My love of travel initially led me to China to teach English, but while I was there, I had the opportunity to visit Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
During my time in Japan, I was struck by how the country blended tradition and modernity so perfectly together — seeing geishas in traditional kimonos using smartphones, and convenience shop workers bowing respectfully to customers. My first time in Shibuya, Tokyo was the first time I really experienced sensory overload — the dazzling neon lights, the bustle of the city streets, and the delightful smells of unknown dishes left me feeling a million miles away from my old home in the UK. I knew then that Japan was somewhere that I was going to visit again and again.
After returning to the UK, I found Audley, which has allowed me to share my love of travel and help people's dream trips come true.
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Q&A with Matt
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
Everybody’s heard of ramen, but in Japan it comes in many forms. Every city, from Fukuoka to Sapporo has their own recipes and ingredients, but the ubiquitous Japanese noodle shops are an essential stop for any traveller passionate about Japanese food. Just buy a ticket from the machines at the entrance, hand it over to the chef, wait a few minutes and enjoy a bowl of ramen that won’t be beaten back home.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
I remember my first time taking a bullet train in Japan so vividly: the train arrived perfectly on time as expected, and the carriage was peaceful and quiet, but then out of the corner of my eye, I caught a peek of Mount Fuji out the window. As I stared up at its snowcapped peak I was too mesmerised to even take a photo, and it was at this moment that I realised I’d finally made it to the place I’d seen so many pictures of — it was real and right in front of me.
Where would you love to travel next?
Anywhere in South America. It’s a whole continent that many of us in the northern hemisphere don’t know much about, but when I see pictures of the colonial-era cities of Peru, the stunning landscapes of Patagonia and the statue of Christ the Redeemer towering over Rio it makes me want to pack my bags immediately.