Guest Post by Julietta Skoog
Meet Julietta Skoog
Julietta Skoog caught the travel bug at the age of 17 when she traveled solo to La Coruna, Spain to live with an exchange family who spoke only Spanish for a summer. Since then, she has studied and traveled abroad to over 25 countries. She lives in Seattle with the love of her life, Jon, and their three sporty and fun kids, two of whom are in local, public Japanese immersion schools in their awesome Wallingford neighborhood.
Professionally, Julietta is a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer with an Ed.S Degree in School Psychology and a Masters Degree in School Counseling with over 20 years of experience coaching families in Seattle Public Schools and homes all over the world. She is the Early Years Lead and co-founder of Sproutable, which offers grown ups the tools, systems and strategies they need to cultivate powerful relationships, teach social-emotional skills, and set healthy limits and boundaries with all kids, from babies to teens. She draws from her real life practical experience working with thousands of students with a variety of needs and her own three children when coaching parents, bringing a unique ability to translate research, child development and Positive Discipline principles into everyday solutions. She is passionate about using travel as an opportunity to teach kids critical life skills that help them reach their full potential to cultivate a more compassionate world.
Favorite place to travel to in the world?
Julietta’s favorite place to travel is to a NEW country. There is no better feeling than getting that passport stamped and the excitement of the exploration ahead. A close second is eclipse chasing- Argentina 2019 and Indianapolis 2024 were epic! For repeat tours, she can’t wait to get back to Japan, Sicily, and her happy beach places, Kauai and Monterey, California.Â
Top travel hacks or tips?
Bring baby wipes and the medicine cabinet and then, let it go and just enjoy the ride. Choose quality connection and use the inevitable traveling challenges to model and practice flexibility, a sense of humor and solving problems with grace.
Q&A GUEST POST with Julietta Skoog: Japan 🇯🇵
Q: Tell me – why is Tokyo, Japan is such a great travel destination?
A: Tokyo is the largest city in the WORLD. It is absolutely electrifying and beautiful at the same time, with incredible culture, food, and experience.
Q: How many days should you stay in Tokyo to really experience the city, food and culture?
A: 5 days is perfect. I recommend starting there and exploring for 3 days, then heading out for other day trips or cities, and then coming back for another couple of days to wrap up and hit more sights.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit? What is the weather like then?
A: Spring is ideal, especially if you can hit it during the cherry blossoms blooming season, mid-March – mid-April.
Q: What should you not forget to pack when visiting Japan?
A: Good walking shoes for all the shrines and exploring, and a light rain coat is a must if you go in the spring. Pack light (carry on) and small, to be able to access the pristine train travel. Hotel rooms are small (everything is small in Japan!) so edit your packing list.
Q: Do you need a Visa to visit?
A: No
Q: Is Japan family-friendly?
A: Yes! Japan is so safe and the people are super friendly and helpful. That being said, they consider kids over 13 “adults” and only 2 adults can stay in hotel rooms. Additionally, the rooms and beds are very small so as a family of five (and traveling with other families) we needed to book additional rooms or bigger family apartments to accommodate us all.
Q: Do most people speak English in Toyko? If not, what are your best tips for communicating while there?
A: People are so friendly but do NOT really speak English. We relied heavily on our 11 year old who did speak Japanese and also on our travel navigation apps. I recommend having a few basic phrases. Duolingo is great for this!
Q: Any specific cultural traditions that visitors should be aware of? Example: Taking shoes off before entering a home, bowing instead of shaking hands, etc.?
A: Definitely be prepared to take shoes off for some of the shrines and even some of the restaurants. No food should be eaten on the trains, even the subways.
Q: Was there a specific guide book or travel website/blogs that you used to research where to eat, stay and key activities and sites in Tokyo?
A: I used the Lonely Planet guide, along with the Lonely Planet Kids book. Other good websites: japan experience and tokyo localized.
Q: What is the best airport to fly in/out out of? Any specific airport tips?
A: Most people fly into Narita, which requires a train to get into Tokyo and is about a 90 minute ride. If possible, fly into Haneda as the customs line is shorter and you can take a car service in. That being said, it is a great into to Tokyo to immediately figure out the train system! Get your train tickets ahead of time from Japan Experience and when you arrive at Narita, take the express train into Tokyo. When you buy your ticket make sure to get the reservations with seat assignments.
Q: Tell me about public transportation in Japan. Is it safe? Easy to navigate?
A: This is the way to see Tokyo! Imagine NYC and London’s train systems combined and then multiplied. Super safe and clean, and an adventure to navigate. Organized and “easy” – just massive. Our kids loved this part of the Japan trip and by the end were super savvy and confident.
Q: Where is the best area in Tokyo to stay? Any specific hotel recommendations? Is Airbnb an option?
A: Shibuya is the best neighborhood to stay in Tokyo as it gives easy access to other neighborhoods and is a great mix of everything. We stayed in both a hotel and Airbnb but the Airbnb did NOT live up to its pictures. The hotel was great to be able to get over jet lag and have immediate breakfast included so we could hit the city right away in the morning without having to find food.
Q: What are some must-do activities while in Tokyo?
A: Here’s my list of must-do activities:
Harajuku shopping and neighborhood
Shibuya neighborhood + crossing
Take pictures of cherry blossoms and stroll/relax at the Yoyogamk/Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Nightlife
Asakusa exploring
Kids Carnival: Hana Yashiki just for the experience + fun neighborhood to explore (while you are there grab an espresso martini at Fuglen Oslo.)
Ginza shopping
Q: What are some sites in Tokyo that you shouldn’t miss?
A: Must-visit sites include:
Meji shrine + Japanese garden
Sky tree
Imperial Palace
Senso-ji temple
Q: Where can you find the best shopping in Tokyo? What area can you find unique, artisan goods and clothes?
A: Ginza is definitely the “shopping” neighborhood, along with Harujuku.
Q: Did you see any live performances in Tokyo? If so, what do you recommend?
A: We did not, but Geisha performances and Sumo wrestling were recommended.
Q: Any must-do day trips from Tokyo?
A: The Cup of Noodles Museum in Yokohama is a MUST. Hakone is also doable as a day trip to check out the geothermal springs of Mt. Fuji, but we loved spending the night there.
Q: Let’s talk food! Tell me about the Tokyo food scene. I assume you can find incredible sushi, ramen and more all throughout the city. Any favorite restaurants?
A: The food is incredible, and actually I was surprised at the amazing Japanese BBQ as well! So fun to cook it ourselves at the table. Other food musts were ramen, udon, and especially the katsu. You can’t go wrong and there are a million places to choose from. We loved the Kura Sushi restaurant- conveyer belt sushi (and make sure to play the game at the table) and lunch at Shibuya station. One food scene not to miss: just by the west gate of Shinjuku station in Tokyo is Piss Alley, also known as Nonbei Yokocho – Drunkard’s Alley – and Omoide Yokocho – Memory Lane. Your jaw will drop!
Q: Any additional recommendations or tips about traveling to Japan that you’d like to share?
A: The 7-11 and “family marts” are on every corner and have seriously the best snacks while you are clocking miles of walking: seaweed wrapped rice and salmon, and fried chicken that is to die for– you will never be hungry in Tokyo!
