A guide to Japanese festivals in summerJapan's summer comes alive through matsuri, when neighbourhoods fill with lanterns, taiko drums, food stalls and streets closed for floats. The season runs…
Quiet farms and slower roads across rural JapanThe charm of rural Japan is found in the space between working fields and quiet lanes. Rice paddies, persimmon orchards, cedar forests and hot springs give…
Japanese Whisky Distillery Tours and TastingsJapan offers an unusually concentrated whisky landscape, with historic distilleries operating across Hokkaido, Tohoku, Yamanashi and Osaka Prefecture. A guided…
Best cherry blossom viewing places in TokyoTokyo in spring is one of the world’s great cherry blossom destinations, with pink sakura lining parks, canals and neighbourhood streets. In a typical year,…
The history of samurai: where to learn and visitThe history of samurai is more than a parade of swords. It follows the rise of military elites, the power of shogunate government and later traditions of…
Lotto winnings and tax rules for Italian playersWinning a lottery prize can feel like a straightforward financial gain, but the tax treatment depends on the game, the amount received, and the country in…
What to wear in Japan: a seasonal packing guidePacking for Japan is less complicated when you separate climate from itinerary. Cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are walkable, so lightweight clothing is…