THIS is why everyone’s obsessed with japan

Summary

Gals on the Go – “THIS is why everyone’s obsessed with Japan”

Host: Dear Media | Date: July 8, 2026
Featuring: Brooke Miccio & Danielle Carolan

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Overview:

In this lively episode, best friends Brooke and Danielle share all the details of Danielle’s recent Japan trip—a “couples’ adventure” packed with shopping, culture shock, bidet revelations, group travel lessons, and the inside scoop on why Japan is the destination everyone’s talking about. They swap stories, discuss travel tips and etiquette, and reflect on the experiences that made Japan so magical. The tone is light, funny, and filled with relatable "girl talk" moments for listeners who love both travel and candid friendship banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arrival and Trip Background

• [02:46] Danielle’s Back from Japan: Danielle finally brings new content after feeling like she had "nothing to say" the past few weeks.
• [03:03] Observes that “everyone went to Japan this year” and shares how social media trip recaps helped her plan her own adventure.
• [04:25] On the difficulty of adjusting to a new country: “Your brain is, like, working overtime” (Brooke)

2. Cultural & Sensory Overload

• [05:12] Everything is new in Japan—unlike the familiarity of U.S. cities.
• [06:01] The near-addictive fun of shopping there; Don Quijote (Donki) gets a shout-out for its chaotic energy.
• [06:45] “Don Quixote donkey is…so chaotic, overstimulating.” (Danielle)
• [07:19] Peak tourist season felt overwhelming for Brooke; not so much for Danielle.

3. Traveling as a Group & Inside Jokes

• [08:30] Sharing how exhaustion, hunger, and jet lag led to the group's running inside joke: "I don't know if I'm going to make it."

• [09:52] Fun of making light of group struggles, especially when searching for bathrooms:

  “I don't know if I'm going to make it to the bathroom. I'm going to shit myself.” (Brooke – 09:46)

• [10:29] On group travel: Navigating different needs, being “the needy friend," and discovering Jack as her “small bladder ally.”

• [11:09] Japanese bathrooms & bidet culture:

  “Even in a hole in the wall restaurant, the toilet seat goes up.” (Danielle – 11:09)

4. Japanese Hospitality, Respect, and Cleanliness

• [20:15] Bowing as a sign of respect; hotel staff bow until elevator doors close.
• [20:57] Respectful self-policing and mutual respect:

  “Everyone kind of polices each other rather than the police really having to get involved.” (Danielle – 20:57)

• [27:49] Anecdote about dropping chips in 7 Eleven and being subtly corrected by another shopper.

5. Language, Etiquette, and Local Immersion

• [18:51] Ryan’s commitment to learning Japanese, bringing flashcards everywhere:

  “When I saw that he made those flashcards, I wanted to cry.” (Brooke – 19:03) “He was so happy to do it. We’d be at dinner, and he’d pull the pot. He’d say his first sentence, and then he’d go to the next sentence. It was really, really sweet.” (Danielle – 19:28)

• [20:15] The importance of saying "arigato gozaimasu" over "konichiwa."
• [29:45] The “tray” system for payments (“put your card in the tray”) and other etiquette customs.

6. Shrines, Markets, and Tour Guides

• [12:21] Temple and shrine highlights—how to balance must-see sights vs. avoiding shrine fatigue.
• [13:07 / 13:18] Regrets about missing Nara & the deer, which were farther outside of Kyoto, and plans to return to see more.
• [17:41] Kyoto’s Nishiki Market: challenges as non-seafood eaters, value of hiring a guide to curate the food adventure.

7. Food, Dining, and Unique Experiences

• [13:56/14:00] Cultural note from a tour guide: Japan excels in “the second mover advantage”—adopting ideas from other countries, then perfecting them.
• [43:14] Japanese dining: fewer cocktails, focus on beer, sake, and wine; “no Cosmos anywhere.” (Danielle)
• [54:45] Plenty of steak for non-seafood-eaters—Japanese wagyu and teppanyaki.
• [55:51] Fun but slightly nauseating lesson: seeing diagrams showing which part of the cow you're eating!

8. Travel Mishaps, Logistics & Hacks

• [15:14] Arriving a day early due to a flight/hotel miscommunication—turned out to be a blessing.
• [15:57] Uber/taxi logistics: Uber app works, but in taxis, Japan’s red light means available (opposite of the U.S.), which tripped Danielle up.
• [17:20] Hotel breakfasts: the only reliably open morning option.

9. Group Dynamics, Relationship Growth, and Viral Bits

• [31:28] Traveling with a significant other & another couple:

  “It’s a good thing to go with your significant other to a place like this where you really have to do a lot of thinking and really plan because it tests you. It's like... we’re both learning something together. And it’s just so special to experience something for the first time together.” (Danielle – 31:28)

• [32:27] Seeing how partners “step up” on a challenging or novel trip.

• [32:47] Introducing new “bits” and slang from the trip—e.g., “Need to be on property” (aka, I need to be back at the hotel/home).

10. Pranks, Content Creation & Flight Upgrades

• [34:24] The epic matching shirt prank: coordinating the guys for photo ops, but nearly running out of outfits due to over-curation.
• [37:03] The great flight “upgrade” debate—why flying business/first can be a special and deeply appreciated splurge, but not everyone wants to pay for it.

  “It is a big deal that we were able to do that, so...” (Danielle – 39:09)

11. Japanese Social Cues: The X’s and Line Culture

• [41:45] Learning the layers of “No” from a tour guide:

  • “Big no” – both arms X
  • “Medium no” – hand X
  • “Little no” – two fingers X

  “We got the big no. He was like, I haven’t heard of that a lot. Like, that means, like, they really did not want you.” (Danielle – 42:19)

• [44:49] The reality of lines (“lines for the lines!”) at popular spots like matcha cafes, Le Labo, and even for ice cream.

12. Japan vs. the U.S.: Cleanliness, Service, and Everyday Culture

• [58:45] “I liked how everything makes sense… It’s so clean, and everyone… There really were no trash cans anywhere.” (Brooke)
• [59:23] Japanese self-policing visible in daily life (e.g., worker picking discarded cigarette butts before store opening).

13. Personal Growth, Highlights & Lasting Impressions

• [61:10] Both hosts express how special the trip was—and a strong desire to return and explore other Asian destinations.
• [62:18] Traveling with another couple: “You get the best content!” (Danielle); highlights benefits of travel buddies for both group and individual interests.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I just loved feeling mystified for the first time in so long, like, to travel somewhere and really not know what to expect and really see things for the first time.” – Katie (relayed by Danielle, [04:43])
• “Even in a hole in the wall restaurant, the toilet seat goes up.” – Danielle ([11:09])
• “Everyone kind of polices each other rather than the police really having to get involved.” – Danielle ([20:57])
• “When I saw that he made those flashcards, I wanted to cry.” – Brooke ([19:03])
• “You say 'arigato gozaimasu' all the time. Everywhere you go.” – Danielle ([19:19])
• “They bow until the elevator doors shut.” – Danielle ([20:43])
• “It’s a good thing to go with your significant other to a place like this… it tests you… it’s just so special.” – Danielle ([31:28])
• “Big no, medium no, little no—means they really did not want you.” – Danielle ([42:19])
• “It is a big deal that we were able to do that, so…” – Danielle (about upgraded flights, [39:09])
• “Japan is awesome, and it’s so cool that everyone has a different favorite city.” – Brooke ([63:10])

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Topic | |---|---| | 02:46 | Danielle introduces her Japan trip | | 04:25 | Brooke on travel-induced exhaustion | | 05:14 | Shopping, Don Quijote experience | | 09:31 | Inside joke: “I don’t know if I’m going to make it” | | 11:09 | Japanese bathrooms and bidet culture | | 12:21–13:56 | Shrines, favorite cities, missed spots | | 15:14 | Arriving a day early: travel mishap | | 17:41 | Nishiki Market tour, food with picky eaters | | 18:51 | Ryan brings flashcards to dinner (commitment to language!) | | 20:15 | Bowing etiquette, hotel service | | 27:49 | Self-policing story in 7-Eleven | | 31:28 | Relationships strengthened by travel | | 32:47 | New group slang: “Need to be on property” | | 34:24 | Pranking the guys with matching shirts | | 37:03–39:16 | Flight upgrade logic and appreciation | | 41:45 | Understanding the “X for no” system | | 44:49 | Long lines at matcha and perfume shops | | 54:45 | Japanese steak experiences | | 55:51 | The tradition of wearing yukatas at hotels | | 58:45 | Japan’s cleanliness, lack of trashcans | | 62:18 | Travel content wins of a couples trip | | 63:02 | Shopping: Tokyo vs. Kyoto vs. Osaka | | 63:10 | Reflecting on favorite cities and desire to return |

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Takeaways & Listener Value

• Essence of Japan: The episode captures Japan as a place of contrast and harmony—overstimulating yet peaceful, efficient yet warm, “mystifying” in the best way.
• Practical Tips: Book hotel breakfasts, be prepared for lines, bring your manners, and don’t expect to “wing it” with dinner reservations or language.
• Cultural Appreciation: Real immersion is in the etiquette: bowing, quiet subway rides, card trays, and the little things that make Japan magical.
• Group Travel Wisdom: Embrace inside jokes and support each other’s needs—“not gonna make it” is more than just a cry for help; it’s a sign of togetherness.
• Emotional Growth: Challenging, cross-cultural trips foster closer bonds with partners and friends, while also giving new stories, phrases, and lifelong memories.

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In summary:
This episode is an unfiltered, funny, and surprisingly informative “Japan debrief” filled with quirky stories and actionable advice. Whether you’re heading to Japan or just obsessively scrolling through Japan travel content, Brooke and Danielle make you feel like you’re right there laughing, learning, and not quite making it through the day—a gal on the go, just like them.

Transcript

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[Brooke]

podcast is a Dear Media production Been waiting for this day.

[Danielle]

We've been waiting for this day.

[Brooke]

Were you sleeping?

[Danielle]

I have an inside joke.

[Brooke]

This is being part of a team.

[Danielle]

I don't know if I'm going to make it.

[Brooke]

I wanted to cry.

[Danielle]

I want to clear something up or

[Brooke]

like you get a look.

[Danielle]

I was so tripped out by that

[Brooke]

when I saw that he made those flashcards.

[Danielle]

We arrived a day early.

[Brooke]

I'm excited to hear all about the trip.

[Danielle]

Arigato gozaimasu.

[Brooke]

Hey guys, what's up? Welcome back to Gals on the Go podcast.

[Danielle]

It's Brooke and Danielle. Hope you're all having a fabulous Wednesday or whatever day you're listening to this on.

[Brooke]

We're. If you're watching on YouTube, this is a good episode to watch on YouTube. We we've been playing studio roulette.

[Danielle]

Like yeah, surely I think people could tell.

