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Hello Reader,

If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that Japan has completely stolen my heart. It’s a country that somehow makes me reflect on my own culture and upbringing—yeah, I know, sounds a bit odd, but stick with me. Just being there gets my brain buzzing about everything from relationships to capitalism to how the world works. Japan makes me think.

Lately, Japan has been the hot travel spot—and honestly, I get it. It’s ridiculously cool. I’ve been writing a ton about it to help fellow travelers ditch the tourist crowds and dive deep into the culture. In fact, I love it so much that I’ve officially crowned it one of my Top Destinations on my brand-new website. What are my other Top Destinations you ask?

​Japan​
​Colorado​
​Alaska​
​Nova Scotia​
​Ireland​
​Antarctica​

These are places that I continue to go back to over and over. They are the destinations I know and love best. I’m happy to help you design a trip to these destinations!

I have big news on the Ottsworld Tours front—I’m launching a brand-new Ottsworld hiking tour in Japan! This October 2025, join me for an adventure into the Japan you haven’t seen—where culture, history, and nature collide in the best way possible.

My mission with Ottsworld Tours? To ditch the usual tourist haunts and redefine the way you experience travel. We’re talking deep dives into local culture, off-the-grid exploration, and blending in so well you might just get mistaken for a local (okay, maybe not that much, but close!). The real thrill is in the discovery—that rush of stepping into the unknown and realizing how much more there is to see.

And trust me, once you escape Japan’s big cities, the real magic begins. That’s exactly why we’re heading to Tohoku, a little-known gem brimming with adventure. If you’re ready to see Japan beyond the guidebooks, this is your chance!

Below, you'll find all the details about the new tour and more info about the region and trail we'll be hiking.

Where Next?

I head to Alaska - another one of my favorite destinations! I'm taking a small group to experience winter in Alaska to the fullest. We'll be hunting aurora, dogsledding, hiking on glaciers, and even learning to curl! We'll be there during two big winter festivals that I'm excited to see—the World Ice Carving Championships in Fairbanks, and Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival in Anchorage. In addition, I'm going to head down to Seward to do some snowmobiling and snowshoeing!

Do you have any winter adventures planned - share them with me!

Happy Travels!

Ottsworld Tours

NEW: Hiking Japan's MCT Trail Small Group Tour ​
Dates: October 25 - November 1, 2025
Cost: $4200 ( $840 Deposit)

Join me on a coastal adventure in Japan in 2025! This tour is full of adventure (hiking, biking, and kayaking), Japanese culture, and food! We will travel through Tohoku, a relatively unknown region in Japan, on the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Going the opposite way of the tourist crowds allows us to connect with the people of Tohoku on a deeper level. All while enjoying the comradery of like-minded, active people!

On March 11, 2011, the Tohoku Pacific Coast area was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. After more than 10 years of disaster recovery within the area, you can see the beautiful scenery that has not changed from before the earthquake and witness the lives of local people who have risen up against these adversities as you walk along the Michinoku Coastal trail. The trail was created to help the region heal – emotionally and economically. You’ll be welcomed with open arms as you move along the trail.​

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Japan Tour Highlights

• Explore Japan’s newest 1000+km hiking trail along the coast of northeastern Tohoku; hiking, biking and kayaking.
• Enjoy the freshest local seafood and seasonal Japanese cuisine every day!
• Mingle with locals who have risen from the disaster and continue striving to revitalize their hometown.
• Stay in small, intimate ryokans, exposing you to many new Japanese traditions. Also enjoy one night of glamping along the coast.
• Join the locals, soak in onsens (hot springs), and learn about this important part of Japanese culture.
• Immerse yourself for a week in a different world through a variety of activities that allow you to become familiar with the nature and culture of the area.

How to Book This Trip

1. Send me an email at info@Ottsworld.com letting me know about your interest. We will set up a call to discuss any questions you have. This will be on a first-come, first-served basis – there are only 12 spots available on this tour.
2. I will then provide you a link where you can put down your deposit and reserve your space with Michinori Travel Tohoku – the local company I’m working with to deliver the tour.
3. A minimum of 7 people are required for the tour to run. Max of 12 people in the group.

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NEW: Biking Southern France with ExperiencePlus!

Dates: May 10 - 20, 2025
Cost: $5995 - Ottsworld readers get a $200 to $300 discount! Email me to learn more!

Join me on a spring cycling adventure in a little-known region of Southern France! I'll be traveling with ExperiencePlus - a women-owned cycling travel company. Provence to the Pyrenees is a Classic tour, which means navigation is by chalk arrows. This affords travelers exceptional guided independence. They encourage everyone to go their own pace and take the time they want and need to immerse themselves in what the day brings and...yes, they have ebikes!

Join me on the Provence to Pyrenees tour!

Join me on a Women's Hiking Tour in Nepal​

Dates: September 16 - 29, 2025
Cost: $2790 ( $400 Deposit)
Max People: Women Only

Sorry guys - this is just for the ladies!

Hike among these peaks in the Everest region with me and a group of other hike-loving women September 16 - 29 of 2025. If you are even mildly interested in this trip, be sure to watch the video below, as it will show you what to expect when traveling in this region with World Expeditions and me!

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I will announce my Japan Cat Tour for 2025 and the next women's surfing/yoga trip shortly!

Make sure you are signed up to receive my Ottsworld Tour emails here. to be the first to know of the Japan openings.
Japan Cat Themed Tour - Nov. 3 - 10, 2025

Seen and Heard

Keeping on the Japan theme, if you want to know more about my thoughts on why Japan is such a thought-provoking destination then listen to this Podcast Talk on travel in Japan that I did with Traveling Jackie!

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JUMP 171: Off the Beaten Pat... Nov 6 · JUMP with Traveling Jack... 62:39   ​

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Travel News

​Top Countries in the World: Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards - Guess who is #1...

​New Zealand eases visa rules for 'digital nomads' to boost tourism. Stay up to 90 days!

Ottsworld Blog Posts

More Japan...some of my recent articles on travel to Japan about two great long distance hikes.

Ottsworld Travel Discounts

If you want to experience Ireland but couldn't make one of my tours this year - check out Ireland Walk Hike Bike - they do custom tours, group tours, and self-guided itineraries through the west coast of Ireland! Use code OttsWorld2023 for 5% off their offerings.

Get $100 off at Adventure Life on your next custom trip anywhere in the world. Just tell them Ottsworld sent you!

Get 5% off your Patagonia travels with my friends at Chile Nativo! They will be running my Patagonia ebiking trip and I love them! Use code Ottsworld for 5% off ANY of their regular, non-custom programs (including W hiking and puma tracking).

If you plan a trip to Japan, check out OKU Japan for its incredible multiday hikes and cultural activities in lesser-known areas. Get a 5% Discount for people using code OTTSWORLD5.

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If you've been finding value in these newsletters and the info I've been sharing, please forward this along to any travel-loving friends whom you think might find them useful!

Use these helpful links to book your next trip:

• Get my Free ebook Where to Go & When​
• Read through my 99 Travel Tips before you go
• Book your travel insurance with the company I use, Allianz Travel Insurance​
• Check out my Gear Shop on my Amazon Store​

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