Five years ago, I packed my life into a suitcase and boarded a plane to Japan.
No return ticket. No clear plan. Just curiosity and the feeling that I needed to experience the country for myself.

At the time, I had no idea this decision would lead me to create travel guides, help dozens of people plan their Japan trips, and eventually launch Tabimawari.

This is how it happened.

Living in Japan was exciting, confusing, overwhelming, and grounding all at once.

I lived in Kyoto, learned Japanese, and got lost more times than I can count. In train stations. In narrow streets. In temples I hadn’t planned to visit.

But that’s where everything started to make sense.

From Tokyo’s fast pace to the quiet of rural shrines, I began to understand Japan not as a list of places to see, but as a rhythm. A way of moving, observing, and taking your time.

I found places that weren’t in guidebooks, talked with locals, and slowly built my own way of traveling through the country.

A year later, friends asked me to plan their Japan trip.

I didn’t create a checklist itinerary.
I built something personal.

I mixed iconic spots with lesser-known places, added day trips most tourists skip, and adjusted everything to their pace and interests. Transport made sense. Days flowed naturally.

That trip changed everything.

I realized I loved helping people feel confident in Japan. Turning stress into excitement. Helping them feel at home in a country that can feel intimidating at first.

After that, the questions kept coming.

Where should I go in Kyoto?
How do trains work?
How many days per city?
Can you help me plan everything?

I decided to build the guide I wish I had on my first trip.

Something that includes:

• Major highlights without overload

• Local spots you won’t find easily

• Ready-to-use Google Maps

• Clear transport guidance

• Cultural context that actually helps

• No fluff, no filler

I named it Tabimawari, which roughly means traveling in a loop or moving through a journey at your own pace.

Because a trip shouldn’t feel rushed. It should feel like it belongs to you.A year later, friends asked me to plan their Japan trip.

I didn’t create a checklist itinerary.
I built something personal.

I mixed iconic spots with lesser-known places, added day trips most tourists skip, and adjusted everything to their pace and interests. Transport made sense. Days flowed naturally.

That trip changed everything.

I realized I loved helping people feel confident in Japan. Turning stress into excitement. Helping them feel at home in a country that can feel intimidating at first.

On Tabimawari and inside my guides, you’ll find:

• Day-by-day itineraries that actually work

• Interactive maps with more than 1000 curated places

• Cultural tips to help you blend in naturally

• Practical tools to travel smarter

• Content that goes beyond sightseeing

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or just following curiosity, my goal is the same: help you explore Japan with confidence and joy.

I don’t just create guides.
I help you build an experience that feels personal.

Something that saves you time, reduces overwhelm, and lets you enjoy the trip before you even land.

Because travel isn’t about checking boxes.
It’s about creating memories that feel right for you.

Let’s build your Japan trip together.