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

Raja Ampat Packing List: Essential Travel Gear for Remote Island Homestays

Raja Ampat is a magnificent marine region, but staying at remote island homestays (such as on Kri Island) is a genuinely rustic experience. The most important rule to remember is that it is impossible to buy daily necessities once you leave the main hub. These islands have no convenience stores or pharmacies. Fresh water and […]

5 Magic Japanese Phrases for Your First Trip to Japan
Don’t stress about learning complex grammar! Master these 5 simple, high-impact Japanese phrases to show respect, ask for help, and connect with locals smoothly.
Is English Spoken in Japan? How to Survive Without Japanese
Worried about the language barrier? Discover how much English is spoken in Japan, why a smile connects with the local culture, and how to use Google Lens smoothly.
How Long do I Need for a Trip to Japan? (An Honest Budget of Your Time)

If you are currently staring at a calendar trying to map out your very first journey to Japan, you have likely run into one of the biggest planning dilemmas: “How many days do I actually need to spend there?” You want to experience the futuristic neon lights of Tokyo, the historic temples of Kyoto, and […]

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Japan? (A Practical Guide)
Wondering if the tap water in Japan is safe to drink? Discover the honest truth about Japan’s world-class water safety, public fountains, and how to save money.
Is Japan Safe for Solo Travelers and Families? (An Honest Guide)
Wondering if Japan is actually safe for your next trip? Discover the real-world safety landscape for solo travelers, women, and families, plus crucial tips.
How to Book Tohoku Hotels for Half Price: Early Bird Discounts & Regional Coupons via Japanican
Planning a Tohoku travel itinerary? Discover how to find cheap hotel deals in Japan using early bird discounts and regional coupons on Japanican.
How Much Cash Do I Need in Japan? (A Practical Guide)
Wondering how much cash to bring to Japan? Discover the exact daily amount you need, what actually requires cash, and why Japan’s unique high ATM limits are a lifesaver.

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

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