Hollywood’s Acting Coach, Bernard Hiller gets a taste of “The Reluctant Traveler” with Cyber Bunny in Asakusa
Cyber Bunny takes Bernard Hiller’s family (sister, daughter, and daughter’s friend) on a full day adventure. Despite his busy schedule, he had only this day to enjoy Tokyo before his intense 10am-6pm workshop the next 3 days.
First stop: Tsukiji Outer Market
Bernard had a bucket list and this was one of the stops. We briefly stopped by Tsukiji Market where he ate the juiciest crab legs and wagyu on a stick. Fresh off the grill!
Second stop: Kiyosumi Garden
This is the most beautiful Japanese garden in my opinion, conveniently in the middle of the city.
You will feel at peace. Be sure to take it all in. Everything here is man-made from the pond to the matsu pine trees to the hill.
Brother-sister pep talks overlooking the beautiful tea house across the pond.
We also stopped by the mochi shop from this scene!
“The Reluctant Traveler” on Apple TV+
It only makes sense for a Hollywood Acting Coach to step inside Hollywood actor, Eugene Levy’s shoes for a day. I took Bernard around just like how I did with Eugene.
Asakusa was a big entertainment district of the Edo period- “The Renaissance of Japan” which was an exciting time for all performance arts and visual arts to flourish.
Third Stop: Asakusa
Incense smoke will detoxify bad thoughts and bruises on your body.
What we did:
Sensoji Temple
Omikuji fortune
Street foods
“Today’s the day where you’ll try something new.””
CB: Have you ever tried matcha beer?
“No… Let’s try it!!!”
Bernard: “I’m in the mood for some ice cream too”
CB: “It’s time for a pick-me-up latte”
Purikura photobooth. Don’t we all look pretty? Us girls had so much fun!
Pre-loved traditional kimono for friends back home
Selfie with Asakusa’s iconic Kaminarimon “Thunder Gate”
Fourth stop: Kappabashi Kitchen Street
Goulda and Elise scored some Japanese knives!
Why was Bernard in Japan?
Bernard Hiller flew from Los Angeles, California to host a 3-day Masterclass for actors and entrepreneurs on November 1-3, 2025. It is such a treat because he works mostly between Europe and the U.S. He spent a few days in Tokyo and then enjoyed the rest of his vacation in Kyoto.
In his workshop, we learned how to be vulnerable by unleashing our inner childhood trauma. It served as a safe space to let out those emotions. On Day 1, it was one hour into class and I was the first one to cry like a baby.
I remember yelling, spilling my darkest thoughts and crying out loud at my partner in class whom I have never met before. It was intense… Bernard brings you back to being a child again.
(I missed Day 2 because I had a tour)
On Day 3, we were able to have a video chat with a casting director and casting agents who gave us advice on how to make it into Hollywood.
“Every opportunity is a choice. There is always room for growth.”
The verdict
Bernard’s class made me step outside of my comfort zone and reminded me to return to being an artist. I have lost this part of me as social media turned me into a creator that creates for the algorithm, but not to the true self. I have forgotten what it was like to be in touch with my emotions.
In Asian culture, we are taught to not express our emotions. To swallow our pride and to learn how to deal with the problem. We are not allowed to show weakness. It is quite exhausting.
To go against society, our parents, our belief systems, means shame of entering a world where you’ll be alone. Japan is especially a special place where we keep our inner thoughts to ourselves.
What I got from the class was to live your most authentic life and follow what your heart tells you.
