. #3 Gokayama — Step Into Old JapanVisit traditional mountain villages filled with distinctive gassho-zukuri houses and experience a quieter side of Japan at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bonus: Toyama Glass Art MuseumDiscover Toyama’s modern side through glass art and design inside the striking TOYAMA Kirari building. #2 Toyama Sake — Mountains, Rice & WaterLearn how Toyama’s natural environment, pure water, and rice contribute to its local sake culture—and why sake pairs so well with the region’s cuisine. #1 Sushi & Seafood — The Taste of Toyama BayFrom shiro-ebi white shrimp and hotaru-ika firefly squid to seasonal yellowtail and masu-zushi, Toyama is an unforgettable destination for seafood lovers. Mountains, sea, traditional Japan, sake, and incredible sushi—Toyama might just be one of Japan’s best-kept travel secrets. #JapanTravel #Toyama #ToyamaJapan #JapanFood #JapaneseSushi #JapaneseSake #Tateyama #Gokayama #JapanCulture #JapanStory

  3. Oct 14

    Why Are Japanese Bakeries So Good? | 5 Things to Try | Ep.37

    You probably don’t travel to Japan thinking about bread—but maybe you should. Japanese bakeries have taken bread from around the world and transformed it with unique flavors, textures, and plenty of creativity. In this episode of Japan Story, we explore five things to try at a Japanese bakery: #5 Melon PanTry this sweet, fluffy bun with a crisp cookie-like outer layer—and discover why it usually doesn’t taste like melon. #4 AnpanA Japanese classic filled with sweet red bean paste and a perfect example of how Japan adapted Western bread to local tastes. #3 ShokupanDiscover why Japanese white bread is famous for its incredibly soft, fluffy texture and thick slices. #2 Curry PanEnjoy Japanese curry wrapped inside bread, often coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. #1 Sōzai PanExplore Japan’s creative world of savory breads, from yakisoba pan and croquette sandwiches to sausage, tuna, and corn varieties. Japan didn’t simply adopt bread—it made bread completely its own. So next time you visit Japan, grab a tray and some tongs and explore a local bakery. #JapanTravel #JapaneseBakery #JapaneseBread #MelonPan #Anpan #Shokupan #CurryPan #JapaneseFood #JapanCulture #JapanStory

  4. Oct 7

    Japan After Dark | 5 Nighttime Experiences to Try | Ep.36

    Japan takes on a completely different atmosphere after the sun goes down. From dazzling city views and late-night ramen to quiet temples and peaceful onsen towns, there’s much more to Japan at night than neon and nightlife. In this episode of Japan Story, we explore five nighttime experiences to try in Japan: #5 See Japan from AboveTake in the incredible city lights from observation decks in Tokyo and other major Japanese cities. #4 Eat Late-Night RamenExperience the Japanese tradition of ending a night out with a warm bowl of ramen. #3 Visit a Temple or Shrine at NightDiscover a quieter and more atmospheric side of Japan through illuminated temples, shrines, and seasonal nighttime events. #2 Explore a YokochoStep into narrow alleys filled with tiny izakaya, yakitori shops, lanterns, and the lively social atmosphere of Japan after dark. #1 Stay in an Onsen Town at NightPut on a yukata, walk through lantern-lit streets, enjoy a hot spring, and experience one of Japan’s most relaxing ways to spend an evening. Japan after dark isn’t just about bars, crowds, and neon. Sometimes the perfect night is simply a quiet street, a yukata, and one more soak in an onsen. #JapanTravel #JapanAtNight #JapanNightlife #TokyoNight #Yokocho #JapaneseFood #Onsen #JapanCulture #JapanStory

