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.
Marumori town A wholesome country town watched over by Nekogami (Cat God) Abundant in nature and vibrant with creative people who have a love for traditional values and innovating a lifestyle of wellness for everyone. It is a truly unique town where approximately 80 stone monuments of cats d… ...Read More
An aspect of Japan that I absolutely love is that there are very distinct seasons. Unlike Australia, where you could have winter and summer on the same day, Japan has four well defined seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It is refreshing to see a change of season almost in an instant, from… ...Read More
Visit a featured ski resort RUSUTSU which has just joined the Epic Pass January and February see Rusutsu’s Side Country Park come to life, with all sorts of ungroomed fun to be had within the west mountain’s tree run. In one of the many other tree run areas or on the groomers, the resort’s scho… ...Read More
As the most populated prefecture of Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture is the ideal location to begin your journey! This vast coastal and mountainous prefecture boasts dozens of attractions, including the awe-inspiring Matsuyama Castle, the isolated villages of Ozu and Uchiko, and Japan’s oldest hot spr… ...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
Don’t be fooled by its size - there’s a lot going on in Kagawa! Despite being the smallest prefecture in Japan, it’s extremely well known for its cutting-edge art scene, traditional lacquerware, stunning gardens, and deep gourmet culture. This tucked-away slice of Japan is not to be overlooked!… ...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. Small… ...Read More
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
One of my favourite times in Japan is during the season of Autumn. The weather is perfect, and we get the chance to see the Cherry Blossoms not too well-known sibling, Momijigari (紅葉狩) or Red Leaves Hunting. It is the Japanese tradition of going to visit scenic areas where leaves have turned… ...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
Asahikawa City Great local resorts, after-ski entertainment and attractions Taisetsu* is a collection of magnificent mountains that form the central highlands of Hokkaido, and here you’ll find the largest national park in the country known as the Daisetsuzan National Park*. With mountains of … ...Read More
The largest city in the world by population, Greater Tokyo sprawls as far as the eye can see from the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, towards the silhouette of Mount Fuji on the horizon. One of the most iconic of these skyscrapers is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building; designed to resemble a gi… ...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
Japan is synonymous with beautiful scenery and is most famous for its cherry blossom season in spring. However, flowers bloom all year round in Japan, so no matter what time of year you are travelling there, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a flower festival that offers exquisite views, delicio… 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.
Fukushima Prefecture is one of Japan’s premier “powder snow” havens, with plenty of ski resorts flaunting fluffy snow perfect for skiing and more. Why Fukushima for Winter Sports and Snow Activities? Being the 3rd largest prefecture in Japan, Fukushima is chock-full of large-scale ski resorts bo… Read More
These new “study tour programs” encourage participants to learn and discover hope through dialogues with those involved in the reconstruction of Fukushima, while witnessing the stark realities of the devastating earthquakes, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. The Fukushima of Today Since the 2011 Tohok… Read More
Blessed by vast mountains, lakes, and ocean, Fukushima is a treasure trove of produce. Each of the regions of Nakadori, Hamadori, and Aizu have their own distinctive ingredients and cooking styles, yielding a delightful collection of tantalising local meals. In fact, Fukushima boasts a staggering t… 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.
Fabric Dyeing has always been an enjoyable activity. One of its attractions is not only the beautiful results that you can easily achieve but how simple and quick the process is. The best part of fabric dyeing is that everyone can participate in the process. There is less of a chance that the f… Read More
Tokyo is gaining attention for its creative and festive approach to halloween by taking it to a whole new level! Tokyo's approach is a bit different as it focuses less on the spooky side of this festive season. Instead, it is viewed more of a time to be inventive with dress up costumes. Also, it's… Read More
Have you guys heard of Japan’s favourite hangout place, Izakaya? If this sounds foreign to you, allow me to explain what it is. Izakaya is a type of casual Japanese-style bar/pub (the midpoint between a bar and a restaurant), serving a range of Japanese alcoholic drinks and top-notch snacks to acc… 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
During autumn, you not only enjoy the brilliant colours during the day but at night too. Autumn light up events occur throughout Japan bringing new life to the gardens, temples, and parks they illuminate. Dazzling light displays transform the atmosphere as various types of maple and gingko trees gl… 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.
Kyoto, a hub of culture, history, and the capital for more than 1,000 years, is what many imagine when picturing Japan. Even today, the streets of Kyoto abound with cultural treasures, ancient traditions, and time-honoured craftsmanship passed down the generations. JTNDc2VjdGlvbiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJ… Read More
It is funny how the more you cannot have something, the more you want it. Has anyone been craving matcha since the start of COVID-19? This superfood has taken the world by a storm. Not only is the green powder recognized for its health benefits, but also its ability to be incorporated in a wide var… Read More
Located in the heart of Wakayama prefecture, on top of a mountain, lies a village tucked away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Osaka City. Here you will find a huge temple settlement known as Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan), which is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which… 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.
Okayama is pleasantly gifted with a mild climate with a higher chance of sunny days outrunning rainy days, in comparison to other parts of Japan. Okayama Prefecture is located south of Chugoku Region and Honshu Island. This makes it the perfect place for growing all kinds of sweet, high quality fru… Read More
Tottori is a perfect match for those who are a fan of going somewhere more quiet and away from large crowds. If you are planning to make another trip to Japan, definitely visit here! This place is largely unheard of to foreign tourists but this secret is about to change. Tottori Prefecture is in we… Read More
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Japan. During autumn it is the perfect temperature to enjoy one of Japan’s scenic hikes. More notably, this is the time that the leaves change colour and Japan’s usually lush greenery is transformed temporarily into a complex palette of reds, oranges and yel… Read More
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.
JTNDcCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaDElMjBtLTAlMjBweC0zJTIwcHktMCUyMHRleHQtY2VudGVyJTIwZm9udC13ZWlnaHQtYm9sZCUyMiUzRVRoaXMlMjBjYW1wYWlnbiUyMGVuZGVkJTIwYXMlMjBvZiUyMEZlYnJ1YXJ5JTIwMjglMkMlMjAyMDIzLiUzQ2JyJTNFR2l2ZWF3YXklMjBwcml6ZSUyMHdpbm5lciUyMGlzJTIwSm9zaHVhJTIwRHVyYmluLiUyMENvbmdyYXR1bGF0aW9ucyUyMSUzQyUyRnA… Read More
Shikoku may be the smallest of Japan's main islands, but don't let its size fool you. This region is home to some of the most incredible attractions, richest culture, and most fascinating history you'll find in all of Japan. With plenty of adventure, incredible food and beautiful nature, it's a ver… Read More
Don’t be fooled by its size - there’s a lot going on in Kagawa! Despite being the smallest prefecture in Japan, it’s extremely well known for its cutting-edge art scene, traditional lacquerware, stunning gardens, and deep gourmet culture. This tucked-away slice of Japan is not to be overlooked!… 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 Asia region,… 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 more about… 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
