About Me
Hi, I’m Krystle.
I’ve always felt that the best way to move through the world is to leave it exactly as you found it. That’s why I named this space Footsteps in Japan. It’s a philosophy of “leaving no trace”—passing through these beautiful landscapes, collecting memories, and leaving behind nothing but my footsteps.
When I’m not dreaming of my next trip, I’m at home in a regional town in Gippsland, Victoria, surrounded by hills and the quiet of the countryside. I’m a bit of a mixture—a homebody who loves a quiet afternoon with my husband, our son, and our dog, but someone who is always up for a spontaneous adventure. Whether it’s a day trip into Melbourne, exploring the gold-rush history of Walhalla, or heading to the coast for a swim, I like to follow whatever I’m feeling on the day.
That same spirit follows me to Japan. I am a morning person by nature, which can be tricky in a country where many shops and sights don’t open until 10:00 AM. But luckily the temples are always open. Most are open at sunrise, some are even open 24/7, and there is nothing quite like the stillness of a Kyoto temple at 7:00 AM before the crowds arrive. I love finding a quiet corner to just be before the world wakes up. Of course, no morning is complete without a stop at the local 7-Eleven or Family Mart to try a different “konbini” sandwich—it’s a small, reliable joy I look forward to every day.
For me, travel isn’t a race to see every ‘Top 10’ sight. It’s about being intentional with my time—leaving enough space for the unexpected. My favorite memory of this happened in KanazawaMy favorite memory of this happened in Kanazawa. We were looking for a place to eat and found a restaurant with a name written only in Japanese. It was a typical, unassuming mom-and-pop shop from the outside, but the moment we stepped in, it was pure cozy warmth.
We were greeted by an elderly woman while her husband waved to us from the kitchen. Sitting at the traditional floor tables, we navigated our meal through broken English and my own “pitiful” attempts at Japanese. We discovered they had been running the shop together for decades. The food was simple, but the pork katsu was the best I’ve ever had. In that moment, I felt a true sense of home. It confirmed that you really do find the best experiences on the path less trodden.
I’ve explored Japan with my husband and our son at many different stages—from the “stroller days” of infancy to the curious energy of a school-aged child. Seeing the country through their eyes has taught me so much about patience and looking beyond the usual routes.
I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re a parent navigating the logistics of family travel or someone just looking for a more peaceful way to see the world, I hope these stories inspire you to find your own path through one of the most beautiful places on earth.
May your own footsteps lead you somewhere wonderful.
Happy wandering, Krystle.