In Part 2 of our Experiences in Japan deep dive, we explore the adventurous, natural and modern side of Japan — from climbing Mount Fuji and cycling across sea bridges, to taiko drumming and futuristic art installations.

We also tackle something important: how to plan Japan properly without burning out — and why AI itineraries simply can’t replace personalised expertise.

In this episode:

• Climbing Mount Fuji (what to expect)
• Hiking the Samurai Postal Trail
• Cycling across the Inland Sea
• Snowboarding in Hokkaido
• Visiting sand dunes in Japan
• TeamLab Borderless & futuristic art
• Why gardens often become surprise highlights
• How to balance culture, rest and activity
• Why professional planning matters

If you’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, make sure it’s designed around you — your pace, your interests, your travel style.

Boullies Travel specialises in crafting personalised Japan journeys that go far beyond generic itineraries.

Chapter Guide (Part 2)

• 29:03 – Active & adventurous Japan
• 30:00 – Climbing Mount Fuji (what it’s really like)
• 32:00 – Samurai Postal Trail hiking
• 33:30 – Cycling across the Inland Sea bridges
• 35:55 – Onsen essentials (quick refresher)
• 39:46 – Natural wonders: snow, volcanoes & sand dunes
• 44:30 – Anime, manga & Akihabara
• 46:54 – Retro gaming heaven: Super Potato
• 48:17 – TeamLab Borderless & futuristic Japan
• 49:51 – Taiko drumming experience
• 53:45 – Overlooked highlights: Japanese gardens
• 56:01 – How to balance a Japan itinerary properly
• 1:01:40 – Why AI can’t plan Japan properly
• 1:05:13 – The importance of personalised planning

In Episode 4 of our Japan mini-series, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr explore the heart of what makes Japan unforgettable — the experiences.

From meeting a Maiko (apprentice geisha) and taking part in tea ceremonies, to hands-on crafts like paper making and taiko drumming, this episode dives into why Japan is a destination where cultural immersion matters more than ticking off landmarks.

We discuss:

• Why Japan rewards hands-on experiences over passive sightseeing
• What a geisha really is (and what they’re not)
• The power of tea ceremonies and traditional crafts
• How to avoid over-tourism at temples and shrines
• Why insider knowledge transforms your visit

If you want more than a checklist holiday, Boullies Travel will help design a Japan itinerary that balances iconic sights with meaningful, personal experiences.

Chapter Guide (Part 1)

• 00:45 – Introduction: Why Japan is a country of contrasts
• 01:56 – Modern Tokyo vs traditional Kyoto vs mountain solitude
• 03:58 – Why experiences matter more than box-ticking
• 06:45 – Moving from passive travel to immersive travel
• 07:55 – Hands-on cultural experiences explained
• 09:30 – Paper making & traditional crafts
• 10:46 – Tea ceremonies with a Maiko (apprentice geisha)
• 10:48 – What is a geisha really?
• 13:45 – Kimono culture & traditional dress
• 16:44 – Why young girls choose to become geisha
• 18:56 – Making temple visits meaningful
• 21:50 – Avoiding crowds in Kyoto
• 22:50 – Sanjuu Sangendo & hidden temple gems
• 24:50 – Samurai history you won’t find on Google
• 25:52 – Festivals: Awa Odori & Yosakoi dance celebrations

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