Our SECRET Japan Travel Tips | Trash Taste #97
[00:12 - 00:19]Wake up call for gamers to tune in to Trash Taste podcast with host Gaunt and guests Connor and Joey
[00:50 - 00:57]Conversation about their beard growth and jokes about being "the only man" in the room
[03:32 - 03:40]Discussion about black hair being heavier than white hair and theories about why planes are painted white
[04:54 - 05:00]Debate over whether white or black paint is heavier, with conflicting articles and no clear answer
[05:08 - 05:13]The theme is revealed to be travel, with a focus on the topic of planes and paint weight
[06:03 - 06:12]Mention of being on a non-white plane (highlight orange or Pikachu themed)
[06:25 - 06:30]Topic of skins in first-person games and their purpose for flexing on others
[06:52 - 06:58]Introduction of the themed episode and acknowledging the lack of preparation
[00:03 - 07:05]Bullet point summary of the entire conversation and introduction of the topic of travel.
[07:36 - 07:42]The speakers discuss the possibility of traveling to Japan and the country's slow reopening.
[08:43 - 08:49]The speakers discuss Japan's strict travel restrictions due to its aging population.
[09:01 - 09:07]They acknowledge that the situation may have changed by the time the episode is released.
[09:13 - 09:21]They mention Japan's recent decision to allow work and student visas for foreigners.
[09:13 - 09:21]They compare Japan's situation to that of other countries, where people are eager for tourism to resume.
[10:22 - 10:35]The speakers mention their own experiences traveling in Japan and how it can be intimidating.
[11:38 - 11:44]They give advice on flying into Haneda airport instead of Narita to save on transportation costs.
[11:38 - 11:44]The speakers highlight the convenience of Haneda airport and its proximity to Tokyo.
[13:07 - 13:13]They recommend taking the Skyliner train from Narita instead of the more expensive Narita Express.
[13:20 - 13:26]They mention the availability of English-speaking staff at the Skyliner ticket office.
[07:05 - 13:51]The speakers conclude with a recommendation to take the monorail from Haneda to Tokyo.
[13:51 - 14:01] Give recommendation to take monorail or cab for transportation
[14:01 - 14:06]Mention English speaking computer in cabs
[14:01 - 14:06]Personal experience with using cabs
[14:12 - 14:19]Suggest flying to Haneda airport for better experience and cheaper prices
[16:41 - 16:47]Discuss the saturation of hotels in Tokyo due to changes in Airbnbs
[18:57 - 19:05]Recommend Airbnbs for amenities and more space
[19:16 - 19:31]Mention the convenience of portable Wi-Fi provided in many Airbnb rentals
[19:31 - 19:38]Free Wi-Fi options in train stations and McDonald's
[19:50 - 19:57]Data can be expensive for tourists
[19:50 - 19:57]Google Maps is a valuable tool for navigation in Japan
[13:51 - 19:57]The speaker recommends taking the monorail or a cab for transportation, suggests flying to Haneda airport for a better and cheaper experience, and discusses the saturation of hotels in Tokyo due to changes in Airbnbs. They recommend staying in an Airbnb for amenities and more space, and mention the convenience of portable Wi-Fi provided in many rentals. They also mention free Wi-Fi options in train stations and McDonald's, but note that data can be expensive for tourists and recommend using Google Maps for navigation.
[19:57 - 20:12] The speaker recommends getting an international plan for data or purchasing a portable Wi-Fi through Airbnb for cheaper data.
[20:20 - 20:26]At the airport there are vending machines that sell data-only SIM cards, but they are expensive.
[20:41 - 20:47]The speaker advises getting a Suica card, which is like an Oyster card, for easy payments on trains, taxis, and at convenience stores.
[23:30 - 23:36]It is important to always carry cash in Japan, as many places do not accept card payments.
[23:53 - 24:00]Akihabara is easily accessible from central Tokyo, and it is recommended to stay in areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
[24:06 - 24:13]Akihabara is a popular destination for first-time visitors to Japan, with many shops and themed cafes.
[24:40 - 24:45]There are other themed bars and restaurants in Japan that are more unique and interesting than maid cafes.
