Skill: ivangdavila/japan (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Japan slug: japan version: 1.0.0 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/japan changelog: "Initial release with city guides, route planning, and practical Japan travel playbooks." description: Discover Japan like a local with concrete city tips, regional route planning, food context, and practical travel logistics. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🇯🇵","requires":{"bins":[],"config":["~/japan/"]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## Setup If `~/japan/` doesn't exist or is empty, read `setup.md` and start naturally. ## When to Use User planning a trip to Japan or asking for local insights: what to prioritize, where to base, what to skip, and how to handle transport, seasonality, and budgeting. ## Architecture Memory lives in `~/japan/`. See `memory-template.md` for structure. ``` ~/japan/ └── memory.md # Trip context ``` ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Cities and Regions** | | | Tokyo complete guide | `tokyo.md` | | Kyoto complete guide | `kyoto.md` | | Osaka complete guide | `osaka.md` | | Hiroshima and Miyajima complete guide | `hiroshima-miyajima.md` | | **Planning** | | | Sample itineraries | `itineraries.md` | | Where to stay by style | `accommodation.md` | | Useful apps | `apps.md` | | **Food and Drink** | | | Regional dishes and restaurant strategy | `food-guide.md` | | Wine, sake, and whisky context | `wine.md` | | **Experiences** | | | Signature experiences | `experiences.md` | | Beaches and island stops | `beaches.md` | | Hikes and mountain safety | `hiking.md` | | Nightlife by city | `nightlife.md` | | **Reference** | | | Regions and route differences | `regions.md` | | Culture, etiquette, expectations | `culture.md` | | Traveling with children | `with-kids.md` | | **Practical** | | | Intercity transport and passes | `transport.md` | | Phone and internet | `telecoms.md` | | Emergencies and safety | `emergencies.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Specific Over Generic Do not say "do Tokyo highlights." Say "start Asakusa or Meiji-area mornings early, reserve one flagship dinner, then shift to neighborhood-level bars away from the busiest crossing zones." ### 2. Local Perspective What locals and repeat travelers actually do, not brochure advice: - One-night city hopping across long rail legs drains trip quality fast - Major icon spots are best early or late, not peak midday - Convenience-store meals are useful but should not replace regional food planning - Small etiquette misses are avoidable with simple behavior adjustments ### 3. Regional Differences | Region | Key difference | |--------|----------------| | Tokyo and Kanto | Dense urban options, best transit depth, high reservation pressure | | Kyoto and Nara corridor | Heritage sites, temple density, stronger seasonality crowds | | Osaka and Kansai | Food-first pace, lively nightlife, practical city value | | Hiroshima and western Honshu | History focus plus island routes and calmer rhythm | | Hokkaido | Nature, seafood, winter sports, wider distance logistics | | Okinawa | Subtropical islands, beaches, distinct local culture | ### 4. Timing is Everything - Cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods require early booking - Golden Week and New Year windows can reshape transport availability - Summer heat and humidity require slower daytime pacing - Winter can be excellent for cities and snow regions with logistics planning - Temple and museum quality improves with early start windows ### 5. Flag Tourist Traps Be explicit about what to avoid: - Eating only in landmark-adjacent strips with long lines and weak value - Attempting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima in one short trip without buffer - Buying rail passes without route math - Stacking long transit day plus heavy nightlife and early temple start ### 6. Match Trip Style | Traveler | Focus on | |----------|----------| | Foodie | `food-guide.md`, `osaka.md`, `tokyo.md` | | Culture and temples | `kyoto.md`, `regions.md`, `culture.md` | | City and nightlife | `tokyo.md`, `osaka.md`, `nightlife.md` | | Family | `with-kids.md`, `accommodation.md`, `itineraries.md` | | Nature and hiking | `hiking.md`, `experiences.md`, `regions.md` | | Mixed route trip | `itineraries.md`, `transport.md`, `regions.md` | ## Common Traps - Treating Japan as one compact destination with no transfer cost. - Choosing too many bases for short trips. - Ignoring restaurant and experience reservation timing. - Underestimating summer heat and seasonal weather shifts. - Not checking if a rail pass actually saves money on planned legs. - Assuming etiquette is the same as other major destinations. ## Security & Privacy **Data that stays local:** Trip preferences in `~/japan/` **This skill does NOT:** Access files outside `~/japan/` or make network requests. ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `travel` — General trip planning and itinerary structuring - `food` — Deeper restaurant and cuisine recommendations - `japanese` — Language support for local communication and signage - `english` — Backup communication support for multilingual travel ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star japan` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`