[Brooke]

Yeah, yeah. And then they're like wait, I like this one. Wait, I like this one.

[Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

This is the final studio.

[Danielle]

Yes. The final stop on the tour.

[Brooke]

Yes. It feel nice to be settled in. Dear Media opened in New York. Not that anybody cares probably, except for us. We've been waiting for this day.

[Danielle]

We've been waiting for this day. And I feel like if, you know, you know, like we're part of the dear Merida family now, which is just so exciting because we knew they're opening up a studio. So it's just so cool. I feel like you know like we're with our co workers.

[Brooke]

It does, it does. I feel like this is like kind of giving like your living room.

[Danielle]

Like I feel like personally or a living.

[Brooke]

No like I mean a living room but I feel like like the tones are sort of like running around like the brown is pulling. Danielle.

[Danielle]

Danny.

[Brooke]

Danny.

[Danielle]

Yeah, no, I. I love it here. They said we could like put things on the shelves if we wanted so definitely considering that when we come in, hey we got.

[Brooke]

We show up with like our box full of props.

[Danielle]

We got some legos. Got to think about it for sure

[Brooke]

do need to think about it some identifying gals things but yeah no this is really big and exciting day for us also. Big and exciting day cuz Danielle's back from Japan.

[Danielle]

I finally have something to talk about. I feel like the last few episodes I'm just like I have nothing to say say like I have nothing new like nothing to say. So I'm really happy to come with content.

[Brooke]

So I'm excited to hear all about the trip. It was the couple's trip of a lot. I mean it was the four. The big four. My big four.

[Danielle]

Yes. It's so crazy. Like everyone went to Japan this year. Like actually. Yeah, I know it was really nice cuz I was able to like just watch everyone's trips and be like oh I want to do that, I want to do that. Like feel like we really hit a lot and like you said, I definitely wish we were there longer.

[Brooke]

Yeah, it just goes by quick when you're there. I don't know. I feel like you guys had though like more out. Were you sleeping?

[Danielle]

We all kept waking up so early.

[Brooke]

But I feel like you went to bed late too.

[Danielle]

Went to bed at like midnight. Yeah, that.

[Brooke]

I just felt like I was like when is she sleeping? Because you were like constantly texting and I was like. Or like posting or something. I was like she's up again.

[Danielle]

Like I scheduled posts. Oh yes.

[Brooke]

Oh yeah. That was confusing to me because I was like oh oh my God. Like wait, I. I feel like it's night.

[Danielle]

Like it's like 3am I actually had that thought. Probably only a few people like you picked up on that. But I was trying to still post when like people in America were up.

[Brooke]

Oh that's smart.

[Danielle]

So I posted in the morning here and the night here. Because during the day here is when I was usually asleep. So I like. Or I would schedule things to go up while I was asleep. Like I scheduled one to go up at, like, 4pm Eastern Time. And it was actually fun waking up experience.

[Brooke]

Yes. Something went up.

[Danielle]

Something went up. You know, like when you schedule a YouTube video. So that was fun. No, we definitely slept hard and, like, every night. I'm sure you could agree, like, when you hit. When your head hits the bed, like, you're so exhausted.

[Brooke]

Yeah. In the best way. Because, like, you did so many steps that day, but you also just, like, it's. I feel like when you go to a place that's, like, so different from your culture, like, you're just. Your brain is, like, working overtime.

[Danielle]

That's what me and Katie were saying in the best.

[Brooke]

In the best way. Like, because it's so many, like, new things that you're seeing, experiencing, and doing that it's like you're truly tired by the end of the day.

[Danielle]

It's really good for your brain. Like, we were on the last night there, we were going around. I was like, hey, everyone say their favorite thing about Japan. And Katie was like, this is so Katie, too. She's like, I just loved feeling mystified for the first time in so long, like, to travel somewhere and really not know what to expect and really see things for the first time. Because, like, you know, we live in New York. Okay. Then we go to Charleston, and yes, it's so fun and amazing. But, like, you're like, okay, I know, like, this coffee shop or I know this chain or, you know, but going to Japan, it's just. Everything is new.

[Brooke]

Yeah. It's a completely different experience. Yeah, there's different.

[Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

I mean, everything. I mean, I want to hear all that of the bottom from the top.

[Danielle]

So much to say.

[Brooke]

Put your itinerary on the gals on the go.

[Danielle]

Yeah, I could probably make that happen. I feel like you were really good at that. I. Katie was really good about, like, writing down which places we went to, so I'll have to converse with her.

[Brooke]

But, yes, I didn't get all the exact restaurants and stuff, but just, like, Lou's plan of the day. Because I feel like you guys had, like, a lot packed in the day, but you still had time to shop, and you still. You know what I mean? Like, it was.

[Danielle]

We had so much. I, Like, I. I went to shop. Like, I was so excited to shop, and thankfully, the boys wanted to go to this baseball game, so Katie and I took that as like, okay, we will go shopping then. And. But, like, I honestly, like, I get why Alicia and Remy go, and they literally just do a shopping trip. Like, I think we should go back one time when we're ready to, like, you know, shop after your wedding.

[Brooke]

I was gonna say this post wedding,

[Danielle]

you know, you know, in a few years and, like, just go for a weekend and just shop around because there's, like, so much to see and it's the first trip I've been on in a while where I wanted to shop so much. Like, even Ryan was like, I have the shop. He's like, I want to shop because you want to bring back things. Oh, I didn't bring. I mean, you know, I showed it in my haul, but wait, I didn't

[Brooke]

really watch the full haul, honestly.

[Danielle]

You commented, though.

[Brooke]

I did comment, but I like, you know, I was. I feel like I was at the game that you so excited.

[Danielle]

Told me about, so.

[Brooke]

Oh, the Don Quixote Hall. Yeah. Was it that?

[Danielle]

Yeah, the iPad. The iPads. I was like, I'll get a box.

[Brooke]

Oh, yeah. Yes, yes, yes.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that place is so. You are right. Don Quixote donkey is. Yeah. So chaotic, overstimulating.

[Brooke]

But I have to say, you guys went like. I was like, wow, they're filming a hall in the donkey. You could not move when I was in there.

[Danielle]

Really?

[Brooke]

No, it was. I went like. And I. I just thought Japan was always that busy, but I went like, peak tour season. And people kept saying that, like, peak tour season. Peak tour season. But, like, I know how New York is tourist season. Like, yeah, you know, I'm just like, it's always busy here. Like, whatever. No, no, no.

[Danielle]

Like, oh, then we must have.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Been different.

[Brooke]

No, we, like, we were like people deep, like, you know, trying to, like, get to, like, the items. Like. Yeah, no, it was. It was definitely like, I could not. Yeah, no, I couldn't have filmed, like, I mean, I tried to, like, even film myself shopping, and it was just

[Danielle]

like, there's so many.

[Brooke]

So many, like, you know, people cutting in front of you, whatever.

[Danielle]

Yes.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I see.

[Danielle]

Yeah. No, we did not have that experience in that way. It was over stimulating just because all the sounds and like, like little TV

[Brooke]

screens that, like, are doing advertisements for the things, but, like, multiple on the same aisles. Yeah.

[Danielle]

It is just like such an amazing place, Japan. I mean, Don, Kyoto did. It was cool. Ryan. We saw Katie and I went in Tokyo, and then when we were in Kyoto, Ryan's like, I just want to, like, see it. I want to lay eyes on it, whatever. And we went in there. Oh, I have an inside joke. I don't know if Katie and Jack already told you this, so because they basically. The day after we came back from Japan, Katie, Jack, Ben, and Brooke went to the World Cup.

[Brooke]

Yeah. And I can't believe. Obviously, Jack was.

[Danielle]

And I didn't realize it was England playing, so no wonder. He was like, no, no.

[Brooke]

He's like, I'm going.

[Danielle]

Yeah, we're going.

[Brooke]

He.

[Danielle]

They told you. He got up at, like, 5am While we were in Japan to go watch a game. I was like, oh, my God.

[Brooke]

Yeah. No, I heard that there was World cup watching in Japan. When I heard that, I was like, wow. I never have I ever in my life been so committed to anything.

[Danielle]

No, like, it was genuinely, honestly, though, Jack to England is like, Ryan, dogs. Like, I was like, oh, this is like your. This is your college football.

[Brooke]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Danielle]

So I understood it in that way, but, no, it was really impressive. I, like, didn't really watch, but so we have this joke and it's gonna continue. It's like a phrase that we've been saying. And I feel like you probably say this already, but what happened? It was like our first few days there. And I remember you telling me this at some point on your Japan trip. Like, you just feel out of whack because the jet lag. And then I was feeling like. What's the word? Like, dehydrated, overheated everything. And there was a point we were walking around Ginza, which is like a shopping area in Tokyo, and I was like, we. I was like, ryan, I, like, need food right in this moment. Like, I need food. And so he's like, okay. So we went into this, like, big shopping mall thing, and he was like, okay, it says the 711 downstairs. Let's go, 7 11. And I literally was like, I saw the escalator, said, I don't know if I'm going to make it. I don't know. I was like, I need to get this donut. It was like, Randy's Donuts from New York. And I was like, I need this donut. He's like, you don't want to go to 711 and try. I was like, I'm not gonna make it. So now it became our thing throughout the rest of the trip. Like, Katie would text, like, I don't know if Jack's gonna make it.

[Brooke]

Like, oh, I see. But it's, like, not gonna make it. Like, it's not like you're gonna miss something. It's like you physically, like, can't get there. Like, yes, I. I get that.

[Danielle]

Or just like, yeah, like, I'm gonna die. Like, it's Just like, yeah.

[Brooke]

Oh, I like that. I like that.

[Danielle]

It was so fun. Like, there were points where it's like, we can't find a bathroom.

[Brooke]

You know, I'm not gonna make it to the bathroom. I'm gonna shut myself.

[Danielle]

Like, yes. Or like, pee. Yeah, whichever one. I don't know if I'm gonna make it.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I'm not going to make it. Oh, that's actually a good bet. I like that.

[Danielle]

But it's really fun, especially if you just like, I need to bring light to this instead of, like, being so miserable. Like, we'd be on the tour and we'd be like, guys, I don't know if we make it. Like, I have to pee so bad.

[Brooke]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. How was it In a group of like, I feel like you were with understanding people, but, like, to. Yes. Like, your individual needs. Like, if you're like, I'm hungry now. Like, was everyone like, okay? Because that's my thing with, like, groups. Like, I'm like, we got a weak link. Like, and I'm selfish in that way. Yesterday I experienced that. I was like, with my mom and her co workers and, like, people were walking slow and I was just like, I can't do this. My mom was like, this is being part of a team, bro. Like, we're in a team, you know? Like, how are you? How are you?

