HI! Japan: Your Trip. Your Budget. Your Japan.

Hostels are often a budget traveler’s go-to choice for accommodations around the world. Not only do they provide us with the basic necessities for life on the road, but also the chance to meet — and learn from — other like-minded travelers from all corners of the planet. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably already encountered Hostelling International. At first glance, HI appears to simply be a large international chain of youth hostels, but the reality is much more fascinating. In this final episode of Season 2 of HI! Japan, I sit down with HI CEO Darren Barker to get some insight into the history - and future - of this fascinating, mission driven organization.    For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article. HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Counterweight Creative With help from Japan World Link

Even though Japan is not a huge country, it certainly isn’t small either. While cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are flooded by tourists every year — and for good reason — there are ways to experience a more off the beaten path side of the country as well. Because there are so many things to do and see in Japan, it’s best to have a plan of what you want to engage with once you get there. While impossible to list all of the things that we love about Japan, here is a taste to get you thinking about how you would like to spend your time in this magnificent country.   For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article. HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Counterweight Creative With help from Japan World Link

Few countries can compete with Japan when it comes to food. While sushi, sashimi, and ramen may be the first things you think of when it comes to Japan’s culinary offerings, the country offers a wider range of exciting and unique flavors (and textures!). For many travelers to Japan, if food isn’t the sole purpose of your trip, it at least plays an important role in how you experience the country. While Japanese food can be a polarizing experience at times, it is a one of a kind culinary culture that should not be missed.   For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article. HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Counterweight Creative With help from Japan World Link

Have you recently hit the ‘buy’ button and booked your ticket to Japan? Maybe you’re still in the planning stages but a trip is definitely coming up? Sometimes taking the plunge and buying your ticket can feel like the biggest step, but when it comes to Japan, there is so much more to do than just sit back and wait for your plane to take off. Japan is a country with so much to offer, so much see, do and experience, and it’s essential that you have some sort of plan in place before you go.   For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article. HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Counterweight Creative With help from Japan World Link

Japan has always been a country that has captivated travelers from afar, and those who have visited once often find themselves routinely returning for more.  In this episode of HI! Japan, we're exploring what it is about Japan that fascinates us, and why it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.  For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article. HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Counterweight Creative With help from Japan World Link    

There's a persistent myth of Japan being one of the most expensive countries in the world to travel to, with almost everyone you talk to giving stories of $20 cantaloupes or $400 taxi rides.  While the cantaloupes part might be true, the fact is that Japan is actually an incredibly budget-friendly travel destination. In this episode, we're digging into how to make the most of a trip to Japan, regardless of your budget. For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article at http://bit.ly/2m8ONhS  HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  http://www.jyh.or.jp/e/ The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Ascetic Productions https://asceticproductions.com  With help from Japan World Link http://japanworldlink.jp  

While Japan may look small compared to its neighbors like China and Russia, it boasts a North-South distance longer than the west coast of the US, and can be surprisingly difficult to navigate.  In this episode, we're looking at some of the options for getting around Japan, including whether picking up a Japan Rail (JR) Pass is worth it for you and your trip.  For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article at http://bit.ly/2Fi7aJU  HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  http://www.jyh.or.jp/e/ The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Ascetic Productions https://asceticproductions.com  With help from Japan World Link http://japanworldlink.jp  

Japan is one of the most technologically innovative countries in the world, with myriad technologies that become widespread in Japan long before they make their way to the rest of the world. As such, you might expect Japan to be a hyperconnected country, with free public wifi available universally, dirt cheap SIM cards, and other mobile technologies that you’ve never even heard about. In an ironic twist however, staying connected in Japan is not quite that simple, at least not for foreigners. Luckily, there are solutions and workarounds, including one of those mobile technologies you may have never heard of! For even more, be sure to check out the accompanying article at http://bit.ly/2EnvV5Y  HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  http://www.jyh.or.jp/e/ The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Ascetic Productions https://asceticproductions.com  With help from Japan World Link http://japanworldlink.jp  

In this episode, we introduce the topics for season 1 of HI! Japan, and what to expect from this new podcast exploring the budget side of traveling to Japan you never knew existed.   HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.  http://www.jyh.or.jp/e/ The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns at Ascetic Productions https://asceticproductions.com  With help from Japan World Link http://japanworldlink.jp