One of the best ways to entertain guests in Japan would be to give them a chance to ride the shinkansen (bullet train), show them Mount Fujii, and if you can, let them participate in a live tea ceremony. Maybe even give them a chance to see Akihabara, the famous electronics district.

If time permits, I also recommend taking them to places where they can interact with things, like the Iga Ninja museum where they can take pictures with old ninjas, or even learn how to throw ninja stars.

You can also give them a chance to dress up as a Maiko or even a Samurai, then take photos of them, and this way they can laugh a lot when they show it off to their friends at work.

I had a best friend who came here. Good boy, Caucasian boy, New Yoaka, culinary specialist. However, even with all his gastronomic knowledge, he was unable to fully appreciate the Japanese palate.

So this is the official way I would entertain guests if absolutely necessary:

1) Food, food, food. Nothing exotic. Start with recognizable favorites from Japan like tempura and yakiniku that way they won’t be craving something heavier later on. If their diet changes too soon, along with jet lag, they will enjoy their trip less. Sometimes McDonald’s is fine for lunch.

2) Do not rely on public transport to get around in Rent a car. Choose easy routes. Just hop on the Kanetsu Highway and head to Niigata. Show them the field or maybe even Gunma. Get lost a bit.

3) Don’t do onsen unless it’s a mixed bath. Instead, take them to Yunneson in Hakone so they can spend time walking around in bathing suits with you. Remember to try akasuri, which is called skin peeling in English. Japan will be the cheapest and most accessible place to do it. Everyone has to try akasuri at least once while here! It is a must. I get it twice a year.

4) Take them driving driving driving driving. Sometimes people can immerse themselves in much more of their surroundings when in a car rather than on foot. Sometimes you don’t have to talk about the experience. Let them feel the country for themselves.

5) It is better to visit the sanctuaries because they are less crowded. Show them how to wash their hands and teach them a little about the history of shrines. Kamakura is the perfect place for this.

Remember, never forget the wagashi or Japanese pastry. It is imperative that they feel and appreciate a good wagashi. Go to an expensive place, not a cheap place.

Lastly, and this is an important one. Remember to take your guest to an authentic or red lantern restaurant, which is a place where working class people can drink cheaply.

The reason is that they need to experience the real side of everyday working class Japanese and what it means to eat normal food.

That’s!