Shower beers from vending machines are her "jam" when in Japan. However, Theresa, warns eating on the move is a major "NO". She recommends trying all the buttons in the hyper advanced toilet facilities.
From serene sites to bustling cities Japan is a country of dichotomies. This is why so many people love it and return as often as they can.
M: Hello and Welcome back! For listeners who did not hear your last podcast, would you please take a moment to introduce yourself?
T: I'm Theresa, owner of Get Out! Custom Travels. I specialize in custom trips and many of my favorite destinations are in Europe and Asia. I'm also the creator of FAM with Intention which is a course that teaches travel advisors how to improve the way they market their FAM trips on social media.
M: Where can people find you online?
T: The can find me on Facebook and Instagram @getoutcustomtravels and on my website www.getoutcustomtravels.com
M: So then - Where are we going today?
T: Japan!
M: Ok, I have no idea where to start on Japan. I have never been to Asia at all. So please talk to me like a child and like a need everything explained in detail because... largely both of those things are true... If you had a client say, "What is there even to do in Japan?" What would you highlight real look like?
T: Japan is a country full of dichotomies, and I think that's why people love it so much. On one hand you have the quiet temples and gardens and on the other hand you have Pokemon and quirky cafes. There is something for everyone. No matter how long you plan on staying in Japan, you're never going to be able to experience it all. There's always going to be something else to see and something delicious to eat.
For a first-timer in Japan, I would put as many iconic elements of Japan into the itinerary as possible. I would recommend 10 days MINIMUM. The sweet spot seems to be around two weeks for Americans who aren't able to get any more PTO in a row. The typical first-timers journey will start and finish in Tokyo with stops in Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka along the way. The main form of transportation will obviously be by bullet train. Tokyo offers the metropolitan experience with all glitz and shine of technology. Hakone is the national park area which is a good respite from the city. I will typically book a traditional inn, or ryokan, here for clients. Kyoto is one of the cultural capitals and here is where you'll find the beautiful temples and gardens along with Gion which is Geisha District. Osaka is like Tokyo's rebellious sibling. It doesn't feel as strict here and the food is absolutely incredible. From Osaka you can take some day trips to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.
M: I know you plan travel for a lot of millennials. What kinds of things are drawing millennials to Japan?
T: Millennials love going out of their comfort zone in terms of food and culture. They tend to be more open-minded and they like being immersed in a destination. They also like doing new things. Many millennials grow up watching anime (and many of them still do). There are also many brag-worthy things to experience there that make for amazing photos on social media. Japan is place where you can be really connected or not.
M: Can you simply tell us you favorite memory of traveling in Japan?
T: I have two favorite memories. The first one is that I ran into Norman Reedus at Shibuya Crossing and got a selfie with him!
The second is more destination related. Japan is known for their amazing vending machines. They are EVERYWHERE. You can even buy hot drinks out of there! My favorite memory happened at the ryokan in Hakone. I went in the spring so it still very chilly especially since it is a bit higher up in elevation. Ryokans are known for their onsens which are typically hot...
