The Japan Travel Pros Podcast

Planning a trip to Japan? With so many places to visit and things to experience, it's easy to get caught up in trying to do it all. But what if doing a little less actually made your trip more enjoyable?
In this episode of Japan Travel Pros, Ari talks with Misha Yurchenko, founder of Tokyo Mindfulness, about slowing down, getting out into nature and being more present while traveling in Japan.
After experiencing burnout, Misha found a different way of approaching life through mindfulness and meditation. Today, he leads mindfulness hikes, workshops and retreats in Japan, helping people disconnect from their routines and reconnect with themselves, nature and the people around them.
We talk about:
FOMO and Japan travel planning: Why trying to see everything can take away from the experience

Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing): How spending time in Japan's forests and mountains can offer a welcome change of pace

Mindfulness hikes and retreats: What happens when you put your phone away, slow down and pay attention to what's around you

Finding nature near Tokyo: Forests, waterfalls and hiking opportunities surprisingly close to the city

Making room for discovery: Why leaving part of your Japan itinerary open can lead to some of your best travel memories

Different ways to experience Japan: From onsen and temple stays to exploring the quieter trails around Mount Fuji

FOMO versus JOMO: The fear of missing out versus the joy of missing out

You don't need to be interested in meditation or planning a retreat to get something out of this conversation. There are plenty of ideas here you can put to use on your next Japan trip, and maybe even take home with you.
Tokyo Mindfulness: https://tokyomindfulness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tokyomindfulnessjapan
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This episode is brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. We make travel planning make sense. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.
Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: How to Slow Down and Enjoy Your Japan Trip
01:55 – Meet Misha Yurchenko: From Burnout to Mindfulness in Japan
04:35 – What Is Mindfulness and How Can It Improve Travel?
07:15 – Why Vacations Become Stressful and How to Reset
09:00 – Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing and Finding Nature in Japan
13:20 – A Quick Word from Japan Travel Pros
14:50 – Mindfulness Hikes: Slowing Down and Putting Away Your Phone
18:35 – Mindfulness Retreats and the Benefits of a Digital Detox
24:45 – Japanese Temple Stays and Meaningful Cultural Experiences
31:20 – Two Ways to Travel Japan: Packed Itineraries vs. Wandering
37:45 – Onsen and Sento: Finding Time to Relax in Japan
40:00 – Planning a Japan Trip Around What Really Matters
43:45 – Mount Fuji: Exploring the Quieter Pilgrimage Trails
48:20 – Outdoor Onsen, Nikko and Unexpected Encounters
51:35 – From FOMO to JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out
52:35 – Closing Thoughts and Thanks to Misha
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Music:
"Island Travel", "Boldly: and "Investor Night" - by Anonyment
(all tracks with OpenTracks Music Materials License (opentracks.com) 
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Thinking about staying at a ryokan in Japan?
In this episode, Ari (a real human living in Japan) talks about the different types of ryokan, from small family-run inns to modern luxury properties, and what to look for when choosing one. Learn about Japanese-style rooms and Western beds, private onsen baths, meals, location and what you're actually getting for your money.__________Chapters:00:00 Introduction
00:56 Listener question
02:50 What is a ryokan?
04:45 Rooms, tatami & futons/bedding
07:00 Onsen & private baths
08:12 Meals & the ryokan experience
10:16 Location, atmosphere & value
12:09 Our recent ryokan stay in Izu
14:32 When do ryokan reservations open?
15:29 Contacting ryokan directly
16:22 Booking directly vs. travel websites
19:03 Comparing room rates & meal plans
19:35 Booking strategy for trip
20:54 Closing thoughts
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Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. Your collaboration partner based in Japan's Kansai Region. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.
Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Theme Music:
"Tokyo Nights" by Snoozy Beats
licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License (free download available from the Snoozy Beats page on Free Music Archive)
-----More Music:
"旅ゆけば" by Tinymemory (Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)
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Can you bring luggage on trains in Japan? Of course you can! So why does everyone seem to recommend luggage forwarding?
In this Quick Tip, Ari talks about Yamato's luggage delivery service, why it's a great option for some travelers and itineraries, and why it can sometimes make things more complicated than necessary.
And yes, Ari is a real person living in Japan, speaking into a real microphone... no AI-generated voice here!
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Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. We make travel planning make sense. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.
Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Music:
Investor Night - by Anonyment
(all tracks with Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)

How does living in Japan change the way you see the country as a traveler? And what do you learn along the way that you won't find on social media or in a guidebook?
In this episode, Anthony Moretti - a journalist, journalism professor & podcaster - takes over the microphone and interviews Ari of Japan Travel Pros.
They talk about what first sparked Ari's interest in Japan, how a chance meeting at an airport changed his life, how he's experienced Japan over the years and how all of that eventually led to Japan Travel Pros.
Along the way, they get into what living here has taught Ari about Japan & its people, and what makes a great visit.
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Ari is the co-founder Japan Travel Pros. We make travel planning make sense. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.
Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Intro & Overview
(00:58) Meet Ari
(05:11) Japan Impressions
(07:28) Regrets & Mistakes?
(10:46) Has Japan Changed?
(14:26) Why Japan Travel Pros?
(22:49) Planning a Trip to Japan
(28:45) Success & Helping People
(33:11) Closing Thoughts
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Music:
Island Travel - by Anonyment
旅ゆけば - by Tinymemory
Investor Night - by Anonyment
(all tracks with Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp) 
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Pro Tips from Real People Who Live Here!
You've landed in Japan. Now what?
In this episode, Ari walks through what to expect during your first 24 hours in Japan, from getting through the airport and reaching your hotel to making the most of your first full day.
We talk about airport transportation, jet lag, restaurant reservations, choosing the right hotel location and getting started in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto… or anywhere else.
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Brought to you by Japan Travel Pros. Your collaboration partner based in Japan's Kansai Region. Clients from around the world trust our Japan-based local travel experts. We give you context and good judgment, and you get the confidence to travel to Japan your way.
Get started at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠JapanTravelPros.com/plan⁠⁠⁠
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Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Intro & Overview
(01:30) Day 0: Arrival Day
(02:40) Plan Ahead, Stay Flexible
(03:17) Arriving from N.America (afternoon/evening)
(04:15) Morning Arrivals
(05:57) Jet Lag, Adrenaline & Fatigue
(06:26) At the Airport
(09:31) Getting to Your Hotel
(09:57) Tokyo Airports to City
(10:59) Osaka & Kyoto from KIX Airport
(11:55) Reserve Transport Ahead of Time or Buy at Airport?
(12:40) Airport to Bullet Train Connection Time
(14:13) Leave Bags or Early Check-in?
(15:12) Food in Japan - First 24 Hours
(17:58) Getting Acclimated in Japan (Exercise, Sights, Jet Lag etc)
(20:40) First Day in Tokyo
(24:32) Should You Take a Tour on Day 1?
(25:27) Day 1 in Osaka
(27:22) Day 1 in Kyoto
(30:03) Local Transport Tips
(32:42) Closing Thoughts
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Theme Music:
"Tokyo Nights" by Snoozy Beats
licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License (free download available from the Snoozy Beats page on Free Music Archive)
-----More Music:
"旅ゆけば" by Tinymemory (Dova Syndrome Music Materials License (dova-s .jp)
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