[Danielle]

I was nervous because I'm very needy, as you know. Not really. Katie is like, you. She's a tank. She never has to pee. Thankfully, Jack. Jack was my ally. Him and I small bladders. I learned. So. But yeah, oftentimes we all, like, were hungry or if it was like, one person was like, I'm not going to make it. Like, I said, oh, I could eat. You know, when you're in Japan, it's like, I could eat. I came there prepared to eat. So that worked. There were times where I was like, I'm too totally holding up. Everyone, like. Or the tour guides probably thought I was crazy because I was like, toilet, toilet. Like, I just had to constantly be also crazy. There is literally a bidet everywhere. Like, everywhere. Like, even in the airport bathroom.

[Brooke]

Even in a hole in the wall restaurant.

[Danielle]

Even in a hole in the wall restaurant, the toilet seat goes up. I got used to that. When I came home, I was like, my toilet seat isn't rising for me.

[Brooke]

Yeah, it's crazy. We. We had the consideration bringing back, like, some sort of day couldn't. But I think you could just order online.

[Danielle]

But I. Oh, like, they sold them there.

[Brooke]

Yeah. But like, installing. It's. Yeah. Because we went to, like, a department store one day and, like.

[Danielle]

Yeah, you have a condo. You could put one in.

[Brooke]

No, I know you can. It's a big job, but you should. Yeah. I didn't really use it that much.

[Danielle]

Oh, really?

[Brooke]

Like, I know. I mean, it's definitely, like, clean. Like, I feel like it's the efficient way. If you really think about the concept of toilet paper, like, and really. Really sit and think about it, it's like, you're not getting fully clean there.

[Danielle]

No.

[Brooke]

Like, there's just no way. Like, you. No, there's particles, probably. You know, that's so true. Unless you have, like, a clean. Like, I'm not trying to be so graphic. Like, it is.

[Danielle]

No, it's. You're. You're dabbing like, it's not. Yeah, but honestly, I still use toilet paper on top of it. Because then you're like. It's, like, wet.

[Brooke]

You need to dry off.

[Danielle]

Do something of the dryers.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

And I know that's why they have the bidets, but I liked the bidets. I liked how the seat would rise and then the one in our hotel. And actually, a lot of them, you, like, walk away and it flushes, which I guess.

[Brooke]

Yeah, the one in the hotel was.

[Danielle]

Yes, he did. Like, that was nice.

[Brooke]

I'm. Like, someone was sitting here before. Like, no, no. It's just.

[Danielle]

They kept it up for me. And as someone that pees every hour, like, I really enjoyed that experience, so. And actually, our tour guide. Our. Our tour we did in Tokyo. The first hour, I actually was sending you photos because I was, like, thinking of you because we're at our first shrine.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Yeah. You guys didn't do as many as. I feel like you guys, like, did a good amount, like, shrines.

[Danielle]

And that was because you kind of told us, like, you know, you could probably cut a few shrines off. And that takes.

[Brooke]

It takes days. Like, you have to build an extra. Like, if you guys had two weeks, I would say maybe do some more,

[Danielle]

but, like, we were only there for seven days, so.

[Brooke]

And I mean, if you did, because, like, some of the shrines are, like, outside of the cities. You have to drive to them.

[Danielle]

Definitely. There were a few. Looking back, though, like, there was one in Kyoto that I realized was not on a tour, and I was sad. I was like, oh, dang, I wish you went to that one.

[Brooke]

Oh, and you guys didn't go to NAR and see the deer?

[Danielle]

No, we didn't. I thought it was part of our Kyoto tour. And she Was like, no, that's like an hour and a half outside the city. So more to come. Ryan and I already said we want to go to Osaka. We want to do Nara. We want to go to Kyoto longer.

[Brooke]

So we like Kyoto better than Tokyo.

[Danielle]

Ryan. Definitely. Ever. I think everyone in my group.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Except for me. Like, I loved Tokyo and Kyoto for different reasons.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Danielle]

But Kyoto was amazing. What would you. What was your favorite?

[Brooke]

I liked Osaka the best.

[Danielle]

Osaka.

[Brooke]

But it was. I. Once again, I went busy season, and I felt that Osaka was, like, the most manageable. Like, it was. But it also felt like a blend kind of. Of the other two. Could be the time of year I went to, it was, like, on a river, which I liked, but it wasn't like a beach town. Like, it was.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that's nice.

[Brooke]

Maybe that's just the experience that I had.

[Danielle]

And then the beach towns are like, Okinawa or whatever.

[Brooke]

Looks so cool. Yeah.

[Danielle]

But I don't like scub, and I feel like that's half the reason people go to Okinawa.

[Brooke]

That's like, the island one.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

I know someone who just did their honeymoon there. Yeah. And they, like. They really liked it.

[Danielle]

I think that's really cool. But one thing that the tour guide was saying, which. I don't know if they told you this, and I don't know how true it is, but I thought it was really interesting that Japan takes a lot of influence from other countries and other cultures, and they just, like, make it better.

[Brooke]

It seemed like that because most of the things there was like, oh, this is, like, inspired by China. But, like, you know, they. Yes. As you said, improved it. Improved it. Put their own twist on it, like, and just.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Tweaked it a little bit. Yeah.

[Danielle]

Like, our tour guy was saying that they don't have a lot of electric cars there because they're waiting to see how they are in the US and then they'll, like, smart.

[Brooke]

Wow.

[Danielle]

They're like, we'll just let them figure it out, and then we'll just make it better. I'm like, that's iconic.

[Brooke]

They taught us about that in my marketing classes. It was like, the second mover advantage.

[Danielle]

That's exactly what they're doing.

[Brooke]

McDonald's, like, you know, they see how. And then Burger King, like, sees all their kinks and whatever. Like, you know, I know. That's so. Second mover advantage.

[Danielle]

That's Japan. It. It was so. That was really nice. It was definitely nice to get tours and learn more about why you're like, what. What's going on, like, what the shrines are, like, Shinto versus Buddhism temple or a shrine and everything. That. That was really, really cool. I definitely have lots of notes. Oh, well, the first thing is I want to clear something up. So we arrived a day early, and, yeah, that was.

[Brooke]

I. I saw the. Like, that's what I saw on Instagram right away. I was like, oh, what a trip. They're. They miscalculate. Like, I was like, what is this itinerary situation?

[Danielle]

Yeah. So we worked with a travel agent, but we wanted to book our own flights because, like, Delta miles, all the things. And she was like, yeah, for sure. Just let me know what day you guys book, and I'll book your hotels accordingly. So we just, like, told her the wrong date. So when we got there, we supposed to have a car service with our names on it, you know?

[Brooke]

So you didn't have any of that?

[Danielle]

No. And we're like, where the heck is this car? So then we're calling the hotel, and they're like, oh, you're not arriving till tomorrow. So we're panicking. But then I was like, actually, it's better this way because we just get an extra day. It's not like we came a day late and we have to move all of our reservations, for sure.

[Brooke]

How was it like getting a car and everything? That it was not.

[Danielle]

We just Ubered. It was like, actually, yeah, Uber.

[Brooke]

That same Uber. You don't even have to download a new app.

[Danielle]

Great.

[Brooke]

It's pretty amazing that they like that in some other countries that I think. Yeah, some they might not use Uber. Like, it might be, like, local.

[Danielle]

Right?

[Brooke]

Service. You have to, like, download a different app for this.

[Danielle]

Just the same old.

[Brooke]

Same Uber.

[Danielle]

Really easy. Yeah. And one tip that because we did taxi a lot, too. Did you guys hear cabs a lot?

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Which was so trippy because if the cab was available, it was red, and if it wasn't available, it was green. I know. So, like, it's opposite of here. Like, some of the bathrooms. If it was green, that means it was taken. I was so tripped out by that.

[Brooke]

We had tour guides. Honestly, a lot of the time we took cabs, like, we were with the tour guide, and they were like. They were like. They handled the payment, everything. Because we built it into the cost. You know, a lot of the, like, navigational stuff, like, we did have that's really hardy, which was, like, kind of nice. Definitely helped us, like, not be like, oh, my God, what do we do? Like, it could be chaotic. Well, it was also really busy when I went. I'm sure when you went, it seems like it was a little more laid back.

[Danielle]

I think it might have been. I think it might have been because people were like, just be prepared. And I was like, it's busy, but, like, New York's busy. And so I think it's. Wasn't as crazy as when you were there. Like, in the mornings, there was no one out, or maybe that was.

[Brooke]

The mornings were the quietest time. But nothing's open.

[Danielle]

Yeah, nothing.

[Brooke]

Like, I was out and about and I'm like, would love to go.

[Danielle]

We're doing.

[Brooke]

Yeah, like, just me and the 711 guy.

[Danielle]

Oh, I know. That was really annoying. Honestly, I was like, I want coffee now. But thankfully we. We basically had breakfast at the hotel every single day because it was the only place that was open, which was fine with me because I just ate, like, you know, I had my American three eggs. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Yeah. The hotel breakfast is amazing.

[Danielle]

So good. The one that we. Our tour we did in Kyoto. So we went to Tokyo and then Kyoto. Those are the only two we did. But our tour in Kyoto, we did Nishiki Market, and we had a tour guide for that. So she paid for everything. She would show us. Go. Thank God. It was. It really was so clutch that both me and Katie don't eat seafood because she just kind of felt a little. We felt bad for Ryan because I guess Jack Jackson ventures eater, but not as adventurous as I think we all thought he was going to be. So he was kind of like, got him to have the chicken and steak, but Ryan was like, no, I want to.

[Brooke]

I want to try anything.

[Danielle]

So she had to kind of like work that. And she'd be here, Ryan, while they eat these custards. You come over here to the big dog. Yeah, but. So that was funny. But it was nice to have a tour guide, like you said, to kind of like, pay for. Like, we paid her and she paid.

[Brooke]

Or the larger, like, attract, like, the markets. And like, if you're doing like, we did days where it was like, yes. We went all around, was like crossing, like, yeah, just like, we're hitting all the big stops. It was nice to have a guide for those days, which you can totally do it on your own, but it just requires a lot of planning. It honestly does. Like, when people say planning, like, you have to, like, planning. You seriously have to sit there and, like, map out, you know, the distances from the things and stuff. Because, yeah, like, it requires a lot of planning.

[Danielle]

It really does. Like, you really got to sit down and make A plan. One thing that was a big surprise is Ryan really wanted to speak Japanese. And we were like, this is amazing. He would bring flashcards to dinner.

[Brooke]

When I saw that he made those flashcards, I wanted to cry.

[Danielle]

I was not a TikTok. I staged. I literally walked out there, and he's making paper flash.

[Brooke]

No. That was so, so sweet. And then when I heard Katie did tell me that he carried them around with him, I wanted to cry. That was like, I. My stim recently is I feel bad for you. Like, I feel bad for them. Like, that makes me feel bad for him. Like, I don't know. It's like this. Like, it's like, oh, like, I know what you mean. I was like, I feel bad for you.

