From a Holiday to a Life-Changing Journey in Japan

Pavel’s time in Japan didn’t just leave him with memories—it reshaped his plans for the future. The experiences he had, the people he met, and the culture he immersed himself in made such a deep impression that he’s now actively planning to relocate there. Below, Pavel shares the moments and insights that turned a holiday into a life-changing decision.

Q: What made you choose a group tour?
A: The opportunity to visit as many places as possible in an organized manner.

Q: The trip you booked was a guided tour. How did it feel to travel with a guide on this tour? Would you travel with a guide again? Why or why not?
A: Sure I shall travel with a guide. A guide not only describes the history and traditions, but also helps with shopping, advice, organization etc.

Q: How was it joining a trip to Japan as a young adult (18 to 39 age range) traveler? Would you recommend this destination to other young adult travelers, and why?
A: Japan is an incredible country: history, traditions, food, nature, people, everything is on the highest level. Everyone should visit Japan.

Q: Did the tour meet your expectations? Why or why not?
A: Indeed the price of the tour was lower than in the other companies. I think that tour was interesting, including different types of transport (with boats for example) and places (contemporary and traditional).

Q: Would you recommend Bookmundi’s tours to other travelers?
A: For sure, I shall also use it for my next vacation.

Q: What made you choose this trip, and was it for a special occasion (e.g., anniversary, birthday, family reunion)?
A: No, just a usual vacation. I chose it because of the places, duration and price.

Q: Which destinations, cities, or highlights did you cover on your trip, and which stood out the most?
A: In my trip I think I visited more than 10 cities. I liked Sapporo because it is a big city, but prices are not very high and it is not too crowded with tourists.

Q: What was a memorable moment or story from your journey that you’d like to highlight?
A: Hmm, I need to tell you that I liked 2 guides that we had during the trip in Hokkaido, they were awesome. It felt like I traveled with friends.

Q: What were your favorite activities or excursions, and why?
A: Hmm, I would say that I liked the izakayas that we visited in the evenings after excursions. They were incredible. Such places have an unbelievable atmosphere. Also I liked Sapporo because we visited some anime shops with our guide. I can't say which excursions were the best. But definitely there are some boring places that (I think) could be excluded from the list. For example the underground stone cave. Instead of it I would suggest adding some traditional crafts or traditional cooking.

Q: Did you try any local food or cultural experiences that you would recommend?
A: Wow, everything! You should buy and eat everything that you see!!! The quality is incredible!! Usually I don't eat seafood, I hate the taste of it, but in Japan I tried it and found it good!

Q: Did you have any unique interactions with locals, guides, or fellow travelers that made your trip special?
A: Locals are very polite, the only country where you feel yourself in the society with a high level of behavioural education. Also as I wrote before, the 2 guides in Hokkaido were very friendly.

Q: Did this trip change your perspective on the destination, travel, or life in any way?
A: Yes, definitely. I am trying now to find a job in Japan to relocate there, that is how much I liked it.

Q: What was the biggest surprise you encountered during your trip to Japan (positive or unexpected)?
A: Positive. I was surprised that elderly people are still engaged in socially significant work, such as traffic control. I think it helps them to realize that they are still needed by society. Negative: Tokyo night Shinjuku region with drunk people.

Q: Looking back, what was the best part of your entire journey? Do you have a day of your trip that you'd like to relive?
A: I think it was in Sapporo, because of the izakayas, shopping malls, anime shops, and the low number of tourists. If we are speaking about the whole trip (when I had several days by myself, I shall say it was Nara with the deers, Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine!

Q: What would you say to someone considering this tour or destination?
A: I would suggest planning to stay several days in Osaka, visiting Nara, Kyoto and Himeji. And surely to stay in Tokyo for 4-5 days to explore the central city.

Q: Any funny or unexpected stories from your trip you’d like to share?
A: Yes, in the group we had an elderly lady that was so energetic and fast, that sometimes she was a leader of the group, moving in the first line :). So never judge by appearance :)

Q: Any tips or things you wish you’d known before going on this trip?
A: No, the description is very full. Only one thing that I want to highlight. We had an issue with the beds, which was solved by our guide in Sapporo (thanks to him). But it caused some problems. The tour was booked with rooms 2 separate beds, but in some of the hotels rooms with 1 big bed were booked instead. We traveled with my sister, so it was a critical issue. Please check it twice next time.