Japan Archives - A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

10 fascinating places that tourists can't visit

By Paul Johnson on Feb 01, 2023 in Asia, Attractions, Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, France, Going Out, Iceland, India, Japan, New Mexico, New York, North America, Norway, Oceania, Regions, South America, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide

There are many interesting places in the world that are off-limits to tourists and travellers. These places may be restricted for a variety of reasons, including political tensions, cultural considerations or environmental concerns.

5 new hotels in Japan for Banyan Tree

By Paul Johnson on Jul 31, 2022 in Accommodation, Asia, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Resorts

5 new Banyan Tree properties come just in time as Japan’s borders reopen following a two-year break from international tourism .

Luxury travel news for the week ending 13th February 2022

By Paul Johnson on Feb 13, 2022 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Asia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Hotels, Japan, Middle East, Qatar, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive regular updates from A Luxury Travel Blog, please make sure you subscribe to our mailing list. With several new luxe hotels, Madrid is now also Spain’s capital of 5-star travel For decades, Barcelona has been Spain’s

7 of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tohoku

By Paul Johnson on Jan 31, 2022 in Asia, Attractions, Events, Going Out, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany

Wandering through a blanket of pink-and-white fluffy cherry blossoms is on everyone’s Japan bucket list. And why shouldn’t it be? Cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japan and the iconic blossoms are a sublime sight that kicks off spring. From early April to mid May, the Tohoku area becomes a sakura wonderland for would-be flower watchers.

6 things to look out for in Okinawa in 2022

By Paul Johnson on Jan 03, 2022 in Accommodation, Asia, Events, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany

Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun. Just 3 hours by air from Tokyo and blessed with incredible natural beauty, from lush forests to crystal blue waters with abundant coral and golden sands, Okinawa is perfect for beach lovers and sport enthusiasts alike

ANA Intercontinental Appi Kogen Resort view_ALTB - image courtesy of Tohoku Tourism Promotiaon Organization

5 reasons to visit Tohoku once Japan re-opens for tourism

By Paul Johnson on Jan 02, 2022 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel

Tohoku, the historically-isolated northern Japanese region, will be among the best places for international travelers to visit, especially for spiritual and natural adventures, once Japan reopens for tourism. Written about by legendary haiku poet Matsuo Basho in his masterpiece travelogue “Oku no Hosomichi” in 1702, Tohoku has been known in Japan since ancient times for

The safest places to visit in 2022

By Paul Johnson on Dec 15, 2021 in Asia, Europe, Germany, Health & Safety, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe, Worldwide

In conjunction with the upcoming 65th anniversary of its first publication in 1957, Frommer’s has revealed a special list of elite destinations: the Safest Places to Go in the coming year. Using what they claim is a host of internationally respected measures including the Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

7 beautiful ski chalets in Hakuba, Japan

By Nadine Robb on Nov 19, 2021 in Accommodation, Asia, Japan, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Vacation Rentals

“7”, but technically 9, Hakuba White Fox is one of the newer and larger property portfolios in the Hakuba Valley, exuding comfort, style an sophistication throughout their collection. Easily recognisable in their bold and unique architecture – contemporary meets cosy in these luxury Hakuba ski chalets. Aside from the design, the concierge team live full

Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences from around the world

By Paul Johnson on Sep 03, 2021 in Africa, Antarctic, Asia, Australia, Austria, Canada, Europe, Finland, Germany, Japan, Louisiana, Middle East, Netherlands, North America, Oceania, Polar Regions, Regions, Tanzania, Turkey, USA, Western Europe

Red, Amber, Green. The travel traffic light system is now firmly etched into the minds of would-be travellers. Whilst the confusion continues, tour operator Trafalgar has issued The Gold List – a curation of worldly travel experiences that you never knew existed. USA: Meet a member of Johnny Cash’s family during New Orleans Jazz Festival

5 best beaches on Miyako-jima, Japan

By Nadine Robb on Aug 17, 2021 in Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Japan, Regions

Many things may spring to mind when someone says “Japan”, but it is likely that white sand beaches and turquoise waters are not among them. Best known perhaps for a richness of culture, a deep rooted history, or even as the country that offers arguably the worlds best powder skiing, its merits as a beach

A guide to 5 of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts

By Kerry Golds on Jul 16, 2021 in Asia, Japan, Regions

Japan has a creative streak that dates back 10,000 years, to the Jomon people – the first settlers of these storied islands, and some of the world’s first potters. That streak has continued into the age of anime, chindogu, uncanny robots and idiosyncratic fashion trends… yet the old ways hold an enduring appeal. Below, we

5 mouth-watering destinations for foodies

By Kerry Golds on Jun 27, 2021 in Armenia, Asia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Japan, Regions, Slovenia, Travel Miscellany, Vietnam, Western Europe

Just as a picture can paint a thousand words, a plate of food can showcase a thousand years of history. It can tell the tale of intermingling cultures, the forging of pioneering trade routes, the discovery of new techniques and ingredients… all while delighting and dazzling the palate. If the way to your heart is

5 amazing holistic healing retreats in Asia

By Joanne McFarlane on Apr 27, 2021 in Accommodation, Asia, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Regions, Resorts, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Thailand

Over the last year, we’ve seen our physical and emotional selves suffer. We were isolated from family and friends, lost our health and wellness routines, and our grounding in life. As we begin to think about future travel adventures, how can we address the healing process and destress at the same time? Asia offers the

The best day trips from Hakuba, Japan

By Nadine Robb on Apr 25, 2021 in Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Japan, Regions

Though Hakuba is a well known international ski destination, and recreational mountain town in the green season, it also serves very well as a base from which to explore some of Honshu’s best destinations. In no particular order, here are five of the best day trips from Hakuba. 1. Matsumoto Castle As one of Japan’s

5 reasons not to write Hakuba off this spring

By Nadine Robb on Mar 15, 2021 in Asia, Japan, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel

Yes, the powder days are more than likely behind us for this winter. And while you will probably not be in waist deep Hakuba powder any time soon, there are still plenty of reasons to keep the village in your sights this spring season. Here are my top 5 reasons not to write off Hakuba

10 beautiful and lesser-known temples of Asia

By Joanne McFarlane on Mar 14, 2021 in Asia, Attractions, Bhutan, Cambodia, Going Out, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Regions

When we think of beautiful temples in Asia, the Taj Mahal in India, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or perhaps Borobudur in Java might spring to mind. Asia is full of stunning places of worship, reflecting Hinduism, Buddhism and other spiritual practices. Here, we take you on a journey of some of Asia’s lesser-known temples. Kailasa

Category: Japan