Japan Travel Expert

Follow the Torii Gates!

This spring I was invited to tour Japan with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). I was one of eight advisors chosen from hundreds of applicants.

On our trip, I was accompanied by a JNTO leader, logistics head, and professional guide to see the absolute best of Japan and learn all the details of traveling throughout the islands. We got into all the nitty-gritty details, such as visiting each train ticket office in the Tokyo Rail Station.

History and Art: Mountainous Shrines and Islands of Art

I knew to expect colorful shrines and towering temples, and I wasn’t disappointed. Fushimi Inarti Shrine in Kyoto, with its long tunnel of bright orange torii gates, is an absolute must-see. The gates form a 2.5 hour walk to the top of the mountain! I also loved exploring the Asakusa district around Sensoji Temple. There are so many great little shops, and I pulled “The Best Fortune” omikuji!

I didn’t know to expect Japan’s strong contemporary art scene. I explored the contemporary art museums of Naoshima Island. Yayoi Kusama’s famous pumpkins greeted us at the pier. Then we delved into the Benesse House Museum and Chichu Art Museum. Both museums focus on the relationship between the natural outdoors and museum indoors. The Chichu Art Museum was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Most of the museum is underground, and exhibits play with light to make you think open corridors are walls.

Food and Culture: Continuous Dishes and Rich Traditions

Wow. Wow. Wow. Talk about melt in your mouth delicacies. I grilled my own Hida Wagyu beef, savored sushi right next to the Tsukiji Outer Market, and boiled tofu in the hot pot while a geisha performed. And then the geisha beat me at Konpira. Japanese style means many little dishes that go on FOREVER! I tried so many amazing combos with a glass of sake or plum wine.

The restaurants reflected the unique charm of their location. After a snowy morning exploring the adorable silkworm houses of Shirakawa-go in the mountains, a warm seat around a grill fire was perfect. A delicate meal focusing on local vegetables was lovely before walking through Kenrokuen Garden. We also toured Yachiya Sake Brewery, a 250 year old brewery, and tasted their different sakes.

Planning Your Own Japanese Adventure

Never been to Asia before?

Japan is the perfect place to start. If reading about my Japanese journey has ignited your wanderlust, I'd love to chat with you about it!

Feel free to reach out to me, and we can discuss all the exciting possibilities and practical tips to make your adventure truly unforgettable. Whether you're interested in exploring shrines, getting out into the mountains, walking the alleys of Shinjuku, trying street food, or relaxing in an artistic island escape, I'm here to help.