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

What is Tachinumi? Why Japan’s Standing Bars Are the Ultimate Travel Trend (and Why It’s Not Bad Manners)
Planning a Japan trip? Discover the booming trend of Tachinumi (Japanese standing bars and standing-and-drinking culture) in Tokyo and Osaka, and why it’s not bad manners.
What is Kakuuchi? Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Cheapest & Most Authentic Bar Experience
What is Kakuuchi? Discover how to drink premium cheap sake in Tokyo inside working Japanese liquor stores. Master the rules, history, and etiquette of Kakuuchi bars.
The Practical Beginner’s Guide to Tachinumi & Kakuuchi: How to Sip, Order, and Blend In Like a Local
Want to try Japan’s standing bars but don’t know how? Here is a practical beginner’s guide to Tachinumi and Kakuuchi etiquette, how to order, and how to spot the best local dishes.
Exploring Shirakawa on Foot: A Day Trip Itinerary for History, Ramen & Sake in Fukushima
Planning a day trip to Shirakawa in Fukushima as the first stop of our 13-day Tohoku journey! Discover a walking itinerary covering Komine Castle, authentic ramen, Nanko Park, and a historic brewery, alongside transport options by Shinkansen, bus, or local train.
Is Japan Hard for Vegetarians, Vegans, and Travelers with Food Allergies?
Traveling to Japan with dietary restrictions? Discover the honest truth about hidden fish stock, allergen labelling, essential apps, and practical tips to eat safely and stress-free.
Raja Ampat Snorkelling Guide: How to DIY Kri Island, Nab Boat Rides, and Review of 15 World-Class Spots
The ultimate Raja Ampat snorkeling guide based on 4 separate trips. Learn how to base yourself on Kri Island, hitch rides on dive boats to cut costs, and get a raw, honest review of 15 iconic snorkeling spots, from Cape Kri to Melissa’s Garden.
Nirmala Beach Hotel and Resort Review: Beachfront Stay & Dive Base in Biak, Papua
An honest review of Nirmala Beach Hotel and Resort in Biak, Papua. Run by an American-Indonesian couple, offering beachfront views, spacious rooms, on-site dive centre, and local transport tips.
Studio One Thamrin Hotel Review: The Ultimate Budget Transit Stay Near BNI City Station, Jakarta
An honest review of Studio One Thamrin Hotel in Jakarta. Just a 3-minute walk from BNI City Station (Airport Train), offering clean rooms, friendly staff, and exceptional long-term luggage storage.

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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