From Réunion to Japan: A Journey That Changed My Life


At 18, I set out with a simple dream: to leave my island home of Réunion and immerse myself in the captivating culture of Japan. What started as a gap year turned into a transformative five-year journey, shaping the way I see the world and redefining my goals. Here’s how this life-changing adventure unfolded and how it has inspired me to help others discover the magic of Japan.


The Beginning: A Dream of Japan

Growing up in Réunion, an island rich in culture and diversity, I always felt the pull of distant horizons. Japan, with its fascinating traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and unique language, became the ultimate dream. At 18, I made the bold decision to pursue that dream, packing my bags and moving halfway across the world for a year of exploration and learning.


Living in Japan: A Year of Transformation

That year in Japan was nothing short of transformative. I immersed myself in the language, the culture, and the daily rhythms of Japanese life. The experience taught me:

  • Independence: Navigating a foreign country pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow.
  • Resilience: Adapting to new challenges taught me how to face uncertainty with courage.
  • The Beauty of Simplicity: From seasonal traditions to everyday kindness, Japan showed me the value of appreciating the small things.


A Fork in the Road: Returning to Paris

As my gap year came to an end, I faced a tough choice. Staying in Japan wasn’t financially feasible, and I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. I decided to move to Paris to pursue a degree and figure out my next steps.

  • Paris became a space for reflection and exploration.
  • I had the opportunity to travel across Europe and discover new perspectives.
  • Most importantly, I began to understand more about myself and what truly mattered.


Breaking Away from the 9-to-5 Path

After graduating, I realized the traditional 9-to-5 career wasn’t for me. It felt too restrictive, too far removed from the freedom and adventure I had experienced during my travels. Instead, I wanted to build a life that combined my passions:

  • Travel: Sharing the joy of discovering new places.
  • Japan: Showcasing the culture and experiences that changed my life.
  • Content Creation: Using storytelling to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones.


Coming Full Circle: Back to Réunion

Returning to Réunion felt like the perfect opportunity to turn my experiences into something meaningful. Now, I focus on:

  • Creating Travel Guides: Practical and inspiring resources to help others explore Japan.
  • Sharing Tips: From cultural etiquette to hidden gems, I aim to make travel more accessible.
  • Telling Stories: Highlighting the transformative power of travel and cultural immersion.


Why Travel Changes Lives

Travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about growth, connection, and rediscovering yourself. Japan taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you never knew existed. My goal is to help others take that first step, whether it’s through well-crafted itineraries or personal stories that resonate.


Let’s Discover Japan Together

Whether you’re dreaming of your first trip to Japan or looking for ways to connect deeper with its culture, I’m here to guide you. Join me as we explore this incredible country, one story and one adventure at a time.


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Tabimawari

🌍 Adventurer | 🗾 Japan Enthusiast | 🌺 Island Soul


I'm a travel enthusiast hailing from a French island. With a heart full of wanderlust, I embarked on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, where I immersed myself in the captivating culture of Japan for a year. From savoring delectable sushi to chasing cherry blossoms, I'm here to inspire your own Japanese odyssey. Japan is my favorite country I've ever visited. My itinerary guides represent months of planning and research. They include one or many interactive maps, directions, and many tips. They are online version and PDf with all links, and maps that you can add to Google Maps so you can use it in real-time during your trip.


I've taken all of my experiences from my gap year in Japan and my recent trip to Japan and compiled them into these guides, including the lessons learned and what I wish I had known.


✉️ DM or tag me to share your own Japan stories and recommendations. Let's connect and fuel our wanderlust for this fascinating destination! 🌏✨

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