Feature Friday: Meet Rhiannon F.

Welcome back to Feature Friday! This week we have the honor of meeting Rhiannon. She’s taking the time to share with us about one of her most exciting trips of 2017. I enjoyed reading about her experience, and she shares various advice and tips for people travelling to this country! Keep reading to find out where Rhiannon went, and the different adventures she went on!

1. Thank you for being a part of Feature Friday. Can you tell us your name and a little bit about yourself?
Thanks for having me! My name is Rhiannon, I’m 25 years old and I have recently developed a coffee addiction. Yes, I know, I’m quite behind on that one. I am also the founder/editor/writer/absolutely everything else for the travel blog Rhiannon Travels, and absolutely love sharing my adventures, tips and tricks with readers from across the world. I travel with my partner, Russell, and we have made a great deal of amazing, lifelong memories together.

2. What country do you call home?

I am born and raised in Adelaide, Australia. I’ve lived here for my entire life, except for a brief 8 month period when we relocated to Alice Springs, Australia for work. I am grateful every single day to live in such a beautiful country. Although one day I hope to travel full-time, I love calling Australia home, and the sense of comfort that I feel living here.

3. Which city[s]/country[s] did you recently travel to?
I’ll use our trip to Japan back in March of this year, as that’s far more exciting than our more recent 10 days in Queensland! We spent a month exploring multiple cities across Japan – Yokohama, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Nagano and ending with 12 days in Tokyo!

4. How long was the journey?
In total, we spent four weeks in Japan. We managed to visit quite a few different cities, and although at times it felt like a very fast-paced trip, I wouldn’t change it for the world! We had a 9 hour stopover each way in Singapore, and looking back, I wish we used that time to get out and do a little bit of exploring.

5. Why did you travel to Japan?
Both myself and my partner became fascinated with Japan after reading about the country, watching videos and seeing glimpses of Tokyo on TV and in movies. I started to do a bit of research, aiming to learn more and work out if previous visitors to Japan enjoyed their time, and I couldn’t find one negative review! My partner loves video games, anime and everything that Japan does best. I love shopping and exploring a new and modern, yet still extremely historic country. It was a win-win!

6. What native dish was your favorite to eat?
Honestly, I’m a pretty picky eater. Most of the time I went with what I knew, and ate more Western cuisine as opposed to Japanese cuisine. I did indulge in quite a bit of Ramen though, and it was delicious! Now that we’re home, I’ve become quite addicted to Sushi (a bit too late on that, aren’t I!), so looking back, I wish I had tried more of what Japan is world famous for: the food! There’s always next time!

7. What was the most unique thing you ate?
While researching our visit to Japan, we came across a very unique, fluffy cheesecake. Everyone who previously visited Japan seemed to love it, so we had high hopes! While in Osaka, it became our mission to find this mysterious cheesecake. We walked up and down Dotonbori’s shopping street many times, before we finally spotted a huge line that had been formed outside one of the stores, and knew instantly we found it. Being spontaneous, we bought an entire cheesecake, and carefully walked it back to our hotel. With high hopes we each cut ourselves a slice, and let me just tell you, we were very disappointed. This cheesecake was like nothing I’d ever eaten before. It tasted like pure egg yolk, and to be brutally honest, it was disgusting! Maybe we got a bad batch, or maybe we’re just not used to Japan’s baked goods, but never again!

8. What was your most unique mode of transportation?

Although not so much unique within Asia, the Shinkansen Bullet Train was a novelty each time we rode it. I had never experienced anything like it, in such a fantastic way! Reaching an average speed of around 320 km per hour (200 miles per hour) and incredible, breathtaking scenery along the way, the Shinkansen is the most unique way to get from city to city within Japan! Each time we rode the Shinkansen, we had a totally different experience. Whether it was a different type of train or different scenery for the duration of our trip, it was definitely my favourite mode of transportation!

9. What was the weather like during your trip?
It was late winter early spring when we visited Japan, so towards the end of our trip we got unlucky with a few days of non-stop rain. However, a large majority of our time spent in Japan was sunny, beautiful spring weather. Cherry Blossom trees were beginning to bloom, with pink and white flowers sprouting almost everywhere we turned. Japan in the spring is absolutely beautiful, and although it can be quite busy, especially at the beginning of April, it’s definitely worth it to see the country blossoming and beautiful petals falling.

10. Where was your favorite place to go in Japan? Why?

My favourite place in Japan was Hiroshima. For a city with such a devastating past, the people of Hiroshima are incredibly kind and welcoming, and the city itself is absolutely beautiful. There’s an amazing peaceful and calm energy no matter where you go in Hiroshima, and the Peace Memorial and Museum are incredibly touching. I loved our stay in Hiroshima, and will definitely try to visit again the next time we are in Japan.

11. What was the funniest thing that happened to you on this trip?
The funniest thing that happened on our trip to Japan, was probably us catching the wrong train, heading in the total opposite direction, on the morning of our day at Universal Studios. At the time it was definitely not funny, since I’m super impatient and wanted to be at Universal Studios like now, but looking back, it’s certainly a funny story to tell. Japan’s train system is actually really easy to navigate. But somewhere amongst the excitement and impatience, we took the total wrong train and had to circle back! Moral of this story: pay attention to signs, and use Google Maps when you’re in a foreign country, kids!