[26:24 - 26:31]Made cafe food is usually overpriced and not very good.
[19:57 - 26:47]Overall, the speaker advises visitors to be prepared with cash and a Suica card for easy payments in Japan, and to explore other unique themed bars and restaurants instead of just maid cafes.
[28:39 - 28:46] Person is discussing their experience in Japan, specifically in Akihabara
[28:52 - 28:58]They mention that everything is overpriced, especially the food
[28:52 - 28:58]They recommend a specific restaurant called Brawl Host for good omurice
[29:47 - 30:00]They mention that Akihabara is known for its themed cafes and bars, such as maid cafes
[29:47 - 30:00]They recommend checking out the Akihabara figure special for places to shop
[29:47 - 30:00]They talk about the multiple floors and variety of shops in Akihabara buildings
[30:29 - 30:34]They express discomfort and cringe at the idea of going to a maid cafe
[30:34 - 30:39]They mention shops like Super Potato, Tona Number One, and Melon Books for retro games and anime merchandise
[30:34 - 30:39]They recommend visiting arcades in Akihabara, specifically the Sega buildings and the Takadanobaba arcade
[31:10 - 31:18]They mention the mecha pilot game in the arcade and recommend getting a card for other games
[33:03 - 33:10]They suggest using Google Translate for navigating Japanese text
[26:47 - 33:10]Akihabara is a must-see for visitors to Japan, with its unique shops and experiences.
[33:10 - 33:23]Talks about using Google Translate in Japan, specifically the camera option for live translation
[33:23 - 33:29]Mentions it has been a lifesaver in Japan, especially for navigating restaurants with Japanese menus
[33:36 - 33:42]Talks about the potential issue with handwritten menus
[34:19 - 34:26]Sponsors Athletic Greens and discusses its benefits for health and weight management
[35:13 - 35:18]Recommends Nakano Broadway as an alternative to Akihabara for finding unique anime and weeb-related items
[38:02 - 38:10]Highlights the variety of bars and restaurants in Nakano outside of the Broadway section
[38:22 - 38:28]Mentions the Jojo bar in Nakano and encourages supporting it over maid cafes
[38:57 - 39:07]Discusses the appeal of getting lost and discovering things in Nakano versus planning out everything
[40:01 - 40:07]Suggests trying a tabehoudai (all-you-can-eat and drink) experience in Japan, specifically at a Kino Kura on a Monday.
[33:10 - 40:07]Google Translate and Nakano Broadway are recommended for navigating and discovering Japan. Athletic Greens can help with health and weight management. Kino Kura on a Monday is a must-try experience.
[40:31 - 40:37] Discussing the importance of knowing the words "Nomi Hordai" and "Tabihordai" in Japan.
[40:56 - 41:03]Suggesting to go to a chain izakaya like Kinokurao or Torikizoku.
[41:17 - 41:23]Recommending to try yakitori at Todikirao.
[41:24 - 41:29]Mentioning the abundance of all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink options in Japan.
[42:19 - 42:25]Talking about the food in Japan being 10 out of 10 compared to other countries.
[44:00 - 44:06]Suggesting to try karaoke in Japan, which has a great song selection and fun atmosphere.
[44:00 - 44:06]Discussing how karaoke in Japan is different from other countries, with private rooms and costumes available.
[44:14 - 44:19]Suggesting that karaoke is a good way to meet Japanese people.
[46:12 - 46:21]Describing how to identify a karaoke or pachinko building.
[40:07 - 46:30]The importance of knowing the words "Nomi Hordai" and "Tabihordai" in Japan, and the abundance of all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink options.
