Japan Travel Specialists

Laura Hagler

I landed in Japan in 2005 and lived and worked in Toyama Prefecture for the next five years. Japan became my second home, and I took advantage of my free time to study Japanese, volunteer in the local community, hike, and travel to all 47 prefectures. I love the various areas of the country for different reasons, but at the moment, am looking forward to discovering more of Hokkaido. The northernmost island has many National Parks, mountains, coastline, and both modern Japanese and Ainu culture as well as nationally renowned seafood and vegetables.

Two of my favorite aspects of Japanese culture are its reverence for nature and its people's overwhelming kindness and respect for others. I've been fortunate to meet some of the nicest people who welcomed me into their homes and lives. By inviting me to be part of their everyday meals, celebrations, and routines I learned to live with the day to day rhythms of the country and seasons along side them. Most people's initial thoughts of Japan are neon lights and hustle of Tokyo, but Japan cherishes its nature through rituals, Shinto religion, and traditional diet in ways most never consider. If you travel to a more rural region, you'll see the mountains, forests, coastlines, and those living in harmony with them.

Laura Roundy

I really enjoyed how efficient and orderly and green Japan is. The transit system is fast and clean and makes it so easy to get around. The people are polite and welcoming and the food is fantastic. I didn't expect so much green space, even in Tokyo. So many parks and gardens and temples to explore. Despite such densely populated cities, you really can find quiet spaces for your moments of zen. Top highlights include exploring the geisha district in Kyoto, doing an Izakaya night in Tokyo, climbing to the top of Miyajima Island, and staying in a traditional ryokan and enjoying the onsen in a hot springs region.

I also highly recommend doing something uniquely Japanese, like watching a sumo match, experiencing a tea ceremony, or visiting an anime studio or a cat cafe. Japan is a fascinating blend of ultra-modern technology and traditional culture and architecture. Tall skyscrapers, robot restaurants, and electronic toilets side by side with wooden houses, ancient samurai castles, and sacred shrines.