Having traveled to over 60 countries and worked for six years guiding trips around the world I thought I'd seen it all, yet my first journey to Japan revealed such a distinct culture that I knew I had to go back.
Tokyo, an expansive metropolis, was my introduction to Japan. The city revealed an endless number of things to do, from world class museums such as the Nezu and Artizon, to culinary hotspots based around rich, umami flavors, and countless Zen-like gardens. Venturing further, to Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Hakone, and Naoshima, I gained a deep appreciation for the Japanese people, their customs, and the landscapes they live in. My travels in Japan always leave me with a feeling of Yugen. This is a Japanese saying alluding to the profound and mysterious beauty all around us.
By crafting bespoke adventures to Japan, I get to share all that I love about the country with my clients and hopefully they too return home with gratitude toward the profound beauty of Japan.
Q&A with Kai
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
Hands-down, it would be my first day in Kanazawa, a largely unknown corner of Japan. I spent the morning meandering through Kenroku-en garden, one of the finest examples of the traditional Japanese-style ‘strolling’ gardens. Afterwards, I visited the 21st century contemporary art and DT Suzuki Museum, the former a shining example of Japanese modern art and the latter a museum profiling DT Suzuki, who introduced Zen Buddhism to the West. In the afternoon, I toured the local ninja temple with hidden rooms, secret passageways, and traps. In the evening, I explored the samurai, geisha, and teahouse districts all within walking distance of my hotel. A perfect day in the compact, yet culturally rich city of Kanazawa.
Where would you love to travel next?
Taiwan is first up on my travel bucket list. The country has embraced many cultures, making it a culturally rich cosmopolitan hub. Furthermore, I’ve heard Taiwan has some world-class beaches and hiking. I love countries that offer a variety of food, culture, and topography all within short travel distances.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Get meaningfully lost. I’ve found that my most noteworthy travel experiences have come when I’ve walked out the front door with a vague plan for what I want to do. By starting my day only planning to visit that one must-try restaurant or that one must-visit museum, I leave space for getting lost in discovery. By stumbling into a restaurant that you found in a random back alley, you often can create memories only possible without a strict plan.