12. Did you learn anything during this trip?
I learned to be patient when it comes to communicating in a language other than English. This was my first time in a non Western country, and honestly, it was pretty difficult at first! Especially the day we arrived, having to communicate in Japanese on no sleep, jet lag and hunger. But I learned quickly to have patience, understanding and remember that I’m not in Australia anymore. It’s up to me to learn the language and be respectful of the Japanese people.

13. What was the best part about your trip?

The best part about my trip to Japan (coming in as a close second after Hiroshima), was visiting Universal Studios in Osaka. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and as soon as I found out about Osaka’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, it went straight to the top of my bucket list. Wandering through Harry Potter World, taking in everything and walking through Hogwarts, was a childhood dream come true!

14. What was the most challenging part about your trip?
The most challenging part about our trip to Japan, was definitely the language barrier. At times it was difficult trying to communicate with Japanese people, especially in cities where English isn’t as widely spoken or understood like it is in Tokyo. Gradually it became easier, and even more so with the Google Translate app. But at first, it was definitely a challenge!

15. What is your favorite picture you took on this trip?

My favourite photo from our trip to Japan, was one my partner took of me at the snow in Nagano. Although I didn’t take this photo myself, it definitely brings back the most memories. Seeing snow had been my dream my entire life. Ever since I was a little girl and watched movies like Home Alone, with beautiful snow falling over New York City. We specifically set aside a few days to head up to Nagano, before arriving in Tokyo to experience snow, and it was definitely worth it! I have so many incredible photos from our trip to Japan, but this was the first that came to mind. Another dream come true, in an incredible country!

16. How does Japan compare to your home country of Australia? Were your expectations met, or did they differ completely?
Before arriving in Japan, I knew there would be a huge contrast between Japan and Australia. Other than language difference, Japan is a very modernised country, especially the city of Tokyo. Australia is a very laid back, relaxed and coastal country. I was prepared for culture shock when arriving in Japan, and was definitely surprised by just how different the two countries are. That being said, I loved the differences between Japan and Australia, and was grateful for the chance to experience such an amazing country.

17. If you were to go to Japan again, what would you do differently?
My partner and I are actually returning to Japan in May 2018! We plan to do quite a bit differently, including taking more day trips during our time in Tokyo. Personally, I intend to eat more of the wonderful Japanese cuisine! We both also plan to save more money before arriving in Japan, so we are able to see and do more than we did on our last visit. There’s an incredible amount of things to see and do in Japan, so the more money we have, the more we are able to experience!

18. If someone else was to go to Japan, what advice or tips would you give them?
The best advice I can give anyone hoping to visit Japan, is to learn some key phrases and words before arriving. Simple things like saying thank you, please, yes, no and excuse me are crucial for smooth sailing communication! Also, if you are planning to visit multiple cities across Japan, purchase a Japan Rail Pass. This will get you on the Shinkansen Bullet Train, which is the best way to travel around the country!

19. Do you have any more travel plans lined up? Where to next?
Our next overseas travels will be to China and back to Japan in May 2018. We have never visited China before, and will be spending time in both Beijing and Shanghai, before heading back to Tokyo for around a week. Day trips from Tokyo are on the agenda, as well as potentially going back to Osaka. Nothing is set in stone just yet, but the thought of going back to my favourite country other than Australia, is extremely exciting!

20. Anything else you want to share about your trip?

Japan is a very unique and amazing country. The people are some of the friendliest I have ever met in my life. Everything you see and do on a daily basis, has a schedule in place and runs to the minute. Tokyo is a must-visit, and will be one of the most modern Asian cities you will ever visit! We had an incredible month in Japan, and I cannot wait to go back to explore more of the country!

Thank you so much Rhiannon for sharing your trip with us! I visited Japan for the first time back in November, and it’s such a beautiful country to experience. I would love to go back during the spring to see the cherry blossom trees, as the pictures as truly phenomenal! That’s amazing that you are going to return in May – I look forward to hearing about that trip as well! I can only imagine how much fun you will have, and of course all the good sushi you’ll eat [now that you know you like it 🙂 ]. When it comes to dessert, I would recommend heading over to the Asakusa District, and finding one of the little dessert shops on the right that sells bean paste pastries. Oh my gosh – so good! Truly life-changing, and it sounds like it’d be a lot better than the cheesecake you experienced! Thanks again Rhiannon for being a part of Feature Friday! It was such a pleasure!

Did you enjoy what you read? Get to know more about Rhiannon!

Rhiannon was born and raised in Australia, and wouldn’t change that for the world. Having many dreams while growing up that related to travel, she decided to make it her goal to tick them all off. Rhiannon works part time in a liquor store, and hopes to one day convert to being a full-time blogger and traveller. Rhiannon travels with her partner, Russell, and absolutely loves making lifelong memories together. Connect with her at the following:

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