Growing up between North Africa, Europe, and the United States, I was no stranger to travel from a young age, yet the ‘Far East’ had always remained a mystery. I was always intrigued by the uniqueness of Japanese culture and as a linguistic anthropology student, I studied the language for four years before embarking on an internship at a Japanese company in Tokyo. For three months, I lived like a local, immersing myself in everyday traditions.
A year later, I returned with a mission to rediscover the country through a traveler’s eyes and uncover the layers of history of each region I visited. I ventured far beyond the capital, retracing the ancient paths through the Japanese Alps, meeting master artisans, dining with sushi chefs, and even trying my hand at Japanese archery.
These experiences sparked a lifelong passion for meaningful travel and helping others experience Japan like never before.
Q&A with Iman
Your best piece of travel advice?
Embrace the unexpected. It can take you to places you could never imagine and create moments you could never plan. When all the restaurants were closed but a small local Izakaya, I met the most interesting characters who ended up paying for my dinner. When I strayed off the path in the Japanese Alps, I discovered two tremendous waterfalls. When I took the wrong turn in Kyoto, I ended up on a hidden lantern-lit alley I would never have found. It’s these unexpected moments that create unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Where would you love to travel next?
As someone who is fascinated by ancient history, I’m incredibly drawn to the Eurasian Steppe that stretches from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. The nomadic peoples of this vast grassland corridor have long played a vital part in connecting the eastern and western worlds. My next dream trip is to embark on a five-day journey on horseback through the mountains and plains of Kazakhstan, following the paths of ancient peoples and immersing myself in the region’s natural beauty.
What is your most vivid travel moment?
I was sitting on a tatami floor, sipping tea as I chatted with a woodcarving master in his home. The afternoon sun filtered through the bamboo shades, illuminating the intricately carved animals scattered around the tearoom. That morning, I’d been wandering through Takayama, a town tucked away in the Japanese Alps renowned for its woodcarving heritage, not knowing I’d be meeting one of its oldest masters. Suddenly, something moved in the garden outside. There, two Japanese serows munched away at a persimmon tree. The room burst into excitement. This was a very rare sight and was deemed good luck.