Hi Reader,

Japan is incredible – but I don’t think it's right for everyone. Now that I’ve had some time (a lot of time, eek!) to decompress and process our trip, I want to give you the most useful thing I can after a trip like this: an honest answer to whether this destination is actually right for you.

Japan is a stunning country on so many levels. The culture runs deep, and the mineral rich onsens run hot. The food is as next level as you’ve heard, all the way down to the 7-Eleven onigiri and bento boxes. And I would go back again in a heartbeat! But I also met travelers who were frustrated, overstimulated, and genuinely would have a better time somewhere else – and that’s worth talking about.

You’ll love it if…

• You want a trip that feels like a culture shock in an incredibly refreshing way.
• You don’t mind taking public transport to get around and really immerse yourself in the way of life.
• You’re traveling as a family with children old enough to appreciate the differences in the way Japanese people live and take something (or many things!) positive away from the experience.
• You are comfortable adjusting on the fly to the changing weather (photos below taken about an hour apart: blue bird to milk visibility without notice). Hire a great ski guide and trust the local knowledge.

It's probably not your best fit if…

• You’re traveling with young kids and need the logistics to be simple – this destination could test your patience.
• You need elaborate European style lunches on the mountain in the middle of the ski day – get used to small, walk-up-and-order noodle and katsu style joints.
• You’re looking for a set it and forget it vacation where you don’t have to think too hard or connect too deeply.
• You cannot embrace the stubborn nature of Japanese culture – it’s a very rules and responsibility-based society. But this is also why you won’t find a single piece of trash on the street or a trash can on the sidewalk in the busiest city in the world!

None of this is a criticism of those frustrated and overstimulated travelers! It's just that there are better destinations for what they're looking for. I'd rather point you there than watch you spend a bunch of money on a trip that doesn't suit you. If you came to me wanting total relaxation with zero logistics to manage, we'd have a different conversation. But if you're drawn to beautiful places with personality, depth, incredible food, and the kind of trip you’ll talk about for years, we know exactly how to plan it right.

Hit reply and tell me where you land! If Japan is on your radar, we'd love to help you figure out if it's the right fit. And if it is, how to do it well. If not, we can pivot!

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Cheers,
Jordan