Want to know where the unmissable spots are as a first time traveller? Returning to Japan but want unique experiences that aren't over-promoted by Japanfluencers? We've got you covered!

From deciding when to visit and mapping out your itinerary to finding memorable food, drinks and experiences, we’ll explore how to make the most of your time in Japan. You'll hear about offbeat experiences you can do, from hiking in the moss forest featured in Princess Mononoke, exploring an abandoned island, tea picking near Mt Fuji to eating hot pot inside an igloo.

Along the way, you’ll pick up practical transport tips, useful Japanese phrases and tips on not being that tourist committing a public faux pas.

What will we cover?

Must do's for first timers: Work out where to go, how long to spend in each place and how to make the most of your first visit.
Beyond the 'Golden Triangle': If you’ve already ticked off Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, discover what other corners of Japan you can visit.
Food, drinks and one-of-a-kind experiences: Get my personal picks for food, bars, nature spots and memorable activities across Japan.
Japanese etiquette, decoded: Learn the customs and social norms that will help you be a respectful traveller.
When to go: Discover what each time of year has to offer, and whether cherry blossom season is worth the hype.
Getting around: Get your head around Japan’s transport system, work out what’s worth paying for and avoid some common travel headaches (i.e. Shinjuku station)
Basic Japanese phrases: Learn handy Japanese phrases for ordering food, asking for help and making your way around.

You’ll leave with fresh inspiration, practical tips and plenty of ideas for your next Japanese adventure - whether that means building your first itinerary from scratch or adding new places to save on Google maps.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Venue
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Quiet Spaces
Free Tickets for First Nation Attendees

Who will be Teaching?

Naomi Shimoda (she/her) is an avid traveller who previously lived in Tokyo and regularly returns to Japan. She is passionate about sharing offbeat experiences in Japan to get you off the beaten track.

With Japanese heritage and an Australian upbringing, she brings a unique perspective to exploring Japan - familiar enough with the culture to know the social norms, but gaijin (foreign) enough to sometimes get it wrong anyway.

Naomi has also taught Japanese at the University of Melbourne colleges, and plans to teach a Japanese for Travellers class at Laneway Learning in the near future.

You can follow her travels at @pastelsassprincess.

Important info:

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FAQ

More about accessibility

Any other questions or ways we can assist with accessibility? Just shoot us an email at melbourne@lanewaylearning.com.

Photo by David Edelstein on Unsplash

Contact the host of Ja-planning Your Trip (to Japan) with Naomi

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