Japan may be a small country, but there are hundreds of destinations that offer more than you could imagine. From nature-rich and quiet regional towns where you can experience traditional Japan, to the fast-paced and bright metropolitan cities bustling with people and technology, begin to explore Japan right here.
For hungry riders on a raw powder diet Tokachidake is nature in the Hokkaido Powder Belt 'as is'. There are no lifts, no groomed runs, and no crowds; just pure powder to be enjoyed. The area consists of Tokachidake, a 2,077-metre volcano, and Tokachidake Onsen, a hot spring village dotted … ...Read More
The neighbouring town to the snow monkey park, full of charm and tradition Shibu Onsen is a quaint hot spring town in Nagano Prefecture that opens up behind a curtain of steam, revealing traditions and architecture of years passed, still standing tall an… ...Read More
Shiga Kogen √ Japan's biggest ski resort area √ Hot spring heaven √ Snow Monkeys AND Snow Monsters Shiga Kogen is the collection of one of Japan’s largest ski resorts and hiking spots, conveniently locat… ...Read More
A breath of fresh air, 75 minutes from Shinjuku Hakone has provided a found retreat for the Japanese people for over four centuries. Known for its hot springs, hospitality, and the gorgeous natural sceneries, you can find expect to peace a… ...Read More
Hot Spring Therapy that Heals Both the Body and Soul & Rejuvenate Your Body and Spirit in the Countryside of Japan Tucked away along Japan’s western coastline and surrounded by the natural beauty of the San’in Kaigan Geopark lies the city of Toyooka. Conveniently located… ...Read More
Osaka: The Vibrant City of Old and New The world famous Osaka is the capital of west Japan; a trade and cultural hub that offers a completely different experience to that of Tokyo city. Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in J… ...Read More
Do you love Japanese food? Then try out the unique local dishes from Nagoya, Japan, known as Nagoya Meshi, at the ‘Eat the Feast of Nagoya’ food fair. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Nagoya and Sydney, a well-renowned restaurant, ‘YAYOI’, will be runnin… ...Read More
Myoko is a winter sports paradise home to several ski resorts based around the 2,454-metre-high Mt. Myoko, located in Niigata Prefecture near the border of Nagano. It is renowned for its long winters with heavy snowfall, yielding abundant fluffy, high-quality powder snow, along with its easy ac… ...Read More
This traditional ski resort reigns supreme in Japan The historic hot spring town of Zao Onsen lies within the Zao Mountain Range, an impressive cluster of stratovolcanoes 40 minutes from Yamagata City. Legend has it that a wounded warrior stumbled upon the first spring-head in the area aft… ...Read More
Planning your next school holiday trip? It’s the perfect season for longer overseas travel—whether it’s with a multi-generational family or a group of family friends. Japan remains a top destination, but finding a spacious and comfortable hotel can be challenging, as many Japanese hotel rooms te… ...Read More
Kumamoto is one of Japan's most stunning and underrated cities, it’s home to fascinating architecture, excellent gastronomic options, and friendly locals, a spirit that's nothing short of inspiring, this is a city worth adding to your Japan itinerary. Here's a guide to just a handful of hi… ...Read More
√ Deep powder resort with a vast slope area √ Grand samurai-era bathhouses and inns √ Traditional hot spring healing destination The quaint village of Nozawa Onsen has long been known beyond the shores of Japan as a winter destination. The deep powder, great resort facilities and the fa… ...Read More
The northernmost of the four main islands of Japan, Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan. it is surrounded by three oceans: The Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. Although it has the third largest population of Japan, it is the least populated. Hokkaido has relatively pleasant weather, characterised by harsh winter accompanied by heavy snowfall, extremely low temperatures and frozen seas. It is also home to various mountains, extensive wetlands, beautiful lakes, forests, ski resorts and so much more. It’s a popular tourist hotspot among domestic and international tourists alike, who enjoy the unspoiled nature and large variety of seafood offered from the surrounding seas.
Hokkaido is well known for its winter skiing, but there is also a lot more on offer on this serene snow-covered island. This article takes you through our recent three day excursion to discover Hokkaido’s array of interesting cultural activities including a deep dive into the history of indigenous … Read More
Staying at Jozankei Jozankei and a great little town steeped in culture and history located just 50 mins from Sapporo city. Jozankei is a onsen town ( hot springs ) where more that 50 natural hot springs half of them coming straight out of the ground. Hotels and traditional Ryokans (Japanese Inns)… Read More
√ Full-service outdoor playground √ Lower humidity means even drier powder snow √ Authentic local culture and hospitality Winter guests visit the city of Furano for skiing and snowboarding, both locally and nearby at backcountry spots and other resorts around the Hokkaido Powder Belt. S… Read More
Tohoku region consists of six prefectures: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima, and is located in the north-eastern part of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. Due to the strong effects of the Siberian High, it sees cool summers and snowy winters. However, some places in the pacific coast of Tohoku has much less snow than imagined. Tohoku is characterised by hilly mountains, lakes, hot springs and is a major rice production area. Various outdoor activities, rich historical sites and food experiences are offered throughout the year. Tohoku has made a significant recovery from the devastating earthquake that hit the region in 2011 but remains a place well-loved by both domestic and international travellers.
