The trip that has it all

14 strangers walk in to a hostel in Tokyo...sounds like the start to a terrible joke, right? Well, it's actually that start of a one of the most memorable stories I'm never going to get sick of telling.

This story starts out with city skylines, peaceful parks and karaoke chaos (all in the first few days!!). We are then treated to serene settings in the mountains where the only worry is if you'll be lucky enough to catch a glimps of the snow monkeys. At this stage, 14 strangers are now creating close friendships, which is helpful when you're sharing an onsen together. Half way through this story, you could be fooled by thinking its reaching its peak when you get sight of the top of Mt.Fuji but you're destined for higher things! It's plain sailing through to the best bbq and most quiant castle you could ask for. We've now matured from monkeying around in the hills at the beginning of our trip (who'd have thought?) to meditating like monks. Being blessed with bamboo surroundings and then gazing at the golden pavilion seem like something other worldly, yet there we were. And what a way to end this story than with special samurai session where you have to completely trust your new friends to hit the target and nothing in-between.

So, if you're looking for a sign to book the intro Japan trip, this is it. Your story might start off a little different to mine but by the end I'm sure you'll go home with a smile on your face, friends and memories you'll cherish for a lifetime. And, if you're lucky enough to get Michelle or Yoni as your leader you're in for an extra special story!