MAGAZINE

The memory of travel is a strange thing—sometimes, it becomes clearer with time. When I was traveling through Japan, everything felt quiet, slow, and kind. But the true meaning of that kindness didn’t fully reveal itself until after the journey ended. In small,...

There are countless reasons why people travel. To see new landscapes, to escape routine, to share time with someone, to reconnect with oneself. But each time I traveled through Japan, I began to feel that this country was a place made for one simple purpose—to breathe...

One morning, some time after returning to everyday life, I found myself sipping coffee and looking out the window when I noticed something—how beautiful the way the wind moved felt. I couldn’t remember the last time I had truly felt that way. I realized it was...

As I boarded the plane at the end of my journey in Japan and watched the city lights fade into the distance through the window, a quiet thought came to me: “This journey may be ending, but it won’t end in my heart.” It wasn’t dramatic sentimentality—just a calm and...

There are journeys that gently nudge someone forward. There are places that quietly embrace you during life’s turning points. For me, Japan was that place. When I first visited, I wasn’t going through any dramatic change in life. But somewhere deep inside, I think I...

As I made my way home at the end of the journey, I found myself turning back again and again at the airport departure gate. There are countries that make you do that—and for me, Japan was one of them. Even without saying, “I’ll come back,” my heart was already acting...

When I look back on my days traveling through Japan, it’s not the dramatic highlights that remain with me, but the quiet afterglow of subtle moments. Rather than famous landmarks, it’s the air of an ordinary street corner. Instead of a lavish meal, it’s the taste of a...

While traveling through Japan, I came to a quiet realization: the beauty of Japan isn’t just found in its scenery or traditions. Yes, the cherry blossoms are breathtaking, and the food is exceptional. But after several visits, I began to notice that something inside...

When I first visited Japan, everything felt new—every corner held surprises, and every moment was filled with wonder. By my second visit, I had gained a bit of familiarity with the surroundings, and I found myself walking at a slower, more thoughtful pace. On the...

I thought, “This might be my first and last trip to Japan.” But once I actually arrived and began my stay, that thought vanished almost instantly. By the time I was on the flight back home, I was already wondering, “When can I come again?” One visit simply isn't...

From the moment I first stepped foot in Japan, I felt the urge to come again. At first, I couldn't quite explain why. Sure, it was fun, delicious, and beautiful—but there was something deeper, a quiet feeling in my heart that made me want to come back. After several...

When traveling in Japan, one of the most unforgettable experiences is sitting down to enjoy an ekiben (station bento) on the Shinkansen. Of course, the sleek high-speed train is comfortable in itself—but the real magic happens when you unpack your ekiben at your seat....

Traveling through Japan, I was often struck by the thought: “This looks just like a painting.” From mountains and rivers to neighborhood streets, shrines, and hidden alleyways, every walk revealed scenes so beautiful they felt made for postcards. It was as if nature...