Why did you choose to visit Japan?
Like most people, Japan has been at the top of my travel bucket list for many, many years now. I actually went to South Korea last year and loved it so much that I knew I wanted to go to that side of the world again. I think the main thing that attracted me to Japan is it just looked like there was so much variety. It has massive cities, beautiful landscapes, chill beaches, islands to explore, traditional old towns… basically a bit of everything. (Oh, and most definitely all the food as well!)
What attracted you to group tour travel?
As someone who primarily travels around her 9-5 job now, it’s amazing how quickly time can disappear from you with other ‘life things’ like jobs, responsibilities, etc. So, I love tour travel because it saves me so much more time than if I had to organise it all by myself. Especially when tours like the Dragon Trip include activities or places that I’d never heard of before, or even thought to do! In turn, it allows you to have some really unique experiences you might not have had if you went on your own. I also have to add that I have also met some of the best people on The Dragon Trip tours which I think make the adventure even sweeter!
What was your favourite thing you learned about Japan on your trip?
One thing that blew my mind was when the tour guide explained how children learn the language in primary, and how they learn three different alphabets – in total, I’m pretty sure he said was over 2000 different characters! I knew they learnt multiple alphabets, but I didn’t quite understand the extent of the characters. To me that is incredible!
Any top tips for travellers going to Japan?
There are probably too many to mention all of them here but, if I had to choose, it would be to download Google Maps. It is SO useful for navigating – especially as it tells you which exits of the train stations to use because sometimes that’s a challenge in itself!
And most importantly, please don’t worry about the language barrier. I know this can be a concern for first timers, but as I said, everything is very easy to use and logical. More importantly, the local people I met in Japan were always extremely kind and very open to helping if you didn’t quite understand. And, if you really get stuck, then Google Translate is also extremely useful! (I only had to use it twice).
Where’s next on your travel bucket list?
I also have way too many of these! 😀 I’ve been extremely tempted by India recently because I’ve been seeing a lot of content about it lately and seen some amazing places – Goa and the chill beach vibes sound ideal right about now! However, as I mentioned I also have a strong tie to Sri Lanka and recently I have felt it pulling at my heartstrings again to go back to it, so we shall see! Maybe flip a coin?
Finally, anything else to add?
Just that Japan is an incredible place, and I can almost guarantee you will fall in love with it and probably want to go back again before you even set foot back in your home country!
Also, if you are looking for more travel tips or travel bucket list inspiration then be sure to follow me on my socials as I share a lot more information there. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself as I love meeting like-minded people and am always happy to answer questions about my travels. I am also working on an exciting new eBook all about first-time travel to Japan so keep your eyes open for that… Happy Travels!
To find out more about Hannah’s travels, follow her on Instagram or TikTok (or both)!