3 Months In Japan - Without A Plan
[NOTE: This is an older post, but I've left it here unchanged to provide some historical perspective on my personal journey. I'm working on a major update to this post. In the meantime, if there's anything I can help you with feel free to contact me here, or check out my Japan Travel Store.
If you're looking for more practical help planning a long trip to Japan, check out the Further Inspiration section below.]
In a few days my wife and I will be returning to the land of the rising sun. To live there for 3 months in Japan. (This has been a long time coming!)
Ironically, although it will be the most amount of time I've spent in Japan in one trip, I basically have no travel plan.
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Revisiting Kyushu
Well, that's not entirely accurate. We do have an itinerary taking us up until Christmas - which revolves around revisiting the southern island of Kyushu - which I'm really looking forward to.
But, that aside, nothing else it yet planned or booked. (I haven't even ordered my Japan Rail Pass yet.)
Relaxing in a garden on Sado Island
Start to a new life
For a bit of a control freak like me, 3 months in Japan without a plan is quite a big deal.
But that's because this trip is not a holiday. It's the start of a new life.
"But that's because this trip is not a holiday. It's the start of a new life."
One where we split my time between Japan and the UK. (I left my job in October, so I can dedicate all my time to The Real Japan.)
And because we'll be there for so long, we can plan once we're there.
I've a few ideas of new places I want to see, and there are some friends I'd like to meet up with.
Of course, I'll be Tweeting, YouTubing, Facebooking, etc as we go along, so you can see how this new adventure develops and turns out.
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How would you approach 3 months in Japan without a plan? Leave a comment below...
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
Resources
Further Inspiration
A selection of posts and resources I offer that will help inspire you and plan your own journey...
The Real Japan Store
My online Store includes books, guides, audiobooks, and more designed for making trip planning easier:
Browse The Real Japan Store
General Trip Planning Ideas
How To Plan A Trip To Japan In Just 4 Steps!
5 Essential Things You Need BEFORE Going To Japan
Japan Rail Pass Ultimate Guide
Japan - Why You Need To Go Beyond Tokyo
Cheap Accommodation
How To Stay In A Decent Cheap Hotel In Tokyo
Not Being Able To Speak Japanese
How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese
How The Japanese Anticipate Other People's Needs
Visiting Japan Without Speaking Japanese
Visiting in Spring for Cherry Blossoms
Spring: Cherry Blossom Party Time!
Enjoying Different Regional Food
Eating Your Way Around Japan
Discovering Okinawan Food and Goods
How about you? Are you happy travelling without a plan - or do you feel the need to have a carefully considered and worked out itinerary in advance? I'd love to hear from you - please leave a comment below.
