For First-Time Readers

 

Why I Started Writing Travel Notes

Travel has always been a passion of mine. Several times a year, the wanderlust takes hold, and off I go. The joy of a trip begins long before reaching the destination; the research phase is exciting in its own right. However, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying too heavily on websites and travel media. While these resources are undeniably convenient, following them to the letter can often halve the true joy of the journey.
One of the primary reasons to travel is to immerse oneself in the unfamiliar and refresh one’s perspective. To achieve this, I believe a certain degree of unplanned spontaneity is essential. Imagine wandering into a local lunch spot on pure instinct and sitting among the regulars. That kind of small adventure often sparks unexpected conversations, surfacing the kind of "living" information you won't find in a guidebook. Those unscheduled stretches of time are, to my mind, the true essence of travel.
To embrace these experiences, two types of "breathing room" are essential. The first is time — not cramming the itinerary so full that there is no room to wander. The second is mental space — a sense of playfulness that keeps the senses sharp and allows you to follow your instincts.
I have come to realize that the joy of travel is most profound when you think for yourself and move under your own power. The experiences born from that independence become a story that belongs to no one else but you.

"Could I create something that gives travelers a nudge toward discovering things for themselves?"

That question is the heart of these Travel Notes. Here, I introduce Japan through my own lens — filtered by my own sense of what matters.
If these articles inspire readers to explore on their own, or to see a place firsthand — if they offer Japanese readers a chance at "rediscovery" and international readers a spark of curiosity — then I will have achieved my goal.
May these words play a small part in a journey that begins on your own two feet.

In gratitude, Naoyuki Ryoso