path: accommodation.md
content: # Accommodation Guide — Japan

## Booking Strategy

1. Use fewer bases and stay 2+ nights where possible.
2. Prioritize station access and neighborhood fit over pure price.
3. Book high-demand seasonal windows early.

## Tokyo

- **Best convenience:** Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and major transit-connected zones
- **Best value compromise:** Ueno, Asakusa, and selected east-side areas
- **Watch:** Tiny-room tradeoffs in ultra-central budget listings

## Kyoto

- **Best convenience:** Central and station-adjacent zones
- **Best atmosphere:** Gion/Higashiyama edge with early-booking discipline

## Osaka

- **Best convenience:** Umeda and Namba-access corridors
- **Better nightlife value:** Tenma and nearby local neighborhoods

## Hiroshima and West Add-ons

- **Hiroshima city:** strong base for museum plus island split
- **Miyajima overnight:** good only when route pacing supports it

## Property Types

| Style | Best for | Tradeoff |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Hotel | Short city stays | Smaller rooms in prime zones |
| Ryokan | Traditional experience | Higher cost and less late flexibility |
| Apartment hotel | Families and longer stays | Quality consistency varies |
| Business hotel | Efficient logistics | Limited space and amenities |


path: apps.md
content: # Useful Apps for Japan Travel

## Transport and Navigation

- **Google Maps** — baseline station routing and transfer timing
- **Japan Transit Planner tools** — better rail-platform detail in complex routes
- **Local metro apps** — useful for service alerts in major cities

## Booking and Dining

- **Tabelog and booking links** — useful for restaurant quality signals and reservations
- **Airline and rail operator apps** — direct disruption and seat updates

## Weather and Outdoors

- **Weather and typhoon-tracking apps** — important in summer and coastal periods
- **Offline maps** — essential for hiking and rural routes

## Practical

- **Translation apps** — useful for menus and signage outside key hubs
- **Payment apps/card tools** — useful for spending tracking and backup

## Workflow Tip

Use apps for discovery first, then verify directly with operators before paying for high-value bookings.


path: beaches.md
content: # Beaches and Coastal Stops — Japan

## Southern and Island Options

- **Okinawa main island beaches:** strongest tropical beach identity in Japan
- **Ishigaki and Miyako routes:** clearer water with higher logistics overhead
- **Amami and smaller island options:** lower crowd pressure in selected windows

## Mainland Coastal Options

- **Kamakura and Shonan side:** easy from Tokyo with mixed beach-town vibe
- **Setouchi coastal stops:** best as part of culture-plus-island routing
- **Izu Peninsula areas:** practical coast add-on with onsen overlap

## Practical Notes

- Typhoon season and summer weather shifts require backup planning.
- Beach quality and swimming conditions vary strongly by region.
- Ferry and flight dependencies can reshape island schedules.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Planning beach-only days with no weather backup.
2. Ignoring transfer logistics to smaller islands.
3. Underestimating humidity and UV load in peak summer.


path: culture.md
content: # Culture and Etiquette — Japan

## Social Norms

- Quiet public behavior is expected in transit and shared spaces.
- Queue discipline and personal space are strongly respected.
- Polite basic greetings improve interactions quickly.

## Practical Etiquette

- Remove shoes when clearly indicated.
- Keep voice volume low on trains and in residential streets at night.
- Follow photography and privacy rules in temples, shrines, and local neighborhoods.

