The Trip That Rewired My Brain

Let me guess: Japan is on your "someday" list. Right next to learnhow ming Spanish and finally reading that book collecting dust on your nightstand.

Here's what's really keeping you from booking: You think it's expensive, far away, and intimidatingly foreign.

I'm about to prove you wrong on all three counts.

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It's Not That Far LA to Tokyo? 11 hours. That's barely longer than a cross-country road trip, except you land in the future instead of Ohio.

It's Not That Expensive

• Flights: $700-850 West Coast, $900-1200 East Coast (Google Flights and Skyscanner consistently show the best deals)

• Hotels: $80-150/night for quality business hotels

• Food: $8-15 for incredible meals

• 7-day total: $2,500-3,500 per person

That's probably what you spent on your last few dinners out.

It's Not That Intimidating Google Translate works flawlessly—just point your phone at any sign. The Japanese are incredibly helpful with foreigners. Major cities have English everywhere.

But Here's Why You Should Actually Go

Europe is comfortable. It's like traveling to a slightly fancier version of home. You'll have a nice time and come back largely unchanged.

Japan will rewire your brain.

You'll discover that public transportation can be efficient and pleasant, customer service doesn't need fake smiles, and cities can be massive yet organized.

The Trip That Changed Everything

One afternoon in Kobe, I told my mom: "Let's not use our phones. Let's look out the train window, see a town that looks interesting, get off, and find somewhere to eat."

We wandered into a tiny restaurant where nobody spoke English. The owner brought us dish after dish of things we couldn't identify. We laughed, pointed, and somehow communicated through food.

It was the best dining experience of my life—not because the food was perfect (though it was), but because I realized how much I'd been living inside my phone.

Your Action Plan

When: Cherry blossom season (late March-early May) is genuinely magical

Where: Skip touristy Kyoto, base in Osaka, day-trip to Kobe
How Long: 10-14 days minimum (trust me, you'll want the extra time once you're there) Money Tip: Learn USD to Yen conversion beforehand - use XE Currency app

What You Actually Need to Know:

• Cash is king - Many places don't take cards, hit up 7-Eleven ATMs (they work with US cards)

• JR Pass - Buy the Japan Rail Pass before you go, covers all bullet trains ($280 for 7 days, pays for itself in 2 Tokyo-Osaka trips)

• Tipping is rude - Seriously, don't tip anyone. It's considered insulting

• Shoes off - You'll be taking your shoes off constantly, wear slip-ons and nice socks

• Slurping is polite - The louder you slurp your ramen, the more you're complimenting the chef

• Business cards matter - If someone gives you one, receive it with both hands and study it briefly

The Real Reason to Go

We Americans assume we lead the world in everything. Japan will humble you in the best way. Their toilets alone will make you question American "innovation."

You'll come back with an expanded sense of what's possible. How cities can work. How people can treat each other. How technology can enhance rather than complicate life.

What's really stopping you from booking that Japan trip? Hit reply and tell me—I’m happy to help you book a trip. There are nonstops to both Tokyo and Osaka from the US!

The world is waiting. Japan is calling. And it's only 11 hours away.

Next Week: I’m discussing a Pacific Northwest gem to relax and recharge.

Until next Thursday,
Jeff