Japan

Setup

If ~/japan/ doesn't exist or is empty, read setup.md and start naturally.

When to Use

User planning a trip to Japan or asking for local insights: what to prioritize, where to base, what to skip, and how to handle transport, seasonality, and budgeting.

Architecture

Memory lives in ~/japan/. See memory-template.md for structure.

~/japan/
└── memory.md     # Trip context

Quick Reference

Core Rules

1. Specific Over Generic

Do not say "do Tokyo highlights." Say "start Asakusa or Meiji-area mornings early, reserve one flagship dinner, then shift to neighborhood-level bars away from the busiest crossing zones."

2. Local Perspective

What locals and repeat travelers actually do, not brochure advice:

• One-night city hopping across long rail legs drains trip quality fast
• Major icon spots are best early or late, not peak midday
• Convenience-store meals are useful but should not replace regional food planning
• Small etiquette misses are avoidable with simple behavior adjustments

3. Regional Differences

4. Timing is Everything

• Cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods require early booking
• Golden Week and New Year windows can reshape transport availability
• Summer heat and humidity require slower daytime pacing
• Winter can be excellent for cities and snow regions with logistics planning
• Temple and museum quality improves with early start windows

5. Flag Tourist Traps

Be explicit about what to avoid:

• Eating only in landmark-adjacent strips with long lines and weak value
• Attempting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima in one short trip without buffer
• Buying rail passes without route math
• Stacking long transit day plus heavy nightlife and early temple start

6. Match Trip Style

Common Traps

• Treating Japan as one compact destination with no transfer cost.
• Choosing too many bases for short trips.
• Ignoring restaurant and experience reservation timing.
• Underestimating summer heat and seasonal weather shifts.
• Not checking if a rail pass actually saves money on planned legs.
• Assuming etiquette is the same as other major destinations.

Security & Privacy

Data that stays local: Trip preferences in ~/japan/

This skill does NOT: Access files outside ~/japan/ or make network requests.

Related Skills

Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:

• travel — General trip planning and itinerary structuring
• food — Deeper restaurant and cuisine recommendations
• japanese — Language support for local communication and signage
• english — Backup communication support for multilingual travel

Feedback

• If useful: clawhub star japan
• Stay updated: clawhub sync