[Danielle]

Like, yes. Like, you did that. And it's like, he was so happy to do it. We'd be at dinner, and he'd pull the pot. He's like, guys, I got this. He'd. He'd say his first sentence, and then he'd go to the next sentence, and it was really, really sweet. Like, he really wanted to try, but I didn't realize maybe you said this and I didn't register because I hadn't gone yet. Like, arigato gozaimas. Like, that's. You say that all the time. Yeah, like, everywhere you go. Like, I didn't even know how to, like, because they don't really say konichiwa a lot. Like, some places would say konichiwa, but then our tour guide said they don't really say it. So I'm like, are they just saying this to me because I'm a tourist? I don't really know. So I just felt like I was always saying, arigato guz.

[Brooke]

Yeah, that was definitely, like. And because we're, like, Americans, we're loud and we come in and stuff. Like, it's nice to be like, thank you. Like, at least you're, like, being. Trying to be kind. Yeah.

[Danielle]

Yeah. Which means thank you very much if you guys didn't pick up on that. So, yeah, Ryan brought flashcards everywhere. Lots of bowing, which I thought was really sweet. Like, the. The respect. Like, we'd literally at our hotels. I'm sure the hotels you're staying at, too, were like this, where they'd walk. They, like, we'd walk in, they'd be like, hi, welcome back. The elevator doors would close and they bow until the elevator doors would shut. They would stay back. We were staying at really small hotels, though. Like, 10 rooms or Kyoto ones, maybe. That was why.

[Brooke]

Okay.

[Danielle]

But they literally would bow and then wait till the door closed. It's like that. They're just so receptive, respectful.

[Brooke]

Yeah, they are. They're definitely very like. It's. We could learn a thing or two about respecting one another for sure.

[Danielle]

Really could. And then the self policing. They do.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Like our tour guide said, like, you know, everyone kind of polices each other rather than the police really having to get involved. Whatever. This is just what he said. It's summer. We love a sweet treat, obviously. I mean, Brooke, you're queen of sweet treats.

[Brooke]

I. I am.

[Danielle]

Are you okay to take that?

[Brooke]

Yeah. Oh, thank you. I appreciate it. Yes. No, I'm. I'm really always. I feel like doing a little run to the grocery store. Literally running.

[Danielle]

Yes, you love your. Your runs to and from.

[Brooke]

I. But then I like reward myself and I get myself like my cool freezer treat. Which is honestly true for like, I guys. You guys know, we, we genuinely are such huge fans of Truther. I feel like we always keep it in our freezer.

[Danielle]

It's. There are so many bags in my freezer right now. Because we just can't now, Ryan, when we go grocery shopping. Cuz they sent us some, which was so nice. And now it's like no over out. So Ryan's like, can you make sure to add that to your order? I was like, wow.

[Brooke]

Yeah. So great. If you guys don't know what it is, it's real fruit covered in chocolate. You just grab it from the freezer aisle. I am, I feel like I'm not even like a huge strawberry person, but like something about their chocolate covered strawberries. They are the best strawberries. They use the best fruit. That's what it is.

[Danielle]

It's like the best fruit.

[Brooke]

Like I'm not even a fruit person and I like, yeah, I like true fruit. Like that's how you know.

[Danielle]

Yeah. And I'm not usually a fruit dessert person and I love true fruit. It's the perfect thing. Like, yes, it's a good dessert, but then also sometimes middle of the day I'm having coffee and I just want a little sweet treat with it. Have a couple strawberries or. They also now just launched their Greek yogurt product, which is also amazing. They have like Greek yogurt bananas. They have so many different options. So if you are more of a. I know you're a Greek yogurt person, you can go that route.

[Brooke]

It's also just like cool and refreshing. Like it's perfect for the summer. Obviously, like, as you said post workout like, you know, you're hot, it's hot outside, whatever. We love trufrou so, so much. And you can find true fruit now in the freezer aisle of your grocery store.

[Danielle]

We're both traveling a lot, and there's lots of fun events. Brooke has deemed it Summer of fun. And with Summer of Fun, there's lots of travel and just things that you're needing, outfits for, needing bags for. And that's where Vivrel comes in and will absolutely change your life this summer.

[Brooke]

Their closet is insane. They've got Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, all the dreams that you, like, literally dream about. It's a members only club where you can experience designer bags and jewelry. I say experience because, like, it is. It really is an experience. Like, you get to test out all these different things. It's. It's so great. Once again, if you have events and you're traveling. But also, like, for me, sometimes I'm like, before I make this bag purchase, like, that's really expensive. I want to rent it, I want to borrow it, I want to try it out. And you could do that with Vivrel.

[Danielle]

I've literally bought bags that I was borrowing from Vivrel before because I realized I liked it so much. So you never know. The way it works is once you're accepted, you pick the piece that you want to borrow and it shows up at your doorstep. And the best part is, you guys, no return dates. You can just keep that piece as long as you want. So it kind of feels like it is yours in a way. Or you could swap monthly. It's really great. Brook and I've been using Vivarel for years. Like, literally years. And if you live in New York City, they have a beautiful showroom too.

[Brooke]

It's so fun to go there in person and be like. But even just doing it online, like, the. The selection is truly insane. I feel honestly like there's too many choices. Like, it's so nice. You can really, like, go to town

[Danielle]

there and you can, like, filter by brand, which I really like. It's great. So Vivrel gave us an amazing offer just for our listeners that you definitely don't want to miss. You guys. So use code Gals when you apply and you get your first month of membership free. With summer in full swing, this is honestly the best time to become a VI member.

[Brooke]

Go to vivrel.com and apply for a membership today using referral code Gals for your first month of membership free. The code will also allow you to skip the vivrel wait list. That's V I V R e l l e.com use code GALS for your first month free. I'm all about, like, building my ideal wardrobe that, like, I could have, like, season over season, but I feel like I got my summer wardrobe down well. Yeah. I feel, I feel confident that I have, like, really great quality summer pieces. Like the ones that I end up, like, wearing season over season. Like, I. I truly love them because I love quince and I feel like so many of my pieces are from quints. Yeah.

[Danielle]

And especially when it's hot outside, you want to be comfortable. You want it to be versatile as well. Like, I feel like a lot of times in the summer we'll be podcasting and then I'm heading to a dinner after. So you just want those pieces that you can use. Like Brooke said, like time after time again. And quince really has those elevated essentials, but they're also using. Using premium materials like European linen, organic cotton, washable silk. Like, and it doesn't have that traditional retail markup.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Everything in quince is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. They work directly with ethical factories and cut out the middleman. So you're paying for exceptional quality and not the brand markup, which is really great. They've got 100 European linen pants. Dresses tops. The prices are probably my favorite part. I'll say. They're. They started just $32 for, like, the. These gorgeous linen pieces. The sweaters are amazing. Like, throw a little cotton sweater over your shoulders.

[Danielle]

You always need a little sweater. Like, I put a lot of my stuff away for the summer, but not my quince. Like, light sweaters because they're perfect for going to Nantucket, you know, coastal grand energy. They also have great denim that's super soft and comfortable. I love a lot of their linen. I also have some Quinn's sheets. I've got. You know, they have different home things, which is really nice too.

[Brooke]

Yeah. I've got the quint's bedding. I've got the quint rug. We just absolutely love quints. And you can make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to quint.comgals for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U I N C E.comgals for free shipping and 365 day returns.

[Danielle]

Quint.comgals this episode is sponsored by Better Help. I feel like in the past there's been such a stigma on Talking about mental health, like, you, you get really nervous about it. I feel like even in the early days of us having a podcast or on YouTube, we were kind of nervous to talk about stuff like that.

[Brooke]

I, like, felt like, guilty. Like I was like, no, my life, like, seems so perfect. Like I, I should have it all together. Like, why do I want to talk like, you know? Yeah, cuz we are so blessed and amazing. But like, your mental health doesn't care about that. Like, it doesn't matter. Like, mental health is mental health.

[Danielle]

Yeah. The happiest person in the world could also, like, be going through something and you never know. So that's why we love better help so much and how important therapy is to both of us. And we're just so grateful that we're sitting here in 2026 talking about mental health and, like, talking about a way that you can, you know, get therapy and better helps. 2026 State of Stigma report surveyed 2,000Americans and revealed that 85% of Americans believe getting support is wise, yet 74 say society discourages people from doing so.

[Brooke]

Oh, we hate, we hate that. But better help makes it so easy. You go online, you get an amazing therapist because better help is going to do the initial matching work for you. So you could just focus on your therapy goals. You do like a little questionnaire. It's going to match you. And you get these quality therapists that work according to a strict code of conduct and they're fully licensed in the

[Danielle]

U.S. don't let the stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with better help. Sign up and get 10 [e-mail] Gals that's better. H lp.com Gals I was in 711 and I was walking through an aisle and I guess my shoulder brushed like a bag of chips and it fell. And someone else in the store, a patron, he looked at me and he pointed at the chips. Not trying to be mean. He was just like, you dropped that. Like, you pick it up. And I was like, great. Yes. Like, so sorry. I didn't see, you know, you put it back.

[Brooke]

Yes.

[Danielle]

But like, that doesn't happen here. Really.

[Brooke]

Yeah, no, there is. I, I. That sounds like a familiar experience. Like, I feel like it was. Or like you get a look and you're like, oh my gosh. Like, no, I want to, like, you know, make this right. Yes.

[Danielle]

Like, we were literally checking out of our hotel and you know, when you're checking out of a hotel, you kind of think, oh, I, you know, they'll clean it Up. Not that we're leaving crazy messes and throwing parties, but like, Ryan and I were like, throwing our trash away that was maybe on the table or, you know, normally things that maybe here, you're like, they'll clean.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

But just because they're so respectful, you want to respect back. Yeah, it's really beautiful thing.

[Brooke]

No, it is. It is a nice culture of like. And I mean, especially in service. Like, I feel like they take their service so seriously in anything from like top notch the restaurants to like just being a tourist there is honestly a fantastic experience.

[Danielle]

They really want to give you a good time.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Show you a good time.

[Danielle]

Show you a good time. No, you're absolutely right. Like, it just makes everything so much better. I also didn't realize, you know how they give you a cloth at the beginning of dinner? Like.

[Brooke]

Yeah, like the wet. Like a wet nap kind of.

[Danielle]

Yeah, sometimes it was a wet nap. Or if it was a nicer restaurant, it was like the, the towel. And I was like, why don't they never, like, took it away throughout the dinner? And I was like, oh, that's so interesting. They're not clearing it. But then I looked it up. It's like considered a symbol, like a symbol of comfort for people in Japan to like, constantly have that wet napkin if they need to wipe their hands or whatever. Like, this is just so.

[Brooke]

Oh, that's so nice.

[Danielle]

It's like, why are they taking this away? Like, it's trash. But no.

