Japan has a way of making you feel like you've barely started scratching the surface no matter how many times you've been. That's the most honest thing I can say after my time in Japan. I started coming here in 2010 and have spent the last 16 years returning to, living in (12 years total), and traveling through the country.
I'm Cheyenne. I studied Japanese history in graduate school and originally moved to Japan to deepen my understanding of the language and culture. After three years, I returned to the United States for a career opportunity, but Japan kept pulling me back. I moved back in 2017 and now live in Aichi Prefecture near the Gifu border.
I started this blog as a creative outlet and a way to share the kind of travel experiences I was looking for myself. I wanted to know which popular spots were worth it, but also dive deeper. I looked for the places, stories, and practical details that often get left out of the usual highlight reels or quick itineraries.
This blog is for people who want more than a highlight reel for their trip or to learn more about life in Japan. If you've already been to Kyoto and you're wondering what's next, or you're planning your first trip and you want to understand a place rather than just visit it, you're in the right spot.
Start anywhere below, or use the search bar if you already know what you're looking for.
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Welcome to Wander Japan with Me!
A lot of Japan travel content is created by people who visited a week or two. There is nothing wrong with that. However, living here changes how you travel, what you notice, and what you recommend.
I write from the perspective of a long-term resident with a background in Japanese history. My posts sometimes go deeper, I cover places that don't appear on standard itineraries, and I'm honest about logistics as well as what is worth your time.
I focus heavily on Central Japan since I live here, but I travel widely and write about destinations across the country. History is a major part of how I approach travel because understanding it helps explain why a place is the way it is.
I do not often focus on budget travel. I care more about whether something is worth your time and effort than whether it is just cheap. When there are ways to make a trip more affordable without sacrificing experience, I will include them.
The guides and itineraries are built for first-timers who want depth and repeat visitors who want to go beyond the obvious. If that is you, the sections below are good places to start.