Lauren Shannon has been living in Japan for over 25 years and is a partner at Arigato Tours. Lauren shares Kyoto’s unique take on sushi, creative Matcha dishes, and the massive Nishiki market. Plus, a deep dive into sake. [Ep 378]
Show Notes:
Destination Eat Drink food and travel guides
Destinati…Lauren Shannon has been living in Japan for over 25 years and is a partner at Arigato Tours. Lauren shares Kyoto’s unique take on sushi, creative Matcha dishes, and the massive Nishiki market. Plus, a deep dive into sake. [Ep 378]
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Abroad in Japan is the podcast devoted to the most uniq…Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025
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What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.
Fr…What happens when your brother calls and says, "Want to meet me in Japan?" If you're Adventurer Cosette, you don't think twice. In this episode, hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and Crystal Hammond sit down with Cosette to unpack a spontaneous, unforgettable journey that crisscrossed South Korea and Japan.
From wandering Seoul's vibrant night markets and exploring the DMZ, to immersing herself in the peaceful reflection of Hiroshima and hiking snowy trails to spy on wild snow monkeys, Cosette's story is packed with cultural depth, scenic beauty, and a little chaos (including a rough flight home!). Along the way, she dressed up for Ninja class, tackled Japan's legendary Nine Bath Challenge in Shibu Onsen, and uncovered hidden gems across Kyoto and Kanazawa.
If you've ever dreamed of diving into a new country on short notice, this episode is for you. The crew also shares practical travel hacks—like how to find last-minute flight deals, why power banks are non-negotiable, and what you should really expect from Mount Fuji.
Highlights include:
• What it's like to travel internationally on a whim
• How Korean and Japanese culture differ—and surprise you
• Packing tips and tech gear that saved the day
• Memorable stops: Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Kyoto's Bamboo Forest, and Tokyo's massive crowds
• Bonus challenge: Did Cosette complete all nine hot spring baths?
Whether you're planning your first overseas trip or just dreaming of adventure from your couch, this episode reminds you: the best stories happen when you say "yes."more
Today, we take you halfway around the world and delve into Crystal's exhilarating journey to Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto to the breathtaking heights of Mount Fuji, you'll be taken on a tour of Japan's top destinations. The episode highlights the intricac…Today, we take you halfway around the world and delve into Crystal's exhilarating journey to Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene temples of Kyoto to the breathtaking heights of Mount Fuji, you'll be taken on a tour of Japan's top destinations. The episode highlights the intricacies of traveling with a friend, navigating public transportation, using Groupon for travel deals, and maximizing sightseeing experiences. Additionally, we address Crystal's challenges, such as broken luggage, and provide actionable travel tips like using packing cubes and leveraging technology for translations. Can you guess the gear of the week? Joe couldn't!
On this episode:
• Introduction and TWA Nostalgia
• Revealing the Destination: Japan
• Travel Companions and Planning
• Booking and Using Groupon for Travel
• Flight Experience with Singapore Airlines
• Exploring Tokyo and Mount Fuji
• Pit Stop and Gear of the Day
• Exploring Tokyo's Must-See Sites
• The Sensory Overload of Tokyo's Fish Market
• Shopping Adventures: Takita Street and the Hundred Yen Store
• Luggage Troubles and Souvenir Overload
• Dining Experiences in Tokyo
• Kyoto: Ancient Temples and Modern Delights
• Mount Fuji and the Awe-Inspiring Cable Car Ride
• Japan's Cleanliness and the Bullet Train Experience
• Final Thoughts and Future Adventures Head to StackingAdventures.com for our show notes!
Have you traveled to Japan? Share your story for our follow-up episode! http://stackingadventures.com/voicemailmore
