Alan Williams

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I think that we really shine on visits to lesser-known towns and villages in Japan. If I could reduce this specialty even further, I would have to say islands! Small island communities are great ways to get a feeling for an authentic Japanese lifestyle that does not exist in the cities. Each are great! We have a strong appreciation for both.

May sound a bit strange, but I think I can say that we love trains too! I was born in the US, and so trains aren't really common there. When I came to Japan, I was amazed by the amount of trains that they have and their efficiency! You can take a train, almost anywhere in the entire country, and the themed trains guarantee that your ride will be interesting.

Oh and festivals! Not necessarily music festivals, but matsuri! I don't think anyone should visit Japan without having seen, or participated in a matsuri festival while here. There are soooooo many amazing festivals here that are unlike anything that can be experienced anywhere else in the world. Visiting the festivals also gives you a unique perspective on Japan's spiritual heritage, which is very rich.

So, in closing, we specialize in many things, but if I had to name 5, they would be:

- Islands
- Matsuri Festivals
- Smaller towns, and communities
- Traditional Japanese martial arts
- Japan's pristine Nature locations... going to add a 6th

- Food (we have a whole database of good eats all around the country)"

How did you get involved in travel?

"I worked for a company that offered tours in Japan as their guide for several years. I would often be asked by guests for my recommendations for things to do after the tour and also for activities to do in addition to the ones that were booked for them. A lot of times, people would tell me that my suggestions were more enjoyable than the activities that were planned for them by their agent. I love traveling, exploring and discovering. I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of excitement and freedom when being in a new environment. I'm also very big on photography, so I love finding the beauty in new places. Traveling has opened up my world up to things that I could not have imagined before it, and has matured my world view!

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Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"For Japan, when I first participated in one of Kyushu's local festivals, I was blown away. It destroys the common stereotypes that most people have in their minds when they think of Japanese people. Everyone was... sufficiently lubricated on sake, and out to have a good time, and what a time it was!

The festival starts off with elementary school-aged kids sumo wrestling. The older kids and adults all have a go at it, and then from their two newly-wed ladies dressed in full formal kimonos play what I can only compare to ping pong, but with no table, and they do it while standing on top of two sake barrels. From there, a divination tug-o-war ceremony is held, followed by the carrying of a large straw sandal (maybe 12 or so feet long) throughout the town. All of the women who are single are placed on the sandal, and then thrown into the air three times for good luck. This is of course all done by the men who were sumo wrestling earlier, and they are still wearing the typical sumo mawashi.

Of all of the fascinating festivals I've been to in Japan, this one is the most memorable. "