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.

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Latest Articles

A Day Trip from Montreal: Walking the Historic VéloRoute d’Argenteuil Along the Ottawa River
Looking for a day trip from Montreal? Read our first-hand guide to walking the VéloRoute d’Argenteuil along the Ottawa River, complete with 19th-century railway and canal history, driving directions, parking tips, and essential summer advice.
Flexible Travel Planning: Our 6-Month Itinerary Through Japan, Indonesia, East Timor & Beyond (Sept 2026 – March 2027)
Planning a 6-month flexible journey from September 2026 to March 2027 across Japan, Indonesia, East Timor, and beyond. Read our detailed itinerary, visa strategies, and tips for navigating Ramadan and Chinese New Year 2027.
Tohoku Sake Brewery Itinerary: Best Local Sake & Breweries to Visit in Northeast Japan
Discover the ultimate Tohoku sake brewery itinerary! Explore top local sake brands and historic breweries across Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata in Northeast Japan.
A Beginner’s Guide to Sake in Japan: What to Drink, How to Choose & Where to Go
Planning a trip to Japan and curious about sake? Written by a UK expat with insights from a sake expert, discover top brews, venue tips, and where to drink.
Following Basho’s Footsteps: A Literary Journey Along Tohoku’s Deep North
Planning a trip to Tohoku? Discover the historic route of master haiku poet Matsuo Basho, from Shirakawa and Hiraizumi to the coastal beauty of Sakata and Kisakata, and see how his poetic journey enriches our modern travel experience.
Kitakata, Fukushima 1 Day Itinerary: Best Route for First-Time Visitors Around Kitakata Station
Plan your Kitakata itinerary with this ultimate Kitakata travel guide. Explore Fureai-dori street, the former Kai family residence, the historic Odatuki Preservation District, historic sake breweries, and local ramen spots. Easily accessible by public transport and walking.
Yonezawa 1 Day Itinerary: Best Route for First-Time Visitors Around Yonezawa Station
Plan your Yonezawa itinerary with this ultimate Yonezawa travel guide. Explore Uesugi Shrine, Denrokuno-mori, the historic Toko Sake Museum, and stunning red-brick architecture. Easily accessible by public transport and walking.
Yamagata 1 Day Itinerary: Best Route for First-Time Visitors Around Yamagata Staion
Plan your Yamagata itinerary with this ultimate Yamagata travel guide. Explore Kajo Park, the stunning Bunshokan, Yamagata Museum of Art, and the breathtaking Yamadera temple. Easily accessible by public transport and walking.

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!

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