Rural Japan at Its Finest: Why Niigata Will Capture Your Heart
Just over an hour away from Tokyo by bullet train, Niigata is a hidden gem of rural perfection. With the peaks of the Japan alps running down one side and the beauty of the sea of Japan stretching out on the other side, there is no better place to enjoy the best of Japanese nature….
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,…