If you’re looking for a fresh destination to base your next Japan skiing holiday, check out the AIZU SKI/FUKUSHIMA, JAPAN booth at the Snow Travel Expo Sydney on Sunday, May 25. Read on to learn more about Aizu, an under-appreciated skier’s paradise! Aizu, Fukushima - Japan’s Secret Winter Wonderl… Read More
Aizu, a region renowned for its pristine nature and rich history, has launched a new website, DISCOVER AIZU, dedicated to providing comprehensive information for winter sports enthusiasts. In collaboration with Bandai Town, Kitashiobara Village, and the historic city of Aizu-Wakamatsu, DISCOVER … Read More
Unveiling the magic of Fukushima, a land renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, a new collection of captivating promotional videos has been released. Designed to inspire travel agents and their clients, these videos showcase Fukushima's must-see destinations across dif… Read More
Kanto region is located in the north central part of Honshu and accounts for one-third of the total Japanese population. It consists of seven prefectures: Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi and Tokyo. Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Ibaraki are coastal, the other three prefectures are landlocked. It can be said that the Greater Tokyo Area, consisting of Tokyo Metropolis, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Saitama, Chiba and Sagamihara, is responsible for Kanto region being the heart of Japanese culture, politics and economics. This is due to the heavily industrialised and greatly urbanised nature of these areas that intertwines technology and rich pop culture together. Most of us may associate this with the immersive digital artwork and sites with high tech entertainment offered in the region, but Kanto also has rural retreats, sandy beaches, historical sites and untouched natural charm.
Planning your next school holiday trip? It’s the perfect season for longer overseas travel—whether it’s with a multi-generational family or a group of family friends. Japan remains a top destination, but finding a spacious and comfortable hotel can be challenging, as many Japanese hotel rooms te… Read More
The MotoGP™ (FIM Grand Prix World Championship) is the world’s premier motorcycle racing series, and the 2025 season promises to be the biggest yet! With 22 circuits across 18 countries and the world’s top 22 riders, the action is set to be more thrilling than ever. 2025 FIM MotoGP™ World Cham… Read More
Worried that your trip to Japan will look like this? If so, why not get a new pair of glasses in Japan? You can have high-quality glasses or sunglasses made cheaply and quickly in Japan, letting you get on with your trip without delay! And with plenty of unique and stylish designs available,… Read More
Located in the central area of Honshu, Chubu comprises of nine prefectures: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka and Aichi. It is situated between Kansai and Kanto region and is often overlooked as it is regarded as merely a staging point for travelling between two regions. However, some of Japan’s most scenic landscapes, ski resorts and historical towns are located here. Not to mention Japan’s most iconic symbol, Mt Fuji! The climate here differs given that the areas are widely spread out, with the northern most area along the Sea of Japan being cooler and thus experiences heavy snowfall. Areas along the Pacific Coast, on the other hand, experience hot and humid summers. For example, Gifu is known as one of the hottest places in Japan.
Myoko is a winter sports paradise home to several ski resorts based around the 2,454-metre-high Mt. Myoko, located in Niigata Prefecture near the border of Nagano. It is renowned for its long winters with heavy snowfall, yielding abundant fluffy, high-quality powder snow, along with its easy ac… Read More
Nestled around the Hida Mountains of central Japan, Chubusangaku National Park is a stretch of soaring alpine mountains and plains covered with lush nature, abundant wildlife, and culturally rich villages living in harmony with the encompassing ecosystems. While many visit in winter to ski, the war… Read More
We all know that Japan is very capable of going beyond our expectations of converting something into more unique and extraordinary. The Robot Restaurant, vending machines, digital art museums and Pachinko... and train rides! While Japan is famously known for its efficient and extensive railway netw… Read More
Also known as ‘Kinki’, Kansai region occupies the southern-central region of Honshu and consists of seven prefectures: Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga and Wakayama. Keihanshin region comprises of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto, and is also known as the second-most densely populated region in Japan since a vast portion of industrial production takes place here. The rivalry between regions of Kanto and Kansai is still prevalent when it comes to food, dialects and escalator etiquette. Once the cultural and historical heart of Japan, Kansai region has since developed its own unique identity. While Kyoto is commonly found on every traveller’s bucket list, other prefectures also have historical and cultural sites, breathtaking landscapes, carry out religious pilgrimages and have rich food cultures.
