Japan has seen a record rise in tourism, attracting visitors from around the world. Among them is Omar Nok, a 30-year-old adventurer from Cairo, Egypt, who completed a remarkable journey of 46,239 kilometers through 12 countries, all without flying. Starting in February, Nok used alternative transportation like boats, trains, and camels to reach Japan. His journey gained attention on social media, earning him over 750,000 Instagram followers. This adventure was part of Nok’s long-held dream to experience Japan and explore the cultures and landscapes along the way. He reached Fukuoka last month and finally arrived in Tokyo on November 7, completing the journey in 274 days.

The rise in tourism in Japan can be partly attributed to the weakening yen, which has made the country more attractive to visitors. From January to September, Japan welcomed nearly 27 million tourists and saw record spending of 5.86 trillion yen. Nok’s journey was not without its challenges. Starting from Egypt’s Safaga Port, he faced uncertainty but was motivated by family support. He dealt with language barriers and unfamiliar regions, especially in Central Asia, but received help and hospitality from locals. Traveling on a budget, Nok relied on savings and kept costs low. Along the way, he had unique experiences, like sandboarding in Iran and horseback riding through Kyrgyzstan. His journey showed the positive side of communities often misunderstood in the media.