[49:12 - 49:18] Discussion about karaoke functions and visuals in Asian karaoke bars
[51:24 - 51:30]Mention of TV sizes and music videos that are played during karaoke
[51:24 - 51:30]Conversation about the creators of karaoke videos and the sometimes random and odd visuals
[52:23 - 52:30]Discussion about Hakone being the inspiration for the fictional Tokyo-3 in the anime series Evangelion
[52:23 - 52:30]Suggestion to visit the Giokudani, a sulfur valley in Hakone with a gondola ride and views of Mount Fuji
[52:50 - 52:56]Transition into discussing onsen and how it can be a fun and unique experience with friends
[52:50 - 52:56]Recommendation to book Ryokans with onsen on booking websites
[52:50 - 52:56]Mention of Hakone, a popular onsen town in Kanagawa prefecture
[52:50 - 52:56]Recommendation to take the romance car train from Shinjuku to Hakone
[52:50 - 52:56]Mention of other "Hell's Valleys" in Japan
[52:50 - 52:56]Personal recommendation for Hakone as a good day trip option Concise Summary:
[46:30 - 52:56]Discussion of karaoke and visuals in Asian karaoke bars, followed by a transition into recommending onsen and specifically Hakone as a day trip option.
[52:57 - 53:13]The speaker enjoyed their trip to Hakone.
[53:21 - 53:33]Ryokans have everything guests need within the facility, and there may not be many tourist attractions in the immediate area.
[53:39 - 53:56]Hakone was not what the speaker expected, as many Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) expect guests to stay on the premises for the entirety of their trip.
[53:57 - 54:05]Ryokans typically include breakfast, which the speaker advises to not miss.
[54:15 - 54:21]Ryokans are a great way to experience traditional Japanese accommodations and cuisine.
[54:34 - 54:40]Some Ryokans have more modern amenities, such as beds instead of futons.
[55:24 - 55:29]Ryokans can be expensive, but the price includes high-quality food.
[55:24 - 55:29]There are different price points and variations of Ryokans and Onsens (hot springs).
[56:18 - 56:29]The speaker recommends trying traditional Japanese food at a Ryokan over a restaurant.
[56:18 - 56:29]The experience at a Ryokan can make guests feel like royalty.
[58:29 - 58:35]Ryokans have many workers and provide intense service.
[59:18 - 59:23]One notable Ryokan is located near the Snow Monkeys in Yudanaka.
[52:57 - 59:30]Overall, staying at a Ryokan is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture and cuisine.
[59:30 - 59:37] Yudinaka and Nagano are famous for their onsens
[59:43 - 59:49]Tokyo to Nagano can be reached by car or bullet train
[59:49 - 59:55]Kutatsu is a top three unsent city
[1.00:02 - 1.00:08]Giddell unsent in Cheeseburger is also recommended
[1.00:08 - 1.00:15]Some onsens have unique features, like a bath made from a thousand-year-old log
[1.00:50 - 1.01:00]Booking.com is a reliable website for booking onsens
[1.02:48 - 1.02:53]Saunas are becoming popular in Japan
[1.03:13 - 1.03:23]Tokyo's Golden Gai area is recommended, but beware of sketchy bars
[1.03:13 - 1.03:23]Shinjuku has a mix of cool and sketchy bars
[1.04:22 - 1.04:28]Nichome is the gay bar district with many foreigner-friendly options
[1.05:45 - 1.05:56]Ebisu is a preferred area over Shibuya
[59:30 - 1.05:56]The speaker recommends visiting Yudinaka and Nagano for their famous onsens, and mentions that Tokyo to Nagano is easily accessible by car or bullet train. They also recommend Kutatsu and Giddell unsent as top onsens to visit. Booking.com is a reliable website for booking onsens, and some onsens have unique features such as baths made from thousand-year-old logs. Saunas are becoming popular in Japan, and the speaker recommends visiting Golden Gai in Tokyo but being cautious of sketchy bars in Shinjuku. They also mention the gay bar district of Nichome, as well as Ebisu as a preferred area over Shibuya. The speaker emphasizes that onsens are a bonding experience and highly recommended.
[1.05:56 - 1.06:02] Shibuya is a crowded but famous place to go to.
[1.06:02 - 1.06:08]There are also cool places in Shibuya if you know where to look.
[1.06:14 - 1.06:20]Shibuya is heavily infested with tourist traps.
[1.06:28 - 1.06:34]Aoyama, on the way towards Harajuku, has cool hidden stuff and is not far from Shibuya.
[1.06:34 - 1.06:40]It's recommended to venture out of the center to find hidden gems in Tokyo.
[1.06:53 - 1.06:59]Ikebukuro has two sides, the east side is good and the west side is sketchy.
