Knowing Japan: An Expert or a Guide?

I don’t know that much about Japan.

“You know so much about Japan, Ari!” clients will tell us.

I do. But then I don’t.

I know what I don’t know. And that’s a lot.

Most importantly, if you’re reading this as someone planning to travel to Japan, I have a pretty good idea of how to help you make the most of your time here.

If that makes me an expert, you can go ahead and use that word. But at the end of the day, I’d rather be seen as a teacher or a guide. I’m learning every day. I want to help you do the same.

The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

I’ve been connected to Japan for the better part of the last four decades.

I’ve seen a lot of things change. And I’ve also seen things stay remarkably the same.

Take the exchange rate, for example. The yen today is almost at the same USD level as it was when I first came to Japan.

But the circumstances are wildly different. It’s been a roller coaster in the interim, and that’s just talking about currency and the economy.

A Powerhouse? Mmmmeh…

A lot of people see Japan as a technological and innovative powerhouse. From someone who lives here, though, that perception (myth) is often amusing.

There’s a half-joke among expats here that Japan has been living in the year 2000 since 1980. Back then, Japan truly was cutting-edge. But over time, not much has changed.

While the image abroad might be one of robots and automation, the reality is that you’re much more likely to encounter a fax machine than a robot. And just as likely to find a traditional squat toilet as a high-tech automated one.

So much for living in the future.

During this time, Japan ceased to be a major global economic power. That’s saying a lot, considering it’s still the world’s fourth-largest economy. But these days, it doesn’t command much attention in the global conversation about economies.

But you’re probably not here to read about the economy, are you?

So let’s talk about travel.

Travel to Japan: Why Is It Booming?

Back in the day, hardly anyone traveled to Japan.

I don’t mean literally no one, but Japan was not a major travel destination—not like it is today. Not even close.

Once upon a time, walking down a major street in Tokyo—say, Shinjuku or Ginza—you’d be surprised to see a Caucasian face.

Some Americans I knew would wave and even say hello when they saw other white people in Tokyo. A lot of assumptions there, but that’s beside the point.

For decades, Japan was off the beaten path—a hidden gem, if you will. All of it.

Tsukiji Market was once a fascinating experience: watching the fish auction (long gone now) and eating exquisite sushi right at the source. Could never have imagined it becoming a tourist trap.

Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera? You could walk through at high noon and barely see another soul.

Arashiyama’s bamboo grove was a quiet backwoods. Dotombori? Just a stinky canal (now it’s a stinky canal packed with tourists).

The Golden Age of Japan Travel

So, what changed?

In the decade leading up to the pandemic, Japan truly came into its own as a coveted travel destination.

Thanks to social media, Japan wasn’t just something out of National Geographic or a dusty old guidebook. People could see Japan up close, personal, and instantly, right at their fingertips.

Low airfares and increased availability of accommodations made it easier than ever to experience Japan.

As someone who was living outside of Japan during this boom, I watched with fascination. I already knew Japan was an incredible destination, but it was exciting to see the world finally catch on.

While the pandemic pressed pause on travel for a few years, once Japan’s borders reopened, the floodgates to tourism did too.

Japan Travel Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

It’s amazing to see so many people traveling to Japan now.

This country has so much to offer, especially for visitors.

It’s clean. It’s safe. And these days, it’s affordable.

Of course, exchange rates can and do fluctuate. Japan might not stay as affordable forever—nobody knows, not even me.

As someone living in Japan, I’ve noticed that prices haven’t risen much, but neither have wages. It’s a double-edged sword.

But for travelers, it’s hard to beat the value that Japan offers right now.

Making the Most of Your Japan Adventure 

I hope you’ll visit Japan.

I hope you’ll give it the time it deserves – balancing that, of course, with the reality of time limitations due to work, school, etc.

And I hope you’ll see & experience both the major sights of Japan as well as the hidden gems and off-the-beaten path experiences.

If we can help you with that, I’ll consider it an honor and a privilege.

I want to share what I’ve learned, help you navigate the quirks and introduce you to a few of the many unique aspects of life in Japan. If you’re interested in having a chat about your Japan trip, why not book a free travel consultation.

Whichever way you decide to visit Japan, we hope you’ll return home with fantastic memories and the desire to come back soon!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about planning your Japan trip, we’re always here to help. Feel free to book your FREE Japan travel consultation, using the scheduling tool below: