Japan

February 4–15, 2026

My first trip to Asia brought me to Japan, a country that seems to be at the top of nearly every traveler’s list this year. While February is not the most conventional time for many tourists to visit, it offers one remarkable advantage for those who love the mountains: Japan’s legendary “Japow.” This famously light powder snow arrives from Siberian storms and falls so softly that it often feels like skiing through pillows of fresh powder, rarely turning icy.

Most international visitors seeking this experience head to Niseko, the country’s most well-known ski destination. Instead, I chose a different path. I traveled to Shiga Kogen, a sprawling ski area in the mountains near Nagano, where the experience feels more local and less commercial. I stayed in a traditional ryokan, embracing a slower, more authentic side of Japanese culture while skiing some of the world's best powder conditions.

Beyond the mountains, the journey continued through several of Japan’s most remarkable cities and cultural landmarks. In Kyoto, I walked the paths of the famous Fushimi Inari shrine late at night, when the crowds had disappeared, and the thousands of red torii gates created an atmosphere that felt almost timeless. It was there that I also experienced one of Japan’s most famous culinary traditions, enjoying authentic Kobe beef wagyu paired with local sake and Japanese beer.

Traveling onward, I visited Nara and spent time in the historic deer park, where the city’s famous deer roam freely among temples and visitors alike. In Osaka, I explored the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, a place filled with energy, neon lights, incredible street food, and lively local markets that perfectly capture the city's spirit.

Further north, I traveled to Sapporo to experience the renowned Snow Festival, where enormous snow and ice sculptures transform the city into a winter gallery of art and engineering. The journey concluded in Tokyo, where I met up with a colleague and reconnected with a friend I had first met during a previous trip to the Galápagos Islands, a reminder of how travel often brings people back together in unexpected ways.

Of course, the goal of any trip like this is to see the sights and experience the country. But I believe the most meaningful way to travel is to step slightly outside the typical tourist routine. Rather than seeking out the most photographed restaurants or the places trending on social media, I prefer to wander into a small local restaurant and simply try what the locals are eating. Instead of only visiting the landmarks that appear in every travel guide, I look for museums, historical sites, and quiet streets where the story of a place can truly be understood.

Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from the simplest moments. Ask someone for directions. Start a conversation. Be curious. In many cases, those brief interactions lead to genuine human connections. Travel, at its best, reminds us that the world is not as divided as it often feels when we spend too much time staring at screens.

One of the things that struck me most during my time in Japan was the collective sense of order and respect that defines daily life. Japan is often described as one of the safest countries in the world, and visitors quickly notice that atmosphere. Interestingly, people who travel there often find themselves behaving differently as well. Perhaps it is the environment, the social expectations, or the shared respect for others. But it raises an interesting question: why should we need to travel elsewhere to feel that sense of responsibility? Maybe the real lesson is simply that societies function best when individuals choose to behave with respect and consideration.