[1.06:53 - 1.06:59]East side of Ikebukuro has Sunshine City, Automate Road, and good shopping and food.
[1.07:35 - 1.07:41]West side of Ikebukuro has a lot of Southeast Asian and Indian restaurants, but can be scary at night.
[1.09:38 - 1.09:44]Round one is a popular arcade and bowling place in Ikebukuro, with axe throwing and paint areas as well.
[1.09:44 - 1.09:49]Bagus is another popular place to play ping pong, pool, and darts, with a large selection of manga and theater rooms.
[1.11:27 - 1.11:33]Ordering drinks in Japan can be done through a phone or tablet at some places, and it's recommended to try the nama beer.
[1.12:38 - 1.12:43]Hokkaido is a large and popular island with great food and drinks.
[1.05:56 - 1.12:43]Shibuya and Ikebukuro are popular places in Tokyo, with cool hidden gems and sketchy areas. Round one and Bagus are popular places to play games and drink in Ikebukuro. Hokkaido is a large island with great food and drinks.
[1.12:44 - 1.12:50] Takes about four or five hours to travel by train from Tokyo to Hokkaido
[1.12:50 - 1.13:02]Last stop is in Hakodate, which is a five-hour drive from Sapporo
[1.12:50 - 1.13:02]Price for planes may be cheaper than train
[1.13:53 - 1.14:01]Hokkaido has amazing food, especially seafood
[1.14:58 - 1.15:03]Winter is recommended for visiting Hokkaido
[1.15:32 - 1.15:37]Nissiko is a great ski resort in Hokkaido
[1.16:12 - 1.16:18]Hakodate has a quaint, small town feel and great seafood
[1.17:09 - 1.17:14]Seafood can be found at restaurants or even 100 yen sushi places
[1.17:39 - 1.17:50]Quality of sushi may differ from Tokyo to other places in Japan
[1.18:42 - 1.18:50]Sapporo and Hakodate are the major cities in Hokkaido
[1.18:50 - 1.18:55]It is difficult to explore all of Hokkaido without a car
[1.18:50 - 1.18:55]Driving around Hokkaido is recommended
[1.18:50 - 1.18:55]A car is necessary for exploring Hokkaido
[1.18:55 - 1.19:02]A winter wonderland with amazing food and ski resorts
[1.19:02 - 1.19:09]Takes about four hours to travel between Hakodate and Sapporo
[1.19:30 - 1.19:35]Shinkansen does not go to Sapporo, only to Hakodate
[1.12:44 - 1.19:44]It takes about four to five hours to travel by train from Tokyo to Hokkaido. The last stop is in Hakodate, which is a five-hour drive from Sapporo. Hokkaido is known for its incredible seafood and it is recommended to visit during the winter. Nissiko is a great ski resort in Hokkaido, and Hakodate has a quaint, small town feel with amazing seafood. It is difficult to explore all of Hokkaido without a car, but driving around is recommended. The Shinkansen only goes to Hakodate, not Sapporo, which is the other major city in Hokkaido.
[1.19:45 - 1.19:50] Hakkadate is located near Sapporo and is a four hour drive from there.
[1.19:50 - 1.20:04]It is harder to explore all of Hakkadate than it may seem due to its large size.
[1.20:04 - 1.20:09]Mainland Japan is smaller and easier to explore compared to Hokkadate.
[1.20:54 - 1.20:59]Kyoto is a popular tourist destination and is about an hour away from Osaka.
[1.21:58 - 1.22:04]Kyoto is very clean and becomes extremely crowded during tourist season.
[1.23:11 - 1.23:22]Kyoto is a good base hub for exploring other nearby places such as Nara and Shiga.
[1.25:58 - 1.26:05]Orion beer is a popular drink in Okinawa.
[1.26:11 - 1.26:17]Okinawa has beautiful beaches and a unique food culture.
[1.26:29 - 1.26:38]Many people come to Japan expecting to enjoy the "weeb" aspect, but end up staying for the food.
[1.19:45 - 1.26:44]Japan offers a diverse range of destinations and experiences, from bustling cities to serene beaches and unique food cultures.
