Culture Archives | JAPAN and more

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Cell Phone Etiquette in Japan

January 24, 2020/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

Japan has many unwritten social rules, but I believe the most important one to know is cell phone etiquette. What you might consider normal phone usage in your home country could come off as quite inappropriate in Japan. Read more

JR Pass Tips

January 9, 2020/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

If you’re traveling to Japan and you plan on seeing more than Tokyo, then you’ll want to take advantage of the JR Pass (also referred to as the Japan Rail Pass). These JR Pass Tips will help you understand when, where and how to use your key to Japan’s ultra efficient train system. Read more

2019 Japan Fall Tours

November 27, 2019/in Travel Stories /by Shawn Weldon

We’re back from our 2019 Japan Fall Tours. We had a great time with our guests and sharing all the wonderful experiences Japan has to offer. The weather was great and the changing leaves were amazing! Here are some photos of the people and places from our Fall Tours. Enjoy! Read more

What You Need to Know About Dietary Restrictions in Japan

August 10, 2019/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

Dietary restrictions in Japan can often make finding something to eat very challenging. Going out to eat with dietary restrictions, food allergies, or dietary preferences can be troublesome in the US, but it’s not impossible. However, the situation is quite different in Japan. Read more

Japan Reading List

July 19, 2019/in Practical Tips /by Becki Benedict

One of the best parts of giving tours of Japan is the excitement and eagerness our guests have to learn about this unique culture. I am always asked if there are any books I would recommend to gain a deeper insight into the people and their customs. The answer is always YES, and here is my personal Japan reading list. Read more

2019 Japan Spring Tours

July 9, 2019/in Travel Stories /by Shawn Weldon

We are back from our 2019 Japan Spring Tours. We had so much fun with our guests and sharing everything we love about Japan. The weather was great and the cherry blossoms were beautiful! Here are some photos of the people and places from our Spring Tours. Enjoy! Read more

5 Things You Won’t Find in Japan

February 19, 2019/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

Japan is different. Some things will be similar and some will not. Here’s a short list of 5 things you won’t find in Japan. Read more

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Buy at a Japanese Convenience Store

January 23, 2019/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

The Japanese convenience store is a businessman’s oasis as he navigates his daily commute through a concrete jungle. Called a konbini in Japanese, these meccas of sugary snacks and drinks appear to be on almost every corner and down every alley. Read more

What to do with Your Luggage on a Japanese Train

January 3, 2019/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

Whether you’re traveling to Japan for business or pleasure, you’ll eventually need to know what to do with your luggage on a Japanese train. Some travelers feel a tinge of frustration when they rush to board and then don’t know what to do with their bags. Read more

5 Reasons You Should Visit Japan in the Fall

December 19, 2018/in Practical Tips /by Shawn Weldon

Japan prides itself on having four distinct seasons. Winter is dry and unforgivably cold. Summer is wet and Louisiana Bayou hot. Japan’s spring is world renowned for its brilliant pink and white cherry blossoms and temperate weather. However, fall may be one of Japan’s best kept secrets. Read more

Testimonials

“This trip exceeded our expectations. Becki and Shawn even accommodated our special interests in textiles and crafts. Their outgoing personalities and cheerfulness made everything fun. Thank you so much for everything!”

Elizabeth & David

“This small group tour was a perfect fit for us. Shawn & Becki are a great team. Everything ran smoothly because of their attention to detail.”

Lee

“This was a very personal, customized, small group adventure that covered a lot of ground in a short period of time. The hotels were excellent and the food was varied and delicious. I am a raving fan!”

Hal

“Our trip to Japan with Becki and Shawn was absolutely amazing! Their knowledge of Japan and ability to speak the language made everything so much easier.”

Andy & Amy

“This was one of the best tours I have ever taken so far. Really experienced Japanese culture and food.”

Raj

“Traveling with you guys was like traveling with local family – easy & stress-free so we could simply experience all of the wonderful places you took us.”

Sriyesh & Anne

“Thank you for your warmth and perfect planning. The trip was wonderful and exceeded my expectations on every level.”

Susan

“The trip was amazing. It was everything I could have hoped for! I would not have been able to see and learn so much if it weren’t for Becki and Shawn!”

Blythe

“Y’all are the best! Both of you are really what made this trip so fun! Thank you so much!”

Michael

“Going on this tour was like spending time with old friends, even though we only met Becki and Shawn a week ago. Thank you for an authentic expat experience.”

John & Karen

“The small group tour exceeded all expectations. We would not have been able to experience all that we did on our own.”

Ilene

“I have been on many many escorted tours and I can honestly say this has been the best one. You provided exactly what you promised and still exceeded my expectations.”

Geri

“Becki & Shawn put together an incredible experience for us in Japan. They made everything fun, easy & I couldn’t have asked for more!”

Robert & Stephanie

“We are so happy with our decision to use Japan and More! They helped us maximize our time and savor each moment stress-free!”

Leah & Alan

“I was able to see so much, cover so much ground and experience places I would not have even considered without Becki’s guidance. She is truly an expert on the country and culture! It’s a magical place.”

Jennifer

“A+ well done! Thank you so much Becki and Shawn. You were fantastic!”

Keko & Julie

“Shawn and Becki are excellent guides and we recommend their tours highly.”

Mary & Barry

“Becki and Shawn, thank you for a wonderful introduction to Japan, it’s culture, people, cuisine, and history…Thank you both for making this tour so special.”

Trudi & Lou

“Your well organized tour allowed us to see the culture, people and cities of Japan. We were relaxed and enjoyed all of it.”

Lise & Jeff

“Becki’s exceptional Japanese took us through the intimate corners of Japan where we could interact in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Judy

“Becki and Shawn are beautifully organized. Everything is done with charm and kindness. Can’t ask for more!”

Lynn

“Your interest in Japan and knowledge made all the difference. And your love for what you do is very special. We loved seeing Japan with you!”

David & Linda

“The main highlight was the energy and personalities of the tour guides, Becki and Shawn.”

Amaro

“The attention to detail, the organization and the flexibility made for a perfect experience. Thank you!”

Allan & Patricia

“I appreciated the attention to detail, the care and thoughtfulness of you both, and the good humor. It enabled me to relax and enjoy Japan so much more.”

Sue

“Every detail seemed to have been taken care of. Most importantly they truly listen to your requests and they work really hard to fulfill them. We had so much fun. A trip to brag about forever.”

Anita & Adam

“Thank you for taking us on a wonderful and memorable tour of Japan!”

Ben & Tif

“Shawn and Becki are very helpful with Japanese culture and how to maneuver around Japan.”

Wanda & Andy

“Having two such knowledgeable and personable guides really made the trip!”

Burt & Willa Kay

“This was a fabulously well organized tour and very well thought out. Becki and Shawn were also caring, thoughtful and insightful.”

Fabienne

“I cannot recommend Japan and More highly enough! Our family of five spent about three weeks in Japan with Shawn and Becki, and we had an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.”

Peter

“Thank you Becki and Shawn for an amazing trip! Every day was a new adventure!”

Erica