Mai and Chris Travel | Explore Japan & Beyond with Us!

Welcome to our independent travel platform! We are a cross-cultural couple (Japanese & British) exploring the world at a unhurried, authentic pace. We skip the generic tourist traps to bring you 100% first-hand travel guides, practical transport logistics, budget hacks, and deep-dive itineraries.

Whether you are navigating regional train lines across Japan, searching for historic sake breweries, or planning your next slow-travel backpacking adventure, our guides are built on real experiences(visited more than 100 countries), honest budget breakdowns, and practical transit survival tips.

Upcoming & Ongoing Journeys

Follow our real-time tracks as we pack our backpacks and explore on the ground.

September 2026: 13-Day Northeast Japan (Tohoku) Sake Brewery & Backpacking Tour

We are hitting the rails! Starting from Tokyo, we are navigating through Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata using local train lines and regional buses. Follow our daily updates as we explore historic castle towns, hidden hot springs, and regional boutique sake breweries.

Winter 2026 – Spring 2027: 6-Month Southeast Asia Overland Expedition

Preparing for our major six-month journey across Southeast Asia. We will be sharing step-by-step overland border crossings, local budget eats, slow travel transport routes, and accommodation reviews across the region.

Explore Japan

View All Japan Guides →

Browse Destinations

Popular Destinations

All Destinations

Popular Travel Guides

Travel Resources

Latest Articles

Istanaku Guesthouse 2 Manado Review: Best Value Budget Hotel with Great Location & Early Breakfast
An honest review of Istanaku Guesthouse 2 in Manado based on our stays in December 2023 and 2024. Offers comfortable twin rooms, hot showers, early takeaway breakfast for morning flights, and easy micro-bus airport access.
Turkish Airlines TK1979 Review: Istanbul to London Heathrow (TK Connection Experience)
An honest review of Turkish Airlines flight TK1979 from Istanbul (IST) to London Heathrow (LHR) based on our January 2024 flight. Features insights on UK gate security, inflight breakfast, and service standards.
Turkish Airlines TK509 Review: Jakarta to Istanbul Daytime Flight Experience
An honest review of Turkish Airlines flight TK509 from Jakarta (CGK) to Istanbul (IST) based on our January 2024 flight. Features insights on legroom, Do & Co inflight meals, amenities, and cabin service expectations.
Heaven Premium Hotel Istanbul Airport Review: Affordable Layover Comfort Just 10 Mins from IST
An honest review of Heaven Premium Hotel near Istanbul Airport based on our January 2024 stay. Ideal for a 14-hour layover with underfloor heating, fast Wi-Fi, welcoming staff, and a quick 10-minute taxi ride.
Panorama Backpackers Bunaken Review: Daily Boat Snorkelling & Budget Paradise in North Sulawesi
An honest review of Panorama Backpackers on Bunaken Island, Indonesia. Features full-board stays under Rp 400k, daily boat snorkeling trips to world-class reefs for Rp 50k, and turtle sightings.
Orchardz Hotel Bandara Review: The Ultimate Jakarta Airport Transit Hotel with Free Shuttle & 2:30 AM Breakfast
An honest review of Orchardz Hotel Bandara near Jakarta Airport (CGK). Features free hourly airport shuttles, early 2:30 AM buffet breakfast, clean twin rooms, and excellent transit value under Rp 550,000.
How to Avoid Japan’s Train Rush Hour: A Commuter Survival Guide for Visitors

If you have ever watched videos of white-gloved station staff gently shoving passengers into impossibly packed train carriages, you already know that Japan’s rush hour is legendary. While it is a fascinating spectacle of urban efficiency, actually being trapped inside one of those carriages with a large holiday suitcase is a first-time visitor’s absolute nightmare. […]

Ichinoseki 1 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do in One Day by foot and public transport
Discover the best spots in Ichinoseki accessible by foot and public transport, including the historic town centre, Genbikei Gorge, and Geibikei Gorge. Complete with entry fees, closing days, and travel access from Tokyo.

About Mai & Chris

In Laos

Hi! We’re Mai from Japan and Chris from the UK. We travel independently and share practical travel guides, detailed itineraries and honest advice based on our own experiences to help you plan memorable trips— especially if you’re planning your first trip to Japan.

For more information please click the links below!

Our Travel History Together

Search the Blog

Instagram / YouTube

タイトルとURLをコピーしました