In this guide we tackle the never-ending challenge of trip planning.
Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip to Japan?
You’re not alone.
That’s why I’ve organised all the guides here on therealjapan.com into three simple categories to make your journey planning easier, more efficient, and genuinely enjoyable.
- Why This 3-Hub System Will Transform Your Japan Trip Planning
- PLANNING HUB: Turn Dreams into Reality
- DESTINATIONS HUB: Where to Go in Japan
- EXPERIENCES HUB: Things to Do That Create Lasting Memories
- The Forgotten Stage of Travel
- Want Personalised Help?
- Follow Me on YouTube For Ongoing Video Inspiration
- Guides and Resources
- See Also
- Leave A Comment / Ask A Question
- I'm Rob, and I've been where you are
- Benefits You Can Choose
- What Clients Say
- How It Works
- Ways I Can Help You With Concierge
- Ready to Get Started?
Why This 3-Hub System Will Transform Your Japan Trip Planning
When planning a trip to Japan, it’s easy to get lost in endless research. As Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.“
But preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With The Real Japan, I’ve developed a streamlined system that breaks down the 5 key stages of travel (Dreaming, Planning, Booking, Experiencing, and Reflecting) into 3 practical content hubs that will guide you through your journey:
PLANNING HUB: Turn Dreams into Reality
The foundation of any successful Japan adventure
The Planning Stage is often the longest and most challenging part of trip preparation. My Planning Hub helps you narrow down your options and organise your thoughts with these essential resources:
Travel Essentials: Must-know information before you book anything
Popular Planning Guides: My most-read articles to jumpstart your research
Accommodation Reviews: Honest feedback on places I’ve actually stayed
Japan Book Reviews: Recommended reading to deepen your understanding
Planning Videos: Visual guides to simplify complex topics
MOST POPULAR RESOURCE: Japan Rail Pass: The Ultimate Guide – Everything you need to know about this money-saving travel pass.
PRO TIP: Start your planning with clear goals. What do you want to experience most in Japan? Food? Culture? Nature? History? Having a focus will make filtering through options much easier.
DESTINATIONS HUB: Where to Go in Japan
Discover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems
After the dreaming phase, you’ll need to make concrete decisions about where to visit. My Destinations Hub helps you explore options beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route:
Discover Japan’s Islands: From Hokkaido to Okinawa and everything between
City Travel Guides: In-depth looks at Japan’s diverse urban centres
Top Recommendations: Must-visit spots that live up to the hype
Off The Beaten Path: Unique locations most tourists never see
Destination Videos: Visual tours of places you’re considering
MOST POPULAR RESOURCE: Himeji City Guide – Explore this stunning castle town that makes a perfect day trip
PRO TIP: Don’t try to see everything in one trip. Japan rewards slow travel. Consider choosing one region to explore deeply rather than rushing between distant locations.
EXPERIENCES HUB: Things to Do That Create Lasting Memories
Transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary
The Experiencing Stage is where your dreams finally become reality. My Experiences Hub helps you discover activities that will make your journey truly unforgettable:
Most Popular Experiences: Tried-and-tested activities my followers love
Cultural Experiences: Authentic ways to connect with Japanese traditions
Japan’s Incredible Food & Drink: Culinary adventures beyond sushi and ramen
Unique Experiences: One-of-a-kind activities you’ll be talking about for years
Experience Videos: See activities in action before you commit
MOST POPULAR RESOURCE: Universal Studios Japan: The Ultimate Guide (2025 Edition) – Everything you need to know for a magical visit
PRO TIP: Leave room in your itinerary for serendipity. Some of the most memorable experiences in Japan happen when you have the flexibility to explore unexpected opportunities.
The Forgotten Stage of Travel
Most travellers focus on planning and experiencing, but the “Reflecting” stage is equally important. After your trip:
- Share your experiences with friends and family
- Create photo galleries or videos of your favourite moments
- Consider starting a travel blog to inspire others
- Use your reflections to plan your next, even better trip to Japan
This reflection stage is where gratitude grows and future travel dreams begin.
I’ve written more about the Reflecting Stage in the context of trip planning in my guide How I Plan Trips To Japan.
Want Personalised Help?
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, or if you’d prefer personal assistance, check out my Travel Planning Services where I can help build your dream Japan itinerary.
Don’t forget to bookmark my Recommended Japan Travel Resources page for trusted services my wife and I personally use and recommend.
Follow Me on YouTube For Ongoing Video Inspiration
My YouTube channel mirrors these three categories with 3 travel hub dedicated playlists:
Planning Playlist – Most Popular: SkySpa, Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba
Destinations Playlist – Most Popular: A Spring Day Exploring Sendai City
Experiences Playlist – Most Popular: The Ainu – Japan’s Forgotten People
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the bell icon 🔔 to never miss a new video.
You can also see all of my YouTube videos (including my Deep Dive Japan podcast) directly here on the website in the Video Library.
Guides and Resources
5 Finest Japanese Knife & Katana Crafting Experiences in Tokyo
Extraordinary Things To Do in Himeji
Latest 2025 Sakura Cherry Blossom Forecast
9 Best Budget Hotels in Tokyo – Affordable Comfort in Prime Locations
How To Choose The Best Japan Travel Guidebook
9 Best Luxury Hotels in Fukuoka Where You Can Relax in Style
See Also
Spring Discoveries & Cultural Insights Deep Dive Podcasts and Guides
Want a Japan trip that perfectly balances the iconic and the authentic? Concierge is my personalised travel planning service crafting journeys that align with your specific interests while incorporating both must-see highlights and hidden gems most tourists miss. Together, we’ll create an experience that goes beyond the surface, connecting you with the Japan you’ve always dreamed of discovering.
I’m Rob, and I’ve been where you are
I understand the struggle of building an itinerary that perfectly balances the iconic and authentic sides of Japan.
That’s why I founded The Real Japan, a place where independent travellers like you can thrive. My passion for sharing Japan beyond the cliches is what drives me.
I offer more that just inspiration; I provide personalised, unique and tailor-made travel plans to take your travels in Japan to the next level.
Want to see how I can transform your Japan travel?
Benefits You Can Choose
Personal Itinerary
A tailor-made Japan Travel Plan matching your personal interests
and preferences
Unique Experiences
A unique Artisan Experiences Plan giving you private access to Japan’s finest craftspeople
Perfect Lodging
Curated accommodation/hotels recommendations based on your needs and criteria
What Clients Say
Practical advice, suggestions and recommendations
“Rob will actually prepare a detailed day-by-day itinerary with activities and day-trip ideas, transport indications and relevant hyper-links to places, guides and other interests.“
Mario Mizzi
Malta
Incredibly valuable to re-working my itinerary
“I was unclear on scheduling and logistics and I needed some advice on best sights and cities. The service provided by Rob was incredibly valuable to re-working my itinerary. Picking Rob’s brain was extremely useful.”
Martine F
Canada
Saved me more than the cost of the service. Excellent stuff!
“I spent weeks deciding what to do. Just a few tweaks with Rob and I’m now even more excited than ever! For me, the service was to get the best experiences and best use of my time while there.“
Andrew Rondeau
UK
How It Works
Step 1: Book your service
Choose the plan duration that best fits your needs.
I have 4 options to choose from.
Step 2: I’ll handle all the details
I’ll ask you questions, we can jump on a Zoom call,
or you can email me your draft ideas.
Step 3: Your dream Japan
I set aside time to work exclusively on your travel plans.
I deliver your personal solution.
Ways I Can Help You With Concierge
Ready to Get Started?
