My first venture to Japan was studying the language in a sleepy town on Lake Biwa. A few years later, I headed to Tokyo to immerse myself in the capitol’s hectic flow of neon modernity.
Years later, I was shipped off to teach English on a tiny island in the Nagasaki prefecture. I spent many a weekend sampling street food under the warm glow of Hakata’s yatai and getting lost in the bustling city of Fukuoka. I also ventured out to the luxurious onsen and colorful hot spring “Hells” of Beppu, ending up buried up to my neck in warm volcanic sand as I stared out over the ocean.
In my personal travels, I’ve explored numerous parts of Japan spanning from Okinawa to Hokkaido. Though there are countless places I’ve yet to visit there, I’m eager to help others discover the very best that Japan has to offer them.
Q&A with Lydia
What’s the one thing you always pack?
For any trip to Japan, it’s worth investing in a good-quality battery pack. Between translation apps, google maps, and all the fascinating history and bits of information that I find myself researching nonstop, the charge on my phone just can’t get me very far on its own.
Where would you love to travel next?
There's nothing more restorative than leisurely exploring a new hot spring town, and Okuhida Onsen has five. I’d love to escape into the mountains there and take full advantage of all the views of untouched nature from the open-air baths there that I can.
Your best piece of travel advice
Don’t obsess over all the must-dos of Japan. I’ve been so wrapped up in trying to hit as many highlights as possible that I ended up missing experiences that would have resonated much more deeply with my interests and personality. Taking a moment to think about what it is you love about exploring a new place is key to crafting experiences that are as personal as they’re unforgettable.