
Category: Japan


Suite of the week: Palace Suite, Palace Hotel Tokyo, Japan
Suite name: Palace Suite Location: Palace Hotel Tokyo, Japan Size of accommodation: 210-250 sq m / 2,260-2,690 sq ft Cost per night: JPY 1,000,000 Who’s stayed here: The suite has been home to, among others, globally recognisable titans of industry (including fashion, finance, business and entertainment) as well as some very high profile diplomatic guests. What makes it special: Palace Hotel
Short stay: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, Japan
By Paul Johnson on Mar 01, 2015 in Accommodation, Asia, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany
Located in the heart of the city’s Nihonbashi business district and consistently rated one of the finest hotels in Asia, the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo can be found a short walk from the ‘Bridge of Japan’ from which Nihonbashi takes its name. Situated on the upper floors of the Cesar Pelli-designed Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, where there 
Short stay: Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
By Paul Johnson on Feb 28, 2015 in Accommodation, Asia, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany
I’d been tipped off on how to get to the new Aman Tokyo on landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport: I was to take the monorail from the airport to Hamamatucho and to then take a taxi from there. The first part proved seamless, but the latter not so, with the first three taxi drivers all 
3 stunning boutique hotels for an Asian honeymoon
By James Jayasundera on Feb 17, 2015 in Accommodation, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Bhutan, Honeymoons, Hotels, Japan, Leisure Travel, Resorts, Speciality Travel, Sri Lanka
Asia is a vast and beautiful continent, one which is veiled with hidden gems to entice the curious traveller. And for the adventurous honeymooning couple, Asia is full of romance and surprise. But to get the best out of your honeymoon, skip the executive suite in your favourite luxury hotel chain – and opt for 
Top 10 experiences for food lovers
By Tom Marchant on Feb 12, 2015 in Argentina, Asia, Australia, California, Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, North America, Oceania, Peru, Regions, South America, Travel Miscellany, USA, Vietnam, Western Europe
Food and travel are the two loves of our lives, and there’s nothing quite like the appetite to ignite that spark of wanderlust, from the incredible street food in Mexico’s bustling capital to uncovering the hidden local hotspots in Vietnam. So we’ve scoured the globe searching for our favourite culinary experiences, from truffle hunting in 
Tokyo: tourism, temples and... toilets!
By Paul Johnson on Feb 06, 2015 in Asia, Attractions, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany
The toilet seat in my hotel bathroom lifts as I approach it. It’s warm when I sit down, and it flushes itself once I’ve finished. The lid even closes by itself afterwards should I forget. Yet, despite all this self-automation, I am not exaggerating when I say there are 15 different buttons to control the 
5 must-sees when in Kyoto
With a couple of thousand or so temples and shrines, Kyoto’s reputation as a temple town is solid. Every trip should save room to see a few, but there’s no need to over do it. Kyoto has more than enough non-temple must-see sights to keep you busy and maybe even inspire you to make a
What's it like to fly business class with ANA (All Nippon Airways)?
By Paul Johnson on Jan 29, 2015 in Air Travel, Asia, Business Travel, Featured, Food and Drink, Japan, Regions, Singapore, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
ANA (All Nippon Airways) is the largest airline in Japan, a member of Star Alliance, and ranked one of the top 10 airlines in the world. It is one of less than 10 airlines worldwide to currently hold Sytrax’s 5-star rating and has a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, with a coverage of over 
5 original destinations for 2015
By Tom Barber on Dec 30, 2014 in Africa, Antarctic, Asia, Central America, Eastern Europe, Europe, Japan, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Polar Regions, Regions, Romania
It’s the time of year when we in the travel industry stare deep into our crystal balls, peer at the tea leaves and read the runes (and do a bit of considered research, naturally) to predict the delectable destinations that we think will hit the heights in 2015. These can be completely new places around 
The best new luxury hotel openings of 2014
By Hilary Stockton on Dec 16, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Austria, China, Eastern Europe, Europe, Florida, Hotels, Japan, New York, North America, Regions, Russia, USA, Western Europe
The best new luxury hotel openings of 2014 include beautiful new properties in Beijing, Kyoto, Moscow, NYC, Orlando and Vienna. Some of these hotels are entering extremely crowded markets, while others are in the enviable position of having only a few luxury competitors, making them the go-to property for most luxury travelers to that destination. 
Top 4 unusual ski experiences
By Tom Marchant on Nov 26, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Asia, Colorado, Europe, Japan, Leisure Travel, North America, Norway, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, USA, Western Europe
As soon as one winter season is over, talk quickly turns to the next for eager snow lovers. From world class après ski to skiing across untouched powder in remote fjords, feast your eyes over these incredible destinations, from Norway to Japan. They’re perfect for a more unusual ski experience. Fjord skiing in Lofoten, Norway For those skiers wanting 
Top 10 luxury ryokans in Japan
By James Jayasundera on Nov 20, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Japan, Regions
Ryokans are the last word in luxury rest and relaxation in Japan. They are traditional style inns devoted to fine ‘kaiseki’ traditional food, hot spring baths and the simple pleasures of life as it was lived before Japan hurtled into the slick, metallic 21st Century. Cedarwood baths, the poignant smell of tatami mat rooms, ornamental 
5 recommendations for a luxury tour of Japan
By James Jayasundera on Oct 21, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Hotels, Japan, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel
If you’re a traveller with a sense of adventure then the Far East is a part of the world you absolutely must see. Japan is a particular jewel of East Asia and a remarkable place to visit. Culture shock is the phrase perhaps most often used by visitors to this intriguing island, but this is 
Win $4,000 towards your dream trip!
By Paul Johnson on Sep 05, 2014 in Asia, China, India, Japan, Philippines, Regions, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
Picture yourself driving through Sri Lanka’s national parks and encountering leopards. Imagine yourself exploring Japan’s many beautiful temples and gardens. How about soaking up the rays on one of Southeast Asia’s amazing whitesand beaches? These and many other luxurious activities are available for you in Nezasa‘s new Dream Trip Contest in which US $8,000 in