In Part 2 of our Japan food deep dive, we go even further.

From vibrant street food stalls and Osaka’s famous food culture to regional specialities like udon, katsuo and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, this episode uncovers the deeper layers of Japanese cuisine.

We also explore:

• Why street food in Japan rivals anywhere in the world
• The story behind Japan’s Christmas KFC tradition
• Dining etiquette and simple mistakes to avoid
• How dietary requirements are handled (and why advance planning matters)
• Fugu (blowfish!) and one unforgettable meal

If you’re planning a trip and want to experience Japan’s food scene the right way — from hidden izakayas to once-in-a-lifetime dishes — Boullies Travel will build your itinerary around your tastes, your comfort level, and your travel style.

📍 Chapter Guide (Part 2)

• 28:00 – Street food in Japan: yatai culture explained
• 29:26 – Takoyaki, karaage & riverside food scenes
• 31:49 – Regional food differences across Japan
• 32:58 – Udon in Shikoku & ramen in Fukuoka
• 33:50 – Hiroshima vs Kansai okonomiyaki
• 36:00 – Osaka: “Japan’s Kitchen”
• 36:30 – Vegan & gluten-free discoveries in Osaka
• 38:18 – Presentation vs flavour: why ritual matters
• 40:13 – Cookery classes & making mochi with a mallet
• 42:58 – Japan’s famous KFC Christmas tradition
• 45:03 – Dietary requirements: what’s improving & what isn’t
• 49:27 – Dining etiquette: eating in public, chopsticks & rice rules
• 53:49 – Is food in Japan expensive?
• 55:42 – The unforgettable Fugu experience
• 58:14 – If you could eat one dish forever… yakiniku
• 59:15 – Why food is central to designing your Japan trip

In Episode 3 of our Japan mini-series, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr dive into one of the most exciting parts of any trip — the food.

From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki and regional specialities, we explore why Japan is widely considered a true foodie paradise. Charlie shares insider tips on how not to feel intimidated when eating out, why smaller specialist restaurants are often the best, and how doing a food tour early in your trip can completely change your confidence.

You’ll also discover:

• Why Japan’s seasonal food culture runs deeper than most countries
• How to approach unfamiliar dishes (including cow tongue and eel!)
• Why rotating sushi bars are both authentic and incredibly affordable
• The magic of Osaka — “Japan’s Kitchen”

If you want to experience Japan properly — not just tick boxes — Boullies Travel can design your trip with the right pacing, the right regions, and the right food experiences built in.

📍 Chapter Guide (Part 1)

• 00:43 – Welcome to Episode 3: Food in Japan
• 01:09 – Charlie’s latest trip: Tokyo & Kyoto food focus
• 02:11 – The importance of seasonality in Japanese cuisine
• 03:52 – Why Japan is a foodie paradise
• 05:52 – How the UK lost seasonality (and Japan didn’t)
• 08:00 – “Try it first, ask what it is later” – overcoming food fear
• 09:10 – Cow tongue & eel: perception vs presentation
• 11:55 – Why a food tour early in your trip is a game changer
• 13:10 – Small specialist restaurants vs big menus
• 15:47 – Iconic dishes: sushi, ramen, tempura & how to experience them
• 16:16 – Kaiten sushi (rotating sushi belts) explained
• 17:52 – Regional ramen: Fukuoka’s Hakata style
• 19:19 – Okonomiyaki: Japan’s misunderstood “pancake”
• 21:28 – Why insider knowledge makes a huge difference
• 23:10 – Hidden food districts under Tokyo’s train tracks
• 23:18 – Convenience stores: why 7-Eleven is part of the culture
• 25:40 – Vending machines: myth vs reality

In Part 2, Jason and Charlie get practical — because in Japan, location can make or break the trip. They break down how the right base in Tokyo and Kyoto improves your experience, why some travellers benefit from splitting Tokyo into two different areas, and how machiya townhouses offer a completely different (and more local) way to stay — especially for families and small groups.

