Featuring: Kana Imamura, a Life in Wanderlust
Kana is a Travel Instagrammer and Blogger, born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She moved across the ocean after high school for college and has a Bachelors in Forensic Linguistics and a Masters in Hospitality Management. While she may be living in Los Angeles, that’s after living in Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, Atlanta, Georgia and Detroit, Michigan. Needless to say, she lives a Life In Wanderlust — which coincidentally is the name of her blog. Kana bid farewell to her corporate hospitality job in May of 2015 to pursue travel and haven’t looked back.
Alex: Can you briefly introduce yourself?
KI: Of course! My name is Kana and I’m a Travel Instagrammer and Blogger. My main platform is Instagram because of my love for photography but I also enjoy elaborating about my travels through my blog, ‘Life In Wanderlust’. I’m Japanese American, born and raised in Tokyo, bilingual in Japanese and English but I live in Los Angeles right now.
Why do you travel? What are your inspirations?
KI: I travel because I don’t want to live life without knowing what else the world has to offer. It may sound cliche but there’s so much beauty to see, interesting cultures and amazing people out there. I was raised in a multi-cultural family and a diverse school, so I want that experience and widening of cultural awareness to continue evolving. As for what inspires me, I think it’s all my fellow travelers. Seeing their experiences through photos and blog posts inspire me every day!
How do you organize your travel plans?
KI: In the past, I used to plan out my trips down to the minute but not anymore, since it’s not realistic. Recently, after I finalize a trip, I create a ‘Must See’ and ‘Must Eat’ list. Then I roughly organize those places with the days I’m there. I’ve learned to schedule some free time for the unknown. By doing that, I’ve discovered some awesome hidden gems I otherwise wouldn’t have visited!
Tell me about a person you’ve met or a memory that impacted you the most during one of your trips?
KI: The first person that comes to mind is one of the docents aboard the U.S.S Midway Museum in San Diego. He was a former U.S Air Force pilot. Not only was his Air Force position incredibly interesting, the way he told me about his travels during his time in service was magical. His eyes got wider as he told tales of all the countries he had visited and the people he met. He had absolutely nothing negative to say about who back then, would have been considered ‘enemies’. His stories, body language, love for travel and learning about new cultures moved me in a way I can’t quite explain. He made me want to travel even more, which I didn’t know was possible!
Aside from the basics, name three items that you always bring when you travel.
KI: Extra plastic bags — you never know when your shampoo might leak or get your clothes or shoes dirty. You’ll be glad you had a bag to enclose those!
Tylenol — High altitudes or unfamiliar environments may cause unexpected migraines. Not only that, Tylenol also works for the common cold. Nothing is going to ruin my trip!
Copies of my passport and driver’s license — It’s always smart to have copies of your identification in a different bag when traveling. This way if you lose them, you’ll at least have copies to back you up instead of being an unidentifiable visitor!
What is your motto when it comes to traveling?
KI: To me, traveling means exploring somewhere new, so there’s nowhere too close or far when it comes to traveling! It’s ok If you can’t afford to fly internationally or have enough vacation time. Just take a mini road trip to the city next door you’ve never explored — that’s still traveling in my eyes!
The best and the worst meals you’ve ever had traveling?
KI: Wow, it’s hard to pick just one best meal but let me try. The 7 course meal I had at Ukai-Tei, a restaurant specializing in tofu. Every dish was made by tofu or soybeans, even dessert. It was presented beautifully and the variety of items that could be made by tofu was mind-blowing! Believe it not, I’ve never had a meal that I would consider “worst”. But if I had to choose, I would say the durian, a fruit from Malaysia. The pungent smell is something I’ll never forget!
Which city do you consider yourself an expert on? Can you share any hidden gems in that city?
KI: I’ve become very familiar with Los Angeles in the 3.5 years I’ve lived here.
Some of my favorite hidden gems are:
Will Rogers State Beach — One of the most quiet and relaxing beaches that aren’t full of tourists.
Central Library — The Egyptian and Mediterranean architecture is a sight to see; the inside is not only beautiful but quiet, making it the perfect place to work or study.
Getty Villa — Different location and displays from the famous Getty Museum. Located just north of Santa Monica, it specializes in ancient Greece and Rome.
Cafe Tomo — One of my favorite coffee shops! Their Sweet Potato Latte is everything!
What is your favorite travel song/album to listen on a trip?
KI: There’s no particular thing I look for in a song when I travel; sometimes it’s the lyrics, sometimes it’s how the melody makes me feel. Lately when I travel, I’ve been loving:
Roses — The Chainsmokers
Good To Be Alive — Andy Grammer
Can’t Sleep Love — Pentatonix
Go — Grant Terry
Firestone — Kygo
If you were to write a movie about your life what would the title be?
KI: A Life in Wanderlust :)
Join Kana in her travels and let her know Alex sent you!
Instagram: @lifeinwanderlust_ Blog: Life in Wanderlust