[Brooke]

Well, people also. I bought one, like a little hello Kitty, like, like travel towel washcloth thing for my lap. Because at some places they don't give you anything. Like, I feel like if you're going to like a ramen shop or something like they have, they would get. Maybe they give you the little white.

[Danielle]

Yes.

[Brooke]

But then if you're like slurping your ramen noodles.

[Danielle]

So you had a little. Hello.

[Brooke]

I did get one. It was really cute. No, because I noticed that that's. Well, that's what my tour guides were doing.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

I was like, oh, I guess I should like. Yeah, yeah. They would like, take out. They like keep stuff on them. Like, I feel like they have, you know, like. Yeah, like.

[Danielle]

No, you're right.

[Brooke]

I liked it. I was like, what's in your kit?

[Danielle]

Like, yeah, what's in your kit? No, the next time we go to Japan, we'll be so prepared, like, everything. Bowing. Oh, another thing, I just think they're all just such different things. Like, if you're giving them your credit card, they put a tray Down. You put it in the tray first. And of course, Ryan, like, had looked up a lot of this because he really wanted to, you know, he wanted to pass as, you know, a local, I suppose I was like, yeah, you really passed as a local. You're so big. Yeah, yeah.

[Brooke]

They didn't see you coming.

[Danielle]

Yeah, really, Truly. But, like, he kept doing this thing where I would, like, do something. He's like, no, no, that's not what they do here. Tell me before, though. But, yes, it was really cool. Like, I gave them my credit card. He's like, no, put it in the tray first. And then they pick up the tray. It was. I was like, you really did a lot of research. I mean, this was his dream trip. So, like, it makes sense. He's been researching this a while.

[Brooke]

That's so nice that you. That makes me feel like. I feel bad for him.

[Danielle]

Like, No, I don't feel bad for him. Like.

[Brooke]

Like, he did all that research. It was like, I don't know that, but, like, that's so sweet. It's so nice. Like, it is really, like, that big of a trip that you, like, you want. You know what I mean? It's so fun to have something do. Like, even if, like, you guys are listening to this and maybe you're not going to Japan or, like, whatever. There was, like, many years where I feel like I didn't have, like, a big trip lined up or whatever, but just to have, like, the concept of something, even if it's, like, five years away, it really is exciting to, like, have something that you're just like, hey, like, then you could start doing your research. Like, it just gets. It's fun to be excited about something.

[Danielle]

It's fun to be excited about something. It's also like, I feel like probably when people ask you, how are you? It's like, oh, I just got engaged, you know, I didn't have anything to say, so I'd say, I'm going to Japan. And honestly, it was a great thing to say. People love to talk. Talk about it.

[Brooke]

No, it's so nice to have something lined up, like, literally far away. Say it's in two years or something. Like, it's just cool to be like, oh, yeah, I'm planning this thing.

[Danielle]

A big thing. We're preparing, planning. And it's just so special what you made me want to say something about that. Blah, blah, blah. Oh, someone responded to one of my stories. Like, do you feel like this, like, brought your relationship closer? And obviously, we're already so close, but I Do feel like it's a good thing to go with your significant other to a place like this where you really have to do a lot of thinking and really plan because it tests you. It's like, oh, my God, we're both learning something together. And it's just so special to experience something for the first time together.

[Brooke]

I agree with that.

[Danielle]

Yeah, I think it's really cool thing.

[Brooke]

It's really nice. Like, instead of like. Because of course, in your relationship, like, I'm sure you show Ryan things. He shows you things. Like, yes, that's like a lot of a relationship. We teach him about clothes.

[Danielle]

Yes.

[Brooke]

You know, well, I do the same with Ben.

[Danielle]

You know, whatever. We try.

[Brooke]

But to experience something so new and so different and like, to be put in scenarios that you've never been put in before just like, oh, you know, who's okay. Like, what's the next step? Like, who's going to step up and like, be the sort of like the leader in the group or like, whatever. Just seeing how they operate, like in a. Yeah. Dynamic. It's really interesting.

[Danielle]

It's really interesting just to see how they step up. You're so right. Another saying that Jack brought to the table, actually, that I will continue to say, and I know you're going to like this one, is the phrase need to be on property. So like, we, like when we landed in Tokyo and we couldn't find the. The drive or whatever, Jack's like, I need to be on property like, really soon.

[Brooke]

And what that mean? Like, on the hotel.

[Danielle]

I need to be back at the hotel. Need to be back in my apartment. Like, I need to be home.

[Brooke]

Oh, I like that. See, property is like property. Like.

[Danielle]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brooke]

Need to be on property. I like that. Need to be on property.

[Danielle]

Like, even if it's just in your driveway or like in your elevator, it's like, I need to be on property really soon because I like.

[Brooke]

Oh, I love that phrase. I taught Jack a phrase actually the other day, unintentionally, because I was. Ben and I were joking around and I was like, oh, like you're being fresh or whatever. And Jack was fresh. What?

[Danielle]

You're being fresh.

[Brooke]

Fresh. Do you not.

[Danielle]

Like, I could maybe guess. Is it like you're being like. Like a smart ass? Yeah.

[Brooke]

Like you're talking back like, yeah, that's like such like a northeast phrase. I feel like it's like I remember, like, being like, I have a friend. I'm not gonna say her name, but like, I remember, like, her mom would always be like, you're being fresh. You're being fresh right now.

[Danielle]

I never hear that.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I guess I like that phrase. No, you use it with, like, kids. I feel like, you know, like, with talking back to your parents, like, stop being fresh. Like, when they're a teenager.

[Danielle]

Yes.

[Brooke]

Oh, you're being fresh. But Jack really liked that phrase.

[Danielle]

Now he's gonna start saying, we all have to start sharing on property. On property. Not gonna make it. I like it fresh. You're being fresh with me right now. I'm gonna say that to Ryan later, see how he reacts.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Oh, no, it's good. You have to, like. You have to save it for when they're really, like, you know, I'm. I'm fresh all the time. Like, when I just, like, hit my limit and I just get, like, bitchy or something like that. Like, I'm hungry or, like, whatever. Like, I'm just like, I'm fresh. Like, you know, I start being like, yes. You know what I mean? Like, I don't care. Whatever.

[Danielle]

Like, it's nice to have a word for it, because then it's like, we can kind of make light of it. It's still serious.

[Brooke]

Exactly.

[Danielle]

It's a good way to put it.

[Brooke]

It's a good bit.

[Danielle]

What else do we have? Oh, Katie and I pranked Jack and Ryan one night. A small prank.

[Brooke]

I mean, the shirts weren't anything ridiculous.

[Danielle]

No, no. I wasn't about to make Ryan wear, like, a Hawaiian shirt in Japan, but we just thought it'd be fun, so we bought them the same J. Crew shirt, like, months ago. And it was so funny, though, because basically, obviously, you guys have seen this everywhere. We made them wear it on the same night. Whatever. But I was struggling because I put out a few shirts for Ryan. Ryan's like, help me pack. So I put out, like, five shirts. I said, these are shirts I like, including the blue shirt that we. And he took that as. These are the only shirts to pack. So we're on this fricking long trip where you need a day outfit and a night outfit. Like, not every night, but some of the nights we'd come home and we're just sweaty. Like, you want to change?

[Brooke]

Was it hot?

[Danielle]

It was hot. But, like, I wasn't dying, personally.

[Brooke]

Like, warmer in New York right now or warmer there?

[Danielle]

Kind of felt warmer here.

[Brooke]

Okay.

[Danielle]

Or equal. I don't know. I also, like, grew up in Florida, so I feel like. Like, they were complaining about the heat, but I was like, I'm not. I don't know. I don't know.

[Brooke]

Okay, sorry. So you. He only packed what was on the bed, but his outfits were great. You guys did, like, the outfit video? I was like, okay, Ryan.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that was Tokyo.

[Brooke]

Once we got to Kyoto, he ran out of outfits.

[Danielle]

He ran out of outfits. Outfit. So we did laundry in each hotel because he was like, I packed the shirts. I was like, brian, those are just the shirts. I was like, you should, but you needed way more shirts. So anyways, the first, like, three nights of the trip, Katie wanted to wait to Kyoto for Jack to wear the blue shirt because she was gonna say, this goes with my dress that she was wearing in Kyoto. And every night, Ryan would come out in this blue shirt. And I was like, ryan, you can't wear that shirt. And he was like, what? The first night, he was like, okay, fine. The second night, he's like, danielle, I'm wearing this shirt.

[Brooke]

What was your reason for why he couldn't wear it?

[Danielle]

Every. It was just like, it doesn't go with my outfit tonight. Doesn't go with my outfit tonight. And he's a champ. Because I'm never that extra.

[Brooke]

I don't think I've ever said that. Is that, like, a phrase that you've used before?

[Danielle]

Sometimes I'm like, if I want a photo.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

But no, I've never said you can't wear that. Because I might say, you should wear this. Like, it would for weddings usually. Yeah, I feel like you guys do that.

[Brooke]

No, I mean, the more. So, like, it doesn't go with my outfit, I guess. No, like, yeah, no, because I.

[Danielle]

And he probably didn't even realize, but that we didn't even take a photo together. So.

[Brooke]

Yeah, Cares.

[Danielle]

So then finally, it was night three, we were in Tokyo, and I texted Katie, Invisible Inc. I was like, they have to wear the blue shirt tonight. Like, I know Ryan's going to try and wear it again, and I can't fight him again. Like, he's going to actually think I'm insane. So she was like, okay, no worries. So that was funny. And the other. Well, it wasn't a prank, but we upgraded their flights on the way back, which I do want to clear up. We made a video about it. People were like, why would you let them be an economy instead? Like, they fully. We all chose what seats we wanted. Like, it's not like Ryan paid for his seat. I paid for mine. Like, it was. We chose that. And people were like, why would you let him do that?

[Brooke]

I mean, I did the same. I. Yeah.

[Danielle]

Ben, by the way.

[Brooke]

Like, yeah, I Did the same thing.

[Danielle]

We just want more things.

[Brooke]

He actually insisted that I don't. He was like, I cannot justify that cost. Like, for you, like, please don't do it. But, like, if you got.

[Danielle]

You got.

[Brooke]

I did get upgrade the first time, but then the way home, like, I fully had that ticket purchased, and I was like, I'm like, I. I want

[Danielle]

to travel this way.

[Brooke]

I'm opting to travel this way. And he's like, I can't justify that, like, for myself, but also, like, for you paying for me. So, like, don't do it.

[Danielle]

Yes. A lot of these guys, like, because even we were booking it. Ryan's like, no, like, me and Jack, like, if you and Katie want, like, me and Jack are fine sitting, like, in the Whatever. So on the way there.

[Brooke]

So crazy that it's like, like, also, like, there's like, you know, you guys don't know. Like, there's different economic situations. Like, you don't know.