They also discuss overlooked bases like Nagoya, the importance of mixing traditional and modern accommodation styles, how romantic stays work in Japan (including private onsen options), and the reality of planning around budget, value, and availability — especially during cherry blossom and autumn peak seasons.

If you want accommodation that suits your pace, your priorities, and your budget — without missing out on the moments you’ll wish you’d booked — Boullies Travel can build the itinerary properly from the start.

Chapter Guide (Part 2)

• 24:25 – Part 2 begins
• 25:04 – Why hotel location matters so much in Tokyo and Kyoto
• 25:29 – Tokyo strategy: Asakusa first, Shinjuku/Shibuya for the big finish
• 26:10 – Kyoto: staying central enough for sightseeing and day trips
• 26:27 – Machiya townhouses: self-catered, residential Kyoto, “local life” feel
• 28:10 – Why relationships with the right properties change the experience
• 28:40 – Unique gem: staying in Kyoto’s former Nintendo offices
• 29:54 – Overlooked bases and responsible tourism
• 30:01 – The “top 10 problem”: most visitors only see the same places
• 30:35 – Why Nagoya is worth considering (food, day trips, fewer crowds)
• 31:39 – Overtourism in Kyoto and alternatives with fewer crowds
• 32:42 – Mix modern + traditional: ryokan + machiya + city hotels
• 34:47 – Romantic stays: what actually matters (you won’t be in the room much!)
• 36:01 – Restaurant reservations: strict timings and why flexibility often wins
• 37:11 – Privacy in ryokans + private baths for couples
• 39:09 – Cost, value and what “ground arrangements” actually include
• 40:00 – Mixing price points: where to splurge and where to simplify
• 42:21 – What your package covers: transfers, pacing, experiences, logistics
• 44:30 – Budget honesty: why being upfront protects the experience
• 46:10 – Value over “cheap vs expensive” + day-to-day costs can be reasonable
• 49:49 – Booking timelines: cherry blossom and autumn peaks vs off-season
• 51:47 – Availability moves fast: why you can’t sit on a quote too long
• 52:37 – Final recap: why variety in stays improves the whole trip
• 53:06 – Wrap-up + tease of Episode 3: Food in Japan

Japan’s accommodation isn’t just a bed for the night — it’s part of the adventure. In Part 1 of Episode 2, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr explore why Japan offers such a wide range of stays and why choosing the right style at the right point in your itinerary makes a huge difference.

They dive deep into ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), including what a tatami room is really like, how futon bedding works, what makes onsen towns so special, and the small etiquette tips that help first-time visitors feel instantly more confident. You’ll also hear why some of the most authentic stays are still beautifully “old school” — including ryokans that only take bookings via fax.

If you’re planning Japan and want the perfect blend of comfort, culture and seamless pacing, Boullies Travel can design the itinerary around you — so you experience Japan properly, not just “see” it.

Chapters:

• 00:49 – Recording set-up and Episode 2 begins
• 01:13 – Welcome back + today’s topic: accommodation in Japan
• 01:56 – Why Japan has such a wide range of accommodation styles
• 04:36 – Why accommodation matters more in Japan than most destinations
• 05:27 – The perfect pacing: city energy → ryokan relaxation
• 07:21 – What a ryokan room looks and feels like (tatami, sliding doors, gardens)
• 08:17 – Futons vs “sleeping on the floor” + accessibility options
• 09:17 – The “magic” of returning to your room and it’s all set up
• 10:26 – Kinosaki Onsen explained: bath-hopping, yukata, clogs and canal streets
• 11:43 – Family-run ryokans + why dietary needs must be flagged early
• 12:43 – The fax machine reality (and why that’s how you access the true gems)
• 13:52 – A proper hidden gem: cliffside luggage being craned up to reception
• 15:06 – Ryokan etiquette and what Western travellers should know
• 17:40 – Most memorable ryokan experiences: surfing → onsen reset
• 19:42 – Futuristic and quirky options: themed hotels, capsules, modern stays
• 20:49 – Iconic luxury: film-famous and standout high-end hotels
• 23:30 – What differs from UK hotels most: room sizes and packing smart

