Welcome to Wander Japan with Me
Japan has a way of making you feel like you still have things to experience no matter how many times you have been. 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 information I was looking for myself. I wanted to know which popular spots were actually worth visiting but also find places that were not as frequently visited. I wanted the practical details, the history, the food, and stories that often get left out of the usual highlight reels or quick itineraries. 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.
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.
New to Wander Japan with me?
Start with these posts:
Beyond Nagoya and Toyota, Aichi Prefecture is a region rich in traditional foods, craftsmanship, and culture. I spend a day in Hekinan meeting the people behind some of these traditions and discovered how they are working to carry them into the future.
After nearly seventeen years of studying, traveling to, and living in Japan, I have been asked plenty of questions about what it is really like to travel and live here. Here are eleven questions I am frequently asked about Japan from unique places and food to biggest tourist miktakes.
Natural disasters can change even the most carefully planned travel itinerary. After an earthquake in Kumamoto changed my Kyushu itinerary, I had to rethink where and how I would travel. Here is how I made the decision, what I considered, and what travelers should know about visiting Japan after a natural disaster.
Latest Posts
Beyond Nagoya and Toyota, Aichi Prefecture is a region rich in traditional foods, craftsmanship, and culture. I spend a day in Hekinan meeting the people behind some of these traditions and discovered how they are working to carry them into the future.
Are you looking for the best day trips from Nagoya? After spending over ten years in Central Japan, I have explored countless destinations around Nagoya. You can experience local crafts, try regional specialities, visit historical sights, and enjoy both mountain and ocean views. Here are the places I regularly recommend.
Most travelers pass through Aichi Prefecture on their way to somewhere else. Those who take the time to explore will find historic castles, pottery, sake breweries, a unique food culture, and much more that many visitors never see. Here are ten places to visit in Aichi beyond downtown Nagoya that are worth adding to your Japan itinerary.
Takayama and Gujo-Hachiman may both sit in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, but they offer different experiences for visitors. One is well-known for its preserved streets and traditional atmosphere, but the other feels like a town shaped by water and local life. After spending a great deal of time in both, this guide breaks down the differences in the atmosphere, food, and experiences to help you decide which mountain town is the better fit for your trip through central Japan.
Central Japan
Beyond Nagoya and Toyota, Aichi Prefecture is a region rich in traditional foods, craftsmanship, and culture. I spend a day in Hekinan meeting the people behind some of these traditions and discovered how they are working to carry them into the future.
After nearly seventeen years of studying, traveling to, and living in Japan, I have been asked plenty of questions about what it is really like to travel and live here. Here are eleven questions I am frequently asked about Japan from unique places and food to biggest tourist miktakes.
Natural disasters can change even the most carefully planned travel itinerary. After an earthquake in Kumamoto changed my Kyushu itinerary, I had to rethink where and how I would travel. Here is how I made the decision, what I considered, and what travelers should know about visiting Japan after a natural disaster.
As a resident of Japan, here is my take on how social media, algorithms, and AI have reshaped how people plan trips to Japan, and why slowing down to wander is still a good thing. I give a few tips on how to make the most of your travel to Japan and point out the pitfalls of allowing the algorithm or AI to plan your travel.
Navigating Beyond the Golden Route
Fukuoka gets plenty of attention for its food scene, but the craft beer culture here deserves its own spotlight. This list covers a range of craft beer bars and shops across the city. It’s a mix of taprooms, standing bars, and hidden local spots that are worth seeking out.
Osaka’s craft beer scene is bigger and more interesting than many visitors expect. It stretches well beyond neighborhoods that are popular with tourists. From tiny neighborhood bars to brewery taprooms, this list covers a variety of craft beer spots in Osaka. There is something on this list for every beer lover. If you enjoy good beer and food, wander off the usual routes to see all that Osaka has to offer.
Tokyo, with its energy and size, is definitely an exciting city for craft beer lovers. Here is my personal guide to some of the city’s craft beer bars and shops. I attempted to list them based on location rather than my personal opinion or rating. While this is far from an exhaustive list, it highlights some spots to sip, savor, and explore.
Looking for craft beer and delicious food in Nagoya? Check out this post about some of my favorite places in the city.
Craft Beer Guides
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I visited two of Oita’s most famous destinations, Yufuin and the Seven Hells of Beppu, to see what they were actually like and if they lived up to the hype I saw online. Find out what surprised me, what I enjoyed, and if I would recommend them.