• [RE-RECORDED] 9 understated Japan survival tips
    Feb 15 2026

    What is some travel advice applicable to Japan that no one is really bringing up? Find out in this episode!


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    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Music by

    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    24 mins
  • [RE-RECORDED] My 9 favorite online resources for where to visit and what to do in Japan!
    Feb 1 2026

    So you’ve decided to do your own travel itinerary planning for your trip to Japan. But where should you start? Here are some websites that will make it easy.


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    Websites and resources mentioned on this episode:


    japan-guide.com

    https://www.japan-guide.com/


    JapanTravel

    https://en.japantravel.com/


    Trip Advisor

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/


    JNTO Travel Brochures

    https://www.japan.travel/brochures/eng/index.php?sort=upd_date_desc


    Tokyo Cheapo and Japan Cheapo

    https://tokyocheapo.com/

    https://japancheapo.com/


    GO TOKYO

    https://www.gotokyo.org/en/index.html


    Time Out Tokyo

    https://www.timeout.com/tokyo


    Tabelog

    https://tabelog.com/en/


    Tokyo Gig Guide

    https://www.tokyogigguide.com/en/


    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    24 mins
  • An update about upcoming episodes
    Jan 19 2026

    Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi!


    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Music by

    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    7 mins
  • The easiest way to include Shikoku in ANY Japan Travel plan!
    Jan 18 2026

    Were you already thinking you'd need to skip Shikoku on a trip around Japan? Think again! I'll tell you how easy it is to include the island region of Shikoku on ANY Japan itinerary.


    Errata: At 11:08 we said that "Ehime" was our arrival point to Shikoku when we meant Kagawa Prefecture. Marugame is Kagawa's gateway into Shikoku!


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    Land bridge entry points:

    -Akasahi Kaikyo Bridge route

    -Central Route via the Great Seto Bridge

    -Onomichi-Imabari Route (Shimanami Kaido)


    "Rail Pass route" locations mentioned

    Marugame

    Kotohira & Kompirasan

    Niihama Taiko Festival

    Matsuyama

    Yawatahama Ferry Terminal


    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Music by

    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    29 mins
  • Japan forever changed: Thoughts on the state of tourism and travel in Japan
    Dec 28 2025

    Japan has changed so much ever since we first started visiting. Some of these changes really alter the travel situation for better or for worse! Find out what changes actually affect your visiting experience in order to be better prepared!


    Tabelog international version


    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    31 mins
  • 9 insane tourist traps of Tokyo (and our perfectly sane alternatives)
    Dec 7 2025

    These Tokyo attractions and experiences are popular, but are they worth it in 2025 and beyond? Be sure to listen in before signing off on that Tokyo travel plan!


    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    40 mins
  • The well-trodden Nara and the hidden Nara
    Nov 16 2025

    Nara is not a "day trip". Here's why.


    Nara Park, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine


    Heijo Palace Site, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushiji Temple


    Imaicho Town, Tanzan Shrine, Hasedera Temple


    Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail.com


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    Music by

    Reza Alvin from Pixabay
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    26 mins
  • 9 more tips for saving money on a Japan trip!
    Oct 26 2025

    Don’t waste your travel budget on simple mistakes that can be prevented by listening to JTS! We’ve got 9 more ways to stretch your yennies on this episode of the show!


    Lodging: Minshuku and shukubo


    Observation decks: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Bunkyo City Office


    Shinkansen discounts: SmartEX app, Platt Kodama, kinken shops


    Workshops: kominkan


    Omamori and omikuji


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    Music by Reza Alvin from Pixabay

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    26 mins