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Japan's top three festivals The grace of a Japanese shrine can easily invoke a quiet, contemplative ambience, but when one is lifted up and shaken vigorously down the street atop a heaving crowd, it calls for the sort of raucous cheers more appropriate for a grand final. Portable shrines li… Read More
Time-travelling in Kyoto and Nara Beautiful temples and shrines nestled in mystical forests abound throughout Japan, but there are few that can match the enormous scale of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha Grand Shrine and Nara's Tōdai-ji Temple. These World Heritage-listed sites, which include … Read More
Taste sensations of Tsukiji Just a stone's throw from the biggest wholesale fish market in the world, sushi restaurants in Tokyo's Tsukiji area easily attract breakfast queues that snake out onto the footpath well before sunrise. Sushi Zanmai and Sushi Dai are two budget to mid-priced break… Read More
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
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
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
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
“…take in the stunning panorama of the Japanese Alps…” Along with Shiga Kogen's trademark top-quality powder snow, Ryuoo Ski Park's major draw cards include its jumbo-sized ropeway, indulgent courses of up to 6 km, and fun activities for kids. One of Japan's longest ungroomed runs, the park… Read More
History flows through the hot springs of Yudanaka Onsen From the moment you step off the train at Yudanaka station, you are already fully immersed in this onsen (hot spring) town. The station has its own hot spring facilities for day-trippers, and outside there’s a foot bath you can enjoy to kic… Read More
“A truly natural ski resort, open for all” Surrounded by a vast panoramic view, the Kumanoyu Ski Area is located in the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park. The national park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, ensuring the protection by the local environment. From the 2015-20… Read More
An extended stay in Omachi often happens naturally when day visitors fall in love with its charming hot spring inns, restaurants and izakaya bars... HOT SPRING INNS & HOTELS With its long history, traditional architecture is one of Omachi's trademarks, and inn rooms with slidi… Read More
One of Omachi's biggest strengths as a snow holiday destination is its variety of attractions, which can be mixed and matched for a great day out... KASHIMAYARI SPORTS VILLAGE & JIIGATAKE SKI RESORT Omachi's two main snow resorts, Kashimayari and Jiigatake offer enough variety, and … Read More
