Travel Stories

• festivals and events

• art and culture

5 min read • Feb 27, 2020

Explore Tohoku - Japan's far north - a land of elemental nature and ancient customs.

• public transport

• destination practicalities

7 min read • Jan 31, 2020

Whether you want canals, ceramics or buzzing cities, there’s a stop for you on the ‘sunny side of the mountain’. Here’s how to explore San'yō by train.

• wildlife and nature

• activities

6 min read • Jan 30, 2020

Self-described "nemesis of walking" Stephanie Yeboah explains why hiking Japan's Oku-Matsushima Trail marked a turning point in her approach to hiking.

• history

• art and culture

4 min read • Jan 25, 2020

An onsen in Japan is an experience to treasure. Make sure you don't do it wrong with our beginner's guide to onsen etiquette.

• wildlife and nature

• activities

5 min read • Dec 23, 2019

Stephanie Yeboah realises a life-long dream of visiting Japan and learns about the stunning scenery outside of the big cities.

• history

• art and culture

7 min read • Dec 21, 2019

Escape the city stress in Daisen, Japan's rice country in the north. Traditional onsen and stunning countryside awaits you.

• wildlife and nature

• activities

8 min read • Nov 19, 2019

James Clark explains why the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which crosses parts of Japan scarred by the 2011 earthquake, is the best hike he’s done.

• architecture

• art and culture

5 min read • Sep 24, 2019

A beautiful and varied natural landscape, traditional craft-making culture, and noodle specialities are just a few reasons to explore Iwate Prefecture.

• art

• art and culture

7 min read • Jan 5, 2018

Japan’s ‘deep north’, the largely rural Tōhoku region is home to craft traditions that have been handed down over generations. A trip to this little…