Helping Families Experience Japan Beyond the Guidebooks
I’m Susan, a California teacher, longtime Japan traveler, and former Japan resident helping parents and empty nesters plan meaningful Japan family travel experiences with confidence. As a longtime Japan travel advisor, I share realistic itineraries, hidden gems, practical planning tips, and culturally rich experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist checklist.
I empower families from the west to craft authentic, culturally rich Japanese travel experiences with up-to-date information, education, and meaningful connections.
How Japan Changed My Life
Picture this: a college student from UC Santa Barbara sitting down to her first breakfast in Tokyo… staring at a dried fish staring right back at her.
At that moment, I was convinced I would never return to Japan.
Little did I know, that single breakfast would begin a lifelong love affair with Japan.
After briefly working in a Japanese corporation (where I quickly realized pushing papers was not my calling), I found myself teaching English in Japan instead.
That experience changed everything.
A Japanese family practically adopted me, introducing me to the everyday Japan most tourists never experience — neighborhood festivals, tiny restaurants tucked down side streets, regional traditions, and the quiet beauty of daily life.
Why Families Trust My Advice
Over the years, I’ve helped countless travelers feel more confident planning Japan family travel experiences that are meaningful, manageable, and culturally rich.
- Lived in Japan for three years
- Returned nearly every year for decades
- Planned Japan family travel with adult children
- Realistic budgeting and itinerary advice
- Hidden gems beyond typical tourist routes
- Teacher-style guidance that makes Japan feel approachable
- Practical help from a trusted Japan travel advisor
Japan Travel Without the Overwhelm
I created Sake With Susan to help families and empty nesters experience Japan in a way that feels exciting, not intimidating.
You’ll find realistic itineraries, honest budgeting advice, hidden gems, packing guides, and the kind of insider tips that help Japan family travel feel approachable and rewarding from the very beginning.
Favorite Japanese food: Katsudon (Panko crusted fried pork cutlet, onions, and egg simmered in broth over rice.) It’s SO good!
Favorite Tokyo neighborhood: Shinagawa
Favorite season in Japan: Spring for the cherry blossoms and Winter for Japan’s amazing skiing
Most surprising thing about Japan: The kindness
Can’t travel without: Comfortable walking shoes and an empty duffle bag
Ready to Start Planning?
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