Who I am & my story
At 18, I set out with a simple dream: to leave my island home of Réunion (France) and immerse myself in the captivating culture of Japan. What started as a gap year turned into a transformative five-year journey, shaping the way I see the world and redefining my goals.
Growing up in Réunion, an island rich in culture and diversity, I always felt the pull of distant horizons. Japan, with its fascinating traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and unique language, became the ultimate dream. At 18, I made the bold decision to pursue that dream, packing my bags and moving halfway across the world for a year of exploration and learning.
That year in Japan was nothing short of transformative. I immersed myself in the language, the culture, and the daily rhythms of Japanese life. The experience taught me:
Independence: Navigating a foreign country pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow.
Resilience: Adapting to new challenges taught me how to face uncertainty with courage.
The Beauty of Simplicity: From seasonal traditions to everyday kindness, Japan showed me the value of appreciating the small things.
As my gap year came to an end, I faced a tough choice. Staying in Japan wasn’t financially feasible, and I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. I decided to move to Paris to pursue a degree and figure out my next steps.
Paris became a space for reflection and exploration.
I had the opportunity to travel across Europe and discover new perspectives.
Most importantly, I began to understand more about myself and what truly mattered.
After graduating, I realized the traditional 9-to-5 career wasn’t for me. It felt too restrictive, too far removed from the freedom and adventure I had experienced during my travels. Instead, I wanted to build a life that combined my passions:
Travel: Sharing the joy of discovering new places.
Japan: Showcasing the culture and experiences that changed my life.
Content Creation: Using storytelling to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones.
Today, I actually work a lot more than a typical 9-to-5—but I love what I do, and the best part is: I get to decide my own hours.
Returning to Réunion felt like the perfect opportunity to turn my experiences into something meaningful. Now, I focus on:
Creating Travel Guides: Practical and inspiring resources to help others explore Japan.
Sharing Tips: From cultural etiquette to hidden gems, I aim to make travel more accessible.
Telling Stories: Highlighting the transformative power of travel and cultural immersion.
Five years ago, I packed my entire life into a suitcase and made the life-changing decision to move to Japan. The journey was nothing short of magical—every corner I explored, every hidden gem I stumbled upon, and every cultural experience left an unforgettable mark on me. Now, I’m sharing that magic with you.
Leaving behind the familiar to embrace a new culture was both exciting and daunting. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, every experience deepened my connection to Japan. I immersed myself in its traditions, food, and natural beauty, uncovering places that even guidebooks overlook.
When my friends back home begged me to return, I decided not just to visit—I crafted a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for them. Combining my knowledge of Japan with their interests, I planned a journey that blended iconic landmarks with hidden treasures. From bustling city streets to tranquil mountain retreats, our trip was a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
This experience opened my eyes to something greater: I loved helping others discover Japan as I saw it—not just as tourists, but as travelers connecting deeply with the culture and landscape.
Inspired by our adventure, I decided to create a space where I could share everything I’ve learned: the must-visit spots, hidden gems, cultural insights, and practical tips. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or looking for a fresh perspective, my guides are designed to help you experience the country like a local.
Learn how to navigate Japan effortlessly—from transport hacks to finding the best local eats.
Discover spots that bring you closer to Japan’s authentic charm.
Whether you’re a foodie, adventurer, or culture enthusiast, you’ll find recommendations that fit your travel style.
Dive deeper into Japanese traditions, festivals, and etiquette.
My goal is simple: to help you create your own unforgettable journey to Japan. By sharing my experiences, itineraries, and insider knowledge, I want to make your trip stress-free, memorable, and full of magic. Whether you’re dreaming of Japan or already planning your adventure, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Japan changed my life, and now I want to help it change yours. Follow me for more travel tips, stories, and guides, and don’t forget to check the captions for detailed insights into each post.
👉 Plan your journey today with my insider guides at Tabimawari and discover the Japan you’ve always dreamed of! 🇯🇵✨