Category: Japan

18 of the best countries to visit in 2018

18 of the best countries to visit in 2018

By on Jan 01, 2018 in Africa, Antarctic, Arctic, Asia, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Denmark, Eastern Europe, Europe, Faroe Islands, Featured, France, India, Italy, Japan, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, North America, Oceania, Poland, Polar Regions, Regions, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Western Europe

Travel and tourism is one industry that has continued to thrive in recent years, consistently out-performing the global economy, and 2018 looks to be no exception. We spoke to a number of experts in the industry to find out their opinions on the countries to visit in the year ahead. And so here are 18 […]

5 reasons to travel solo in Japan

5 reasons to travel solo in Japan

By on Nov 13, 2017 in Asia, Japan, Regions

Whether you’re running a finger over a map searching for your next solo holiday destination, or you’re daydreaming about travelling alone for the very first time, there’s a cluster of islands with rich culture and history, delicious food and kindly people. A country perfect for every kind of solo traveller. Japan, a place with diametric […]

Pila Italy

Top 5 hidden gem ski resorts in the world

By on Nov 09, 2017 in Asia, Austria, Canada, Colorado, Europe, Italy, Japan, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide

What could be more luxurious than having your own slice of ski heaven? Quiet slopes are just as important as perfect powder and first-class services, which is why we’ve put together our top five secret ski destinations in the world. Pila, Italy Pila has the sought-after combination of being both lively and intimate: its small […]

Travel guide to Aman Resorts

Travel guide to Aman Resorts

By on Oct 19, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hotels, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Regions, Resorts, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

Phenomenal luxury, exquisite comforts and an astonishing array of different cultures and landscapes, Aman serves up the best of the best every time. Below we have listed their properties in Asia, but specifically highlighting what we love about each one. Carry on reading and let us know in the comments if you have any other highlights […]

5 of the quirkiest hotels in the world

5 of the quirkiest hotels in the world

By on Aug 20, 2017 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Ecuador, Europe, Hotels, Japan, Kenya, Regions, South America, Sweden, Western Europe

These properties will make you rethink how you view hotels. They are cool, they are quirky, that have broken the mould. Stay at one of these amazing places and you’ll have dinner party conversation sorted for years to come… Benesse House, Naoshima, Japan Restaurants with rooms are de rigueur these days. For something a bit […]

Hakone, Japan

Japan’s best otherworldly landscapes

By on Jul 22, 2017 in Asia, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany

It is no exaggeration to describe Japan as an otherworldly place; getting lost in translation in its eclectic culture or submerging yourself in its myth-rich hinterlands is part of Japan’s draw for the curious traveller. Add to that rare culinary delights and out-of-this-world hotels, and that draw becomes irresistible. Here we’ve picked our favourite places […]

5 reasons to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

5 reasons to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

By on Jul 18, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Food and Drink, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany

What is a ryokan? Perhaps you’ve heard the term ryokan bandied around when planning a trip to Japan, but what exactly are they? In ancient times ryokans provided lodging for passing travellers, so the closest comparison would be an old fashioned inn. These days they provide so much more than a bed for the night […]

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

5 of the most memorable steam train journeys around the world

By on Jul 14, 2017 in Africa, Asia, Colorado, Europe, India, Japan, North America, Oregon, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, USA, Western Europe, Zambia

The great puffs of steam, the deep chug of the engine and the screech of the whistle as your train pulls out of the station. The romance of a steam train journey never fades, and it’s the same wherever you go. Here we’ve put together some of the most memorable steam train journeys you can […]

5 of the most scenic ziplines around the world

5 of the most scenic ziplines around the world

By on Jul 01, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Asia, Attractions, Caribbean, Europe, Featured, France, Going Out, Haiti, Japan, Kentucky, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, USA, Western Europe

Zip lining is a thrilling experience, offering spectacular views of unique destinations. When deciding where to take your next super speed experience, consider a location with an unusually fantastic view through unexpected terrain. Vast gorges, mountain tops and turquoise water add a secondary depth to an already exhilarating adventure. Dragon’s Breath in Labadee, Haiti Only […]

24 hours in Kyoto

24 hours in Kyoto

By on Jun 19, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany

If Tokyo is Japan’s business center, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural center, and a must for any first time visitor to Japan. It was Japan’s ancient capital for over 1000 years, until 1869, and its 2000 temples and shrines attract Japanese pilgrims as well as international visitors. While 4 days or more are ideal for a […]

Oak Alley Plantation

Lights, camera, action: 7 ways to go behind the scenes

By on Jun 14, 2017 in Africa, Asia, Cambodia, Celebrities, Egypt, India, Japan, Louisiana, New Zealand, North America, Oceania, Regions, Travel Miscellany, USA, Vietnam, Worldwide

Visual effects in film may have advanced dramatically, but most directors still choose to shoot in real locations, taking advantage of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes or filming in period settings that add authenticity to a scene. There’s something quite special about seeing these pseudo-fantasy locations in real life, adding an extra dimension […]

6 great reasons to go skiing in Japan

6 great reasons to go skiing in Japan

By on May 16, 2017 in Asia, Food and Drink, Japan, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

With a landscape that is 70% mountainous, it’s unsurprising that Japan’s terrain has some of the best skiing conditions in the world – just look at snow-topped spectacle Mount Fuji. Unique weather conditions teamed with a unique culture make Japan a destination well worth packing your skis for. 1. Powder snow If snowball fights are […]

Shiki Shima dome room

Is this the most luxurious train journey in the world?

By on May 11, 2017 in Asia, Featured, Japan, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel

Could this incredible train journey, which is filled with discoveries and experiences, like you’ve never known before, be the most luxurious train journey in the world? From glass-encased observation cars, you can breathe in the eternal aesthetic beauty of North Eastern Japan’s countryside. If you fancy it, you will need to apply soon, as the […]

24 hours in Tokyo

24 hours in Tokyo

By on Apr 21, 2017 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Asia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

Tokyo is a fascinating city, with a greater Tokyo population of nearly 40 million, and deserves far more than 24 hours, but if that’s all you have, en route to another destination in Asia, I have some recommendations for making the most of your visit. 1. Arrive refreshed in ANA First Class, JAL First Class […]

9 of the best volcanoes to visit

9 of the best volcanoes to visit

By on Apr 13, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Asia, Attractions, Central America, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Costa Rica, Europe, Going Out, Hawaii, Iceland, Italy, Japan, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA, Washington, Western Europe, Worldwide

What more says adventure and jaw dropping experience than the sight of an erupting volcano. The sheer splendour of watching the natural vibrant glow of molten rock seep or explode out of the earth’s crust is incredible and quite simply never gets boring! Across the globe we have many accessible volcanoes in near and far […]

7 Asian holiday destinations that will take your breath away

7 Asian holiday destinations that will take your breath away

By on Mar 13, 2017 in Asia, China, Featured, India, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Middle East, Philippines, Regions, Thailand

Holiday tastes change with the seasons. Only a month or two ago, we couldn’t wait to hit the piste, curl up in-front of a blazing log fire, or sit in an outdoor Jacuzzi surrounded by snow. But now, as the weather starts to show signs of improvement, we’re ready for some sun. And no continent […]