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

Best Matsushima Sightseeing Spots: A Walking and Public Transit Itinerary Without a Car
Discover the best things to do in Matsushima, Miyagi without a car. A complete walking and public transit travel guide featuring top sights like Zuigan-ji, Entsu-in, and bay cruises with fees and access details.
Vega Hotel Sorong Review: 4-Star Comfort & Incredible Buffets Just 500m from Sorong Airport
An honest review of Vega Prime Hotel & Convention in Sorong, South West Papua based on our January 2026 stay. Features a 500m walk to the terminal, outstanding buffet dining, room upgrade experience, and practical transit tips.
Waigo Splash Hotel Sorong Review: Convenient Coastal Stay After Raja Ampat
An honest review of Waigo Splash Hotel in Sorong, South West Papua based on our January 2025 stay. Located 2km from the Waisai ferry terminal, featuring hot showers, strong AC, and room tips.
Oriestom Bay Hotel Manokwari Review: Clean Transit Stay Near Airport with Early Takeaway Breakfast
An honest review of Oriestom Bay Hotel near Manokwari (Rendani) Airport based on our January 2025 stay. Features hot showers, great AC, a 25-minute walk to the terminal, and early takeaway breakfast for morning flights.
Hotel Pelangi Jayapura Review: Clean Budget Transit Stay Just 300m from Sentani Airport
An honest review of Hotel Pelangi near Jayapura (Sentani) Airport based on our January 2025 transit stay. Located just 300m from the terminal with clean rooms, strong AC, fast Wi-Fi, and a free shuttle.
Shiogama Day Trip Guide: Best Things to Do, Sake Tasting & Access from Sendai
Plan your Miyagi itinerary with this ultimate Shiogama travel guide. Discover top things to do, historic Shinto shrines, legendary sake breweries, and easy train access from Sendai without a car.
Fukushima Station Sightseeing: No Car Needed! 7 Great Spots Accessible on Foot and by Public Transport
Discover 7 fantastic sightseeing spots around JR Fukushima Station that you can easily reach without a car, using just trains, buses, and your own two feet. From historic shrines and castle ruins to retro streets, museums, and hot springs, find practical access info and travel inspiration for your next trip.
Nihonmatsu on Foot: A Day-Trip Sake Brewery & Castle Itinerary from Koriyama to Fukushima
Discover Nihonmatsu, Fukushima with this walking and public transport model course. Explore historic sake breweries, castle ruins, and head towards Fukushima Station.

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