A family holiday to Japan made Emma feel like anything is possible, even moving to Japan! That’s where she started filming her experiences and sharing them on her YouTube channel ‘Tokidoki Traveller'. We had a chat about her favourite onsen hot springs and the unexpected theme parks she was totally charmed by.
Hi, thanks for talking to us today. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi! My name’s Emma and I’m an Australian content creator living in Japan. I’ve been here for 6 years now. Along with my own YouTube channel and social media, I also host a channel called “Tokyo Creative Play”. With my job I get to travel all around Japan and show different traditions, culture, and food that each region has to offer.
What drew you to living in Japan? How did you find it?
I visited Japan on holiday with my family a few times before moving here. I enjoyed each trip, but one time I went for a walk by myself and something just clicked. I felt so happy just walking down the street, and I felt really at home. I realised that I could try living here and suddenly it felt like anything was possible and I was so excited. After that I worked on finishing university and moved here straight after finishing.
What inspired you to start your YouTube channel Tokidoki Traveller ?
I watched a lot of ‘J-vloggers’ before moving to Japan. Sharla, Rachel & Jun, Michaela, TheUwagaPies, sooo many. I didn’t think it would be possible to make a living off making videos but I wanted to film and be creative when I moved there. I didn’t know what kind of work and creative opportunities would be available for me when I moved so I knew that I could at least pick up my phone and make something, even if I didn’t speak the language or have any connections yet.
What’s your favourite place to unwind in Japan?
Onsen! The feeling of stepping into a hot outdoor onsen on a cold day is unmatched. I feel like the heat stops my brain thinking of anything and I feel truly relaxed to my bones. I’ve been to good onsen all over Japan, but my favourite would have to be the cave onsen in Hotel Urashima in Wakayama Prefecture. There is a huge cave and many different onsen inside, with a view of the ocean. Hearing the waves crash while you relax in the onsen and look at the night sky is something else.
You have been extensively travelling around Japan. Which place positively surprised you the most and why?
Many places are surprisingly good, but the times I’ve been actually surprised is when I’ve come across theme parks that are based on other countries. There’s ‘Huis Ten Bosch’ in Nagasaki - a Dutch theme park. ‘Spain Mura’ in Mie Prefecture, ‘Ueno German Culture Village’ in Miyakojima, and so many more. They always catch me by surprise. I remember kayaking in beautiful clear ocean water in Mie surrounded by Japanese scenery, then a giant colourful pirate ship popped up in the distance. It was part of Spain Village, and I want to say it sailed around the bay, but really it jetted. It was motor powered and I’ve never seen a ship that size goes so fast. It felt very out of place but honestly gave me a laugh. If you come to Japan and want to see Japan’s interpretation of another country, definitely check out a theme park like that, they’re super fun.
What places or experiences would you recommend to people visiting Japan in winter?
It depends what you’re into! If you’re into skiing then going north to Hokkaido, maybe Niseko or Hakuba are safe bets I hear. I went snowboarding in Niigata once which was beautiful. Traveling a bit further out and seeing the snowy countryside is the best thing to do I think. Eat lots of dried persimmons and hot sweet potatoes, and have some oden. Also in Hokkaido there is a place called Otaru, they have a canal there that looks beautiful in winter. Also Ginzan Onsen is beautiful in winter, it’s a small onsen hotel town that looks amazing in the snow. Gotta book a hotel before you go though!
Thank you!
