David Lam Japan

What do you enjoy most about leading small group trips?

Getting to meet new visitors travelling from all over the world who are eager, excited, curious, adventurous and enthusiastic to learn about a new culture, and explore the unknown. There is something magical in the air when travelling with a group of like-minded individuals as a tour leader - suddenly everyone becomes extra upbeat and jolly when walking through an unfamiliar world together.

What’s your favourite place to share with Explore groups?

On one of the optional tour days on the Simply Japan itinerary, I try to offer an optional full day excursion to Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in the mountains of Gifu region. Travelling here is akin to going back in time to the much simpler days, living the minimalist and basic lifestyle in a traditional Japanese farming village, constantly surrounded by an incredibly scenic landscape, completely devoid of technological and materialistic distractions. I love sharing the Shirakawa-go village experience with all of my guests, many of whom come to Japan expecting glamorous neon lights and bustling metropolitan vibes everywhere. Then, suddenly, here’s a completely different version of the country – it’s a delightful surprise. It’s on my personal list of all-time favourite places in Japan, after having visited all 47 prefectures of Japan over the course of five years. What Japanese location most surprises visitors to your country?

Hiroshima is perhaps one of the places that most often surprises visitors coming to Japan for the first time. Most people have learnt about it through history textbooks, knowing its dark past as the epicentre of the first atomic bombing in human history during World War II. Before arriving in Hiroshima, there’s often a slight sense of trepidation amongst newcomers, not fully knowing what to expect. Yet when we finally arrive in the modern day Hiroshima, guests are often shocked at how beautiful the city has evolved to be, while still fully acknowledging its harrowing past. The contrasting difference is certainly inspirational, as the city has fully healed and it is now taking the lead in campaigning for world peace, adopting an ambassador role for a better world free of nuclear weapons in the future.

You’ll find all our tours to Japan at exploreworldwide.com/Japan