Overview
This project is a travel photo journal documenting my experiences across Kansai, Japan. It combines photography, illustrations, typography, and written commentary to capture both visual moments and cultural insights from each location visited.
The journal is structured around day-by-day travel experiences, supported by historical and cultural trivia to provide deeper context beyond typical travel photography.
Concept Development
Initial research focused on travel publications, photography books, and Japan-related editorial design to explore different visual approaches for presenting travel content.
The design direction evolved through experimentation with:
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Layout composition and grid systems
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Typography pairing and hierarchy
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Colour palettes and visual tone
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Integration of illustrations and photography
The goal was to identify a visual language that balances storytelling, readability, and emotional engagement.
Sufyan, Cousin
The online travel blogs I read always show popular places that are crowded or overrated.
Jacqueline, Friend
My travel magazine never say anything about the history, just places to go and that's it.
Ernest, Colleague
My travel guide got say the history but too long to read. Feels like reading a textbook!
Through conversations with friends, cousins, and travel companions who have visited Japan, I noticed a common interest: people are increasingly seeking less touristy locations and a deeper understanding of local history and culture.
This inspired me to create a travel journal that goes beyond documentation, combining personal experiences with cultural and historical insights presented in the form of engaging trivia.
Design Evolution & Iterations
The project went through multiple design directions based on peer feedback:
Version 1 — Travel Diary Concept
A colourful, magazine-style approach with expressive layouts and strong visual energy.
Version 2 — Editorial Book Style
Shifted towards a more elegant and structured book-like format with refined typography and cleaner layouts.
Version 3 — Reader Feedback Adjustment
Feedback indicated a preference for a more engaging and playful reading experience rather than a rigid editorial style.
Version 4 — Final Direction
A balanced approach combining artistic expression with clarity. Excessive vector illustrations were reduced to improve consistency, allowing photography and typography to take focus while maintaining visual interest.
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
Version 4
Publication Structure
The journal opens with a map of Japan, highlighting the prefectures visited.
Each chapter is dedicated to a specific region, documenting:
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Day-by-day travel experiences
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Cultural and historical trivia
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Personal reflections and observations
This structure allows readers to experience both the journey and the context behind each location.
Design Considerations
Typography
A key challenge was selecting typefaces that balance readability with personality.
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Handwritten or expressive fonts were used for headings to create a personal travel diary feel
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Serif fonts were used for body text to maintain clarity and readability
Print Thinking
Unlike digital design, this project required consideration of physical production, including:
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Paper type (matte vs glossy)
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Book format and binding
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Print size and material quality
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Colour reproduction in print
These factors influenced layout decisions and overall design approach.
Lessons Learned
This project highlighted the importance of designing for physical experience rather than screens alone. Print design requires thinking beyond visuals — considering how users hold, read, and interact with the object itself.
It also reinforced the importance of iteration and feedback, as the final direction was shaped significantly by peer reviews and multiple design revisions.
A key learning was balancing artistic expression with consistency and readability, ensuring the journal remains both visually engaging and easy to navigate.