Island-hopping around Okinawa Subtropical Okinawa is traditionally known as the Ryukyu Islands, and enjoys the best of Japan's most amazing beaches. What helps seal the deal for international visitors is the fascinating native culture of the Ryukyus, which sets them apart from other beach reso… Read More
Upgrade your staycation with Japanese cultural experiences and create unique memories Take a close look at Japan’s most unique clothing brand UNIQLO is a continuum of Japanese fashion, technology and business. From a single store in Hiroshima back in 1984, UNIQLO has grown to become… Read More
The authentic way to enjoy karaoke 1.01 People in Japan of all ages, teenagers, young adults and even elderly men and women love a good party at karaoke. Some even use karaoke as a way to release stress. Lantern by Wagaya is a luxury style karaoke restaurant with 22 different private karaoke … Read More
Another piece of the puzzle that is Japanese cuisine... Izakaya Masuya is one of the trailblazers in Sydney turning heads and sparking interest in sake, the Japanese fermented rice wine. They’ve got a vast selection of sake from all over Japan, chosen carefully by their resident som… Read More
Here's why you should give the ramen trend a go... For a few years now, the ramen trend has been slowly taking over major international cities like New York, and here in Sydney? The battle has just begun. Ramen crossed the ocean to Japan from China during the Meiji era, and over time it evolv… Read More
Introduce a flavourful side of Japanese culture into your everyday life Washoku or Japanese food has been praised, enjoyed and transformed all over the world; it has even been added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Washoku is most people’s first real exposure to Japanese cultu… Read More
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality right here in Sydney The Japanese are known for their acute attention to detail and generous hospitality. The crème de la crème of the Japanese hospitality industry are the ryokans. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn often with an attached ho… Read More
Discover the simple yet sophisticated art that lies within authentic sushi Sushi has a significant place within the eclectic Australian food culture, and the compact, easy-to-eat hand rolls continue to be a hit. Slowly but surely, Australians are also beginning to uncover the exquisiteness of … Read More
Steaming mineral-rich pools of health and happiness are found everywhere in Yamagata from the coastline to its mountainous interior, and can be enjoyed quickly on a day trip or slowly and decadently on a hot spring holiday. For visitors on a snow holiday, local hot spring (onsen) villages are … Read More
“…unforgettable scenery, hot springs and powder snow…” Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort is one of Japan's vintage snow resorts, famous for its combination of rare, unforgettable scenery, abundant hot springs and powder snow. It was established in 1925 soon the birth of skiing in Japan, and has … Read More
Yamagata Prefecture stands out as a must-visit powder destination; it's a part of a region in Japan that is blanketed by some of the country's heaviest snowfall every winter. Located less than three hours by bullet train to the north of Tokyo, some 160,000ha of the prefecture is national parkla… Read More
With over 30,000 Australian travellers visiting Japan in 2014, Japan has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for many Australians and no longer a curious island country far up in Asia. Japan is home to a unique culture that comes from a mixture of traditions and futuristic technolo… Read More
Half an hour from the Japan Sea coast, in the mountains of Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park, Myoko has a charming combination of superb scenery, champagne powder and a diverse variety of natural hot springs. There are over seven resorts in the area of which you can choose the most suitable for … Read More
“Popular family friendly skiers-only resort within easy reach of Tokyo” NASPA Ski Garden is a family-friendly ski resort located in the spectacular surroundings of the original Japanese snow-country town of Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture - just 80 minutes from central Tokyo. With a compact layo… Read More
“Chase down some top quality powder through the woods” Kagura Ski Resort is known for its high quality powder as well as its exciting backcountry courses and lengthy tree runs from its 1,845m peak. This 23 course ski field is open from late November to late May, so there’s plenty of qualit… Read More
“A fantastic snow adventure land for all” From families with small children to die hard skiers, Naeba Ski Resort is popular amongst a variety of people in Japan and has something for everyone. From the top of 1,789m right down to the more family friendly areas at the bottom, there are 22 c… Read More
Experiencing the bounty of a Japanese Bordeaux Echigo-Yuzawa is part of a region called Minami-Uonuma, which is in many ways a Bordeaux of Japan. Just as Bordeaux has an ideal climate for viticulture, Minami-Uonuma has an ideal climate for rice farming, and the quality of its Minami-Uonuma Koshi… Read More
Discovering an ancient healing retreat When Hanroku Takahashi descended into a valley in Echigo-Yuzawa some 900 years ago, a hot spring bath was the last thing he had in mind. The local warrior had fallen ill on a journey through what was then a wilderness area, and was trying to catch medicina… Read More
Choosing the resort area that's right for you The 12 ski resorts around Echigo-Yuzawa are spread across three different areas: Yuzawa-Kandatsu, Naeba-Kagura and Tsuchitaru. They're filled with fun, exciting runs and amazing scenery, attracting everyone from kids putting on a set of skis for the … Read More
From skyscrapers to ski slopes in 77 minutes If there's a town that best represents Japan's snow country, it's Echigo-Yuzawa. An ancient healing retreat surrounded by idyllic mountain ranges and rice paddies, it slowly developed as an inn town after a local warrior discovered a hot spring in the a… Read More
