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About me & Inaka Japan

Alex von Inaka Japan in Oarai
Winter Beach Walk to the Floating Shrine Gate in Ōarai

I'm Alex, 27, Japanologist & Linguist, and Japan is my passion. I want to share this passion with you! Inaka Japan is my heartfelt project, where I aim to introduce you to the diverse sides, most beautiful places, and attractions of Japan. My goal is to inspire you to dream about Japan while also providing practical help in planning your own Japan trip.

From Hobby to Studies

At the local shrine festival during my exchange year in Kyōto
At the local shrine festival during my exchange year in Kyōto

From an early age, I was fascinated by different cultures and languages, and through Japanese pop culture, I found my way to Japan and the Japanese language. However, having Japan as a hobby wasn't enough for me, so I quickly turned my love for languages in general, and Japanese in particular, into my field of study.

During my exchange year in Kyōto, Japan revealed so many exciting facets and fascinating sides that I fell head over heels in love with the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan over and over again

Pokémon train in Ichinoseki | Discovering a hidden shrine | Traditional dinner | Snowed in at Aomori
Pokémon train in Ichinoseki | Discovering a hidden shrine | Traditional dinner | Snowed in at Aomori

Japan is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also captivates with its unique culture and rich traditions. I could go on about local delicacies and about the warm hospitality, but it would only make me want to go back to Japan even more.

Even after completing my studies, I have kept returning to Japan and will continue to do so. So far, I've visited 39 of the 47 prefectures, taken thousands of photos, and experienced countless amazing moments in Japan. The next Japan trip normally is planned as soon as I land back in Germany.

Japan Off the Beaten Path

Exploring the Hells of Unzen
Exploring the Hells of Unzen

Besides the mega-metropolises, I am particularly fascinated by rural Japan, where time seems to have stood still. I love wandering through Japan's lush rice fields and bamboo forests, discovering hidden shrines, and getting insider tips from the warm-hearted locals.

These are experiences you won't find in any guidebook. That's why on Inaka Japan, you won't just find famous and well-known attractions, but also hidden temples and shrines, small sleepy towns, and nature far off the usual tourist paths.

Practical Tips & Info for Your Japan Trip

The first, but not the last time at Fuji!
The first, but not the last time at Fuji!

My enthusiasm for Japan is something I want to share with you on Inaka Japan by telling you about my travels and taking you to my favorite places. I hope you'll fall in love with Japan, even just a little bit. And since I know how challenging it can be to plan trips to Japan, I'll provide the necessary information as well!

In addition to personal travel reports, you'll also find practical tips for your trip and lovingly curated and tested travel plans. With Inaka Japan, I want to support you as best as possible in planning your Japan adventure.

If you would like personalized support or advice, or just want to leave feedback, feel free to contact me directly via Instagram (@inakajp) or through the contact form.

I look forward to sharing my Japan with you!

~ Alex

Über mich

I am Alex – Japanologist & Linguist – and Japan is my passion ♡ With Inaka Japan, I take you on a journey to my favorite places.

Questions or feedback?

Contact me