Lithuanian couple crossing Japan on foot: 'Life got too predictable'
Lithuanian travelers Dovilė Petkevičiūtė and Julius Masilionis have walked over 1,000 kilometers across Japan, seeking to escape routine and embrace slow travel.
Lithuanian couple Dovilė Petkevičiūtė and Julius Masilionis have been walking across Japan from south to north for 61 days. They have completed roughly one-third of the route, covering more than 1,000 kilometers, and expect another six weeks on the road.
The motivation came from a growing sense of predictability in everyday life. Petkevičiūtė said that before her 30th birthday, life had become too stable and consistent. The pair previously hiked across the United States from the Mexican border to Canada over five months.
They travel at a speed of 4 kilometers per hour, carrying everything in two backpacks. Masilionis emphasized that walking slowly allows them to notice details in landscapes, observe daily life in small communities, and engage with locals.
During the journey, they formed unexpected connections. A Lithuanian woman living in Japan gave them a book about Lithuania written in Japanese, which helps explain local traditions and cuisine.
Challenges include a leg injury for Petkevičiūtė and daily physical demands. Their ideal rhythm involves three to four days of hiking and camping followed by several nights in a hotel for recovery. Japan's hot springs have been a great reward.
The couple noted that Japan required more preparation and cultural awareness than previous adventures. They are inspired by the kindness and curiosity of strangers. 'When people say Japan is another world, they're probably right,' said Petkevičiūtė.
