In today’s episode of Passport Diaries, hear from TravelStore’s adventure travel expert Katie Cadar about her recent trip to the far reaches of Japan. Katie shares her experiences aboard a Ponant Cruises expedition ship to tiny Japanese villages that rarely see tourists. She talks about meandering through ancient streets surrounded by Edo architecture while a modern car zips by, being invited into a village chief’s home for tea and cookies while a musician plays a traditional Japanese instrument, taking a Zodiac out to see a huge rock formation in the shape of Napoleon’s head, and so much more. Ryo, the Japan Coordinator for Ponant Cruises, spent three years meeting with village leaders to craft this itinerary and to make sure bringing tourists to these remote villages was not only feasible, but welcomed by the villagers themselves. It is a fantastic conversation with Katie and a great example of getting away from the crowds to connect with another culture. 

Passport Diaries is a travel podcast by TravelStore, here to bring you amazing stories from around the globe from our travel experts and partners.