My love of Japan was first ignited during a year studying abroad at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, southwest Japan. Though I’d been interested in Japanese pop culture since childhood, nothing could have prepared me for the reality of living there — exploring the yatai food stalls in Hakata, discovering hidden shrines tucked between city blocks, and venturing across Kyushu through volcanic landscapes and ancient castle towns.
The deeper I immersed myself in Japanese language and culture, the more I wanted to see. As well as my many trips around Kyushu, I’ve traveled independently to destinations such as Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Nozawa Onsen, Fuji Five Lakes, and of course, Tokyo.
That year abroad sparked both my passion for Japan and for travel planning — and back home, my fascination only grew. Now that Japan is experiencing a new wave of tourism, I’m dedicated to crafting itineraries that let me share the authentic side of the country I love with people ready to discover it for themselves.
Q&A with Grace
What's your most vivid travel moment?
Mount Fuji never fails to take my breath away. It’s often hidden by haze, so every sighting feels like a real treat. The first time was on a bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo with my sister. I woke from a nap to an imposing mountain filling my window. After a quick Google Maps check confirmed that yes, this was indeed Mount Fuji, I immediately shook my sister awake so we could share the view for the 30 seconds we had left.
What tips would you give for people who want to visit your specialty destination?
If you’re moving around a lot, it’s a good idea to use a takkyubin forwarding service for your luggage. Takkyubin allows you to send your luggage directly between hotels, saving you from hauling a suitcase through Japan’s busy (and often massive) train stations. Just keep in mind that next-day delivery is the norm, so you’ll need an overnight bag. This also makes for a good option if you’re traveling somewhere more rural for a couple of days — forward your luggage to your next city hotel while you explore the countryside, and it’ll be waiting for you when you arrive.
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
That’s a tough one, as Japan has so many fantastic regional dishes; it’s very difficult to choose. Since I’ve lived in Fukuoka previously, I’ll answer from that perspective. Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, so it’s always at the top of my list. For the more adventurous, another Fukuoka favorite of mine is motsunabe — a hot pot made of beef or pork offal, stewed with cabbage, garlic chives, tofu and bean sprouts, which you finish off with ramen noodles.