The ‘Rick Steves’ Japan Travel Style
If you’ve traveled to Europe before, you’ve probably heard of Rick Steves. You might have even seen his TV shows or read one of his guidebooks.
“Hey,” you might be asking, “isn’t this a Japan travel site?
Most definitely. But it turns out a lot of people who are fans of the Rick Steves travel approach are looking for a similar style of journey in Japan.
If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
I’ve been an admirer of Rick Steves and his grass roots, ‘close to the ground’ approach to travel for decades. His influence played a role, to be sure, in our founding of Japan Travel Pros.
Just as Rick Steves has transformed how Americans travel in Europe through his philosophy of thoughtful tourism, cultural immersion and authentic experiences, his approach to travel contains valuable wisdom that applies beautifully to exploring Japan.
Why We Admire Travel Pioneers Such As Rick Steves
For over four decades, Rick Steves has championed a travel philosophy that resonates deeply with those who seek authentic cultural experiences. His approach transcends simple sightseeing, encouraging travelers to become temporary locals who engage meaningfully with the places they visit.
He’s part of travel writers and documentarians that include Anthony Bourdain (RIP), Arthur Frommer, Bill Bryson, Paul Thereoux and countless others.
The ‘temporary local’ travel approach aligns very well with the most rewarding ways to experience Japan.
It looks to eliminate the superficial while emphasizing cultural understanding, historical context and genuine local interactions. His audience consists of curious, intelligent travelers who value education and cultural exchange over mere entertainment.
These same qualities enhance any journey to Japan.
In this genre of travel philosophies is a commitment to responsible tourism that benefits local communities. Travelers of this ilk tend to have preferences in supporting family-run businesses, learning about local customs, and venturing beyond tourist zones to discover hidden gems and form genuine connections with local people.
Such principles prove invaluable in Japan, where respectful cultural engagement opens doors to extraordinary experiences.
Europe & Japan: A Traveler's Comparison
Travelers familiar with European travel will find both similarities and differences in Japan.
Like Europe, Japan offers excellent public transportation, safe cities and a strong cultural heritage. However, there are also some key differences that can affect how visitors experience Japan.
Transportation Comparisons
While both have extensive rail networks, Japan's train system proves more standardized than Europe's. Japanese trains operate with legendary punctuality, and a single rail pass can cover most long distance routes nationwide (though the Japan Rail Pass is significantly less of a value than it once was, and we usually recommend point-to-point tickets)..
Language & Communication
European languages share many cognates with English, making basic communication possible in many situations. Plus, with the exception of Greece, reading signs and menus in other languages at least enables visitors to pronounce and easily look up meanings, names, locations, etc.
Japanese, with its distinct linguistic roots and writing systems, presents a steeper learning curve. Still, it’s a lot more accessible these days, with more signage in English, and the ability to use handy apps to translate menus, signs and other wording very quickly.
Plus, as a bonus, Japan compensates with exceptional service and hospitality, as well as widespread use of visual aids in restaurants and public spaces.
Accommodation Styles
European hotels often occupy historic buildings adapted for modern use. Japanese accommodations tend to be either thoroughly modern or purposefully traditional, with fewer hybrid options. While Europe offers many family-run pensions and B&Bs, Japan's equivalent ryokan and minshuku provide more structured experiences with specific customs and schedules.
Cultural Engagement
Europe's café culture encourages casual interaction between visitors and locals. Japan's social spaces operate differently, with izakaya (pub-restaurants) and local festivals providing primary opportunities for cultural exchange. Both reward travelers who learn basic phrases and customs.
The Philosophy of Smart Travel in Japan
Rick Steves advocates for what he calls "backdoor travel" – finding ways to experience a destination's authentic culture by stepping away from tourist crowds and into local life.
This philosophy resonates particularly well in Japan, where some of the most rewarding experiences happen away from famous attractions.
Smart travel in Japan means understanding the cultural context of the places you visit. It means choosing accommodations that facilitate local interactions rather than isolating you in tourist bubbles. It means eating where locals eat – perhaps at a family-run ramen shop or a neighborhood izakaya – using public transportation and remaining open to unexpected discoveries.
Cultural Immersion: At the Core of Meaningful Travel
Just as Rick Steves encourages travelers to embrace European coffee culture or learn basic phrases in local languages, meaningful travel in Japan requires similar cultural engagement. This might mean learning proper etiquette (such as in ryokan inns, onsen hot spring baths or other local gathering places), understanding the rituals of visiting temples & shines, or mastering basic chopstick use.
Japanese culture places high value on everyday interactions. Simple courtesies like saying "excuse me" (sumimasen) or "thank you" (arigato gozaimasu) open doors to genuine connections with local people.
That’s not to say that Japanese are chatty – some Americans and Canadians, for example, seem to get a little frustrated when trying to engage in small talk here. But with some effort in Japanese language and customs/etiquette, you’ll very likely find that the little interactions throughout your journey will be a rewarding experience.