Planning your next school holiday trip? It’s the perfect season for longer overseas travel—whether it’s with a multi-generational family or a group of family friends. Japan remains a top destination, but finding a spacious and comfortable hotel can be challenging, as many Japanese hotel rooms te… Read More
Contents What Is Osaka JOINER? Tours Friendly Guides Reviews How to Book Location What Is Osaka JOINER? Osaka JOINER is a service offering tours that provide authentic local experiences, guided by friendly locals who introduce you to hidden gems. You can discover… Read More
In the centuries since its time as Japan’s ancient capital, Nara has continued thriving as a living museum of time-honoured Japanese culture, architecture, craftsmanship, and more. The pinnacle of this lies in its numerous World Heritage Sites, like Todaiji Temple, Kofuku… Read More
Chugoku region is located in the western part of Honshu and comprises of five prefectures: Okayama, Hiroshima, Tottori, Shimane and Yamaguchi. Being geographically close to Kyushu and Shikoku islands means Chugoku serves as an important gateway for travel towards western Japan. This is not limited to domestic travel only, as airports and seaports allow for international passenger traffic from neighbouring countries as well. Most travellers visit Hiroshima while the rest of the region is not explored as much. Despite this, it still boasts Japan’s top three landscape gardens, a World Heritage Site, sand dunes and various outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling.
Located southwest of Honshu is Shikoku, the second smallest main island of Japan. It consists of four prefectures: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi, and remains as Japan’s secret destination. While many hidden gems yet to be discovered, Shikoku region covers a wide range of cultural, historical, spiritual, art and outdoor adventures. This includes the ‘88 Temple’ pilgrimage, Japan’s most famous dance festival, Naoshima Island, a modern art sanctuary, the charismatic bathhouse that inspired the Miyazaki’s film ‘Spirited Away’ and Naruto whirlpools. Being geographically isolated means Shikoku’s traditions and its scenic beauty has been very well preserved.
Shikoku, a large island just off Japan’s southwest mainland, is split into the four regions of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi. All have airports with direct flights to Tokyo in under two hours, making this remote nook of Japan surprisingly accessible. Shikoku is full of charm, from a … Read More
Ehime Prefecture is home to the Shimanami Kaido, a world-famous cycling road that connects several islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Ehime is Japan’s forerunner in promoting bicycles, and its wide assortment of courses welcomes cyclists from beginner to pro. While cycling, you’ll be able to … Read More
This campaign ended as of February 28, 2023.Giveaway prize winner is Joshua Durbin. Congratulations! Ehime Prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku, is world-famous for its historical townscapes like the legendary Dogo Onsen, scrumptious seafood and citrus fruit, and amaz… Read More
Kyushu is the third largest island and is located in the southern west part of Japan. Being located the closest to the Asian continent, an international port was developed and cultural exchanges between China, Korea and European countries occurred. Kyushu consists of eight prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and the islands of Okinawa. It is also known as ‘Onsen Island’ due to its mountainous geography and is also home to Japan’s most active volcano, Mt. Aso. Besides the spectacular nature the island offers that includes Yakushima, Takachiho and Sakurajima, the discovery of hidden Christian sites where Christianity used to be secretly practised has brought Kyushu to the spotlight.
Kyushu is a vast, nature-filled region in southern Japan brimming with volcanic landscapes, historical sightseeing, and oodles of local cuisine. In this article, we’ll outline a four-day Kyushu itinerary honing in on the cities of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. Read on for a taste of… Read More
The popularity of Japanese food has been surging worldwide, and Australia is no exception. The reputation of Japanese food as one of the healthiest in the world and its elegance and simplicity has captured numerous fans’ attention across the globe. Many Japanese food producers have been striving to… Read More
The fifth biggest city in Japan (by population) and the biggest in Kyushu, Fukuoka, is a southern mecca of cultural diversity, adventure, and seasonal delights. It's located at the doorstep of Asia, meaning that it's long been a popular destination for international travellers from the Asi… Read More
Okinawa Prefecture is Japan’s northernmost prefecture, made up of 160 islands of varying sizes. Once an independent nation known as the ‘Ryukyu Kingdom’, it created its unique culture as a fusion of its neighbouring Asian countries. One of the main distinctions of Okinawa is its subtropical climate with beautiful beaches, rich corals and undersea life—a heaven for marine and ocean activities. The language barrier here wouldn’t be so much of a problem here as Okinawans generally have a better command of English. Its untouched nature and traditional culture under the slow-paced atmosphere are highly recommended for those seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Since the Ryukyu Dynasty, when trade flourished, Kumejima has been recognised as "the island of beauty" due to it being the most beautiful island of the Ryukyu Islands. Kumejima, still largely unknown in Australia, finally reveals its full story in Sydney. You will be able to get to know m… Read More
“We live on different time here, Island Time... you can enjoy and relax” said the receptionist checking me into the hotel. Soon I became acutely aware of the flow of Island Time, my shoulders relaxed as the stresses of daily life left my body. The pace is leisurely at Ishigakijima it almost feels … Read More
Orion Beer: the mild, fresh tasting beer imported directly from Okinawa, Japan! The best way to experience Orion Beer is to match it with exquisite food – it’s praised in restaurants right here in Sydney too. Let’s take a look at what Salaryman likes to match with Orion Beer… A colla… Read More
