Why Japan? That's a question I get asked a lot. My answer is why not, its a country steeped in tradition while also being one of the most technologically adapted countries in the world (carrying around lots of change and cash is still quite amusing to me, not that I don't like it).

Visiting Sapporo was an easy choice for me, it has a beer named after it, its bitterly cold in the winter (joke, but it's true) and well there is Waya GuestHouse, I found Waya on Airbnb. I didn't really have a set plan on where to stay but came across Waya, and found it quite special, built by friends, who then opened it up to the world.

It had snowed quite quite a couple of days before I arrived in Sapporo, so the snow was just starting to melt, I should have it cold, bitterly cold. One of my close friends had informed it that the weather in Japan in November How wrong he was, -5 and getting colder, I just about survived the walk, and what was greeted me was a warm yellowish coming from inside the waya bar downstairs, I embraced it immediate the bar I was welcomed by Keisuke who I would later find out is a disciple of Patagonia :).

The guys and women, who run waya, are amazing, just giving out tips to anyone who asks. I found a great place to have a great time with friends. I generally would not have done most of the stuff I did while staying there without the Waya lot.

I'm currently planning my next Japan trip and will be making sure to stay at Waya again.

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Website: www.nehalpatel.co.uk