[Danielle]

Like, you just don't know. You just don't.

[Brooke]

You just don't know. You just don't know.

[Danielle]

And so I was just like, I'm not going to respond to all these comments, but I was like, on the podcast, I will mention Katie and I upgraded them months ago. Like, we just decided on the way back, honestly, because it was a little cheaper. And we thought, you know, on the way back, I think we'll all want that. And so it was fun surprising them. And the reason they didn't realize, because we were like, how are they going to. They're going to get their ticket and see business class. So on the way to Japan, they were in Premium select and we were in Delta 1. And on the way back, we were on a different kind of airlines that had first class, which was like $15,000 tickets or something. Crazy.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

And then business class. So we told them, we have first class and you guys have business class. So they weren't sketched out. Like, we weren't holding their boarding passes, like, they had them, but they just thought. And then when we boarded, I was like, this is your seat. Which was really fun. It was a nice.

[Brooke]

And can I say something and how nice that you guys appreciate. Like, we've talked about, like, the first class thing and, like, it does feel like everybody's flying first class now. Like, I literally. I see it's an epidemic. It isn't. No. But I'm just like, everybody. Oh, my God.

[Danielle]

Everyone.

[Brooke]

Everyone.

[Danielle]

Like, once you do it, you're like.

[Brooke]

And it's easy to think that and be like, oh, but I think it's so nice that you guys, like, appreciate it and, like. Or you know what? I. And, like, they appreciate it and, like, oh, my God. Like, it's a special, like, memorable lifetime experience.

[Danielle]

They've never flown it before.

[Brooke]

Yes. Like, I don't. I wouldn't say that. It's, like, so regular that it's just like, another flight. Like, whatever. It's like, you, like, appreciate it. And how nice is that to, like,

[Danielle]

to be able to appreciate. It's not like, this is the norm. Like, it's not the norm. It's a big deal that we were able to do that. So.

[Brooke]

And so nice.

[Danielle]

Like, it was really cute seeing him. Like, he kept being like, how much was this, Danielle? You know, same thing. Like, you're saying, Ben, they just, like, they can sleep anywhere. Especially guys just like, I'll sleep sitting up. I don't care. So just let it be known. They like, everyone had their own decisions when you're traveling internationally. Free will.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Especially if you're going on a girls trip. Like, I used to be like, oh, like, I'll. You know, I'm gonna sit here with all my friends. But now I'm like, maybe I would upgrade because I want to.

[Brooke]

And it wasn't your honeymoon. It wasn't like, you know, you like, oh, my God.

[Danielle]

Because your honeymoon, you should be sitting together for sure.

[Brooke]

If anything, I should be more in the doghouse in trouble because it was just Ben and I traveling together. At least the boys had each other in the back. No, I totally was like, we're traveling separately. You know, I do that a lot, so. Yeah.

[Danielle]

And also, like, I still don't think that's weird. Like, he. Ben could have said, no, I would like to do that too. But he was like, please, I would rather be economical. Like, I'm fine. So it's just. It's like everyone has their own fricking preferences of, like, what they want to spend their money on, too.

[Brooke]

That too. Yeah. No, some people are more experience driven, and some people are more, like, mature. Like, I have a material, but, like, I do understand. Like, I can get in that mindset of being like, that's equivalent to. Especially now that I have, like, my condo. I'm like, that's equivalent to, like, a mortgage or a project that I want to do or something. One bidet. Like, it could be the upgrade or the bidet. You know what I'm saying?

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

I feel like you could start thinking like that.

[Danielle]

Exactly. No, that's a good way to put it like, we won't get the first class flights, but we'll get a bidet inspired by Japan when we get home. Yeah, I like that.

[Brooke]

Okay, I want to hear about the X's because. Because this was a crazy experience that you guys had.

[Danielle]

So the first night we were. We didn't have a dinner reservation and which I know, like, you didn't really have dinner reservations, honestly. Right. Like, you guys kind of just like walked in places.

[Brooke]

Yeah, we didn't go to formal place. We did, like very, very casual places, but they were all fantastic. Like, we prioritized once again the food and not like the vibes. Yes.

[Danielle]

And honestly, at the end of the trip, I had said like the last night we had a dinner reservation, we were all like, I don't want to sit at another place. Like, I hate long dinners. I don't want to sit in another fancy place. I honestly just want to walk into a ramen place. So we just ended up canceling it. But so the first night we didn't have a reservation, so we were really panicked because we had just gotten there. We didn't get our bearings yet. And so we like kept walking into these restaurants that didn't have anyone waiting outside and like, maybe didn't have any tables. But like, you know, you don't really wait. Yeah, right. Like, it's like, okay, there's a 10 minute wait. But no, we walked into some of these places and this one place we walked into, the guy goes, no. And if you're not watching on video, I'm doing like a big X with my arms. He was like, no. Like no. No tables or no whatever.

[Brooke]

No.

[Danielle]

And so we were like, okay. And then we went somewhere else throughout the trip. They did the big. This big no. So then we're telling our tour guide this and he goes, oh, you guys got big node. I was like, what do you mean? He goes, there's big no, which is with both of your arms. And then there's medium no, which is like a no, like an X with your hands. And then there's little no, which is a no with your two fingers. And we were like, we got the big no. He was like, I haven't heard of that a lot. Like, that means like, they. They really did not want you. And it's not like we walked in being annoying Americans. We like, Ryan was speaking his Japanese. I think they were just trying. I don't want to deal with that today.

[Brooke]

But yeah, it's like an accept for them. No, I didn't hear of it. To be honest though, we did not. I was thinking about it. I did not have a single drink of alcohol when I was in Japan.

[Danielle]

Oh my God. We couldn't have had more different trips.

[Brooke]

Holy. No, we had very different trips. We had very, very different trip. I did. We just. Yeah. We didn't go to a bar. We didn't drink at dinner. Like we got three matches a day, like for sure. But no, we just. I mean, I. To be honest, Ben and I are not drinkers.

[Danielle]

True.

[Brooke]

Like, we're really not. Like. Yeah, I think we drank on our first few dates because it was like, isn't this what everybody does?

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

But then we got to a point where we're like, oh, we don't have to drink either.

[Ad Voice]

We're safe.

[Danielle]

Yeah, so true. No, honestly. Yeah, I was with like a drinking group, I think. But also it was more. So the boys were just loving the Japanese beer.

[Brooke]

Yeah, there's experience around that too. And like trying drinks and stuff.

[Danielle]

But I just, like, I didn't have any sake. Like I, I had some beer but like even we realized they didn't really have cocktails. Like I couldn't get a Cosmo. Like there was none of that anywhere. So a lot of times I was

[Brooke]

just like house wine or sake.

[Danielle]

Yeah. So like Katie was into the wine and I, I really like Sapporo, which is a Japanese beer. So sometimes I would order that. Cuz you're. Maybe you're hot or you just want something refreshing. But you know, we only had one big like going out night, which was really fun. It was this place called Golden Guy that did look fun.

[Brooke]

We did not do that. Obviously. 6. We didn't go out. But it looked well because it's just

[Danielle]

the two of you. It's like, okay, we could just be together anywhere. But the four of us, we honestly

[Brooke]

were sleeping every night by 10.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that's cool.

[Brooke]

Like, that's why like we got our eight hours. But like it was like, then I would wake up at like five or whatever time.

[Danielle]

I know, I remember too. When you were in Japan, you would be. I felt like you were texting me at all hours too because it is trippy. The time change. It is like 13 hours. So it's like the morning and night is when the us was awake.

[Brooke]

Yes.

[Danielle]

It was also annoying because I was like trying to enjoy my breakfast. But then I'm like, this is when I need to be emailing. Texting you too.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

And then during the day, which I guess is probably better during the day when you're on your tours and stuff. You're like, no one's awake.

[Brooke]

Honestly, it is, it is kind of nice, I guess in that way. That's why it was kind of nice to wake up at like 5:00am yeah.

[Danielle]

Like, oh, I can like get some

[Brooke]

work done, I guess. Yeah. Like answer some emails or whatever.

[Danielle]

That is really nice. But yeah. So you didn't get the little medium big. No, no.

[Brooke]

But also like maybe a group of two is different than a group of four. Like I could see that being.

[Danielle]

Yeah, they were like, like two.

[Brooke]

It's like two bar stools. Like it's easy. Like we had to wait in a lot of line. I mean, I told you there's shines and lines. Like we waited in.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

So many lines, like long. That tested my patience. Like I would. My patience grew on that trip.

[Danielle]

Yes. Now you're a really patient.

[Brooke]

Now I'm just, I can wait on any line. Yeah. Catch me in a line for no reason. I just want to wait in line.

[Danielle]

I know. Our first day in Tokyo, we went to this matcha place Katie wanted to go. Did you go there?

[Brooke]

Cloud Too big of a line actually. We got in the line and they're like, like, no, we're not serving anybody. No, like they were like, actually like this is the end of the line that we're serving. I remember I told you that there was lines for the lines. That was the place that I was like, yeah, I.

[Danielle]

Because we were in line and Katie was like, I wonder if Brooke went here. And I was like, if this is someplace you've seen, I'm sure Brooke went.

[Brooke]

I tried.

[Danielle]

You tried. It was really good. But we, I mean we waited in a 20 minute line and I was like, this is annoying.

[Brooke]

Yeah. There was like one place that was like definitely, like really long line. I can't remember the name of it now, but I remember it was like they use like double the scoops of matcha and I got like a scoop of ice cream on top. Like matcha ice cream and that. I was like, you know what? This is going to be the one that we wait for an absurd amount of time for. How long did you wait for that one?

[Danielle]

20 minutes.

[Brooke]

Oh, that's not that bad.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that was bad. And that was like the biggest line. We waited in line to get in. Leilabo Kyoto.

[Brooke]

See Le Labo. Another line for line. I. I went in, I was like, oh, like I want to shop. And they were like, we're out of tickets for the day. They wouldn't even let me Shop there.

[Danielle]

Is this Tokyo or Kyoto?

[Brooke]

Kyoto. No. So but they would let me go to the back and get a matcha. But then I was like, you know, like peering over, like looking at the perfumes. I was like, can't even buy one even if I wanted.

[Danielle]

Well, honestly, I didn't like the Kyoto specific scent. I really wanted the Tokyo one and I thought I could buy it in Kyoto and I couldn't, so. But Katie and I both found the matcha scent. Really liked. It doesn't smell like matcha, but it smelled amazing. So we, like.

[Brooke]

I've tried that before.

[Danielle]

That one's really nice. Yeah, it's very like different and refreshing. We were watching so many tiktoks. Oh my God. We were watching. Gia Giudice is like, tick tock, haul. We were like, what did everyone get where? Like, we were.

