A journey into the cultural heartland of West Japan
From the bright lights of Osaka to the born-again city of Hiroshima, West Japan is home to a plethora of culture. With its cities and countryside all serviced by an extensive rail network, exploring this beguiling region has never been easier.
Photo story: the essential experiences of Tohoku, East Japan
From relaxing hot springs and engaging kabuki theatre to exhilarating ski runs, Tohoku offers some of Japan's most indelible experiences.
Head to Kanto to experience Japan at it's most spiritual
Lying in Mount Fuji’s mighty shadow, Kanto and its forests, mountain springs and ancient shrines have long known the footfall of pilgrims. Despite being a stone’s throw from Tokyo, the region is a world away
from the frenetic, neon-lit capital.
Tōhoku: how to spend 48 hours in Japan's wild northern region
Tōhoku feels wonderfully adrift from 21st century Japan, with misty lakes in place of megacities and hidden springs instead of highways.
Travel Geeks: natural Japan — 12 March 2020
A country of islands, mountains and diverse climates, Japan offers a wealth of natural wonders. Join us as we discuss where to go and how to do it.
Japan: Sumo in the spotlight
With the Rugby World Cup approaching, we turn to focus on Japan’s most sacred sporting contest.
Heading to Japan for the Rugby World Cup? Here's what's happening in the host cities
As the Rugby World Cup kicks off this month, there are plenty of exciting experiences for fans heading to the host cities.
Oita: Where the water rises
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.
The master of sushi: an interview with Rei Masuda
We talk to sushi master Rei Masuda, who elevates raw fish cuisine to an art form
Meditating with Buddhist monks in Japan
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.
Top 10: classic experiences in Japan
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.
Video: Setouchi Island Hopping
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
Top 5 art picks 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
Video: The Inland Sea – Setouchi, Japan
The Setouchi region, the “Aegean Sea of the Orient”, is located in the west of the Japanese archipelago. Here we introduce to you the Setouchi region, where you can enjoy gourmet food, cycling, contemporary art, and much more, all against a backdrop of beautiful island vistas
Japan: Back to nature in Nikko
Just two hours from Tokyo, this national park is home to maple-flanked mountains, glassy lakes and steaming Onsens
