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

Hirosaki 1 Day Itinerary: Castle and Taisho-Era Western Architecture on Foot
Discover how to explore Hirosaki without a car. This practical guide covers Hirosaki Castle, cherry blossom park grounds, retro Taisho-era Western-style buildings, and smooth public transport planning.
Morioka 1 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do in One Day on Foot
Discover how to explore Morioka without a car. This practical guide covers castle park ruins, retro Meiji architecture, the history of Nanbu ironware, literary ties to Kenji Miyazawa and Takuboku Ishikawa, and local noodle delicacies.
Discovering Aizuwakamatsu: The Boshin War, the Tragedy of the Byakkotai, and Aizu’s Samurai Heritage
Planning a trip to Aizuwakamatsu? Explore the dramatic history of the Boshin War, the heartbreaking story of the Byakkotai samurai youths, and the deep-rooted samurai spirit of Aizu.
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.

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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