Planning Smart Itineraries for a Japan Trip
Rick Steves advocates for efficient planning that maximizes cultural experiences while minimizing logistical hassles.
We agree. In Japan, this means:
Understanding the best seasons to visit different regions
Allowing sufficient time in each location to move beyond surface impressions
Building flexibility into schedules for spontaneous discoveries
Choosing destinations that complement each other and provide diverse experiences
The standard, drive-by, snapshot travel style that covers Japan’s “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka tends to have none of the above (or disappointingly little).
That’s why clients come to Japan Travel Pros, looking for something… more. Something deeper. Something more meaningful and more memorable.
The Value of Local Expertise in Planning & Supporting Your Japan Travels
While Rick Steves writes extensively about European travel, he acknowledges the importance of local guides and experts.
This principle proves especially relevant in Japan, where language and cultural differences can create barriers to deep understanding.
Local Japan expertise helps travelers:
Access experiences that might otherwise remain hidden
Understand cultural contexts & significance
Navigate complex systems more efficiently
Make the most of limited travel time
That’s why we’ve developed and grown Japan Travel Pros.
Want to find out more about how we can help plan and support your Japan trip? Book a free travel consultation using the link below:
Beyond Tourist Zones: Discovering Hidden Gems
Rick Steves often encourages visitors to venture beyond popular tourist areas in European cities.
This advice proves equally valuable in Japan. While places like Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing or Kyoto's Golden Pavilion have earned their fame, countless rewarding experiences await in less-visited locations.
We recommend visiting places like:
Matsumoto: This castle town in the Japan Alps offers history, art museums and mountain views without big-city crowds
Naoshima: An art island in the Inland Sea that combines contemporary galleries with traditional village life
Kanazawa: A city with cultural preservation on par with Kyoto but relatively fewer tourists
Takayama: A beautifully preserved mountain town with excellent local cuisine and craft traditions
And those are just a start, already gaining attention among international visitors and thus creating the need for even further deviation off the “Golden Route” of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.
We’re constantly on the hunt for newer, lesser visited destinations in Japan, encouraging our clients and readers to go more local and eschew tourist traps and the influence of, well, influencers.
Smart Accommodation Choices
Rick Steves frequently recommends family-run hotels and pensions in Europe.
Japan offers similar opportunities through its ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and minshuku (family-run guesthouses). These accommodations provide cultural experiences along with places to sleep.
Choosing accommodations in residential neighborhoods and less-chaotic parts of a city – rather than tourist districts – creates opportunities for authentic local interactions. You might discover a neighborhood sento (public bath), shop at local shotengai street markets or find favorite eateries frequented by residents.
Transportation Like a Local in Japan
Just as Steves demystifies European rail travel, understanding Japan's transportation systems enhances the travel experience. Japan's trains epitomize efficiency, but local buses, trams, and ferries add variety to the journey while often accessing less-visited destinations.
Walking remains one of the best ways to discover Japanese cities and towns. Many areas reveal their character through their backstreets, local shopping arcades and neighborhood shrines.
Japan’s Food Culture & Local Specialties
Rick Steves encourages trying local specialties and embracing regional food cultures.
Japan's distinct regional cuisines provide excellent opportunities for this approach. Each area maintains its own specialties, cooking styles and food traditions.
Moving beyond sushi and ramen (though those are great, of course) reveals Japan's incredible culinary prowess. Local markets and shopping streets offer opportunities to sample regional specialties and interact with food vendors. Department store food halls (“depachika”) offer a range of foods that can keep you well-fed for days or weeks.
Cultural Experiences and Learning Opportunities in Japan
The Rick Steves approach emphasizes the importance of cultural education through travel.
Japan offers numerous opportunities for hands-on cultural experiences, such as :
Traditional craft workshops teach techniques passed down through generations
Cooking classes demonstrate the principles of Japanese cuisine
Tea ceremony lessons provide insight into Japanese aesthetics and hospitality
Temple stays offer slices of life in Buddhist traditions and practices
… Again these are just a few examples of how to expand beyond the superficial “selfie” travel style, and dig deeper to discover a culture that’s vast and quite different from your own.
Sustainable and Respectful Tourism
Rick Steves promotes responsible tourism that benefits local communities.
This approach matters greatly in Japan, where increasing tourism impacts popular destinations. Thoughtful travelers can:
Support local businesses rather than mega and global chains
Respect local customs and traditions
Visit lesser-known destinations that welcome tourism
Engage with communities in meaningful ways
The principles of smart, cultural tourism that Rick Steves champions work exceptionally well in Japan. Success comes from approaching the country with respect, curiosity and willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Professional planning assistance can enhance this approach by:
Providing cultural context and insights
Facilitating authentic experiences
Handling complex logistics
Supporting meaningful local interactions
While Rick Steves may not guide tours in Japan, his philosophy of thoughtful, culturally engaged travel aligns well with the best ways to experience this fascinating destination.
Japan Travel Pros can help make the most of your Japan travel experience using a similar approach. Find out how, by using the handy scheduling tool below to book your complimentary travel consultation: