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

Irigo Apartment Hotel Hirosaki Review: Comfort and Convenience in the City
We stayed at Irigo Apartment Hotel in Hirosaki. From the double/twin room with a shower to our booking experience via Booking.com on a busy Saturday, here is our honest review of the stay and pricing details.
Hotel Ace Morioka Review: Exceptional Value with Breakfast Included
We stayed at Hotel Ace Morioka in the heart of the city. From the delicious breakfast to the semi-double room, here is our honest review of the experience, including how we secured an incredible deal using early-bird discounts and regional coupons via Japanican.
Hotel Green Arbor Sendai Review: Great Value and Convenient Location
We stayed in a non-smoking double room at Hotel Green Aruba in Sendai. Read our honest review covering room comfort, accessibility, and the 1-night rate via Agoda.
Tokyo to Koriyama via Shirakawa Stopover: Local Train Guide
Tokyo to Koriyama local train guide without the Shinkansen. Explore this slow travel route with a Shirakawa stopover for Komine Castle, Nanko Park, and sake.
Hotel LiVEMAX Fukushima Koriyama Ekimae Review: Comfort and Convenience Just Steps from the Station
Planning a trip to Koriyama? Check out my review of Hotel LiVEMAX Fukushima Koriyama Ekimae. With microwaves in every room and a prime location just 4 minutes from the station, it’s the perfect base for business or sightseeing. Read my honest take on the facilities, comfort, and value.
Air Canada AC5 Flight Review: Montreal to Tokyo Narita
Our Air Canada AC5 flight review from Montreal to Tokyo Narita, covering check-in, seats, meals, Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment and the long-haul flight experience.
How to Find a More Authentic Japan (Without the Crowds)
Planning your first trip to Japan but worried about tourist crowds? Discover practical ways to step off the beaten track and experience authentic Japanese culture, peaceful towns, and genuine local hospitality.
How to Stay Safe and Mind-at-Ease on Your First Trip to Japan
Worried about earthquakes on your first trip to Japan? Learn how Japan prepares for natural disasters, essential safety tips, and helpful apps to keep you safe and confident.

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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