EP66: Visiting Japan for the Japanese Grand Prix: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore with Tess Moone

April 6
38 mins

Episode Description

Japan Grand Prix trip planning starts here, this is a Suzuka special for those thinking of going to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.

In this episode, Di chats with Japan travel expert Tess Moone from Tessomewhere.com to help you plan a proper Japan trip, not just fly in, see the race, and fly out.

We cover where to base yourself (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya), how to get around Japan using IC cards like Suica, how the Shinkansen works, what to eat and day trips and lesser-known spots like the Nakasendō trail hike in the Kiso Valley (Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku).

Tess also shares practical etiquette and travel tips: why you shouldn’t eat while walking, why you’ll rarely see street bins, how to handle queues, cash vs card, and Japan’s incredibly convenient luggage forwarding service.

Download the Japanese Grand Prix Travel Guide from Away We Go Podcast https://awaywegopodcast.com/travel/

Guest

Tess Moone (Tessomewhere.com)

Japan guides: https://tessomewhere.com/category/japan/

Instagram: @tessomewhere https://www.instagram.com/tessomewhere/

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We cover:

  • Where to base yourself for Suzuka: Nagoya, Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka
  • How to use public transport + IC cards (Suica)
  • Shinkansen (bullet train) tips
  • Must-try food: ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, hitsumabushi (Nagoya grilled eel)
  • Osaka highlights: Dōtonbori, Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory / Kuchu Teien Observatory), Universal Studios Japan
  • Kyoto highlights: Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • Off-the-beaten-track ideas like the Nakasendō hike in the Kiso Valley (Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku)
  • Etiquette tips (queues, trash, eating while walking)
  • Luggage forwarding in Japan (game-changer)

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