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

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.