Jason Grant is a Japan travel addict, this is how he saves in Tokyo

This Japan-obsessed traveller spends every day dreaming about his next trip - and has made it his mission to share his insights with others.

Interior stylist Jason Grant loves Japan so much, he’s created an app for those who need a guide and now wants to put his stamp on accommodation there.

I travel… To see and experience new things. If you told me a year ago that I would create a travel guide app for Japan (Jason Japan), I never would have believed you.

Last year I celebrated a big birthday and some of my favourite people conspired together to give me a generous gift of a travel voucher (really the best birthday present ever) so I decided to go somewhere new, where I have never been before. I love a good recommendation and I love to do lots of research and I have landed perkily on the Japan algorithm. Every day I am dreaming about my next trip to Japan. It’s now at the top of my list and most days the only place on that list.

My dream motel project would be… I love working on a motel makeover – The Blue Water Motel in Kingscliff, The Chalet Motel in Brunswick Heads and The Shores in Miami on the Gold Coast are some of my favourite projects I have helped create. My dream project would be my very own boutique stay (in Japan, of course) blending traditional Japanese with just enough modern elements. Jason Japan as a concept has always been bigger than just an app; boutique accommodation is part of that dream and I am a fierce manifesting Aries.

The Blue Water Motel Beach House in Kingscliff, NSW.

Motels or hotels? I always like a mix of high and low. Staying in a traditional ryokan in Japan is my ultimate luxury and not always expensive. With private onsen, tatami floors and in-room dining, it is super-relaxing.

The destination I think is best bang for my buck is… Japan. You can eat and holiday well there very reasonably. My advice is to search out lesser-known neighbourhoods. I will travel across Tokyo for great coffee, a unique art/book/record store or even just to see a cool building. There are hidden gems everywhere to be discovered that are not crowded.

The one thing I always buy when I travel is… I’m a selective shopper. Yes, there are a few visits to Uniqlo and Muji but I like to buy items that are unique and sentimental. On my last trip I purchased a vintage kimono, an art book, and a vintage bird on a log that tweets when you walk past it.

Jason Grant is sharing his love of finding hidden pockets of Tokyo and beyond. Picture: Ryutaro Tsukata

Inside my carry-on you’ll always find… My carry-on case of choice is Monos (in elemental blue) and my carry-on bag of choice the Mr Simple Jasper tote. I’ll take a wool scarf from my friends at Pampa, which is perfect to keep warm on board but also look cool. I always travel with a collection of small crystals (maybe I have lived in Byron too long, LOL).

I am not loyal to one airline because… I will fly almost any airline to Japan.

My number-one rule for flying is… Be polite. Flight crew are angels. We are all getting to the same destination, so let’s make it easy and enjoyable for everyone.

The one song that is always on my travel playlist… One of my favourite things to do while travelling is “Shazaming” my way around, creating a new playlist as I go to cafés, shops and restaurants (usually lots of ’80s and ’90s Japanese pop songs).

My tip for keeping valuables safe is… I keep my wallet and passport close at all times but still check to see that I have them. There was that one time I thought I had lost them in the rush of paying a road toll with coins. I had just left them safely in the rental car console, so check before you panic.

Japan's train system is renowned as one of the world's best.

The city I always use public transport in is… Tokyo, I have been enough times to really know my way around it (it can be overwhelming at first). The train system is epic, efficient and, of course, quiet and very clean but maybe skip peak hour.

My best tip for beating jet lag is… Syncing to local time ASAP, walking, sunshine and a good meal.

The travel app I swear by is… Well, you might have guessed it but my app, Jason Japan, in the Apple app store. We have worked hard to create a guide that you can plan ahead with and also use on the go. The best of Japan in the palm of your hand, with recommendations for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more, with heaps of tips, travels hacks and info before you go.

Originally published as Jason Grant is a Japan travel addict, this is how he saves in Tokyo