In this episode of The Vacay, Sophie sits down with Stacey Brownsey from Helloworld to uncover a quieter, more authentic side of Japan, the charming towns of Takayama and Kanazawa.

Far from the neon lights of Tokyo, these destinations offer a window into Japan’s timeless traditions.
From samurai districts and centuries old teahouses in Kanazawa to the wooden streets of Takayama, this journey captures the beauty of old world Japan at a slower, more soulful pace.

Stacey shares stories of visiting UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go, staying in a traditional ryokan, bathing in onsens, and tasting some of Japan’s finest seafood and Hida beef. It’s an episode filled with warmth, discovery, and the kind of travel that lingers long after you return home.