Tokyo, Demystified
with Johnny & Iz Harris
Learn to experience Tokyo with confidence.
About This Course
Tokyo, Japan is a vast and complex city that can easily overwhelm you. But with the help of your course instructors, Johnny and Iz Harris, you’ll be wandering the streets like a seasoned pro! From Japanese etiquette, to Tokyo’s Robot scene, this course will teach you how to plan a trip to Tokyo and enjoy your time in this neon paradise.
What You'll Learn
Logistics such as visa information and getting into the city from the airport
Cultural norms, nuances, and expectations
Customs and etiquette to keep in mind
How to experience Tokyo's culture -- from ramen and robots, to shrines and sushi
Practical ways to experience popular attractions
How to navigate Tokyo's subway system
Understanding Tokyo's structure through animated maps
Watch Some Samples
We've pulled out a few clips to give you a better idea of what to expect in the course
Course Breakdown
Introduction
Welcome!
How to Use this Course
Tokyo: Learn the Map
Overview and Mapping App
Mapping Tokyo's Major Landmarks
Learn the map of Tokyo with instructor Johnny Harris as he identifies several major landmarks throughout the city, from the busy Shibuya Crossing, to the serene and beautiful patch of forest known as Yoyogi Park.
Tokyo's Center: Marunouchi and Nihombashi
Shopping and Street Food: Ginza & Tsukiji
Night life & Art: Roppongi & Akasaka
Entertainment and Modern Culture: Shibuya, Harajuku
The Everything District: Shinjuku
Museums and Parks: Ueno
Final Map Review
Arriving to Tokyo
Arriving to Tokyo
Using Cell Data in Japan
Hotel and Lodging
History of Tokyo
How Tokyo Came to Be
Tokyo Today
Tokyo's Food Demystified
Japanese Cuisine: An Overview
How to Find a Good Restaurant
Ground Rules for Dining in Tokyo
Ramen Part 1: History, Context, Concept
Ramen Part 2: The Anatomy of Ramen
Ramen Part 3: How to Eat Ramen in Tokyo
Udon, Soba, and Tempura Explained
Sushi Part 1: History and Context
Sushi Part 2: How to Eat Sushi in Tokyo
High End Dining
Underground Food Halls
Places to Wander For Food
Tokyo's Transportation
Introduction to Transportation
Understanding Tokyo's Trains
Tickets and Fares
Getting From A to B - Live Demonstration
Other Forms of Transportation
Customs and Etiquette
Introduction to Etiquette
Dress
Using Your Phone
Meal Etiquette
Chopsticks
Social Interactions
Public and Private Spaces
Tokyo's Drinks
History of Tokyo's Coffee Culture
Types of Coffee and How to Order
Sake
Japanese Whiskey
Tea
Tokyo Shrines and Tea Ceremonies
Religion in Japan
How to Do Shrines and Temples
What Is a Tea Ceremony
How to Do a Tea Ceremony
Tokyo by Robot
Why Japan Loves Robots and Automation
Tokyo's Robots
Automated Food in Tokyo
Shopping in Tokyo
Welcome to Shopping
Where to Go
Tokyo with Kids
Introduction
Transportation
Food
Supplies
Activities
Conclusion
Conclusion
Meet Your Instructors
Johnny & Iz are a husband and wife duo of travel journalists. Together, they travel the world, documenting, telling stories, and sharing them with their audiences. They also work as producers and hosts for Vox Media. Johnny has produced 5 seasons of his show Borders - a deep dive into and human perspective of the many Borders around the globe. Iz has produced two seasons of her series, Travel, Eat, Repeat where she takes on a location, showing it through the lens of the local cuisine. Now, as co-founders of Bright Trip, their mission is to take what they’ve learned and loved in traveling the world, and share that with others - creating a community of enlightened and curious travelers.
Tokyo, Demystified
with Johnny & Iz Harris