Jessica Wright, Founder of Bon Traveler
Introducing Weekend With, our latest content series featuring interviews with fascinating women who love to travel. Discover how these bold personalities would spend a weekend away, from their destination of choice to their ideal travel companion. Come along for the ride as we explore unique perspectives on the art of traveling. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or simply curious about new destinations, Weekend With promises to deliver insightful and inspiring travel stories that will leave you yearning for your next vacation. Sit back and join us on this exciting journey.
Who is Jessica Wright?
I'm a creative and the founder of the travel and design blog, Bon Traveler. Residing in Northern California, I share the adventures in my backyard, my travels beyond, and day-to-day joys.
Shozo, Courtesy of Bon Traveler
Where are you going?
Tokyo, Japan. It's a city of endless discoveries. It is where my tastebuds take me, my love for design gets inspired, and where my unrelenting desire to discover the heartbeat of a city has no limits. Tokyo has it all.
Who are you bringing?
I'm bringing my husband. We share an avid love for discovering a city in a particular way, typically beginning with food. With already a few trips to Tokyo under our belt, I have a clear idea of how we love to travel there together. He finds the best ramen and coffee, and I find everything else in between. Getting to travel with my partner brings our mutual passions to life.
What’s your travel style?
My travel style is calculated yet laidback. Enough reservations to feel like my efforts weren't wasted, but enough time to have room for the spontaneous. I'm traveling particularly to fill my cup in two categories: food and design. Tokyo is saturated in both of these categories. I'd spend my days at hole-in-the-wall restaurants and soaking in the arts at museums. Between all of that, getting (very) caffeinated and stretching out my legs in one of the many neighborhoods.
Describe how travel affects your well-being in 5 words.
Travel restores my soul.
Carry-on or check-in?
A partly-filled checked bag. I did a decade of carry-on travel, in this season of travel I don't want to stress about what I will bring in my suitcase. And I always want to keep some room for souvenirs.
Hotel or Airbnb?
Hotel. I'm all in on the amenities of a hotel.
Courtesy of Bon Traveler
Jessica’s Tokyo Hit List
Kotaro - Arguably the best izakaya in the city, it has a beautiful space and incredible food. Be sure to reserve a month or more in advance.
eatrip - A very hole-in-the-wall space, in a lush part of Tokyo. Come here for a beautiful meal in a quiet space.
Shozo Cafe - It’s one of the most photographed coffee shops in Tokyo and for good reason.
Butagumi: One of the best meals we had in Tokyo was at this tonkatsu-dedicated restaurant.
Nezu Museum - Not only is it a stunning building with a hidden garden in the back, but it also boasts some incredible ancient Japanese art.
Courtesy of Bon Traveler