Helping you plan your perfect Japan adventure with real experience and trusted advice
We are Anne and Tony Sutherland Smith, Australian travel bloggers at Pretraveller and the team behind Japan Travel Planning.
Our journey with Japan began back in 2015 when we took our first family trip. We were experienced travellers, but even then, Japan threw us some curveballs. We missed out on Express Passes at Universal Studios. We struggled to navigate the train system straight after a long flight. And we quickly learned that not everything in Japan is easy to figure out on the spot, especially with children.
But we also discovered just how incredible Japan can be when things go right. We rode the Shinkansen to Nagano to see snow monkeys. We stood in awe, looking at the mountain views along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. We cheered at a sumo tournament, caught a baseball game in Tokyo, and wandered through the Ghibli Museum with amazement.
Since that first trip, we have returned many times in different seasons, to new regions, trying new things each time. Most recently, Tony spent two weeks in Tokyo in July 2025 and will be heading back again in November.
Every trip has deepened our knowledge and strengthened our desire to help other travellers get it right the first time. That is why we started Japan Travel Planning. First with helpful blog articles, then with our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group, which has over 250,000 members.
We are here to share everything we have learned, from the big picture to the small details, so you can feel confident planning your own Japan trip. We cover everything from how to plan your Tokyo visit, to how to book sumo tournament tickets, where to go with children, what to pack, and how to experience the real Japan beyond the tourist trail.
Anne Sutherland-Smith
Anne’s passion for travel began when she was seven and moved with her family to Kenya. By age 20, she was solo backpacking across Europe.
Her early love of aircraft led her to become an aerospace engineer, and in 2009, she started the Pretraveller blog to share her travel knowledge.
She now works full time as an engineer and runs the blog with Tony in her spare time.
Tony Sutherland-Smith
Tony always dreamed of travel but didn’t get started until his mid-20s, when he met Anne and swapped his collection of travel brochures for real adventures.
A qualified elementary school teacher, he joined the blog in 2018 and transitioned to blogging full time in 2023.
Tony particularly enjoys exploring Japan’s street food, sumo tournaments, and hidden neighbourhoods in Tokyo.
Meet Our Writing Team
While we personally write and edit most of our articles, we also work with a small team of trusted writers who help us bring even more Japan travel content to life. Our writers are fellow travellers, Japan lovers, and content creators who share our values of clarity, accuracy, and practical advice.
They help us cover more destinations, experiences, and seasonal updates, so you can find the latest and most useful information when planning your trip.
👇 Join our community and let us help you plan your Japan trip
Arigato,
Anne and Tony
Our Japan Writers
🗼Craig Nixon
Craig is a writer and videographer who brings a cinematic eye to the everyday magic of Japan.
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, he has a background in Film and Television and has contributed to platforms like TemptAsian Film and Taste of Cinema.
Now settled in Tokyo, Craig spends his time exploring the city’s streets, hidden gems, and vibrant local culture.
👨👩👧👦 Johanna Macgregor
Jo is the voice behind the popular blog The Tokyo Chapter, where she shares tips on family-friendly travel and Japanese cultural etiquette.
With over 12 years of experience living in Japan, she has worn many hats. Exchange student, concierge, interpreter, wife, and mum.
Her writing is perfect for families looking for realistic, culturally sensitive advice and off-the-beaten-path ideas.
🚅 Wisterian Watertree
Wisterian has called Japan home for over 15 years.
From snowy Hokkaido to sunny Okinawa, he has explored it all with his family, often by train, his passion.
His deep experience travelling with kids gives him a unique perspective, and he now shares practical travel advice and destination insights to help others make the most of their Japan journey.