Our Story

Koi no yokan perfectly describes the feeling we had when we first travelled to Japan. A quiet certainty that this was a place we would return to. From the very beginning, Japan stayed with us and continues to inspire the way we travel, see and experience the world. We wish everyone the same experience when planning their (first) trip to this magical place on earth.

Venture beyond

Japan has so much more to offer than its well-known cities. What happens when you venture beyond them?

Koi No Yokan is a travel guide built around a carefully curated collection of day trips from Tokyo, Kyoto, Takamatsu, Hiroshima and Takayama. It follows the route of our three-week journey in October 2019, where we travelled nearly 2,000 km by Shinkansen, 100 km by bike, 80 km by ferry, and countless steps along the way.

From quiet countryside and lesser-known art islands to lakes, small towns and mountain trails, this guide brings together places that remain timeless, especially for those wanting to experience Japan through a balance of city, nature and culture.

Our second edition guide includes refined edits, updated practical information and a refreshed selection of images, while staying true to the original journey that shaped it.

Practicalities

Alongside the route, we share practical insights to help you prepare for your journey, from navigating transport and planning your itinerary to understanding some of Japan’s unwritten rules. How to move respectfully through public spaces, and what to do with your rubbish, small details that make a meaningful difference when travelling through Japan.

You’ll also find a short introduction to the Japanese language, as well as a final tribute to one of Japan’s most endearing companions: the Shiba Inu. During our travels, we encountered them everywhere, always reminding us of our own Shiba, Yoji.

Koi No Yokan is not a guide to the latest hotspots or trends. It is designed to remain relevant over time. A guide to return to, revisit, and perhaps pass on to your family and friends.

For now, we invite you to enjoy! Or, as the Japanese would say: tanoshimu! 

Koi No Yokan - Chloë & Jordi
@chloealyshea / @mokyokay