Japan travel guide

As the Rugby World Cup kicks off this month, there are plenty of exciting experiences for fans heading to the host cities.

The Japanese region of Oita on the island of Kyushu is renowned for its hot springs, Far more than just natural baths, however, they’re places of healing and of community, linking the generations, from old to young.

We talk to sushi master Rei Masuda, who elevates raw fish cuisine to an art form

Take to the mountains of Japan, where ascetic monks follow the ancient Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism – and teach Sanro programme participants the tricky art of sitting.

Where else can you meditate with Buddhist monks, meet a geisha, master the art of matcha tea, and learn to make sushi all in one visit? When it comes to standout experiences, Japan delivers enough to last a lifetime.

Learn why these three thousand islands rising majestically from calmly flowing waters hold such a special place in the Japanese psyche. Go deep and you will see not just natural beauty, but the essence of what it means to be truly alive. Discovery and delights, adventure and indulgence, a world of experience awaits you in Setouchi

From contemporary sculpture installations to reimagining of classic works, Setouchi offers a breadth of artistic experiences in its seven prefectures. Visitors can learn about the art of the region, explore Western masterpieces or simply sit and admire the architecture of the museums themselves