  5. Sep 30

    Autumn in Japan | 5 Places to See Incredible Fall Colors | Ep.35

    Japan’s cherry blossoms may get most of the attention, but autumn can be just as spectacular. From fiery red maple leaves to giant golden ginkgo trees, fall reveals a completely different side of Japan. In this episode of Japan Story, we explore five incredible places to experience Japan’s fall colors: #5 Nikko, TochigiDiscover colorful mountains, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and the famous Irohazaka winding road. #4 Kusatsu Onsen, GunmaCombine beautiful autumn scenery with one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. Bonus Stop: TokyoSee the golden ginkgo avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien and discover beautiful fall colors without leaving the city. #3 KyotoExperience autumn among temples and shrines, including Kibune Shrine, Eikando, and Kiyomizu-dera. #2 Big Yellow, AomoriSee the spectacular giant ginkgo tree at Kitakanegasawa turn brilliant golden yellow. #1 Shiretoko Five Lakes, HokkaidoExperience the wild side of Japan’s autumn with colorful forests, peaceful lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery. From historic temples and mountain onsen towns to golden ginkgo trees and the wilderness of Hokkaido, autumn is one of the most beautiful times to explore Japan. #JapanTravel #JapanAutumn #FallColors #Nikko #KusatsuOnsen #Kyoto #Aomori #Hokkaido #Shiretoko #JapanStory

  6. Sep 23

    Why Are Cafés in Japan So Different? | 5 Café Experiences to Try | Ep.34

    Japan’s café culture is much more than just grabbing a cup of coffee. From modern specialty coffee shops to nostalgic kissaten, cafés offer a unique way to experience Japanese food, culture, and everyday life. In this episode of Japan Story, we explore five café experiences to try in Japan: #5 Modern Specialty CoffeeDiscover Japan’s carefully crafted hand-drip coffee and independent specialty cafés. #4 Japanese Pancake CafésTry the famous fluffy soufflé pancakes, often served with cream, fruit, and seasonal toppings. #3 Matcha & Traditional Japanese CafésEnjoy matcha with wagashi and other traditional Japanese sweets in a relaxing atmosphere. #2 Japan’s “Morning” Café CultureExperience Japan’s unique café breakfast tradition, especially famous in Nagoya, with coffee, thick toast, eggs, and even ogura toast. #1 Step Back in Time at a KissatenVisit a nostalgic Japanese coffee shop with hand-brewed coffee, retro interiors, classic food, and a slower pace that feels like stepping into another era. From modern coffee to old-school kissaten, Japan’s cafés are another fascinating way to discover the country. #JapanTravel #JapanCafe #Kissaten #JapaneseCoffee #Matcha #JapaneseFood #JapanCulture #JapanStory

  7. Sep 16

    Beyond Fukuoka | 5 Reasons to Visit Yufuin | Ep.33

    Ready to explore beyond Fukuoka? Discover Yufuin, a peaceful hot spring town in Oita where mountain scenery, traditional ryokan, charming streets, and onsen offer a relaxing side of Kyushu. #5 – Easy to Combine with Fukuoka#4 – Explore Yunotsubo Kaido#3 – Walk Around Kinrin Lake#2 – Stay in a Traditional Ryokan#1 – A Peaceful Hot Spring Escape #JapanTravel #Yufuin #Kyushu #Fukuoka #Oita #Onsen #JapanStory

  8. Sep 9

    What Is a Depachika? | 5 Reasons You Should Visit One in Japan | Ep.32

    Hidden beneath Japan’s department stores is an incredible world of food called depachika. In this episode, discover why these basement food halls are worth visiting, from beautiful Japanese sweets and restaurant-quality takeout to evening discounts and everyday Japanese food culture. 5 Reasons to Visit a Depachika #5 A Food Hall Like No Other#4 The Incredible World of Japanese Sweets#3 Restaurant-Quality Food to Go#2 The Best Time to Visit: Before Closing#1 An Easy Way to Experience Everyday Japan #Depachika #JapanTravel #JapaneseFood #JapanCulture #VisitJapan #TokyoFood #JapanStory #JapanPodcast #JapanTravelTips

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Planning your next escape to Japan? You're in the right place. Japan Story explores the real Japan — from must-eat local dishes to insider travel tips and cultural nuances you won’t find in guidebooks. Join Nobu, Sam and Erica and start your journey with Japan Story. Learn more on website: https://x.gd/XuWAq Enjoying the podcast? Help keep the stories coming: https://x.gd/L4gL4

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