I’m incredibly fortunate to have grown up in Spain, with a family who love to travel. They instilled in me a desire to see the world and to seek out meaningful experiences. With London as my base, I’ve backpacked across Southeast Asia, explored art and culture in Europe and New York, and undertaken the famous Camino de Santiago — an 800 km (497 mile) pilgrimage.
I first visited Japan in 2017. From flashing lights to quiet ryokans, steaming springs and seamless fashion, it’s truly as varied as it’s engaging.
As a specialist with Audley, I’ve fallen in love with its landscapes and legacies, charming backstreets, seasonal sweets, and a culture so different from my own. I hope to help you find your own, special connection.
Q&A with Jemma
What’s the one thing you always pack?
I’d love to say a book but in recent years I prefer to scour bookshops abroad. A great form of exploration, I’ve found some really lovely, local gems. I also quite like the challenge of finding something in English, although other covers are very enticing.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
From petting deer to ‘concept’ ramen and kayaking the Seto Inland Sea. I think Japan has a knack for surprise-and-delighting you. The ropeway at Ōwakudani certainly did. Hakone’s ‘Great Boiling Valley ’ was formed 3,000 years ago — home today to active hot vents. I’ve never known my mouth to drop quite like it did as the cable car descended over the valley. It was like something out of a film — barren crater and plumes of smoke, crisply, cooly spiralling.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Stay curious and be flexible. I love to have a plan of where I’m going, but there’s always room to learn something new. I remember while visiting Sri Lanka, a friend and I — like many visitors — decided to walk up Sigiriya, the incredible ancient fortress. A local suggested a different route, hiking the mountain opposite. Needless to say, the view was much better. Rather than viewing a landscape alone, we saw the rock in all its glory. At sunrise too, it was unbelievably magic.