Lost Ticket, Local Kindness, and the Legendary Kobe Beef: How The Poor Traveller Found Real Magic in Japan

For seasoned Filipino travel bloggers Yosh Dimen and Vins Carlos of The Poor Traveller, “going big” means chasing a dream years in the making: visiting all 47 prefectures of Japan. So far, they’ve set foot in 40—and each one has added a memorable chapter to their story. From the serene beauty of Takachiho Gorge to the snow-covered sculptures of Sapporo’s iconic festival, their adventures across Japan prove that unforgettable big moments often come from fully immersing yourself in a place, one prefecture at a time.

“Japan leaves a lasting impression because it feels like entering a completely different world, yet it’s incredibly easy to explore,” Yosh shares. “It’s this mix of deep-rooted traditions and futuristic quirks—like silent train rides, no eating while walking, and even the country’s obsession with mascots—that makes it so fascinating.”

They recall some of their most striking moments: skiing with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop, indulging in authentic Kobe beef in Kobe, boating between sheer cliffs in Kyushu’s Takachiho Gorge, and exploring the anime-themed Conan Town in Tottori. But one of their earliest and most heartwarming memories is rooted in a small but meaningful gesture: “Barely 30 minutes into our very first Japan trip, we accidentally left our train tickets behind at the gate,” Vins says. “A Japanese woman literally ran after us in heels just to help. She couldn’t speak English, but she went out of her way to fix the issue for us. That kindness is something we’d remember for the rest of our lives.”

Non-Negotiables with a Dash of Spontaneity

Over the years, The Poor Traveller has evolved from chronicling tourist spots to curating travel wisdom. Their best advice? Plan just enough, but not too much. “Start by identifying your ‘non-negotiables’—those major sights or events that brought you to Japan,” Yosh explains. “Then, let the rest of your trip breathe. Japan rewards spontaneity. Some of our favourite memories were unplanned: a quiet shrine visit, a local market stroll, a hidden café we stumbled upon.”

They also emphasise the importance of budgeting for essentials that often get overlooked—like travel insurance, reliable mobile connectivity, and local transportation passes. Smart travel, for them, isn’t about rigid planning or cramming every hour with activities. It’s about being prepared enough to feel secure and confident, while still allowing room for spontaneity. With tools like rail passes and route apps, they’re able to move efficiently and focus on making memories, not worrying about logistics.

Big Moments Need Smart Protection

And while the duo is known for budget-savvy tips, they’re equally vocal about preparing for unexpected mishaps. “We haven’t had to use travel insurance yet, and we hope it stays that way,” Vins laughs. “But we’ve seen friends deal with lost baggage, sudden illnesses, or accidents abroad—and in those cases, insurance was a lifesaver.”

That’s why they always recommend AXA Smart Traveller for big adventures. It goes beyond just covering common travel mishaps like lost baggage or flight delays, so you can have the confidence to be spontaneous and explore more freely. Emergency medical expenses are covered up to PHP3.5 million for accidents, and another PHP3.5 million for unexpected illnesses, giving you peace of mind against costly surprises.

Wherever your journey takes you, know you can count on AXA. As one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, AXA delivers comprehensive travel protection through Smart Traveller. This multi-awarded plan provides 24/7 global travel assistance, ensuring help is just a call away whenever you need it. With flexible coverage options—including annual multi-trip plans for frequent flyers—Smart Traveller is designed to fit your travel lifestyle and give you confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.

“We love planning multi-stop itineraries, but we’ve learned to keep them flexible,” says Yosh. “Build in lead time, especially if you’re travelling with family or friends. Google Maps won’t account for bathroom breaks, kid tantrums, or the magic of just... slowing down.”

And if you’re travelling with a group for the first time? “Talk things out before the trip,” Vins advises. “Not everyone travels the same way. It helps to set expectations early, even if it’s just about who’s a morning person and who’s not. Also, you don’t have to stick together 24/7. Let people enjoy what excites them most.”

As for The Poor Traveller’s big dream moment? “We’re seven prefectures away from visiting all 47. That last one, that’s going to be our next big milestone.” Until then, they’re taking it one prefecture at a time with cameras ready, tickets in hand, and AXA Smart Traveller onboard.

Planning your next big moment abroad? Make sure you’re protected and visit AXA Philippines' website today.