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

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

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

I had a best friend come here. Good boy, Caucasian boy, New Yoaka, culinary specialist. However, even with all of his culinary knowledge, he couldn’t fully appreciate the Japanese palate.

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

1) Food, food, food. Nothing exotic. Start with recognizable Japanese favorites like tempura and yakiniku, that way they won’t crave something heavier later. If their diet changes too soon, coupled with jet lag, they will enjoy their trip less. Sometimes McDonald’s is okay for lunch.

2) Do not rely on public transport to move Rent a car. Choose easy routes. Just hop on the Kanetsu Expressway and hop on to Niigata. Show them the backcountry or maybe even Gunma. Get lost a little.

3) Don’t do onsen unless it’s a mixed bath. Instead, take them to Yunneson in Hakone, that way they can spend time walking around in bathing suits with you. Remember to try the akasuri, which in English is called skin peeling. 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. Sometimes people can become much more immersed in their surroundings when in a car 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 bit about the history of the shrines. Kamakura is the perfect place for this.

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

Finally, and this is a big 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 working-class Japanese every day, and what it means to eat normal food.

That is all!