Category: Japan

Hiking the Nakasendo Trail and staying at a Japanese ryokan

Hiking the Nakasendo Trail and staying at a Japanese ryokan

By on Jun 16, 2019 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Regions
We had been planning our once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nearly a year; 10 months travel around the world visiting 15 countries to explore the history, landscape, wildlife, people and food of each destination across South America, Australasia, the Polynesian Triangle, Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Our adventure included some of the must-see attractions of global travel;
10 of the world’s best luxury hotels

10 of the world’s best luxury hotels

By on Jun 15, 2019 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Europe, Featured, Finland, Hotels, Indonesia, Japan, North America, Oceania, Peru, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, South America, Tanzania, Western Europe, Worldwide
From luxury lodges in the middle of the Serengeti to private-pool beachfront villas, the world is jam-packed full of truly remarkable hotels. And, whether you’re after an exotic Asian getaway or adventurous Latin America retreat, here we’ve rounded up some of the world’s best luxury hotels for truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, matched only by their just-as
Skiing in Japan: the ultimate guide to Hakuba's top 7 ski resorts

Skiing in Japan: the ultimate guide to Hakuba's top 7 ski resorts

By on Jun 11, 2019 in Asia, Japan, Regions
In a rapidly evolving Japanese ski town with 10 resorts to choose from it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to selecting the right mountain for you. While there is information readily available it can be time consuming trying to get an unbiased idea of Hakuba’s mountains and what type
8 of the best destinations for October and November

8 of the best destinations for October and November

By on Jun 04, 2019 in Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Europe, Iceland, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Portugal, Regions, Spain, Tanzania, Vietnam, Western Europe
We know from experience that travelers often begin planning their trip 4-6 months in advance, which means that at this point in the year, people are thinking about their fall adventures. October and November are really great months to travel. Families with school-age kids are home, and there aren’t any college students on spring break.
Luxury travel news this week

Luxury travel news this week

By on May 19, 2019 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Asia, Australia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Germany, Hotels, Japan, Oceania, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive these new weekly alerts in your web browser, please click on the red bell icon in the bottom right hand corner of the page and click ‘subscribe’ (works on desktop only – for other ways to
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5 adventurous family friendly destinations in Asia

By on May 17, 2019 in Adventure Travel, Asia, China, Family Travel, India, Indonesia, Japan, Regions, Speciality Travel, Thailand
Seeking out a long-haul destination in Asia when travelling with children or families can be a daunting experience. Moving away from the well-trodden routes of Thailand villas and India’s Golden Triangle opens up a wealth of opportunities for bucket-list holidays that will be never be forgotten. We have spent many years travelling across the vast
8 ways to get the most out of Spring skiing in Hakuba, Japan

8 ways to get the most out of Spring skiing in Hakuba, Japan

By on Apr 30, 2019 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel
Whether confined to school or work holidays or simply set on getting as many ski trips into the season as possible, a spring ski holiday definitely has it`s quirks. While warmer temperatures, sunnier skies and perhaps less crowds are definite pluses to skiing later in the season, slushier snow and fewer open slopes are some
7 of the best luxury train journeys in the world

7 of the best luxury train journeys in the world

By on Apr 15, 2019 in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, North America, Oceania, Peru, Rail Travel, Regions, Singapore, South America, Speciality Travel, Thailand, United Kingdom, Western Europe
One of the best ways to travel and see the world’s sights is by train. Here are some of the most spectacular trains and train journeys around the world, from classic journeys such as going from London to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to travelling from north to south across Australia and making your way
Over-tourism leads to under-tourism

Over-tourism leads to under-tourism

By on Apr 11, 2019 in Asia, Bhutan, Japan, Myanmar, Regions
While ‘over-tourism’ has been a hot topic over the past year, its antidote ‘under-tourism’ has gained momentum in the last few months and we are thrilled! We identify hugely with this new trend as we appreciate that tourist hoards can be off-putting for many, especially the discerning traveller who values exclusive experiences when exploring destinations
Luxury travel news this week

Luxury travel news this week

By on Mar 31, 2019 in Asia, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Kazakhstan, Regions, Singapore, South Korea
Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive these new weekly alerts in your web browser, please click on the red bell icon in the bottom right hand corner of the page and click ‘subscribe’ (works on desktop only – for other ways to
And the world's cleanest airline is...

And the world's cleanest airline is...

By on Mar 21, 2019 in Air Travel, Asia, Japan, Regions, Speciality Travel
Japan’s All Nippon Airlines (ANA) has been voted the world’s cleanest airline. The annual airline survey conducted by Skytrax shows how passengers rate airlines’ hygiene levels. As part of the World Airline Awards, it asked its database of 24.45 million customers to rate the standards and quality of cleanliness based on their flying experiences, taking
Top 10 most expensive cities in the world

Top 10 most expensive cities in the world

By on Mar 21, 2019 in Asia, California, China, Denmark, Europe, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Middle East, New York, North America, Regions, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, USA, Western Europe
Ever raised an eyebrow at the price of a meal on holiday? Spare a thought for those that live there. The Economist Intelligence Unit has published its annual Worldwide Cost of Living survey and it makes for very interesting reading. The survey was created to help companies calculate cost-of-living for expatriates and business travellers. Comparing the cost of
Laos

10 cookery schools to discover around the world

By on Mar 15, 2019 in Africa, Asia, Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, India, Ireland, Japan, Laos, Regions, South Africa, Thailand, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
‘There is no sincerer love than the love of food’… George Bernard Shaw Food is humanity’s greatest connection with each other. One of travel’s enticing rewards is the discovery of new cuisine and exploring the soul of a place through its dishes. We have handpicked 10 of our favourite culinary experiences to delve into; food
What to eat in Japan

What to eat in Japan

By on Mar 06, 2019 in Asia, Food and Drink, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany
Simple. Tidy. Fresh. These are the three adjectives we would use to describe Japanese cuisine. While many countries in Asia use a plethora of spices in their food, the Japanese prefer less complicated flavors, allowing the main ingredients and a few seasonings (commonly soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger) to speak for themselves. Even in a
Luxury travel news this week

Luxury travel news this week

By on Feb 17, 2019 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, California, Cruises & Boat Travel, Hotels, Japan, Middle East, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, USA
Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive these new weekly alerts in your web browser, please click on the red bell icon in the bottom right hand corner of the page and click ‘subscribe’ (works on desktop only – for other ways to
In celebration of romance: beautiful pink places around the world

In celebration of romance: beautiful pink places around the world

By on Feb 14, 2019 in Asia, Attractions, Australia, Europe, Going Out, Honeymoons, India, Italy, Japan, Leisure Travel, Mexico, North America, Oceania, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
In celebration of Valentine’s Day and the month of romance, we highlight our favourite pink places and natural phenomena around the world, from taking in the sunsets over the iconic romantic city of Venice to witnessing the glorious cherry blossom season in Japan – and we recommend the most luxurious, romantic and special hotels to