## Dining and Payment Notes

- Reservations matter in high-demand restaurants.
- Cashless payment is common in cities, but cash backup is still useful.
- Tipping is generally not expected in typical dining contexts.

## Respect and Awareness

- Regional manners and pace can vary across Japan.
- Temple and shrine behavior expectations should be followed closely.
- Learning a few Japanese phrases usually improves service flow.


path: emergencies.md
content: # Emergencies and Safety — Japan

## Emergency Numbers

- **Police:** 110
- **Fire and Ambulance:** 119
- **General emergency support:** 112 may work via some networks, but 110/119 are primary

## Health and Medical

- Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Keep passport copy, medication list, and emergency contacts offline.
- Major cities have English-capable clinics, but coverage varies by time and area.

## Transport and Area Safety

- Japan is generally safe, but late-night planning still matters.
- Keep transport routes clear after nightlife, especially near last-train windows.
- In crowded zones, maintain standard pickpocket awareness.

## Weather and Outdoor Safety

- Summer heat and humidity can raise risk quickly.
- Typhoon periods can disrupt rail and flights.
- Carry water, power backup, and offline maps for outdoor days.

## When to Escalate

- Call 110 or 119 for immediate danger, injury, fire, or urgent police/medical support.
- For non-urgent issues, use local non-emergency channels and hotel assistance.


path: experiences.md
content: # Signature Experiences in Japan

## Urban Experiences

- Tokyo neighborhood and market split day with evening izakaya route
- Kyoto temple morning plus craft and tea-focused afternoon
- Osaka food crawl with local bar district finish

## Culture and Nature Experiences

- Shrine and temple circuits with early start strategy
- Onsen and ryokan overnights with etiquette-aware planning
- Mountain or coastal day routes with weather flexibility

## Seasonal Experiences

| Season | Good choices |
|--------|--------------|
| Spring | Blossom routes and balanced city exploration |
| Summer | Festival windows with heat-aware pacing |
| Autumn | Foliage and cultural routes with strong atmosphere |
| Winter | Snow regions, onsen focus, and city-food value |

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Treating one fixed plan as weather-proof.
2. Overfilling days with transfers plus late nights.
3. Ignoring season-specific crowd spikes.


path: food-guide.md
content: # Japan Food Guide

## Essential Dishes by Region

| Region | Dish | Notes |
|--------|------|-------|
| Tokyo | Edomae sushi and tempura | Best from specialized shops with focused menus |
| Tokyo | Tsukemen and ramen variants | Quality differs more by shop than neighborhood hype |
| Kyoto | Kyo-kaiseki and tofu cuisine | Seasonal and reservation-driven |
| Osaka | Okonomiyaki and takoyaki | Strong casual quality in local-heavy areas |
| Hiroshima | Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki | Distinct layering style worth comparing |
| Hokkaido | Seafood bowls and soup curry | Cold-weather and market-strength region |
| Nationwide | Izakaya small plates | Great for flexible multi-stop evenings |

## Reliable Food Cities

### Tokyo
Best range and specialization density, but requires smarter reservation strategy.

### Osaka
Strongest casual food culture and late dining options.

### Kyoto
Best for traditional cuisine depth and seasonal dining.

## Practical Dining Rules

- Reserve high-demand dinners early, especially Fri-Sun.
- Lunch sets often deliver better value than dinner courses.
- Queue quality varies; popularity alone is not enough signal.
- Keep one backup option near each planned area.

## Food Traps to Avoid

1. Eating only in landmark-adjacent corridors.
2. Overcommitting to social-media queues.
3. Ignoring reservation windows for top counters.
4. Planning heavy tasting routes without pacing.


path: hiking.md
content: # Hiking Guide — Japan

## Core Rule

Pick hikes by season, weather alerts, and realistic fitness, not only photos.

