The Day I Quit My Job and Moved to Japan
If you’re new around here, then pleased to meet you and welcome! I’m Ben, a travel photographer and writer based in Tokyo. Over the past five years, I’ve roamed Japan with my camera, capturing everything from craftsmen in remote mountain villages to skyrise hotels in the heights of Tokyo. Over the years, I have built a strong client list of leading tourism boards, luxury hospitality brands, and award-winning global publications.
Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming. Every day, new content floods the internet, making it hard to know where to start. You’ve probably seen viral destinations all over social media, only to be disappointed by the crowds when you finally arrive after a long flight. I know how frustrating that can be – I’ve been there myself!
If you’ve ever:
Felt unsure about who to trust when it comes to creating the perfect Japan itinerary,
Been overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do,
Wondered where you can go to escape the crowds and experience something truly authentic...
Then I’m here to help!
How It All Started
My love for Japan began long before I ever set foot in the country, and it all started with design and architecture. I was working as a graphic designer in London at a design agency with a strong Japanese influence. Over the years, my curiosity about Japanese design kept growing; from the unique artistic island of Naoshima, to Tokyo’s famed architecture, and Japan’s long-standing craft traditions – I was hooked.
In the spring of 2019, I finally made my first trip to Japan. But like so many other travellers, I quickly realised that the tips and advice I had found online didn’t match reality. The "must-see" places were packed with tourists, and it felt like every blog and article recommended the same oversaturated spots.
When I returned home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had unfinished business in Japan. There was so much more to the country than what I had seen, and I was determined to delve deeper. Just a few months later, I made the decision that would change everything. I quit my comfortable job as a graphic designer and moved halfway across the world to start a new life in Japan.
Discover more about hundreds of unique destinations in my brand new guidebook, Views from Japan.
Photography and Travel: A New Journey
Once I arrived in Japan, I dedicated myself to seeing as much of the country as possible. I travelled tirelessly up and down the country. From the natural hot springs of Hokkaido to the white sand beaches of Okinawa, I captured Japan through my lens, immersing myself in its landscapes, culture, and remote destinations.
I spent countless hours researching local publications, reaching out to tourism boards, and seeking out advice from new local friends. My goal was to go beyond the surface and find the real Japan – the Japan that isn’t in every other travel guide or Instagram feed.
Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve explored over 30 different prefectures and collaborated with some of the most respected names in travel. I’ve written articles for award-winning magazines, photographed city guides for national tourism boards, and told the stories of design hotels from Kyoto to Okinawa.
Through my work and travels, I have built a community of over 150,000 Japan-lovers and I regularly share updates here on my blog, as well as my weekly newsletter and Instagram. In addition, I’m the proud author of Views from Japan, a travel guide that has helped more than 4,000 people from 60 different countries create their own meaningful adventures in Japan.
Five years in the making, Views from Japan is a toolkit for anyone looking to go off the beaten path, explore Japan’s unique cultural traditions, and craft a personalised itinerary. Whether you’re looking for remote hot springs, historic towns untouched by mass tourism, or quiet moments of reflection in hidden temples, Views from Japan is designed to help you experience the Japan I’ve fallen in love with.
Looking for travel guides and itineraries? Subscribe to the weekly Views from Japan newsletter here.
Lessons From My Journey
Moving to a new country where you don’t speak the language isn’t for everyone, and it sure hasn’t been an easy ride. There were moments of doubt, long stretches of uncertainty, and plenty of challenges along the way.
This journey has shown me that success comes from taking that risk, from stepping outside of your comfort zone and putting yourself in new environments. If you wait for everything to be perfect before you take the leap, you’ll often never discover what you are truly capable of.
I could've never imagined how my life and career would turn out before I started my photography journey five years ago. I’ve been able to create a living and a career out of what I love, and I am truly passionate about sharing Japan with the world.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the journey we’ll take together. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or you’re a seasoned traveller looking for something different, I’m here to help you discover the Japan that most people never see.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I can’t wait to share more tips, insights, and inspiration with you as we explore Japan together.
Maybe you won’t quit your job and move halfway around the world like I did, but I hope that my experiences can help you have the trip of a lifetime; one that goes beyond the usual tourist spots and gives you a deeper connection to a country we all know and love.
Related post: What Type of Accommodation Should You Book in Japan?
Are You Ready to Discover Japan, Minus the Crowds?
Tired of seeing the same over-crowded locations in Japan? I’ve spent five years exploring all corners of the country and now reveal everything I have learnt in my brand new travel guidebook. In Views from Japan, I take you on a journey through unique architectural destinations, under-the-radar neighbourhoods and timeless countryside hotels, as well as reveal my most trusted insider travel tips and so much more.
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