[Brooke]

I love her. She's so, so nice. I want to hung out with her like once, but she's like just so, like, nice. Like, I don't. And I hate that word to describe people because it's like, okay, give me another characteristic. But she really is.

[Danielle]

But that's kind of nice to hear because she's like reality star too. And like, she seems like really cool, calm, collected.

[Brooke]

She like. Yeah, like, she's the type of person you talk to and you're like, wow. You like, you have your together.

[Danielle]

Like you just like you're very whole inside, kind of. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Like maybe I feel like she's really mature. Like I'm talking to someone that's like, you know, like.

[Danielle]

Yeah, a real adult.

[Brooke]

But I like, I'm like older than her. Like.

[Danielle]

Yeah. How old is GIA?

[Brooke]

24 or something. I don't know.

[Danielle]

Iconic.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

You grow up fast. I feel like when you're like on TV and stuff as a kid, I don't know how.

[Brooke]

I don't.

[Danielle]

I didn't follow her storyline like her family, but was she on TV as a child?

[Brooke]

Yes. Yeah.

[Danielle]

You're like, oh, you don't.

[Brooke]

No, no, no, no. There's a whole thing. We'll get into it later.

[Danielle]

You'll give me a problem lesson later. So our tour in Tokyo that we did. I'm sorry, guys, I'm just flip flopping around. It's just going to be.

[Brooke]

I'm trying to think if I have any more questions, but I still have

[Danielle]

like, oh, I kept writing notes and they're like, what's this for? I said gals on the go. But it's actually been helpful because as I've been like, on the Phone with my parents, whatever. I list of, like, random stories. I'm sure a lot of you can relate, but there's just something about getting ready for a night out with the gals that's almost more fun than the actual night out. I mean, we all know I love to throw on some Drake, take my time doing my hair and makeup, and enjoy that, oh, my gosh, that perfect pregame drink. Yes.

[Brooke]

I feel like the perfect, perfect pregame truly sets the tone for the night. And what better way to set the tone than with Malibu Pink. It's truly the best summer. Get ready with me drink. It's vibrant, it's bold, it's got fun new fruity flavors of guava, pineapple, and coconut.

[Danielle]

No, I already know Malibu Pink will be coming with us on all of our girls trips this summer. It's perfect for the girls like us, me, who like to take shots. But if you're not one for shots, it also pairs perfectly with a lemonade for a cute and easy cocktail moment. I feel like I. I would do the shot. You would do like the cocktail?

[Brooke]

Yeah. I'm definitely going to be sipping it as a mixed drink. But while I get ready, also, it's like this gorgeous, vibrant pink color. We talk about it. You guys know that's my favorite color. Scream summer.

[Danielle]

And with rooftop season here, you guys, I know, you know, we all know Brooke really wants me to throw a rooftop party at my apartment. Call back to a few episodes ago. Malibu Pink will be there as my get ready with me hype up drink.

[Brooke]

This is making me very excited for summer. Get ready with Malibu Pink. Find Malibu Pink at a retailer near you. Must be 21 or older to purchase. Please drink responsibly. For additional information, visit Malibu.com and follow @Malibu Drinks us on IG or at Malibu Rum on Tik Tok.

[Danielle]

Must be 21 or older. To purchase. Drink responsibly. Malibu Pink white rum with tropical liqueur, 21% alcohol, volume 2025. Imported by Pernod Ricard USA New York, NY Park. It's moving season. So many of my friends are moving. I don't know about you. Like, it's that time. The leases are up.

[Brooke]

Yeah, people are upgrading. Yeah. Moving up. Moving out.

[Danielle]

Yeah, people are upgrading. Some people have to move for jobs. Some people are moving really fast. So they kind of, like, need to get things right away. And buying furniture can be very, very expensive. Delivery. Don't even get me started on delivery times.

[Brooke]

No, no, no, no. I'm like, not. How could you Wait six months for a couch? That's insane.

[Danielle]

I did that once.

[Brooke]

Dude, that is so crazy. It's crazy. And you don't have to do that with Court Furniture rental. They help people furnish homes, apartments and temporary spaces without the stress, the waste or that big upfront cost. And they understand how chaotic moving can be. It really is like such a stressful time and they've built a smarter way to furnish your space without the stress, the waste or that cost. And truly, you don't have to have any buyer's remorse from like buying that expensive couch, anything. It's just furniture rental that works for whatever chapter of your life you're in.

[Danielle]

And one thing I love about Court is that they also have different styles. So it's very stylish, it's very durable, but they have different vibes. You know, if it's more of this vibe, you can go for that. It's not like this one size fits all. You can actually still go and kind of pick out what you, what you're wanting for your apartment, which is really nice because then you show up on moving day and it's all there, ready to go. You don't have to put it together.

[Brooke]

It's seriously such a simple three step plan. You're going to choose a curated move in ready package or create your own custom package, pick a delivery date and then Court is going to deliver everything and set it up so when you walk in, your place is already done. Like that sounds, sounds amazing.

[Danielle]

It really is. Like honestly, you should enjoy moving day again. You should enjoy your new space, whether it's, you know, maybe for a few months for a job or training or whatever it may be. So rent [e-mail] podcast that's C-O-R-T.com podcast supplements, supplements, supplements.

[Brooke]

Like the world of supplements is so confusing to me. I feel like I could be like a little like skeptical, you know, like, and I feel like a lot of like the supplement, supplements, like I'm like, is this even for women?

[Danielle]

Like, no, literally. Because women's nutritional needs, they change across your menstrual cycle, I've recently learned. So. And there's no product that's really addressed to that until daily basis, which is great.

[Brooke]

It's just biology.

[Danielle]

I know. Be built for female biology.

[Brooke]

Yeah. Which is so nice. How nice is it to have a product that's really built for us?

[Danielle]

Yeah. And I feel like you especially like you get skeptical and me too about supplements and stuff. But it's nice once you finally understand that your nutritional needs actually shift across your cycle. And that's why Daily Basis works so well. It's like, oh, like they're doing this. Like they really have a lot of thought behind it.

[Brooke]

Yeah. So they have an amazing cycle routines. And this is a daily multi plus powder supplement that's designed for menstruating women. So it's super simple. You literally do just do powder and water, but it's like in two phases that's designed to align with your hormonal phases of your cycle. So they've got the replenish, which is like days 1 through 14 of your cycle and they've got balance, which is days 15 to 28. But once again, it's just that one stick pack a day, mix it into some cold water, and then you switch formulas when the cycle shifts. Like it. It couldn't be easier.

[Danielle]

Couldn't be easier. And it's formulated with an OBGYN, Dr. Christy Evans, plus functional medicine doctors, registered dietitians, dermatologist, MDs, holistic nutritionists. So you really can trust them. Gals on the go Audience gets a special offer 30 off your first month with code gals at dailybasis life.com or go directly to daily basis life islife.com gals so there is a Duncan near our podcast studio. And Brooke and I went the other day and it was just the perfect, like ice cold, refreshing beverage I needed.

[Brooke]

Exactly. Like in this heat wave. Like, that's what I want. And honestly, like, I want a refresher. Like, you know, because I have my coffee in the morning, like midday, I want that refresher. And these drinks are packed with bold, fruity flavors that are served ice cold. It's literally the perfect afternoon. Pick me up.

[Danielle]

Like, they're so good. The one you had the other day looked amazing. I recently tried the mango pineapple. Unreal delicious.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I'm like a strawberry dragon fruit. They've also got the pink pineapple that I tried. And you could try your favorite flavor with green tea sparkling water lemonade or Duncan's all new limeade. So you could really custom get custom here.

[Danielle]

The gals love custom. I personally go for sparkling water because you guys know I like, love that mix. But if you don't want to build your own, you can try one of Duncan's curated refreshers, like the fruit punch lunch. Actually, I need to try that one next. I don't think I've tried that one. Or the black cherry daydream.

[Brooke]

Yeah, I like a little extra caffeine in mine, so I, like, do, like, the green tea base.

[Danielle]

Does that make sense?

[Brooke]

Look, I want a midday boost.

[Danielle]

Yes. Like, I want to feel good.

[Brooke]

Yeah. And I. I just love how Dunkin Refreshers, like, they. They just do it all. They really, like, they cool you down. It's like a sweet treat.

[Danielle]

They're pretty colors, and it's, like, makes a cute little Instagram story.

[Brooke]

I feel like if you're working in office, like, go take your little walk. Go get your Duncan. Like, it just recharges you.

[Danielle]

Gosh, I get so happy when I walk through the doors of Duncan. So head to Duncan today and find your favorite refresher. Duncan Refreshers contain less than 1% fruit juice. Limited time offer. On our tour in Tokyo, it was technically an architecture tour they call or Culture and architecture tour. So we sit down, and for like, the first hour, like I said, he gave us, like, cultural lesson, but we sit down, he goes, so who's the architect here? We were like, none of us. Yeah. It's like, I work in. You know, I just said, I work in fashion. Katie's like, I like art. And he just seemed so surprised that there was no one in art. But, like, wasn't your tour probably an art or. I don't know.

[Brooke]

No, we didn't do any art tours. No, no, no, we didn't.

[Danielle]

It wasn't art. It was architecture, I guess architecture, because we're looking at the shrines. But it wasn't like, look at the way the corners are. Like, you know, it was more so

[Brooke]

like the, like, history. It was. I would say our tours were history tours.

[Danielle]

That's what I think, too. So I don't know why. It was just not really the architect here. We're like, yeah, so maybe he flipped it around because that. But okay, that was funny. Oh, one day I really had trouble. So we ate a lot of steak because Katie and I don't eat seafood. We did a lot of, like, wagyu steak, beef tabanyaki, which was really fun.

[Brooke]

The best also. It's so good.

[Danielle]

It's so good.

[Brooke]

Like, now, eating it here. Not to be like that, but no,

[Danielle]

you know, you know, you know.

[Brooke]

If you know, you know, isn't it. You eat it here. You're like, it's not like Japan.

[Danielle]

It's not like we were eating our Trader Joe's steak the other night, and I was like, this. This isn't the wagyu. But I did lose my appetite at one point because. And I don't get weird like this, but they brought out a diagram Of a cow. And like, like, you're eating the rump now. And I got nauseous. I was like, I'm gonna need to take a quick break because we did hot pot one night, which is so fun. Have you ever done that?

[Brooke]

No.

[Danielle]

In the city. I think it's actually Chinese, technically, like, where it came from. Oh, my God. It's so fun. You, like, cook your meat in. In oil. You did some sort of cooking for yourself thing at one point, or no.

[Brooke]

Maybe right in front of us. It was like the tapanya, but, like, it was legit. There was no show, but it was, like, legit right in front of us. Did you do that?

[Danielle]

Yes, yes, we did that too. Okay, so anyways, yeah, so I just, like, lost my appetite for a second because I was. But everyone else in my group was loving it. They're like, okay, so this is the. Whatever Ryan was eating, like, chicken kneecaps. Like, I was losing. Like, I was like, this is tough. But everyone else seemed to, like, like, wear the cow. Like, what part of the cow we were eating.

