Bonus Gifts and Insider Exclusives

Welcome to the 400+ new subscribers from Recomendo! I’m thrilled to have you here. 

I’ve been a tremendous fan of Recomendo for many years. It’s not an overstatement to say Japan or Die wouldn’t exist without the inspiration of Mark Frauenfelder, Kevin Kelly, and Claudia Dawson. 

Thanks so much, Mark, for the surprise feature.

Japan or Die usually has three topics per issue. Today is an exception. We’ll go back to the usual programming next week.

This issue is the one where you get cool stuff and exclusive content when you upgrade your subscription. All paid tiers will get new perks and digital products designed to make your Japan experience unforgettable. This includes special deep-dive posts and digital PDFs.

Six months ago, I mentioned the archives would soon be only for paying subscribers. Starting today, as a paid subscriber, you will continue to have full access to Japan or Die’s massive archive (80+ issues, 240+ topics: food, culture, neighborhoods, bars, expert tips, and hidden “easter eggs”).

Free subscribers will continue receiving free emails and have limited access to the archives.

Beyond the archive, paid subscribers will receive:

Special Insider Exclusive Newsletter issues
Four times a year, I will come out with a paid-only deep dive into a particular subject. The first of these will be Kyoto.

Japanese Etiquette Tips (PDF)
These are the basics to help you navigate everyday situations, avoid being “that” tourist, and make it easier to connect with locals and have an amazing time in Japan.

Tokyo Restaurant Confidential (PDF)
This is my personal list: A culmination of years of exploring, trying new places, listening to locals, and finding hidden gems. There are over 100 restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and local places listed. There may be places you recognize, but I guarantee there are some you have never heard of that are most definitely not in the usual guidebooks. I still have more places I want to add, but it will be ready very soon!

And for Legend (lifetime subscription) subscribers only:
A one-hour personal travel consult with me, plus 50% off all future products.

Writing this newsletter takes a lot more time and work than one would imagine. If it’s helped you plan your trip, experience Japan in a new way, or inspired you to want to visit, please consider signing up for a paid subscription. It would be a tremendous help in keeping this endeavor going.

✨ Monthly ($7.99/month)

• Full Archive Access: 80+ newsletters covering 240+ insider topics - everything from food to hidden gems

• Special Insider Exclusive Newsletters (First Up: Kyoto)

• Japanese Etiquette Tips: Essential tips for navigating Japanese culture, etiquette, and everyday situations (PDF - immediate download)

• Tokyo Restaurant Confidential: My personal list of over 100 Tokyo restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, including local places you won’t find in the usual guidebooks (PDF arriving soon)

🎁 Annual ($49.99/year, almost 50% off!)

• Locked-In Savings - Almost 50% Less Than Monthly

• Full Archive Access: 80+ newsletters covering 240+ insider topics - everything from food to hidden gems

• Special Insider Exclusive Newsletters (First Up: Kyoto)

• Japanese Etiquette Tips: Essential tips for navigating Japanese culture, etiquette, and everyday situations (PDF - immediate download)

• Tokyo Restaurant Confidential: My personal list of over 100 Tokyo restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, including local places you won’t find in the usual guidebooks (PDF arriving soon)

🏆 Legend - Lifetime ($200, only 12 spots)

• Lifetime Subscription

• 1-Hour Personal Travel Consult with Algis (video, phone, or in-person in Japan, $150 value)

• Full Archive Access: 80+ newsletters covering 240+ insider topics - everything from food to hidden gems

• Special Insider Exclusive Newsletters (First Up: Kyoto)

• Japanese Etiquette Tips: Essential tips for navigating Japanese culture, etiquette, and everyday situations (PDF - immediate download)

• Tokyo Restaurant Confidential: My personal list of over 100 Tokyo restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, including local places you won’t find in the usual guidebooks (PDF arriving soon)

• 50% Off all future products

If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please share.