Mt. Fuji is arguably Japan’s most iconic landmark and a world famous symbol of the nation. Conquering this mountain by climbing to its summit is on the bucket list of many travellers to Japan. So, in response to the growing numbers of climbers, new regulations have been introduced, starting at the beginning of the 2024 […]

Held over a three-day weekend in May, the annual Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district is arguably the capital’s most popular festival. Its beginnings are somewhat shrouded in the mists of time, but the event as we now know it was founded to honour three men who propagated the Buddhist faith, centuries ago. The […]

The long-awaited extension of the Shinkansen – known in the west as the Bullet Train – is scheduled to open in March. Travellers can now take the train out of Tokyo beyond the previous last stop at Kanazawa and follow the so-called Rainbow Route, stopping at Komatsu, Kaga Onsen, Awara Onsen, Fukui and Echizen-Takefu and […]

Nestled in the heart of Ise City in Mie Prefecture, the Ise Grand Shrine is widely considered the most sacred and prestigious of all shrines in Japan. With a rich history dating back over a thousand years, it attracts worshippers and visitors from across the globe, who come to pay their respects and soak up […]

Nestled in Nagano Prefecture and surrounded by majestic mountains, Nozawa Onsen is well known as a ski resort, but it has a great deal more to offer besides skiing. As well as a thriving local community that makes a point of preserving its traditions and culture, its most distinctive feature is its public bathhouses which […]

Japan was isolated from the world for almost three centuries, except for a few port cities where foreign ships were allowed to dock and trade goods. One such port was Nagasaki, which is now a sprawling city with a fascinating multicultural atmosphere. A highlight of its calendar, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, started out as a […]

Located north of Tokyo, Tochigi Prefecture welcomes travellers with its enchanting blend of natural beauty, cultural riches and memorable encounters with the welcoming and charming local people.  But perhaps its most compelling feature is its abundance of pristine water sources. Amid stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and rivers – which offer amazing rafting experiences – […]

The Adventure Travel World Summit, hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, is one of the highlights of the travel industry calendar. This year, this exciting event is set to take place on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido from 11 – 14 September. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Sea […]

Originating in the Edo period, kabuki is a uniquely Japanese artform that combines elements of drama and dance with eye-catching makeup and exquisite, elaborate costumes. We’ve put together a tailormade experience at the imposing Kabukiza, the country’s main kabuki theatre in central Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district. Catching a performance here is on many travellers’ bucket […]

Waking up to a mesmerising sunrise and stepping out on your seaside terrace as the boat approaches a picturesque island… Indulging in freshly caught seafood while taking in the vast views of the ocean before soaking in your private open-air bath and falling asleep to the sound of the waves… Does this sound like a […]