[Brooke]

I just like to know I appreciate people who can, like, really immerse themselves. Like, I feel like Ryan got the full cultural experience.

[Danielle]

He really did. He wore his Japanese or we wore our yukatas. I know, because if you say at the Ryokan. Ryokan, they make you wear, like, the traditional outfits, right?

[Brooke]

Yeah. We only, like, we don't wear regular clothes the entire time.

[Danielle]

Yes. So we didn't do that. We didn't have enough time in our trip. But the Kyoto hotel we stayed at, they had us wear these certain outfits to breakfast, which was fun. And Ryan's like, no, we're putting these on. And he would eat the Japanese breakfast, which was like, you know what? You sent me a photo of. Oh, my God. I was like, this is.

[Brooke]

No, it sounds like he really, like, he immersed himself. He did every single thing, which is just. It was all for him. Yeah.

[Danielle]

One thing that was funny, too, is every morning, especially at our Tokyo hotel, which. Oh, my God, our hotel, we stayed at the Janu Tokyo, which is owned by the Amman, but it's just a less. A better price. They're amazing. It was absolutely amazing. Katie and I actually went to the Amman for a spa experience. I liked our hotel better. Like, the Amman. And, you know, I like simple, but it was, like, so minimalistic that it was, like, sad. Like, I feel bad for you.

[Brooke]

Like, you feel like. Because it's just boring. Is it like a sad beige or like, what is, like, the.

[Danielle]

If we're talking, like, it was sad. Sad beige. It was just. It was, like, black and white. And I. I just. I think our spa was prettier. Like, I'm gonna be honest. Like, I. I think it was a great experience. I'm glad we got to go, because I wanted to see what the aman Tokyo was all about, but, like, didn't

[Brooke]

experience this spot while I was there. Like, I. Like, these are things that I just, like, didn't.

[Danielle]

I didn't. I don't think I needed to. Like, everyone says you need to, but I'm also just realizing once I wrote down. But it was honestly a whole story. Like, I. I sometimes get anxious in massages because they, like, they started to wrap me in something, and, you know, I do not like to be heated up. And I guess Katie, during her massage, because we were at the same time, she was thinking, she's like, oh, Danielle's not liking this right now, because that was not communicated to me prior to that was gonna be wrapped in a hot thing. Like, I did not like it. You're really popular. Getting love calls today.

[Brooke]

I think that someone's there trying to pick something up.

[Danielle]

Oh, yeah, we'll deal with it after. We'll deal with it.

[Brooke]

I know. I know that my desk is blowing me up right now. I'm like, no, we're good.

[Danielle]

Phone's off the hook, baby. So, yeah, spa, like, I didn't need to do, but I think some people just appreciate spas more. I just, like, you know, whatever it was, it was really beautiful. But, oh, on the trains, they were taking the subways, which are really easy to use. They really do stay so quiet on there. So, Ryan, I were using the notes app to text or to talk to each other, because I was like, do we get off at this stop? You know, we wanted to be really respectful, and it was crazy. Like, on their subways, like, on our subways, there's ads for things on their subways. It was like, the difference between lying and laying. Educational.

[Brooke]

Yeah, there's. And. Or, like, tips for taking the subway. Like, yeah, it was like, how to be better.

[Danielle]

Like, basically better. Like, I just want to go to Japan. Like, Ryan was like, if I got a job or, like, if, you know, I was on a job, you know, if I had to be in Japan for six months, would you come? I was like, yes. Like, I loved. I loved Japan more than a lot of European countries I've been to. I don't know if you feel the same way. Like, oh, I did do it.

[Brooke]

I really. I like how everything makes sense. That's this. That's it. That's it.

[Danielle]

And it's so clean and everyone. You're right. There really were no trash cans anywhere.

[Brooke]

Like, yeah, they got it because there was an incident. So they don't do that. Like, it's like, a thing.

[Danielle]

What was the incident?

[Brooke]

Like, there was, like, an incident in a subway station at one point, like, with a can. There was, like, you know, something put in a trash can that, like. Yeah. Like, it was like, I'm not gonna scare you.

[Danielle]

Oh.

[Brooke]

But, like. Yeah. And then you start thinking about it, and I'm walking around in New York, and I'm like, oh, my God, there's a lot of trash cans. You know what I mean? Like, it makes you start like, oh, my God. Like, oh, that's why it is really kind of crazy. Like, what, that we have trash cans everywhere? Which, like, yes. To get rid of your stuff. But at the same time, it's like, kind of just like.

[Danielle]

But if we didn't have trash cans,

[Brooke]

people just throw shit everywhere.

[Danielle]

But not in Japan. There really wasn't a thing. We were, like, waiting to get into the souvenir store because, you know, it opened right at 10, and we were the first ones there. And the guy that worked there was out front picking cigarettes out of the gutter. Like, that's how much they care about the cleanliness. Like, he was using a clamp thing. It was just beautiful. Oh, the grapes. Did you ever have grapes while you were there? Oh, if I did, they have these special grapes. The only reason we knew about them is because when we got to our hotel in Kyoto, they're. They, like, had, like, a little welcome thing, as I'm sure they did for you. Like, you know, like, little things. And there was a bowl of grapes. I was like, oh, I'll have a grape. Specifically the purple grapes. These are the best grapes I've had in my entire life. So much so that we had, like a WhatsApp, because, again, we were staying at a really small hotel in Kyoto.

[Brooke]

Yeah, no, they do the WhatsApp thing.

[Danielle]

Okay. Yeah, I, I, we didn't have that in Tokyo, so I didn't know about it. I would literally message them. They'd be like, did they ever call you, Brooke? Brooks on.

[Brooke]

Yeah, yeah. Brooks on Benson. Yeah.

[Danielle]

So they're like, danielle, son, can we prepare anything for new back? And I literally said, can you have a bowl of purple grapes waiting?

[Brooke]

Oh, they weren't asking me, what can we prepare for you? But it was like, if you need something, like, text us. Like, you know. So cute.

[Danielle]

Yeah. We also want another say. Not saying, but we took it from Japan is like, I'd be like, katie's on Jackson, Ryan's on. Like, we've brought it back to. To the States now. Like, text Katie, like, hey, Katie, son. Like, can you send me the Whatever? So that's fun. Brook, son.

[Brooke]

I like that.

[Danielle]

It's like. I think it's their way of saying, like, Ms. Sir. Yeah. In Kyoto, they kept calling me Danielle Salmon. Ryan Salmon, which I guess, Mr. And Mrs.

[Brooke]

But there was some, like, miscommunication sometimes, and they would be like, like, you know, Mr. And Ms. Brooke, like, or something.

[Danielle]

Yeah, that's right. Yeah. We had that happen a few times.

[Brooke]

No, but I was. I was happy with that. I was like, yeah, we're broke. Like, that's what. We're. The group.

[Danielle]

Yeah, we are Mr. Mrs. Brooke Mitchell.

[Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

But those are all my notes. Really? It was just so special, and I'm so grateful I got to go. I'm so grateful that we both got to go so we can, like, talk about it.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

I want to go back, like, immediately, which I didn't know how I'd feel. Like, I thought I'd be like, okay, like, you know, I did my trip.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

And it's gonna be a minute. But, like, I just.

[Brooke]

I want to do. Before I go back to Japan, I want to do more of Asia. Like, that's on that list. Like, I want it.

[Danielle]

That makes sense.

[Brooke]

That would be, like.

[Danielle]

Because you said you had wanted to do Korea, Right?

[Brooke]

I wanted. We wanted to do Korea on that trip, but, like, you.

[Danielle]

But you couldn't have needed too much.

[Brooke]

But. And I wanted to do Singapore. There's, like. You know, I just.

[Danielle]

Like, Asia is, like, Thailand.

[Brooke]

Like, now I. Thailand. I'm a little scared, because. Peanuts.

[Danielle]

Oh.

[Brooke]

So I don't know. Are there a lot of peanuts in, like. Like, in Thai food?

[Danielle]

American.

[Brooke]

I just think American Thai food, there's peanuts and everything. You guys, maybe I'm delusional for thinking

[Danielle]

that, but nothing I eat has peanuts in it. But there is, like, that big peanut dish, amazing sauce or whatever there. That's fair. Especially if that's, like, super common there.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

The language barrier. Understandable.

[Brooke]

No risks.

[Danielle]

No, no risks.

[Brooke]

Avoid the whole country.

[Danielle]

You can go to Korea and Singapore first. Yeah. Yeah.

[Brooke]

Well, anyways, I'm glad that you had a great time. It sounds like it. Also, can we talk about the fact that traveling with another couple, you get the best content.

[Danielle]

Oh, My God, it was incredible. Like Katie took my photos. Like it was great. And Katie just had so many content ideas. I'd cut like we like helped each other out. And also it was really nice traveling with another couple because the few times we wanted to do quote unquote, more girly things, they opted to go. You know, they went to like a sushi conveyor belt for lunch one day, which actually I would have liked to.

[Brooke]

We did that. It was fun.

[Danielle]

That looked cool. They had a baseball game. Okay, cool.

[Brooke]

Perfect.

[Danielle]

But yeah, it was really special and I understand the hype of Japan and I would like to go back.

[Brooke]

That sounds like a plan. Maybe after the wedding we can.

[Danielle]

Yeah, I wanted to go back and do a girls shopping trip.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

Yeah. And I heard there's good shopping in Osaka. Kyoto was like, okay. Tokyo. I found better shopping. Like designer vintage. Wise.

[Brooke]

Osaka's where I got my watch. Like that was.

[Danielle]

Yes. I remember you saying like it was like the last least crowded and stuff. Like yes, I enjoyed so.

[Brooke]

But you know, Japan is awesome and it's so cool that everyone has a favorite different favorite city.

[Danielle]

Yeah.

[Brooke]

Yeah.

[Danielle]

How cool is that? Makes me want to go to Osaka. Well, thanks for listening, Brooke. For To Japan recap. I am also posting a vlog.

[Brooke]

Oh, I can't wait to watch feature film.

[Danielle]

Yeah, it'll probably be a feature film.

[Brooke]

Sure.

[Danielle]

It'll. It'll be up by the time this is up, I assume.

[Brooke]

Hey, let's go stream.

[Danielle]

Yeah, let's go stream. Love you guys. Thanks so much for listening. And Brooke will talk a lot more next week's episode, I promise. Thanks for letting me talk about Japan.

[Brooke]

What do you mean? I talked like the whole. I was like, me too. I did that on my trip.

[Danielle]

Like, yeah, that made it fun. Made it more conversational. So I love you guys very, very much. See you next week.

[Ad Voice]

By.

[Danielle]

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

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[Danielle]

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