Okinawa destinations through the eyes of a cruise worker: beaches I didn’t swim at, food I didn’t try, and islands I only half-remember. Not your typical guide.

I joined one of those group tour packages to Japan, and it made me realise just how much I value independent travel. Here’s why it didn’t work for me.

Oshino Hakkai was crowded, cold, and full of reflections – of Mount Fuji, the sky, and a tourist fumbling to enjoy it all anyway.

On my first trip to Japan, I set out in search of autumn leaves, and found them in the quiet beauty of Nikko, surrounded by red forests and stone paths.