Winter in Iiyama: Weathering, Together
Japan’s relatively small size and the richness of its culture makes for a country that overflows with personality and opportunity, where every road splits off into some unseen, unwritten adventure. Though one could easily be lost forever in the towering concrete jungles of Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, sometimes the most overlooked roads lead to the…
From Leaf to Cup: Sustainable Practices Within the Japanese Tea Farming Industry
Japan’s green tea is renowned worldwide for its quality, flavour, and health benefits. It also plays an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage. Beyond its delightful taste, green tea also embodies a profound connection to sustainability and traditional agricultural practices. For eco-conscious travellers, visiting Japan’s organic tea farms offers a unique opportunity to experience…
Hands-On in Hyogo: How Traditional Crafts Promote Responsible Travel
Hyogo Prefecture is often overlooked by travellers sticking to the “Golden Route” but is a fantastic place to visit for those wanting to beat the crowds. Most well-known for the port city of Kobe and the well-marbled beef of the same name, there is so much more to discover in Hyogo! The National Treasure of…
Walking the Path of Awareness: Lessons from a Yamabushi Monk
Yamabushi (one who worships on the mountain) are monks shrouded in mystery who follow shugendo, a heady mix of an esoteric form of Buddhism and native Shinto practices. By virtue of their struggles navigating the sacred mountains they search for spiritual enlightenment through asceticism. Above all else, shugendo is a philosophy and study of nature,…
Celebrating Creativity: Echigo Tsumari Triennale 2024
Over recent decades Japan’s creative industries have been harnessed to drive regional revitalisation projects, including large scale contemporary art festivals. The very first of these festivals was Echigo Tsumari Art Field, held in southern Niigata Prefecture. This summer, Echigo Tsumari is enjoying its ninth trienniale and welcoming visitors from all over Japan and the world…
Biking Across Japan: A Sustainable Journey
For those seeking a unique and environmentally friendly way to travel Japan, cycling offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. Join us as we pedal through picturesque countryside, bustling cities, and historic landmarks on a scenic journey across Japan. Japan’s diverse landscapes offer a myriad of biking trails catering to all…
Sake and Sustainability: A Journey into Eco-Conscious Brewing
As long-time aficionados of all sorts of luxury Japanese holidays, we’d hate to keep the enchanting world of Japanese sake all to ourselves. This traditional rice wine (nihonshu), steeped in cultural and historical significance, offers more than just an exquisite taste experience. Craft breweries in the industry, employing many of the same time-honoured techniques from…
Wasshoi!: Exploring Japan’s Summer Festivals
The sultry heat of the Japanese summer is heralded by a chorus of cicadas and the lively cacophony of Japan’s myriad of summer matsuri (festivals). These lively gatherings are a blend of ancient traditions, dazzling performances, and a celebration of community spirit. Let us take you on a journey through some of Japan’s best summer…
Hidden Gems of Kyoto: A Journey off the Tourist Trail
Kyoto is a must visit destination for any Japan traveller. Whilst the shimmering golden tiers of the Kinkaku-ji pavilion and vermillion torii of Fushimi Inari shrine draw thousands of visitors each day, Kyoto’s true appeal lies in its hidden gems dotted in and around the city. Beyond the well-trodden paths lie secret gardens, quiet alleys,…
Life on the road
Keen to see parts of Japan he hadn’t seen before, Robin hired a car and set off on a road trip to northern Honshu. Driving in Japan couldn’t be simpler, especially for British tourists as Japan also drives on the left side of the road! Summer isn’t everyone’s first choice of season to visit Japan….
A magical evening at Nebuta Matsuri
Into Japan’s Robin set out on a road-trip in search of the famed paper-lanterns of Nebuta Matsuri. Vibrant, bustling and impressive, this festival is sure worth a visit! Its origins are unclear, but it is thought to be a cleansing ritual and prayer for good health. Let the festivities commence Living in Japan, festivals were…
Go-Karting through the streets of Tokyo
Experience Go-Karting thrills through the streets of Tokyo! There aren’t many places in the world where it’s possible to enjoy go-karting along the major roads of a capital city but this is another of the many unusual experiences that Tokyo offers. Robin from the UK office and Ayami & Yu from the Tokyo office went…
Sweet memories: Amezaiku Experience in Tokyo
The Japanese are not especially known for their love of sweets, and indeed Japanese children are more commonly seen snacking on an onigiri than they are a chocolate bar. That said, this wonderful people are certainly known for their attention to detail and love of all things cute. With this in mind, Into Japan’s Lucy…
Lantern-making in Kyoto
Lantern-making On her latest trip to Japan, Into Japan’s Karan decided to get creative in Kyoto with some traditional lantern-making. With such a rich culture and history of tradition and creativity, Kyoto is the perfect place to turn your hand to something artistic. Lanterns abound not only in Kyoto but in Japan as a whole,…
Afternoon in the life of a Ninja
We spent the afternoon with descendants of a genuine Ninja clan in Tokyo. Not knowing what to expect from the experience, we were in for a real treat, and an unforgettable afternoon! History Arriving at the well-hidden location for our afternoon with the Musashi Ninja clan, experience leader and ninja Vanessa greeted us. Wearing head-to-toe…
All that glitters is gold: Kanazawa gold leaf experience
Gold Leaf On her recent trip to Japan, Karan from the UK office went in search of art, creativity and luxury in Kanazawa. Here, she participated in a gold leaf experience, learning more about Kanazawa’s most famous export, and decorating her own product in the process! Kanazawa’s Rich History Kanazawa (金沢) literally means “gold marsh”…
Trip Report: Wagasa Experience – Making a Japanese Parasol
There is often no better way of understanding a country or culture than to fully immerse yourself in it in a practical way. Our trusted atelier in Kyoto allows guests to do just that, providing a range of craft activities and workshop experiences. During her last trip to Japan, Sarah participated in one of their…