• In this episode of the Jason Boull Travel Podcast, host Jason Boull engages with Charlie Orr from Inside Travel Group to kick off a mini-series focused on Japan. They delve into Charlie's extensive experience with the country, sharing insights from his 20-year obsession with Japan, which began with a solo backpacking trip at 18. Charlie discusses the enchanting nature of Japan, highlighting its blend of modernity and tradition, and the unique experiences that await travellers, from bustling cities to serene countryside. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with locals to create lasting memories, as well as practical tips for first-time visitors, including must-see destinations and cultural etiquette.
• As they explore the allure of Japan, they touch on the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and the various regions that offer distinct experiences. Charlie provides recommendations for first-time travellers, suggesting key cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, while also addressing common misconceptions about language barriers and navigating the country. The episode wraps up with advice on how to make the most of a trip to Japan, encouraging listeners to embrace the local cuisine and immerse themselves in the culture, ensuring a memorable journey.

Planning your first trip to Japan? In this episode of the Jason Boull Travel Podcast, Jason Boull is joined by Japan specialist Charlie Orr to help first-time visitors plan with confidence — from the best starter route (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and beyond) to how easy Japan really is to navigate, why rail travel is a joy, and smart tips like luggage forwarding to travel light. You’ll also learn key cultural etiquette (including onsen rules and tattoo considerations), plus how to avoid common pitfalls like overcrowding and trying to do too much.

Ready to make Japan happen without stress? Boullies Travel will build your personalised Japan itinerary, keeping it smooth, realistic, and packed with the experiences that matter most to you.

Takeaways

• Japan is a destination that offers endless discoveries.
• Engaging with locals creates lasting travel memories.
• Navigating Japan is easier than many think, even without Japanese language skills.
• Tokyo feels like a collection of towns rather than one city.
• Food tours can help travelers discover hidden culinary gems.

In Part 2, Natalie’s Sri Lanka nightmare continues — and this is where her instincts as a mum take over.

With her children in the back seat and the “replacement driver” swerving through the darkness, Natalie makes a split-second decision: she has to get them out of the car safely without escalating the situation. She talks through how she engineered a stop at the only service station for miles, moved luggage fast, kept the children calm, and made urgent calls until someone finally agreed to come and collect them.

Once Natalie reaches her hotel, the trip transforms. She shares the unexpected joy of Sri Lanka — surfing lessons, coastal villages, turtles, incredible food, and the warmth of local people — alongside the reality of travelling with children and why she’d do parts of the itinerary differently next time.

Jason and Natalie then unpack the real lesson: not that travel is unsafe — but that support, preparation, and trusted local partners can make all the difference when something goes wrong. Natalie also shares what she’s planning next (including Thailand), and what’s coming up for Rejuvenate, including expansion plans and the launch of an academy.

Natalie from Rejuvenate Skin Experts joins Jason to share her journey from training in beauty nearly 20 years ago to building one of Cardiff’s leading skin clinics — and why her career became a passport to travel the world.

But this episode takes a sharp turn when Natalie reveals what happened on a spontaneous family trip to Sri Lanka. After landing late and realising she hadn’t arranged transport for the long journey south, Natalie and her two children got into a taxi for what she thought was a straightforward transfer.

Instead, deep into the night on a remote jungle road, the driver fell asleep at the wheel — and the car crashed.

Natalie describes the shock of the impact, the fear of standing on a pitch-black roadside with two children, the confusion of not being able to communicate, and the unsettling reality that even the police offered no meaningful help. Just when she thinks rescue has arrived, a replacement driver turns up… and Natalie’s instincts immediately tell her something is seriously wrong.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rejuvenate Skin Experts

01:49 Natalie's Journey into Skin Health

04:03 Identifying Market Gaps in Beauty

07:00 The Importance of Specialization and Care

08:58 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

10:46 Natalie's Travel Background

13:54 Spontaneous Travel to Sri Lanka

17:35 The Journey Begins: From Airport to Adventure

20:54 A Terrifying Car Accident