[1.26:44 - 1.26:55] Introduction to the food culture in Akihabara, Japan
[1.26:55 - 1.27:01]Recommendation to spend money on food instead of anime
[1.27:01 - 1.27:07]Suggestion to try out ramen at local, traditional restaurants with limited menu options
[1.28:40 - 1.28:46]Tips for ordering at conveyable sushi restaurants
[1.30:33 - 1.30:43]Discussion of Italian food in Japan and fusion dishes
[1.31:34 - 1.31:44]Recommendation to try wagyu beef in Kobe or Takayama
[1.32:22 - 1.32:32]Mention of tepanyaki and yakitori as popular dishes
[1.32:22 - 1.32:32]Discussion of traditional yakitori restaurants and learning the names of dishes
[1.33:15 - 1.33:22]Japan's use of negi in food and recommendation for negima yakitori
[1.26:44 - 1.33:22]A guide to experiencing the food culture in Akihabara, Japan, including tips for ordering at traditional ramen and conveyable sushi restaurants, recommendations for trying wagyu beef and various other dishes such as yakitori and Italian fusion cuisine.
[1.33:22 - 1.33:28]Discussion about food preferences, specifically chicken and meatballs
[1.34:26 - 1.34:31]Discussion of pork belly and wagyu beef
[1.35:04 - 1.35:09]Mention of yakitori and its various forms
[1.35:16 - 1.35:21]Recommendation to try unagi (eel)
[1.35:16 - 1.35:21]Comparison of cheap and expensive unagi
[1.37:44 - 1.37:49]Description of unagi and its preparation
[1.37:44 - 1.37:49]Mention of Uber Eats for unagi, but recommendation to go to a restaurant
[1.37:44 - 1.37:49]Need to reserve at some restaurants due to long cooking time for unagi
[1.38:46 - 1.38:52]Discussion of uni (sea urchin) and its unique flavor
[1.39:47 - 1.39:53]Recommendation to try uni even if you don't like it
[1.33:22 - 1.40:06]Overall, underrated Japanese foods to try when visiting Japan are unagi and uni.
[1.40:19 - 1.40:27]Talking about subtle flavor of Japanese food like natto and sea urchin
[1.40:46 - 1.40:52]Discussing different types of Japanese meat-based foods like tonkatsu and wagyu
[1.41:06 - 1.41:15]Mentioning a good pork dish in Tokyo called Mysen
[1.42:10 - 1.42:19]Talking about the texture of tonkatsu and disagreement about putting it in egg
[1.43:57 - 1.44:02]Mentioning other types of Japanese cuisine such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki
[1.44:39 - 1.44:47]Saying that street food in Japan is often amazing
[1.45:09 - 1.45:17]Discussing the quality of food in Japanese convenience stores compared to other countries
[1.40:07 - 1.46:46]Overall, there is a lot more to Japanese cuisine than just sushi and wagyu.
[1.47:36 - 1.47:43] The speaker discusses the food options available at Kombini, including sandwiches, meal deals, and various snacks.
[1.48:00 - 1.48:06]The speaker talks about their experiences with different types of food at Kombini, including sausages, yakitori sticks, and corn dogs.
[1.48:12 - 1.48:18]They highlight the rareness of finding a Mini-Stop, and the delicious soft-serve ice cream they offer.
[1.48:18 - 1.48:26]They also mention the difficulty in finding normal-sized bags of crisps in Japan.
[1.49:00 - 1.49:08]The speaker recommends visiting the Shimanami Kaido for its beautiful scenery and quaint towns.
[1.51:14 - 1.51:22]They also suggest cycling around Hiroshima and the surrounding islands for more picturesque views.
[1.51:28 - 1.51:35]Another recommended spot for stunning views is the lakes around Mount Fuji, which can be explored by bike or car.
[1.53:04 - 1.53:16]The speaker advises using a car for easier transportation outside of major cities in Japan.
[1.46:46 - 1.53:26]The speaker discusses various food options available at Kombini, the rarity of finding a Mini-Stop, and recommends visiting the Shimanami Kaido, cycling around Hiroshima, and exploring the lakes around Mount Fuji. They also advise using a car for easier transportation outside of major cities in Japan.
