Shinyu Zhou

While studying international tourism in the UK, I once asked my professor, “What does travel mean to you?” “Travel is about breaking down prejudice,” he said, “and helping us truly see one another.” His words have stayed with me ever since, shaping the way I travel and the reasons I set out. Ten years have passed since I graduated in the UK and made Japan my home. I still love wandering down unfamiliar streets, trying something I’ve never tasted before, and listening to people share stories of their everyday lives. These moments—discovered on foot and through all five senses—often become my most vivid travel memories. Here, I share my personal experiences of Japan—the places I’ve explored, the food I’ve loved, and the stories that have stayed with me. I hope they inspire you to discover Japan in your own way and create memories that are uniquely yours.