Every once in a while, you travel to a place that completely blows your mind. That’s what recently happened to me and my family when we went to Japan.
I thought I knew what to expect: polite people, cool architecture, good food. But Japan exceeded every expectation I had. It was something out of a dream.
In this episode, I’m talking with Mac from Maction Planet, the tour guide who made our trip special. He is originally from the UK but has lived in Japan for over 20 years. He first came here for the Soccer World Cup and fell in love with the country.
Mac is not your typical guide, he’s got this insane passion for Japan and knows how to craft an experience that feels personal and unforgettable.
We cover everything from Japan’s safety and civility to its awe-inspiring food scene. I’m talking tiny restaurants where chefs treat cooking like fine art, with no tipping culture and some of the best craftsmanship I’ve ever seen.
We also discuss what makes Japan so clean and organized, the mesmerizing fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism, and yes... the tea ceremony that changed my entire outlook on life.
If you have never been to Japan or are thinking about going, you don’t want to miss this one. I’m definitely going back!
Hit play now.
Key Takeaways
Introduction (00:00)
East vs. West Japan cultural divide explained (02:28)
My first impressions of Japan’s uniqueness (03:15)
Mac Salman’s background (05:51)
Tokyo’s safety and efficiency (13:12)
Niche restaurants: 12 seats, owner-chefs, no tipping (20:08)
Craftsmanship in food vs. Western “art” norms (24:16)
Japan’s shame-based culture and public apologies (32:32)
Blending Shinto and Buddhist traditions seamlessly (43:07)
Tea ceremony in a private home: “magical” experience (57:18)
Travel tips: Avoid summer, embrace February (1:03:46)
Additional Resources
- Maction Planet Website: https://mactionplanet.com/
- Maction Planet IG: https://www.instagram.com/mactionplanet/?hl=en
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