Yes, This Is My Job: Scenic Breaks, Kobe Steaks

Laidback Log: April 12, 2025

There are days when the day in and out wears me down — when every train, tour, and timeline feels like just another entry in a never-ending spreadsheet. But then, there are adventures like this. Days where I find myself staring out over a port city, eating Kobe beef cooked by a chef who calls me “sir,” and thinking, I can’t believe this is my job.
This Laidback Log is about one of those rare, quiet highs — the kind you almost miss if you’re not paying attention. From early morning sake research to the buzz of Chinatown, here’s how April 12 unfolded.

0000 Getting some sleep

I passed out after drinking one cup of sake — either that was the strongest sake I’ve ever had, or I was just utterly exhausted. Still, before crashing, I managed to reply to a comment on one of my YouTube videos. The commenter found my small channel through this video:

I’ve seen it before, and I agree with a lot of what it says. Don’t blame Japan for your problems. That said, I think Dogen, like many influencers, suffers from a bit of survivorship bias. Becoming successful online changes your perception of what “normal life” feels like.

I’ve been working like hell, and I still feel stuck. I don’t blame Japan. I know where I am is largely the result of my own choices. You can chase your goal nobly and still draw the short straw.

0400 Wake Up

Woke up at 4:00 to study the next day’s locations again. I’d done some research before, but I still didn’t feel confident enough. There’s something about standing in front of clients that makes you want your facts airtight.

0500 Power Nap

Still running on fumes, I slept for another hour. It was hard to get rest — I was nervous about guiding. Honestly, tour guiding reminds me a lot of card games like Hearthstone or Legends of Runeterra.

You build your deck over time — little facts, stories, history bits. And when the moment comes, you play the hand that fits. Sake brewing knowledge at one site can help you guide people at another. The basics stay the same across Japan… it’s just the context that changes.

0630 Breakfast

I eat better at hotels than I do at home. Honestly, too well. Peers down at waistline.

The breakfast spread was solid — I should’ve snapped a photo. I kept studying while eating. Even breakfast has been invaded by the grind during peak season.

0730 Showering and Getting Ready

While showering, I looked out the hotel window and saw Kobe in a new light. It’s a beautiful place — like a blend of Hiroshima and Yokohama. A bustling port, mountains surrounding the city, tall buildings nestled in green. I took a quiet moment to appreciate it.

0800 Heading to Work Early

I made my way to the Port of Kobe early to meet the guests. There were information pamphlets and maps around the port, which I like collecting when I get the chance.

Since I was early, I met with the driver and confirmed the day’s plan. It might sound overkill to kakunin (double-check) everything, but I’ve learned the hard way — it’s better to confirm before going to the wrong place.

0900 Heading to a Sake Brewery

We started off by going to Sawanotsuru Sake Museum. On the way, I shared facts about Kobe, the Edo period, ports, and trade.

At the museum, I picked up more info while sharing what I already knew — how sake was brewed traditionally, and how cultural practices like the sake songs and dances have parallels with things like the water cooling chant in Gunma’s Kusatsu Onsen.

After the tour, we stopped by the tasting area — though I skipped the drinks. I like to stay sharp while working.

1130 Lunch At Misono

We took the bus to Misono, a well-known Kobe beef restaurant.

In my eight years of living in Japan, this was somehow my first time eating Kobe beef. As a self-diagnosed poor person, I usually stick to sliced gyudon. But today, thanks to guiding, I got to sit at the teppan and enjoy a real Kobe beef lunch.

It wasn’t just food — it was an experience. The chef cooked the garlic, vegetables, and beef right in front of me, while we had a short, warm conversation. I looked out over the city from the 8th floor and had one of those rare moments:

In one of my Laidback Log posts, I’ve talked about being happy is a choice. But as I looked out from the 8th floor of that building, eating wonderful steak.

I can’t believe this is my job

LaidbackMarco

1300 Those Who Came Before Kitanocho District

After Japan opened to the world in the late 19th century, foreign ports like Yokohama, Kobe, Hakodate, Nagasaki, and Niigata became centers for trade and foreign settlement. Today, I live in Yokohama — continuing a long history of foreigners in port cities. The Kitano historic district shows what life looked like for those early settlers. They brought furniture, ideas, business, and change. Many were wealthy merchants.

Meanwhile, I’m just a starving ex-ALT with a camera, sketchbook, blog, and a dream. But still — it felt meaningful.

1530 So Flyday Flyday Chinatown

We ended our Kobe journey in Chinatown. The energy was great, though everyone was a little tired by then. I still pointed out cultural similarities and explained the history of Chinese immigration in Japan. It reminded me of one of my favorite city pop tracks.

1700 Hotel Drop Off

I dropped the guests off and got a lift from the driver to the local station. That was surprising — Japanese people usually follow the rules to the letter. Kansai folks really are different. Warmer, somehow.

1730 I’m Taking Another Bullet Train. . . I Should Keep Count

At this point, I’ve taken so many bullet trains that they feel like taxis. Just another ride. But when I step back, I’m still amazed: You can go across a whole country without leaving the ground, in just a few hours. I’ll really miss that if I move back to the States.

2030 Baird’s Taproom Dinner and Beer

I was craving BBQ and beer, so I stopped at Baird’s Taproom on the way home. It hit the spot — although I could have used more brisket for the price.

I tried inviting friends, but everyone was busy. Dave was helping someone with their business and couldn’t make it in time. I ended up filming a cheesy little video about my solo night out.

2200

I stayed out later than expected. By the time I got home it was nearly midnight. I wanted to study, or watch a tutorial — anything to keep building skills.

But the truth is, I’m human.

I needed sleep.

Much Love 💖🩷🩵🦥
LaidbackMarco