For three weeks, a bunch of strangers are cramming themselves into a van and driving from the top of Japan all the way down to the bottom. The pace will be fast, covering several cities or prefectures each day. But there will be plenty of time for leisurely and educational activities along the way. Like dogsledding, volcano trekking, nude bathing with monkeys, and a 24-hour ferry ride.

Where do I sign up?

That was my reaction upon hearing that this tour was looking for members. This is obviously proof that I am insane. Or at least going through an early mid-life crisis.

The other members of the tour are all young Japanese people who want to explore their country. I am the only non-Japanese, and also the oldest. At 32 years of age, I’m a little bit past the ideal age for adventurous road trips, but I’ll do my best to keep up with the young’uns. And keep up with this blog.

The cost of the tour is minimal, but I am obliged to keep this travel blog updated. The purpose of this blog is to let people around the world know about this tour and about Japan itself. I am free to write whatever I want, good impressions and bad. That’s exactly what I plan to do, but I must confess to a bias- I love Japan, and over 8 years of living here hasn’t changed that at all.

The tour starts this Saturday- just two days away. This travel blog won’t officially start until then, but before I leave I’ll try to post the itinerary of the tour and a little background information about myself. Feel free to leave comments and questions, but I may not be able to answer them until after the trip is over.