not the usual
Japan travel blog
lessons learned. life lived. memories made.
a different direction
May 2024, I spent three weeks in Japan, a big-ass dream come true. Unlike most tourists, however, I did not go to Kyoto and Osaka; I headed the other direction, to Tohoku. I rode trains of all kinds, and I did a lot of walking. I saw a few major tourist sites – Mount Hakodate, and it was so worth the crowds – but mostly I saw things most visitors do not.
I also learned a lot about traveling in Japan. Because I traveled alone, and because I did a lot of backpacking, I cannot say much about how to survive touring the Golden Triangle. But I learned a lot about Japan travel in general, and I’ll share those lessons. Maybe they’ll help you.
Above all, I hope I inspire you to look north for your next, or first, trip to Japan. From Nikko to Aomori, Hachinohe and Miyoka, not to mention the gorgeous mountains of the inland, Tohoku will amaze you with its beauty, its people, and its variety.
Not to mention, you’ll have space and time to enjoy it all. You’ll save money, too, which will help you have a bit more fun in Tokyo. Because, yes, of course; I did go to Tokyo. And I loved it!
There’s a ton of blogs and YouTubes about Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, but precious few about the rest of the country. That’s my focus here, which makes this blog unusual. I think you’ll enjoy it.
