Postcard from Japan

On the joys of solo travel (+ some happy news)

It’s gone midnight and I have the outdoor hot spring bath to myself. It’s just me, a thousand cicadas and a few hundred tiny frogs. There are no stars tonight, but the faint outline of a mountain is visible against the charcoal sky, and I watch the silhouette of a winged creature pass across it. Then it begins to rain. Cool drops on my hot skin, each one a luxury. I have been waiting for this.

I am back in Japan to research my seventh book, which will be out in 2027. I know, right? That whole sentence feels like it must be about someone else. Seven books! Another solo trip for research! Part of me still finds it hard to believe that I get to do this and call it work. I am conscious that is in no small part thanks to you for reading and recommending, so thank you.

It seemed fitting that I signed the contract while here in Japan, and I did that earlier this week, after a 5am visit to the inner sanctuary of Ise Grand Shrine, where turtle doves sang in the forest and I sat quietly for a long time, overcome with gratitude for the creative life, and all that this world offers us.

For me one of the great joys of solo travel is the quiet time. The long train rides, the sweet cafes, the outdoor hot springs at midnight. The luxury of experiencing a place without constant commentary. Being able to make decisions about what to do next based solely on how I feel in that moment. Dining alone, wherever I fancy. Finding it so much easier to talk to strangers.

It’s not that I don’t like travelling with other people, it’s just that I really love travelling by myself, research question in one hand, notebook in the other, and that is never more true than in Japan.

Tell me, how do you feel about solo travelling? How do you prefer to travel at this particular point in your life? I am curious.

Given that Japan is once again one of the hottest travel destinations on the planet, it’s no surprise that the travel hubs and famous sites tend to be rammed, but my strategy to go where other people aren’t (or go early or late while most people are sleeping) is something I would highly recommend.

Well that’s all for today. I have research to do. I just thought I’d send you a glimpse on a postcard, to enjoy in a moment of quiet wherever in the world you are.

Beth Xx

PS On my return I will be hosting a beautiful one-day virtual writing retreat called SALT+SKY, on July 13 (think writing, yoga, meditation, sound bath, joy…) You can get access for FREE if you join my private writing community SoulCircle (hosted on Substack). If you aren’t yet a member just upgrade to paid or click here and choose Monthly to try it out or Annual to get a lovely discount, and you’ll automatically be registered for SALT+SKY.