## Strong Areas

### Japanese Alps
- Major mountain routes with strong views and fast weather shifts.

### Kumano Kodo and pilgrimage routes
- Cultural-hiking blend with logistics that need advance planning.

### Hokkaido and northern trails
- Nature-heavy routes with seasonal access differences.

## Safety Basics

- Start earlier in mountain and heat-prone routes.
- Carry water, layers, and offline maps.
- Respect closures, weather alerts, and wildlife guidelines.
- Turn back when conditions degrade.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Casual footwear on technical or wet terrain.
2. Ignoring weather shifts at higher elevation.
3. Starting too late for longer trail days.
4. Copying social content without current-condition checks.


path: hiroshima-miyajima.md
content: # Hiroshima and Miyajima Complete Guide

## Core Reality

This area works best with intentional pacing: one day for Hiroshima city history and food, one day for Miyajima timing and ferry logistics.

## Base Strategy

### Hiroshima city
- Best for Peace Memorial area, museums, and evening okonomiyaki routes.
- Walkable central zones support a low-stress short stay.

### Miyajima day route
- Better with early or late timing to reduce peak crowd windows.
- Ferry and ropeway timing should be checked before departure.

## Route Rules

- Keep at least one overnight if combining city and island.
- Avoid stacking long transfer day plus major museum circuit.
- Build weather backup for island viewpoints.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Treating Miyajima as a rushed 2-hour stop.
2. Missing final ferry planning and return buffer.
3. Overloading emotional-heavy history visits with no rest time.


path: itineraries.md
content: # Japan Itineraries

## 6 Days — Tokyo + One Extension

### Days 1-3 Tokyo
- Neighborhood and food split days
- One culture or museum block

### Days 4-6 Kyoto or Osaka
- One heritage day
- One food and nightlife day
- One flexible half-day before transfer

**Best for:** First-time trip with low transfer fatigue.

## 9 Days — Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka

### Days 1-3 Tokyo
### Days 4-6 Kyoto
### Days 7-9 Osaka (with optional Nara day)

**Best for:** Balanced city, culture, and food route.

## 12 Days — Extended Classic Route

### Days 1-4 Tokyo
### Days 5-7 Kyoto
### Days 8-9 Osaka
### Days 10-12 Hiroshima/Miyajima or regional add-on

**Best for:** Travelers wanting depth without overloading daily transfers.

## Seasonal Notes

- Cherry blossom and autumn foliage windows need earlier booking.
- Golden Week and New Year need extra transport buffer.
- Summer requires heat-aware pacing and indoor backup options.


path: kyoto.md
content: # Kyoto Complete Guide

## City Pattern

### Higashiyama and Gion
**Vibe:** Temple corridors, historic streets, high demand.
**Best for:** Early starts and classic heritage routes.

### Arashiyama and west side
**Vibe:** River, bamboo area, scenic neighborhood pacing.
**Best for:** Morning windows and half-day loops.

### Central Kyoto and Nishiki area
**Vibe:** Markets, cafes, practical city base.
**Best for:** Mixed itinerary with easy transport links.

## Restaurants and Stops

| Name | Area | Specialty | Price |
|------|------|-----------|-------|
| Omen | Ginkakuji side | Udon and seasonal dishes | JPY 1800-4000 |
| Men-ya Inoichi | Downtown | Refined ramen | JPY 1200-2400 |
| Gion Tanto | Gion | Okonomiyaki and teppan style | JPY 1500-3500 |
| Tempura Endo Yasaka | Higashiyama | Tempura course | JPY 7000-18000 |
| Nishiki Market vendors | Central | Regional snacks | JPY 500-2500 |

## Kyoto Strategy

- Start temples early and shift to food or museum blocks at midday.
- Use buses selectively; walk-and-train combinations are often more predictable.
- Plan one lighter evening after heavy temple days.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Visiting top temples only at midday peak.
2. Overstacking distant temple zones in one day.
3. Assuming every tea-house area is open late.


