Each year the Takayama Festival attracts thousands of visitors to play witness to some of the most colourful and vibrant festivals in Japan.
Noted as one of the three most beautiful festivals in the country, the festival takes place twice every year; once in the spring and then later in the ...
Japan remains for many a captivating enigma; a blend of ancient traditions, imperial grandeur and 21st century innovation that presents one of the most extraordinary destinations there is. From the heritage of its ancient capital Kyoto, to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, it is a land that has emerged as ...
Amankora’s Matsutake season in Bhutan
Revered in Japan the pine (matsu) mushroom (take) is the most anticipated of the autumn flavours and is so greatly cherished it is often given as a gift. However the matsutake resembles much more than a kind gesture, or thoughtful gift, it symbolises fertility, good fortunes ...
Okinawa, the southernmost region of Japan, boasts an archipelago of nearly 150 islands. With a subtropical temperature throughout the year, the region is awaiting to be discovered.
The region was an independent kingdom in the 15th century; Ryukyu. After the Satsuma (Kagoshima) of Kyushu, Japan invaded Ryukyu in 1609, the region ...
Countless news snippets of the crazy things that Japanese do have always amazed me. Are the Japanese just crazy or are just different? Or both? Our upbringing dictates our outlook on life and one of the wonderful things about travelling is experiencing different cultures. “And now for something completely different”…
I ...
Since I can remember I have always had a fascination with all things Japanese. From the delightfully intricate cuisine that is meticulously and skilfully prepared to the stories of Ronin or masterless samurai roaming the countryside during feudal times I was hoping that my first visit to Japan would not ...
By Lizzie Johnson - India and Far East specialist
Having never visited Japan before I was delighted when the Kansai Tourist Board invited me to explore this region in March. Full of contrasts between the proud traditions of the past and the fast growing technological era, Japan had long fascinated me, ...
Japan: It's part ancient traditions, part hypermodernity - and as Kirsty Bennetts discovers, it's all fascinating
It’s the little things that make Japan so intriguing. The amazingly efficient public transport system, the ticket collectors who bowed politely as I entered the carriages – you don’t get that on the 7.15 from ...
One of Asia’s true enigmas, Japan is a dazzling fusion of old and new that makes it one of the most unique destinations to visit. The country is famous for its colourful festivals (called matsuri) and Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri is no exception. Around 500 people wearing splendid ancient costumes and ...
