Japan Travel Smart
Episodes
The underrated prefecture right beside Kyoto and Osaka
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Be inspired to visit more than one popular destination in Hyogo, a stone’s throw away from Kyoto and Osaka! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at...
Around Japan with just a carry-on
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Traveling in Japan for weeks at a time while packing just a carry-on: Is it feasible or even possible? Find out on this episode of JTS! Support the p...
The konbini AND Japanese supermarket geek-out episode!
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to get you up to speed with the wonderful world of Japanese convenience stores, as well as the relatively low key supermarket offerings....
[RE-RECORDED] Smart to visit: A sampler escapade on the revitalized coast of Iwate
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dare to head away from the well trodden path and go into coastal Iwate for a different Japan! Find out how we did it on this episode of Japan Travel S...
[RE-RECORDED] 9 understated Japan survival tips
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is some travel advice applicable to Japan that no one is really bringing up? Find out in this episode! Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at K...
[RE-RECORDED] My 9 favorite online resources for where to visit and what to do in Japan!
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
An update about upcoming episodes
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi!Business contact and listener feedback: [email protected] X (Twitter) InstagramMusic by R...
The easiest way to include Shikoku in ANY Japan Travel plan!
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
Japan forever changed: Thoughts on the state of tourism and travel in Japan
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
9 insane tourist traps of Tokyo (and our perfectly sane alternatives)
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
The well-trodden Nara and the hidden Nara
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nara is not a "day trip". Here's why.Nara Park, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga ShrineHeijo Palace Site, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushiji TempleIm...
9 more tips for saving money on a Japan trip!
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Smart to visit: Northern Tohoku - Aomori and Akita prefectures
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our Smart to Visit series by returning to the Tohoku region on one of our most eclectic trip reports yet! It’s time to introduce Aomori ...
Learn from my most egregious mistakes traveling in Japan!
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone screws up traveling in Japan. But especially me. Find out more on this episode.Business contact and listener feedback: japantravelsmart@gmail...
The vast, lush frontier: national parks of Hokkaido
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's an entire world to see just past Sapporo. Get to know about Hokkaido's incredible national park areas on this entry of Japan Travel Sm...
Bike sharing services: super convenient!
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you actually consider bike sharing services to get around for your Japan trip? What is important to know to get set up to use shared bicycles a...
Trendy neighborhoods in western Tokyo
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Boldly head out from the busy and crowded tourist areas of Tokyo to find a much more intimate version of the city in western Tokyo! Find out where you...
We love Japanese hot springs and onsen culture!
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What options de we have at our disposal to experience onsen culture in Japan? How to properly use a shared bathing space without committing faux paux ...
Get to know the cities in Kyushu!
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get to know Kyushu through its cities on this episode of Japan Travel Smart! We'll talk about what makes each of them unique and worth checking ou...
How to fly to Japan for cheap
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Flying to Japan is expensive, right? Right? Well, it certainly can be, but it doesn't have to be needlessly expensive on a budget. Find out more o...
Japan Rail Master - All of Japan within reach with regional rail passes!
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Regional rail passes in Japan offer foreign visitors the chance to binge on exploration of a unique region in Japan, but what exactly is the trick to ...
Smart to visit: A sampler escapade on the revitalized coast of Iwate
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dare to head away from the well trodden path and go into coastal Iwate for a different Japan! Find out how we did it on this episode of Japan Travel S...
The better Japanese for travel that I actually use
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What Japanese from the basic phrase book have we found to be actually useful when traveling in Japan? In this episode of Japan Travel Smart we bring u...
9 questionable attractions in Japan that you’d do best to avoid
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There exist some popular places in Japan that are a bit dubious at best.In this episode we’ve come up with 9 examples of spots in Japan that you mig...
Japan rail master - Course 1
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The best rail travel tips and advice for the best rail travel country! It all begins here on Japan Travel Smart! Business contact and listener feedba...
Smart to visit: Osaka city
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get our unique takes on Osaka on this special “smart to visit” episode of Japan Travel Smart! Airports Kansai International Airport Osaka Interna...
9 understated Japan survival tips
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is some travel advice applicable to Japan that no one is really bringing up? Find out in this episode! Business contact and listener feedback: j...
My favorite online resources to determine where to visit and what to do for a Japan trip
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
9 counterintuitive good etiquette tips for travel in Japan
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible that things are completely different in Japan when it comes to proper etiquette? You have no idea how much it is, and for your sake we'...
Smart to visit: the Shin'etsu region - Nagano and Niigata prefectures
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this first entry to our "Smart to visit" episode series, we introduce the attractive Shin'etsu subregion of Japan and the main draws of Nagano and ...
Tell me how you got to the city from Narita Airport and I’ll tell you everything about you
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've arrived at Narita Airport. Now what? We go in depth about your options to get into town, and we are pretty sure that your usual option isn't th...
9 weird tricks to save money on a Japan trip
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's a better way to get around a Japanese city for cheap? And how do we even manage to always travel all over Japan on a reasonable budget? We ...
9 myths about traveling in Japan
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How expensive is Tokyo? Do you need to speak the language to get around? We clear up some common misconceptions about Japan that people who visit are ...
Why do people keep going on holiday back to Japan?
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why do people keep going on holiday back to Japan? That's me. I am people. We explain the reasons for the name of the podcast. We set some groun...