Shaped by Clay: Exploring Japan Through Its Pottery Traditions
Across Japan, the art of pottery is deeply tied to place. Ceramic traditions change from region to region, shaped by the surrounding landscape and the materials beneath it. Over centuries, towns formed around the clay beneath their feet, where smoke rose from kiln chimneys for generations and pottery became woven into everyday life. In these…
Azuma Farm Koiwai: A new luxury countryside retreat set in Iwate Prefecture
Tohoku, the northern region of Japan’s main island, is as quick to reach from Tokyo as Kanazawa or Osaka. A bullet train trip from Tokyo to Morioka only takes 2h20m: the same time it takes to reach Kyoto. And yet, despite the ease of access, only few travellers venture out to Northern Japan; but those…
A New Vision for Kaga Onsen: Ishikawa’s Changemakers
At the foothills of Mount Hakusan, Kaga Onsen has been welcoming travellers to its hot springs for more than 1,300 years. Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, the area is made up of four distinct onsen towns: Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu and Awazu. Each has its own character but all share the same traditions of therapeutic waters and…
Matsumoto: A Gateway to the Japanese Alps
Often described as the gateway to the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture is shaped as much by its mountains as by its past. While many travellers pass through on the way to Tokyo or the alpine resorts, those who stay discover a city shaped by samurai heritage, traditional arts and its surrounding vistas. From…
Beyond the Golden Route: Ishikawa’s Cultured, Creative Escape
Ishikawa has long been the trendy get-away for Japanese travellers, yet it remains a hidden gem for most overseas visitors. While many people stop by Kanazawa as a quick golden route add on, Ishikawa prefecture is overlooked, despite easy access on the Hokuriku shinkansen and all that it has to offer. Once one of Japan’s…
Flavours of the North: A Culinary Journey Through Otaru, Hokkaido
Tucked along the shimmering canal of Otaru, a quaint port city in central Hokkaido, lies a world of flavours just waiting to be explored. Otaru may be famed for its canals and glassworks, but it’s also a destination for delicious bowls of steaming ramen and delicate handmade sushi crafted with the island’s famously fresh seafood,…
Street Food, Seafood & More: Japan’s Most Delicious Markets
Japan is world-renowned for its incredible culinary culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting its vibrant food markets. These bustling hubs offer fresh local produce, regional specialties, and a fascinating glimpse into everyday life. From the chatter of vendors calling out their daily specials to the rich aromas of sizzling…
The Future of Pearls: Japan’s Commitment to Sustainable Pearl Cultivation
For over a century, Japan has been at the heart of pearl cultivation, shaping an industry that marries tradition with innovation. Across cultures, pearls have long symbolized elegance, wisdom, and prosperity, and Japan’s contribution to this legacy is unparalleled. The modern pearl industry owes much to one visionary: Kokichi Mikimoto. In 1893, he pioneered the…
The Nakasendo Trail: Where History Meets Adventure
The Nakasendo Trail, nestled in the enchanting Kiso Valley, stands as Japan’s premier destination for discerning travelers seeking a luxurious blend of scenic walking, immersive hiking, and an authentic exploration of traditional Japan. With its backdrop of stunning alpine nature and old vernacular architecture, this historic trading route that once connected old-Edo (present day Tokyo)…
Japanese Hot Springs: A Beginner’s Guide to Onsen Etiquette
Japanese hot springs, or onsen are a staple of Japanese society and are deeply rooted within Japanese culture. Men and women, young and old, all love a dip in the medicinal waters of Japan’s natural mineral hot springs. We would highly recommend every visitor give onsen a try as we are sure you will fall…