path: memory-template.md
content: # Japan Trip Memory

## Status
- **Planning stage:** [researching / booked / traveling / completed]
- **Last updated:** YYYY-MM-DD

## Trip Details
- **Dates:**
- **Duration:**
- **Regions:** [Tokyo-Kanto / Kyoto-Nara / Osaka-Kansai / Hiroshima-West / Hokkaido / Okinawa]
- **Cities/Bases:**
- **Travelers:** [solo / couple / family / group]
- **Kids:** [yes (ages) / no]

## Preferences
- **Travel style:** [foodie / culture / nightlife / nature / family / mixed]
- **Budget:** [budget / mid-range / luxury]
- **Dietary:** [none / vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free / other]
- **Mobility:** [full / limited / wheelchair]
- **Transport:** [rail / domestic flights / public transit / mixed]

## Interests
- [ ] Markets and street food
- [ ] Temples and shrines
- [ ] Museums and history
- [ ] Nightlife and bars
- [ ] Hiking and viewpoints
- [ ] Onsen and relaxation
- [ ] Family activities
- [ ] Anime, gaming, pop culture

## Places Visited/Planned

### Tokyo
- **Neighborhoods:**
- **Restaurants tried:**
- **Notes:**

### Kyoto
- **Areas:**
- **Temple/culture stops:**
- **Notes:**

### Osaka
- **Stops:**
- **Food spots:**
- **Notes:**

### Hiroshima/Miyajima
- **Route sections:**
- **Overnights:**
- **Notes:**

## Bookings Made
| What | Where | Date | Confirmation |
|------|-------|------|--------------|
| | | | |

## Lessons Learned
-

## For Next Trip
-


path: nightlife.md
content: # Nightlife Guide — Japan

## Tokyo

### Best zones
- **Shinjuku side streets:** dense choices with varied budget levels
- **Shibuya backstreets:** modern bar and club mix
- **Koenji and Shimokitazawa:** more local-feeling music and bar culture

## Osaka

### Best zones
- **Namba edge:** broad nightlife access with heavy crowds
- **Tenma and Ura-Namba:** better value and local pacing

## Kyoto and Other Cities

### Best zones
- Kyoto side streets near Gion and Kiyamachi for lower-intensity evening routes
- Hiroshima compact center for manageable one-night circuits

## Practical Notes

- Last-train timing matters for route safety and cost.
- High-demand bars may need reservations even on weekdays.
- Late-night food options vary by neighborhood.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming all nightlife starts and ends at same times by city.
2. Staying only in highest-tourist strips.
3. No transport plan before final venue.


path: osaka.md
content: # Osaka Complete Guide

## Neighborhoods — Where to Go

### Namba and Dotonbori edge
**Vibe:** Neon-heavy food and nightlife, high tourist volume.
**Best for:** One concentrated evening, then branch out.

### Umeda and Osaka Station side
**Vibe:** Modern city core, transport convenience, shopping density.
**Best for:** Practical base and multi-direction day routes.

### Tenma and Nakazakicho
**Vibe:** Local bars, izakaya alleys, better value atmosphere.
**Best for:** Food and nightlife beyond the busiest strips.

### Shinsekai and south pockets
**Vibe:** Classic retro energy with variable quality by block.
**Best for:** Short focused visits, not all-evening commitment.

## Restaurants and Bars

| Name | Area | Specialty | Price |
|------|------|-----------|-------|
| Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M | Namba area | Wagyu yakiniku | JPY 5000-12000 |
| Harukoma | Tenjinbashi side | Sushi value classic | JPY 2000-5000 |
| Ajinoya | Namba area | Okonomiyaki | JPY 1200-2800 |
| Kushikatsu Daruma | Multiple | Kushikatsu sets | JPY 1500-3500 |
| Stand bars in Tenma | Tenma | Casual drinks and snacks | JPY 1200-4000 |

## Osaka Strategy

- Prioritize food neighborhoods over attraction-only routing.
- Use Osaka as a practical base for Kansai day trips.
- Keep one flexible slot for late-night recovery.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spending every night only in Dotonbori.
2. Ignoring reservation needs on peak weekends.
3. Stacking heavy food crawls without pacing.


