How I Turned My Love for Japan Into Unforgettable Adventures (and the Guides to Match)

Five years ago, I packed my life into a suitcase and boarded a plane to Japan with no return ticket and no plan but to follow a deep curiosity. I had no idea then that this decision would lead me to build travel guides, help dozens of people create their perfect Japan trip, and launch Tabimawari.

This is the story of how my love for Japan turned into a mission to help you explore it with confidence, joy, and authenticity.

✈️ From Curiosity to Connection: My First Year in Japan

Moving to Japan was both terrifying and exhilarating. I lived in Kyoto, learned Japanese, and got lost more times than I can count in train stations, in temples, in unfamiliar streets... but also in the beauty of everyday life in Japan.

From Tokyo’s fast-paced energy to the stillness of a countryside shrine, every corner of the country left a mark on me. I found spots that weren’t in guidebooks, spoke with locals, and slowly started to see Japan not as a destination, but as a rhythm to follow.

🧭 The First Adventure I Ever Planned (and What It Taught Me)

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

Instead of a “checklist tour,” I created a personalized adventure: my favorite places, lesser-known temples, day trips that most tourists skip. I blended the famous spots with experiences I knew would resonate with them, their pace, their interests, their travel vibe.

That’s when I realized: I loved doing this. Helping people feel at home in Japan. Turning their stress and confusion into excitement and confidence.

📍 Why I Created Tabimawari

After that trip, I kept getting questions:
“Where should I go in Kyoto?”
“How do I plan my itinerary?”
“Is it hard to take the train?”
“Can you help me make a plan?”

So I decided to build the guide I wish I had the first time. Something that mixes:

✅ Must-see highlights
✅ Hidden gems locals love
✅ Ready-to-use Google Maps
✅ Real transport tips
✅ Cultural context and etiquette
✅ And zero fluff

I called it Tabimawari meaning “travel circuit” or “turning around on a journey” because your trip should never be about rushing from A to B. It should feel like your own path.

🗾 What You’ll Find Here

Here on Tabimawari (and in my guides), you’ll find:

• Step-by-step itineraries that actually work

• Interactive maps with 1000+ curated places

• Cultural insights to help you blend in and connect

• Tools to travel smart: local passes, train tips, hidden costs

• And stories that go beyond sightseeing

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a curious soul, I want to help you travel Japan with confidence and joy.

🌸 Let Me Help You Create Your Japan

I don’t just make guides, I create experiences.
Each one is built to save you time, avoid overwhelm, and make you say, “This feels like me.”

Because travel isn’t about checking boxes.
It’s about creating memories that feel personal.

Let’s build the Japan trip of your dreams, together.