🔸 Connecting the Dots: From Martial Arts to Travel Logic
My journey started with a philosophy famously shared by Steve Jobs: “You cannot connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” Looking at my path now, those dots connect perfectly.
Years ago, a holiday introduction to Martial Arts changed everything for me. As I practiced Kobujutsu, I became fascinated by the history of Karate and the Samurai. This sparked a deep desire to explore Japan.
But as I prepared for a solo trip to Japan, I hit a wall. The information I needed was everywhere—but it was fragmented, scattered, and overwhelming. I spent countless hours trying to piece the puzzle together. That experience led me to create Edo Japan Travel, a platform dedicated to making Japanese travel more accessible.
🔸 The “Aha!” Moment
The real turning point came when my family visited me here in the Netherlands. I realized that the exact same problem I faced in Japan existed right here at home.
In fact, I noticed that clear, logical information for the Netherlands was even harder to find. Travelers were following the same crowded paths, unaware of the beautiful “dots” that were just a 30-minute train ride away.
I realized I didn’t just want to be another travel blogger; I wanted to be the logical bridge for travelers. I took everything I learned from navigating the complexities of Japan and applied it to my own backyard.