path: regions.md
content: # Regions Overview — Japan

## Main Travel Regions

| Region | Trip Identity |
|--------|---------------|
| Tokyo and Kanto | Urban density, museums, food variety, strongest transit network |
| Kyoto-Nara corridor | Heritage sites, temples, seasonal foliage demand |
| Osaka and Kansai | Food-first city pace and practical day-trip access |
| Hiroshima and western routes | History, island access, calmer urban rhythm |
| Hokkaido | Nature, seafood, winter routes, wider distances |
| Okinawa | Beaches, subtropical climate, distinct regional culture |
| Central Alps | Mountain towns and activity-first logistics |

## Route Planning Rule

Choose one city-depth anchor plus one contrasting region for shorter trips.
For longer trips, use 2-3 bases max to avoid transfer-heavy fatigue.


path: setup.md
content: # Setup — Japan Travel Guide

## First-Time Setup

When user mentions Japan travel for the first time:

### 1. Create Memory Structure
```bash
mkdir -p ~/japan
```

### 2. Initialize Memory File
Create `~/japan/memory.md` using the template from `memory-template.md`.

### 3. Gather Trip Context
Ask naturally (not as a form):
- Which month are you going? (season heavily affects crowds and weather)
- How long is the trip?
- Which bases matter most? (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, other)
- Food-first, culture-first, nightlife-first, nature-first, or mixed?
- Any mobility, dietary, or budget constraints?
- Rail-focused, domestic flights, or mixed transport?

### 4. Save to Memory
Update `~/japan/memory.md` with their answers.

## Returning Users

If `~/japan/memory.md` exists:
1. Read it silently
2. Reuse known preferences
3. Ask what changed since last plan
4. Update memory with new priorities and constraints

## Quick Start Responses

**"I am going to Tokyo"**
→ Ask: nights, neighborhood preference, food and nightlife priorities
→ Then: use `tokyo.md` + `accommodation.md`

**"I want temples and culture"**
→ Ask: Kyoto-only depth vs Kyoto plus Nara/Uji split
→ Then: use `kyoto.md` + `culture.md` + `itineraries.md`

**"Planning Japan trip"**
→ Ask: one-region depth vs multi-city route
→ Then: use `regions.md` and `transport.md` before final itinerary

## Important Notes

- Japan rewards fewer bases with better pacing.
- Rail logistics define trip quality more than map distance.
- Peak seasonal windows need early bookings.
- Etiquette and timing details improve both value and experience.


path: telecoms.md
content: # Telecoms and Internet — Japan

## Main Options

- eSIM plans are practical for short stays.
- Pocket Wi-Fi can be useful for groups or multi-device travelers.
- Local SIM options work well for longer stays.

## Typical Traveler Strategy

1. Compare eSIM first for solo or short city-led trips.
2. Use pocket Wi-Fi for families or multi-device-heavy days.
3. Check regional coverage if traveling to mountains or islands.

## Practical Notes

- Urban coverage is generally strong.
- Rural and mountain routes can have weaker pockets.
- Keep offline maps for rail transfers and hiking days.

## What to Check Before Purchase

- Data cap and throttling rules
- Hotspot allowance
- Coverage in planned regions
- Pickup, return, or recharge logistics


path: tokyo.md
content: # Tokyo Complete Guide

## Neighborhoods — Where to Go

### Shibuya and Harajuku
**Vibe:** High-energy city icons, shopping, nightlife spillover.
**Best for:** First-time orientation and evening movement.

### Shinjuku and Kagurazaka edge
**Vibe:** Dense transport hub, food and bars, mixed pace.
**Best for:** Flexible routes with easy transit recovery.

### Asakusa and Ueno side
**Vibe:** Heritage spots plus market and museum access.
**Best for:** Early temple and culture-heavy days.

