Hey!
My name’s Ana Costa, and I’m the author and owner of Japanhorizon.com.
My goal is to help you discover and understand Japan’s unique culture and beauty, and to help you plan the perfect trip to Japan without spending weeks on research like I did.
A Passion for Japan
I’ve always loved Japan, even when I was a little girl. It wasn’t until later that I realized just how much I love it. When I was seven, I started drawing anime for fun. I was completely in love with all the Japanese anime I saw every day. I loved them so much that I even paused our old VHS recorder to capture the perfect image and sketch it. It drove my parents nuts, but I was completely immersed in that world! I kept drawing for about ten years, but as life got busier, I had to set that hobby aside for a while.
Even though I stopped drawing, I still loved Japan. I read everything I could about Japan: books, specialized blogs-anything that would give me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. I also watched every documentary I could find and spent hours on NHK World. YouTube was another great source of inspiration. I follow many channels to learn more about Japan from different perspectives.
My First Time in Japan
When I finally got to visit Japan, it was a dream come true. Ever since that first trip, I haven’t been able to resist returning. No matter how many times I visit, I always want to go back. As soon as I’m back home, I start thinking about my next trip. Each visit is an opportunity to discover something new. It could be anything from exploring hidden spots to trying unique foods or learning about local traditions.
My first trip, of course, wasn’t without its challenges. Japan’s transportation system was one of the trickiest things to figure out. Now, I love helping others plan their trips because I know how that can be. I enjoy helping others, sharing honest feedback, and giving advice that truly considers travelers’ concerns.
My travel style can be described in three words: discovery, optimization, and tradition. I love finding hidden gems, making the most of my time, and experiencing Japan’s beyond the usual tourist spots. Some of my favorite budget-friendly discoveries are Japan’s incredible 100-yen stores like Daiso, Seria, or CanDo. You never know what you’ll find, and every shop has different treasures.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone visiting Japan, it would be this: get off the beaten path. Tokyo and Kyoto are popular destinations, but there’s so much more to see in Japan. The most memorable experiences are often in places where locals are less familiar with tourists and are genuinely happy to see visitors.
Unforgettable Experiences
One of my most unforgettable nights in Japan was at a small izakaya in Nakatsugawa called Hiramatsu. A Japanese couple sitting next to us unexpectedly gave us a bottle of sake, and from that moment, the entire place felt like a big family gathering. Everyone started chatting, drinking together, and sharing stories. It was a warm and welcoming experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Japan.
I also got the chance to meet an amazing person in Japan: Ichikawa-San. He’s a well-known tea producer with extensive knowledge about Nakatsugawa and its whereabouts. If you want to taste a variety of great tea, you have to visit his tea house!
Learning Japanese
Over time, my passion for Japan evolved. I even started learning Japanese on my own, using mobile apps and websites to make it easier. However, learning on your own can be tough. Later, I enrolled in a special course for adults, taught by a native Japanese teacher. It’s still a challenge, but I could meet other passionate people and that keeps me motivated!
I hope my experiences and insights help make your trip to Japan easier, more enjoyable, and filled with unforgettable moments. If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to help!