Let’s Go! To Japan (2024) Board Game

Let’s Go! To Japan is a board game designed by Josh Wood and published by Alderac Entertainment Group. It was released in 2024 and is designed for 1-5 players. The game falls under the categories of card game and travel, and incorporates mechanisms such as closed drafting, set collection, simultaneous action selection, and storytelling. The game is recommended for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Let’s Go To Japan

160 beautifully illustrated activity cards drawn by Japan-based artists

Player boards for tracking itineraries and scores

Two decks of cards, one for Tokyo and one for Kyoto

Train tokens and Favorable condition tokens

Score pad and Travel Journal for tracking scores

Extras like stickers, luggage tags, washi tape, and a furoshiki (especially in the Kickstarter edition).

How To Setup Let’s Go To Japan

To set up the game, each player receives their own board with slots for six days of travel. The board includes a score track, a player aid, and a space to track mood and deposit cards from other players. The Favorable condition tokens are randomly placed on the six days of each player’s board. The Tokyo and Kyoto decks are shuffled and placed on the table, along with the turn tracker. Players then draw initial cards to start their itinerary planning.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection and Programming: Players draw and strategically place activity cards to create their week-long itinerary in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Resource Management: Balance resources to maximize experience while navigating between cities.

Victory Points: Earn points by successfully navigating cities, engaging in favorite activities, and fulfilling personal goals.

Competitive or Solo Play: Play against friends or a “travel agent” in solo mode.

Scoring: Points are accumulated each day by playing “highlight of the day” cards, with the goal of maximizing points by the end of the trip.

Player Experience

Playing **Let’s Go to Japan** is an immersive experience that lets players plan and enjoy a dream vacation in Japan from the comfort of their own homes. The game is particularly enjoyable for those who love planning trips and exploring different activities, from visiting temples and shrines to enjoying local food and drinks. The beautifully illustrated cards and the narrative aspect of describing your day add a charming and nostalgic touch, especially for those who have visited or are fond of Japan.

Pros

Immersive Theme: Great for those who love Japan or are interested in its culture.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines set collection and programming in a fun and strategic way.

Beautiful Components: Illustrated cards and additional goodies like stickers and luggage tags.

Flexible Play: Supports both competitive and solo play.

Educational: Offers a casual way to learn about Japanese culture and attractions.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: Minimal direct interaction between players, which may not appeal to those seeking high player engagement.

Specific Theme Appeal: The game’s theme might not resonate with everyone, potentially making it less enjoyable for those without an interest in Japan or travel planning.

Personal Thoughts on Let’s Go To Japan

**Let’s Go to Japan** is ideal for anyone who enjoys travel, Japanese culture, or planning trips. It is a great addition to game nights with friends and family, especially for those who appreciate a light to medium complexity game. The game’s ability to evoke nostalgia and its educational aspects make it a unique and enjoyable experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for games with high player interaction or complex mechanics like engine building or combos.

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