[1.53:26 - 1.53:36] The speaker recommends using a specific app called "DD" for hailing taxis in Japan.
[1.53:46 - 1.53:55]The app is user-friendly and accepts various types of cards.
[1.53:55 - 1.54:00]Other taxi apps in Japan, such as Japan Taxi and Go Taxi, have been finicky with card acceptance.
[1.54:01 - 1.54:06]The speaker has tried using both Japanese and foreign cards, but they have been denied.
[1.55:57 - 1.56:02]Google Maps is a reliable tool for navigating public transportation in Tokyo.
[1.55:57 - 1.56:02]The speaker has also used Google Maps for driving outside of Tokyo.
[1.57:00 - 1.57:05]Kumamoto is a cool city with a volcanic caldera and a European feel.
[1.57:00 - 1.57:05]Nagasaki is a vintage city with a European influence.
[1.57:11 - 1.57:18]Kyushu is an underrated region in Japan, with good food and scenery.
[1.57:18 - 1.57:23]Oita and Beppu are recommended for onsen (hot springs) experiences.
[1.58:01 - 1.58:11]Koshu Valley in the Yamanashi Prefecture is known for its wine and offers a self-pour wine tasting experience.
[1.59:43 - 1.59:48]Nigata is the capital of sake and has a sake vending machine experience for around $20.
[1.53:26 - 2.00:13]The speaker recommends using the DD app for hailing taxis, relying on Google Maps for navigation, and visiting underrated regions like Kyushu and Nagasaki for unique experiences, as well as trying out the wine and sake in Koshu Valley and Nigata, respectively.
[2.00:13 - 2.00:20] The speaker discusses their love for O'Meshu, a sugary alcoholic beverage.
[2.00:27 - 2.00:32]They mention that O'Meshu is too sweet for their taste, but is a popular drink in Nigata.
[2.00:50 - 2.00:56]They mention traveling to Tohoku with a friend named Chris.
[2.00:56 - 2.01:02]The speaker mentions their family is from Tohoku and talks about their favorite prefectures.
[2.01:21 - 2.01:27]The speaker talks about the lack of tourist destinations in Tohoku, but mentions ski resorts in the winter.
[2.02:14 - 2.02:21]The speaker mentions wanting to visit Kishu and Aomori prefectures.
[2.03:17 - 2.03:24]They discuss the lack of thrill rides at Universal Studios Japan and prefer Fuji-Q Highland.
[2.04:18 - 2.04:26]They briefly mention their dislike for theme parks but recommend USJ for Nintendo fans.
[2.04:37 - 2.04:43]They mention the lack of tourist destinations in Tohoku but recommend ski resorts in the winter.
[2.04:51 - 2.04:57]They mention their family is from Tohoku and their desire to visit Kishu and Aomori prefectures.
[2.04:57 - 2.05:09]The speaker talks about traveling to Tohoku with a friend named Chris and their favorite prefectures.
[2.04:57 - 2.05:09]The speaker briefly mentions their dislike for theme parks but recommends USJ for Nintendo fans.
[2.05:24 - 2.05:29]The speaker concludes by saying that the real reason to visit Japan is for the amazing food and encourages listeners to try everything. Comprehensive summary:
[2.06:12 - 2.06:17]The speaker discusses their love for O'Meshu and its popularity in Nigata.
[2.00:13 - 2.06:17]They conclude by saying that the real reason to visit Japan is for the amazing food and encourage listeners to try everything.
[2.06:18 - 2.06:24]The speaker addresses their patrons and expresses their love for Japan.
[2.06:25 - 2.06:32]The patrons are described as not liking anime, but still loving the show.
[2.06:33 - 2.06:38]The speaker promotes their Patreon, Twitter, and subreddit.
[2.06:38 - 2.06:45]They mention Facebook and Spotify as well.
[2.06:45 - 2.06:51]The speaker expresses their hunger and plans to eat at a nearby restaurant.
[2.06:45 - 2.06:51]They sign off and mention the next episode.
[2.06:18 - 2.06:51]The speaker thanks their patrons and promotes their social media, expresses their love for Japan and dislike for anime, mentions their plans to eat at a nearby restaurant, and signs off by mentioning the next episode.