When my son heard my husband and I discussing a possible trip to Japan, his eyes instantly sparkled, and he whispered 'can we go and see a samurai?' To ease ourselves into the world of the samurai in Tokyo, our first step was to visit the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku. The museum provides free … Read More
Mount Fuji, for obvious reasons, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Japan. The allure of this sacred mountain was no different for Meg and her friend Liv, who stayed in Gotemba to be close to it. On the way, Meg and Liv quickly realised that this had unexpectedly taken them on an adventur… Read More
Melanie booked her trip to Japan wanting to immerse herself in a culture she was unaware of, yet interested in. She had no idea where to go or what to expect, and in her search for tours and experiences, she came across Freewheeling Japan, a cycling tour of Tokyo city. The tour guide was an America… Read More
‘I went to Nozawa Onsen not sure what to expect,’ recounts Chris of his experience visiting this traditional hot spring village in winter. He was soon won over by the the friendliness of the locals, and the fantastic hospitality at the ryokan inn he stayed in. The show-stopper of Chris's visit w… Read More
Going on a date in Tokyo is essentially a date with the city itself. You get to know each other just by being there, and wherever you look, something fascinating is looking right back at you. My ideal date with Tokyo city begins in Omotesandō, exploring the streets to find a cute cafe to brunch … Read More
One of my favourite places in Japan is Kamakura, a historic coastal town surrounded by nature, just one hour from Tokyo. The best way to explore is by foot - a stroll is a great way to soak up the relaxed atmosphere, and there are street vendors offering traditional snacks by the wayside. You ca… Read More
Nursing a warm latte, the famous Shibuya scramble crossing sprawls beneath me. My eyes wander over brightly coloured billboards, trucks that blare out J-pop tunes, and young pretty things immaculately dressed, sharing the streets with salarymen and the eccentric. I’m in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most… Read More
There are many sumo stables in Tokyo’s Ryogoku district, but only a small handful offer access to tourists. Even then, their requirements are so strict that you really must be part of a guided tour - a traditional Japan bucket list essential. Kasugano Beya, near Ryogoku Station, is perhaps the … Read More
Experienced traveler and blogger Kim-Ling tells us that visiting World Heritage sites while overseas will allow you to form your own connection to a country. It also enables you to gain a greater understanding of its culture and history. ‘From the Zen Japanese gardens, located in busy cities, to… Read More
Leah, her two children and partner visited Japan for the very first time over Easter break 2017. During their holiday they visited Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. And in each city, they visited one theme park: Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan and Toei Studio Park ‘Before heading to a travel dest… Read More
A seafood lover's paradise near Sapporo, steeped in historic charm A VISIT to Otaru is a trip back in time to nineteenth-century Japan. Beautifully maintained European heritage buildings constructed during this era still line its picturesque canal district, and on the inside, yield m… Read More
> Soak up 1,900 years of hot spring tradition > Make tracks in the domain of the snow monsters > Experience traditional geisha entertainment The historic hot spring town of Zao Onsen lies within the Zao Mountain Range, an impressive cluster of stratovolcanoes 40 minutes from Yamag… Read More
> More than ten metres a season of the best powder you've never seen > Amazing backcountry, hot springs and local dining and drinking > International resort night life with great English tours and lessons Ten powder-rich resorts. One pass. And in 2016… Read More
WORLD CLASS Niseko Grand Hirafu is the biggest resort in Niseko, with the lion's share of terrain on the 1,308-metre Mount Niseko Annupuri. It has 30 diverse courses, including 9 of more than a kilometre, and a 5.6-kilometre long cruiser. Tree runs, fresh powder and panoramic views… Read More
A scenic 'hot spring kingdom' filled with natural and cultural highlights Yamagata Prefecture is one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas, making it a naturally blessed snow holiday destination just 2.5 hours north of Tokyo by bullet train. Some 160,000 hectares of the prefecture is na… Read More
> Vast quantities of Japan's best powder > World-class facilities > Loads of after-ski entertainment What is it that makes the snow holiday experience at Niseko so addictive? Is it the free and easy off-piste policy? The nightlife? The parks, schools and va… Read More
Highlights from a century of skiing in Japan 1911 THE BIRTH OF SKIING IN JAPAN A demonstration of skiing down Mt Kanaya, Niigata Prefecture, by visiting Austro-Hungarian army officer Theodor von Lerch in 1911 is credited as the birth of the sport in Japan. For many locals of Japan's snow… Read More
BUILT TO SATISFY Secluded amidst the rugged mountains in the north of the Hakuba Valley lies Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. Known as Hakuba Norikura, this resort is popular for its wide variety of courses, excellent powder and relaxed local atmosphere. With a range of facilities, accommodatio… Read More
Owakudani geothermal area, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and Tonosawa hot springs At 1,050 metres above sea level, the Owakudani geothermal area offers one of Hakone's best views of Mount Fuji. This valley steams and hisses with vapour coming straight through the earth's crust, and… Read More
With spectacular views of Mount Fuji and abundant natural hot springs, Hakone is a rewarding short trip close to Tokyo Hakone has long been a favourite getaway spot for Tokyoites. An historic hot spring town located some 80 kilometres away from the city in Kanagawa Prefect… Read More
