About The Japan Travel Blog
Get to know the couple behind the blog.
Konnichiwa! We’re Bailey & Dan
We’re the writers and adventurers behind The Japan Travel Blog.
We started this blog because, well, we love Japan! After exploring the country many times, we realized how challenging it can be to plan the perfect trip — from navigating train routes and booking popular activities to uncovering hidden gems.
That’s why we created this space: to make traveling Japan easier, more enjoyable, and a whole lot less stressful.
Japan has quickly become one of the world’s most popular travel destinations — and for good reason! From its incredible food and culture to its stunning scenery and modern convenience, it’s a country that truly has it all. But with its growing popularity comes new challenges: things book up fast, crowds can be intense, and planning ahead is more important than ever.
That’s where we come in. Whether you’re searching for the steamiest onsens in Hakone, ancient temples tucked away in Kyoto’s backstreets, or the perfect Tokyo hotel with skyline views — we’ve been there, experienced it, and can’t wait to share it with you.
Here, you’ll find detailed travel guides, itineraries, hotel and tour reviews, and insider tips that only come from exploring Japan firsthand. We don’t just write about Japan — we live and breathe it.
Ready to start planning?
Our Story
We’re a married couple whose love story has always revolved around travel. We met while backpacking through Europe in 2013 — Dan from Australia, Bailey from Canada — and instantly hit it off.
After a year of long-distance messages, Bailey moved to Australia on a working holiday visa, and the rest is history.
Since 2014, we’ve been traveling the world together and turned that passion into full-time travel blogging. Alongside this blog, we also run others about different destinations around the globe.
Our first trip to Japan was years ago when we were true backpackers — living out of our packs, eating street food, and staying in hostels. These days, our travel style has evolved. Now in our 30s, we love great food, good sake, and a comfy hotel bed.
We’ll happily splurge on memorable experiences like private onsen stays or incredible guided tours.
That shift helps us connect with travelers of all styles and budgets — from first-timers to seasoned explorers. Japan has become our favorite place to return to again and again. With Dan’s family in Australia and Bailey’s in Canada, Japan often becomes our perfect halfway meeting point — and each trip only deepens our love for it.
No matter how many times we visit, Japan continues to surprise us. There’s always more to see, more to taste, and more to fall in love with.
About Bailey
One half of The Japan Travel Blog.
Hi, I’m Bailey
I’m the detailed planner of the duo — the one who loves to know everything before visiting a new place or trying something new. I grew up in Edmonton, Canada, but I haven’t lived there for over 10 years.
Since then, I’ve been exploring the world and eventually settled in beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand. However, recently, Dan and I bought a home in Canmore, Canada and now live there.
I do everything with a smile, but I’ll admit — I often get nervous before stepping into the unknown. That’s part of why I connect so deeply with other travelers, especially those exploring Japan for the first time.
Bailey’s Japan Favorites
🍰 Favorite Japanese Food:
Soufflé pancakes! They may not have originated in Japan, but you’ll find them everywhere — and the Japanese absolutely love them (and I don’t blame them one bit!). Visit THE PARK Café at Lake Yamanaka for fluffy pancakes with an incredible view of Mount Fuji. Just be sure to get there early (right at opening if you can!) to avoid waiting in line for hours.
🍣 Most Memorable Experience in Japan:
Joining this food tour in Tokyo! It was one of my very first experiences in the city, and what a wild introduction — exploring the markets, tasting unique dishes, and soaking in all the energy. I wish I could experience that tour again for the first time — it was such a rush!
🏯 Favorite Hidden Gem:
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan — a cozy, family-run ryokan in the heart of Nagano. It might not be totally secret, but with just a handful of rooms, it feels like one. The hospitality is wonderful, and the dinner is honestly one of the best I’ve ever had in Japan. Just make sure to book early here — it fills up fast!
🌸 What Keeps You Coming Back to Japan:
There’s always something new to discover! Even after exploring so much of the country, my Japan bucket list never seems to get shorter — only longer.
🏙️ Favorite City in Japan:
Sapporo! I love the small-city vibe, friendly locals, and the incredible whisky bars scattered throughout the city.
About Dan
The other half of The Japan Travel Blog.
Hi, I’m Dan
The spontaneous one of the two. Before visiting Japan, I honestly wasn’t sure I’d love it. I’m not a natural planner — and Japan takes a lot of planning! But after that first visit, I was hooked. Now I’m the one refreshing pages to book attractions the second they’re released.
I love Japan for its food — it’s all about quality and care. From wagyu and hand-crafted sushi to ramen that costs just a few dollars, every bite is unforgettable. When I’m not eating my way through Japan, I’m usually playing golf, exploring the countryside, or practicing my (still improving) Japanese with locals.
What keeps me coming back is the balance Japan strikes — the calm of a ryokan or onsen after the buzz of a city. Many think Japan is all hustle and neon, but it’s also deeply peaceful — and that’s what I love most.
Dan’s Japan Favorites
🍜 Favorite Japanese Food:
Ramen — hands down! I could eat it every day and never get tired of it. Each region in Japan has its own take, and I love trying them all.
If I had to pick a favorite, it’s Sapporo-style miso ramen — rich, hearty, and perfect on a cold day. I also love Japanese BBQ, cheese tarts, sushi…I do really love it all!
🎌 Most Memorable Experience in Japan:
Seeing Mount Fuji for the first time. It’s such an impressive volcano, you just have to see it for yourself. This tour from Tokyo is the easiest way to visit.
🏞️ Favorite Hidden Gem:
Kiso Valley. This region feels like stepping back in time — with beautifully preserved Edo-era towns like Magome and Tsumago connected by peaceful hiking trails. It’s quiet, authentic, and one of the best places to experience Japan’s old-world charm.
🚄 What Keeps You Coming Back to Japan:
Japan’s mix of old and new fascinates me every time. One minute you’re walking through ancient temples, and the next, you’re in a futuristic city. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
🏔️ Favorite City in Japan:
Hakone. I love the mountain views, the relaxing onsens, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature while still close to Tokyo. It’s the perfect spot to unwind.
