The capital of feudal Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is dotted with countless temples and shrines and imbued with a traditional Japanese feel. Explore teahouses, meet geishas and immerse yourself in a world of bamboo groves and ancient shrines. Fushimi Inari Shrine No trip to Kyoto is complete without a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Home to over 10,000…
If you need a break from the dizzying metropolis of Tokyo, but don’t want to travel too far, then Mount Takao could be the answer. With lush green trees, cascading waterfalls and phenomenal views, a quick hike up Mount Takao will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated – even in the August heat! Read on to learn about the different…
With its eclectic mix of history, culture and technological modernity, Tokyo is perhaps the most photogenic city on the planet. Read on to discover our favourite places to take that perfect insta-worthy snap! TeamLab Borderless A kaleidoscopic world of colours and sounds, TeamLab Borderless is the culmination of 17 years worth of experience in the spheres of art and technology.…
The Goto Islands are located in the East China Sea, off the eastern coast of Japan’s Kyushu region. From southwest to northeast, they’re known as Fukue, Hisaka, Naru, Wakamatsu, and Nakadori. Fukue, the largest of the islands, is easily accessible by ferry or small plane from Nagasaki and Fukuoka. Fukue Island Fukue island reaches an average temperature of 30 degrees…
Ueno Park is a sprawling patch of greenery in the heart of Tokyo. Offering a rich blend of art, culture and attractions, Ueno is a great place to spend the day and have a picnic. If you’re visiting in the spring, then this park is also a beautiful spot for Sakura viewing! Read on to discover more about our favourite…
Volcanic beaches, beautiful gardens and a city proud of its historic role in the Meiji Restoration, Kagoshima is a wonderful place to start your Kyushu travels! Meiji Restoration Museum The Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, was a revolutionary period that dramatically transformed Japan’s society. Kagoshima prefecture, which was known as Satsuma Province at the time, played a major role…
Japan’s first feudal capital (1185 – 1333), Kamakura is dotted with stunning shrines and temples that reflect its buddhist legacy. Meander along quaint streets, explore bamboo groves or enjoy a scoop of soft-serve ice cream by the sea. A perfect blend of rich culture and laid-back surfer vibes, Kamakura is the ideal day trip to escape the hustle and bustle…
Just 20 minutes from Shibuya on the subway, Todoroki Valley is a welcome retreat for anyone seeking to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Meander along the river bend and discover Japanese gardens, secluded shrines and vibrant wildlife. The Valley Carved out by the Yazawa River, Todoroki Valley is Tokyo’s only river ravine. Extending through a lush canopy…
Dotted around Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric anime district, are the Maid Cafés. If you’ve ever been to this part of town, you will doubtless have seen the maids advertising on the street. Dressed head to toe in cutesy costumes, complete with frothy tutus, knee high socks and an abundance of hair accessories, the maids transport you to a world that seems…
Nagatoro – A rare spot of nature Located in Western Saitama, around 2 hours from Tokyo, lies Nagatoro. A scenic mountain getaway with a wide variety of landscapes to enjoy. Whilst beautiful in all seasons, Nagatoro is exceptionally colourful during the Autumn months. From Shinjuku in Tokyo, Nagatoro can be reached in around 2 hours via local trains. If you…