My name is Marshall, at work, I am the office manager for the staff in America and now our employee in Australia. And at home, I am the Father of 3 beautiful girls. We had one, the normal way then became foster parents and adopted two more. Being a husband and father is the best part of my life.
I started working for Samurai Tours in 2013 but my wife Rachel worked here before that and I was able to go on our Best of Japan tour during the cherry blossom season of 2012. Check out Rachels Blog here. I have been hooked ever since.
I love Japan because it is a world apart from anything you know while being one of the safest, cleanest, most polite, and modern places on earth. They maintain tradition and push the boundaries of technology all in the same day. And no matter what job, no matter what day, the Japanese people do the best they can at all times and it shows.
One of my favorite aspects of traveling in Japan is the food. So many people think that Japanese food is mostly sushi. And while the world’s best sushi definitely comes from Japan, there is so much more to offer. I would encourage everyone to be adventurous and try new things while on our tours. My favorite dish is the Hiroshima style of Okonomiyaki. You have got to try it to believe it.
My favorite place in Japan has got to be Miyajima. A beautiful Island outside of Hiroshima known for it’s “floating” tori gate. I enjoy getting out into the dense forest and enjoying some of the hiking trails on the way to the peak. The traditional ryokans serve local and seasonal specialties each night and the shops are known for special maple pastries called Momiji Manju. They are filled with a variety of things. Some shops will even deep fry them for you. (deep-fried, custard-filled is the best if you ask me) I think it’s getting pretty obvious I am writing this blog hungry because this is becoming very much about food.
If you ever need to get someone excited about Japan, please have them give me a call. My time there has given me an excitement that does not seem to be wearing off, and I would love to share that with you.
