Japan – Page 2 – Travels With Matt Blog

How Japan Changed the Way I Move Through a City

Before traveling to Japan, I thought I knew how to navigate cities.

I knew how to plan routes, pin destinations, and optimize days so nothing was “wasted.” I moved through places with intent, but also with a quiet sense of urgency — always aware of what was next, what I might miss, and how much ground I could cover.

Japan changed that, all for the better.

What Japan Taught Me About Slowing Down

The end of the year has a way of making people rush.

Everyone starts talking about what’s next — goals, plans, resolutions, big ideas for the year ahead. But as I look toward 2026, I find myself moving in the opposite direction. Instead of speeding up, I keep thinking about slowing down. And once again, that instinct leads me back to Japan.

Japan Is on My Mind This Christmas

Christmas has a way of slowing everything down.

The year pauses for a moment. The noise fades a bit. There’s more quiet time — the kind that lets your mind wander whether you want it to or not. And this Christmas, no matter where my thoughts start, they keep ending up in Japan.

Japan Is the Place That Never Lets Me Go

Why Traveling to Japan Continues to Shape How I See the World

There are places you visit, places you enjoy, and places you remember fondly. And then there is Japan — the place that never really lets you leave.

Thank you, Japan

I returned home a few weeks ago after spending two weeks in Japan, exploring Tokyo, Osaka, and several smaller towns along the way. It was one of most incredible trips I have ever had in my four visits to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The sites, the foods, the places I experienced and the people I met along the way will always hold a special place in my heart. Makiko, Kayoka, Ittaa, Yoshie, Yoshi, Hiro, Yumi, and so many more I can’t list all made my trip incredible. From the knowledge, the care, and stories each one shared along the way made the trip one of the best I have ever taken in my entire life.

My life has not been the same since I got back to the states, with my thoughts always on Japan and missing the world I was lucky enough to live in for two weeks. A piece of my heart is still in Japan and I miss it every day.

Back to Japan: One Week Until My Fourth Adventure Begins

It’s hard to believe, but I’m just one week away from returning to Japan! My suitcase is packed (for now), my itinerary is mostly locked in, and my excitement level is officially off the charts. After nearly two years away — my last visit was in 2023 — it feels incredible to be heading back to a country that never stops inspiring me.

The Final Countdown: One Month to Japan

The countdown is officially on—only 30 days until I travel to Japan! After months of planning and preparing, the trip I’ve been dreaming about is finally within reach. Japan has always held a special place in my heart after several visits, and I can’t wait to experience everything this incredible country has to offer once again.

How to Respectfully Visit Shinto Shrines in Japan

Exploring Japan’s sacred sites is a unique and enriching experience, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette when visiting Shinto shrines. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respectfully interact with shrines while embracing their traditions.

Two Months To Go: Final Countdown to Japan

In just two months, I’ll finally be boarding a plane to Japan—a trip I’ve been planning for months and one that feels like a dream coming true (once again).

From the moment I decided to go, I’ve been deep in research, organizing tours, and mapping out every detail. Now that all of my tours are officially booked, I’m in the exciting phase of final logistics and last-minute planning.

The Countdown Begins: Japan in November!

The countdown is officially on. After months of dreaming, planning, and hoping, my trip to Japan this November is finally becoming a reality—and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you.

Why Are There So Few Trash Bins in Japan? A Tourist’s Guide to Managing Waste

If you’re walking through almost any city in Japan, you’ll quickly notice something unusual—something that’s missing: public trash bins. Unlike many Western cities where you’ll find garbage cans on nearly every street corner, Japan takes a different approach. So, what should you do with your trash as you explore the country?

Navigating the Sake Seas: A Guide to Japanese Drinking Culture for First-Time Visitors

One of the easiest ways to understand Japan isn’t through a museum or a landmark.

It’s sitting down somewhere small, ordering a drink, and watching how the night unfolds.

Japan’s drinking culture has a rhythm to it. It’s social, respectful, sometimes a little loud, and often full of small traditions you don’t notice until you’re in the middle of them.