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 […]

Japan’s railways are justly world-famous. From the sleek bullet trains whizzing from neon-lit Tokyo to historic Kyoto at astounding speeds, to the adorable, themed trains featuring beloved characters such as Hello Kitty and Pokemon; they all bring their passengers safely, comfortably, and with legendary punctuality. Unfortunately, the JR Group has found it necessary to announce […]

The Junei Hotel Kyoto and its sister property the Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West are tranquil, exclusive hideaways with a deeply relaxing Zen-like ambiance and beautiful fittings sourced from local master craftsmen. These include Kyo-Karakami embossed paper headboards, tapestries made with yumekorozome, a unique local dye, and large bathtubs made of Hinoki cypress or […]

Japan and especially Kyoto have an ineffable sense of tranquility and Zen-like balance, and there’s no better place to experience it than the recently opened Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto. The latest addition to the Banyan Tree Group’s rapidly expanding global portfolio of outstanding properties, this 25-room luxury boutique hotel was purpose designed to welcome and […]

The Iizuka-tei boutique hotel is truly unique. This 200-year-old mansion, which has been registered as a cultural heritage property, has now been renovated and converted into a premium quality hotel. The main building itself is typical of the Edo period, with lots of wood and a gently sloping roof; the sort of place that transports […]