If you don't take the time to reflect on the things that interest you while traveling, your trip will not be a good one.
OnTrip JAL Editorial Department (hereinafter referred to as JAL): Looking at your Instagram (@manincafe), you seem to be constantly traveling. Do you often travel not only for work but also for personal reasons?
Okamoto Jin (hereinafter, Okamoto): That's right. It depends on the month, but I'm probably on a business trip or traveling for about 10 to 20 days. I've been spending less time in Tokyo lately, so I've been trying to be more conscious of staying at home lately.
Mr. Hitoshi Okamoto
JAL: Why is that?
Okamoto: If you're always traveling, you won't be able to look back on that time. If you don't have time to sit down and read books about things that interest you while traveling, think about them, or sit down and think about them, your trip won't be worth it. I think that's very important.
JAL: It seems that because you have traveled a lot, you have realized the importance of looking back. By the way, many people who are used to traveling tend to pack less luggage, but what about you, Mr. Okamoto?
Okamoto: If I'm traveling around the country by train, I often go with just one backpack. If I'm going on a 10-day assignment, I only bring 3 days' worth of clothes. I check in advance where the laundromat is. I put a small pouch in my backpack for travel, and when I arrive at my destination, I leave my backpack at the hotel or locker and head out into the city with a light load. That's how it goes.
The contents of the small bag she uses when traveling are apparently the same as the one she carries on regular walks.
Okamoto says, "I have a habit of buying a book when I travel." On a recent visit to Hokkaido, he bought "The Triumph and Failure of W.S. Clarke" (Hokkaido University Press).
I do a lot of research on my travel destination, and then I enjoy changing my route depending on the atmosphere of the place.
JAL: How do you prepare and research for your trip?
Okamoto: I'm a worrier, so I do a lot of research (laughs). When I decide to go, I first look for people who are familiar with the destination and ask for their recommendations. Of course, I research the places I've heard about myself. It's not that I like doing preliminary research, it's more of a habit as an editor. If something unexpected happens during an interview, it's the editor who takes responsibility. That's why I want to know as many possible risks as possible in advance.
JAL: So do you often fly on planned routes?
Okamoto: A plan is just a plan. A tour that follows a specific route is not interesting at all, so we change it according to the atmosphere of the place (laughs). We research the points of each area and what is in the surrounding area in advance, so we can respond flexibly.
JAL: That's an ideal, efficient way to travel!
Okamoto: Also, even if there are 10 places I want to visit today, I don't get greedy and stop at about 7. Whether it's beautiful scenery or delicious food, if you experience too many things at once, your memory gets overwritten and the initial excitement fades away.
JAL: I think that ties into what you said about the importance of taking time to reflect on your journey.
Okamoto: That's right. When I travel, I often stay in business hotels, and when I get back to my room, I try to think about the experiences of that day. Of course, my own home is the best, but even when I travel, I return to the temporary home of a hotel to solidify my memories. In that sense, business hotel rooms are all similar in design, and they are very relaxing places.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
