Japan
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Confirmed Tables
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Dining Etiquette
No perfume, cologne, scented oils, or hair products on dinner nights — non-negotiable at every counter on this trip, with particular care before Sushi Nakano, Maeda and Sushi Nihee. Laundry detergents included. The chef's composition relies on guests being able to read aroma; a small oversight here can compromise the entire room.
- Punctuality is precise. Omakase meals begin simultaneously for all guests. Arriving late disrupts the chef's timing and cannot be accommodated.
- Protect the counter. Many counters are crafted from a single piece of Hinoki cypress — remove rings, bracelets and watches before sitting.
- Photography. Food only — never the chef, never other guests at the counter.
- Cash on departure. Several venues prefer cash for ancillaries — sake supplements, gratuities, small purchases. Carry roughly ¥80,000 in yen at all times.
- Thank the chef. A sincere gochisousama deshita is more appreciated than any tip — tipping is not customary in Japan.
Happy Camper's access to these tables is built on years of relationship with individual chefs and owners. Cancellations at this level are treated as serious breaches of trust — once confirmed, every table below is a firm commitment. If anything must change, please flag it to Gerhard at the earliest possible moment.
Travel Notes
🚄 Getting around
- Suica. Add a Suica card to Apple/Google Wallet — covers subway, bus and train across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Top up via your linked card.
- Shinkansen. Tokyo ⇄ Kyoto on the Nozomi takes ~2h 15m. Reserved Green Car seats recommended for the 29 May and 1 June transfers — book via SmartEX (smartex.jp).
- Taxis. JapanTaxi and GO are the two reliable apps for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka — both accept foreign credit cards. Hotel concierges will call a taxi on request.
- Cash society. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards. Several venues prefer cash for ancillaries.
- eSIM. Activate before landing — Airalo, HolaFly or YO all work well. 4G/5G coverage is excellent everywhere on the itinerary.
- Power. 100 V at 50/60 Hz. Two-pronged sockets. European travellers need a voltage adapter.
💬 Direct line to Happy Camper
A direct WhatsApp line to Gerhard runs throughout the trip (+81 80 6989 2107) — the fastest channel for restaurant confirmations, last-minute changes, or anything that needs sorting on the ground. Gerhard also joins the family for dinner on Fri 29 May at Maeda and again on Wed 3 June at J-Free.