### Shimokitazawa and Nakameguro
**Vibe:** Local-feeling cafes, boutiques, calmer evening options.
**Best for:** Better value and less tourist pressure.

## Restaurants — Reliable Picks

| Name | Area | Specialty | Price |
|------|------|-----------|-------|
| Udon Shin | Shinjuku side | Handmade udon | JPY 1200-2500 |
| Kikanbo | Kanda side | Spicy miso ramen | JPY 1200-2200 |
| Tonkatsu Narikura | Takadanobaba area | Tonkatsu set meals | JPY 2500-4500 |
| Sushi no Midori | Multiple | High-value sushi sets | JPY 2500-6000 |
| Tofuya Ukai | Shiba area | Traditional tofu kaiseki style | JPY 7000-15000 |

## City Movement

- Trains and metro lines are highly efficient but station size can add walking time.
- Neighborhood clustering beats zig-zag planning across the city.
- Reserve flagship dinners early and keep backup casual options.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Packing too many distant neighborhoods into one day.
2. Only eating in station-adjacent chain zones.
3. Ignoring last-train timing after nightlife.
4. Assuming every famous spot is best at peak hours.


path: transport.md
content: # Transport Guide — Japan

## In Cities

- Tokyo and Osaka rail-plus-metro systems cover most visitor routes.
- Kyoto mixes rail, buses, and walking depending on zone.
- Neighborhood clustering reduces transfer fatigue and missed timings.

## Intercity

### Shinkansen and rail
- Best option for most major city-to-city routes.
- Seat reservations matter in peak seasonal windows.

### Domestic flights
- Useful for long jumps (for example Hokkaido or Okinawa links).
- Include airport transfer and baggage buffer in timing.

### Regional passes
- Can be high value only when route math supports them.
- Compare pass cost against planned point-to-point fares first.

## Practical Rules

- Avoid same-day long transfer plus heavy sightseeing stack.
- Keep backup routes for disruption days.
- Check first and last train windows for nightlife plans.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying a pass without comparing real route costs.
2. Booking tight station-to-tour transitions.
3. Underestimating transfer time inside large stations.


path: wine.md
content: # Wine, Sake, and Whisky Guide — Japan

## Main Beverage Themes

| Category | What to Expect |
|----------|----------------|
| Japanese wine | Smaller-scale regions with selective high-quality producers |
| Sake | Strong regional identity and style variation |
| Japanese whisky | High demand, variable availability, premium pricing |
| Shochu and local spirits | Region-specific value beyond big-city cocktail menus |

## Route and Planning Tips

- Keep beverage-heavy plans on non-driving days.
- Book distillery or brewery tours in advance where required.
- Pair tastings with structured meal breaks.

## City Pairings

### Tokyo
Strongest concentration of curated bars and premium tasting programs.

### Kyoto and Fushimi area
Useful for sake-focused routes with short transfers.

### Osaka
Great balance of casual and higher-end whisky and sake bars.

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overpacking tastings in one evening.
2. Assuming every famous bar accepts walk-ins.
3. Driving after multi-stop beverage routes.
4. Treating all "Japanese whisky" menus as equal quality.


path: with-kids.md
content: # Japan with Kids

## Good Family Bases

| Base | Why it works |
|------|--------------|
| Tokyo | Wide mix of parks, museums, and flexible transport |
| Kyoto | Heritage and culture with compact planning blocks |
| Osaka | Food, attractions, and manageable city movement |
| Hiroshima | Slower pace and strong short-route options |

## Family Planning Rules

- Keep transfer legs shorter than map intuition suggests.
- Plan one anchor activity per day plus downtime.
- Build weather and heat backups into daily plans.

## Age-Based Tips

### Younger kids
- Short activity blocks, predictable meals, and park breaks

### Older kids
- Mix culture stops, food routes, and one active element daily

## Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbooking transfer-heavy schedules.
2. Ignoring heat and hydration planning in summer.
3. Choosing accommodation far from core daily routes.


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: suspicious | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)