Journal

  1. Japan’s Most Romantic Places for an Unforgettable Couples TripJapan gives couples an appealing mix of quiet gardens, dramatic scenery, excellent food and deeply traditional experiences. A romantic escape can mean sharing…
  2. What to Expect at a Japanese Comedy Show: Manzai and RakugoJapanese comedy is built around timing, wordplay, character, and a strong sense of performance tradition. Two of the best-known forms are manzai, a fast-paced…
  3. A Guide to Japanese Bicycle Tours: Routes and RentalsJapan is a rewarding country to explore by bicycle. Quiet lanes, riverside paths, rice fields, fishing villages and compact city centres reveal details that…
  4. Best Wisteria Views in JapanWhen spring reaches Japan, cherry blossoms often take the spotlight, yet wisteria creates an equally memorable display. Long clusters of purple, pink, white…
  5. The art of bonsai: where to see and learn in JapanBonsai is often described as miniature gardening, but that phrase misses its deeper character. Each tree reflects years of pruning, wiring, repotting and…
  6. How to use a Japanese rice cooker for perfect riceA Japanese rice cooker can make consistently fluffy rice with very little effort, but the best results come from understanding its measurements and settings.…
  7. Discover Okinawa's Remote Islands: Hidden Beaches and Living CultureOkinawa's outer islands sit in a stretch of ocean that feels closer to the South Pacific than to mainland Japan. Travellers familiar with the tropical beaches…
  8. A Guide to Tokyo's Neighborhoods: Shibuya, Shinjuku, and BeyondTokyo is a city of contrasts, where neon-lit intersections sit beside centuries-old shrines. For Australians planning their first trip, the sheer scale of the…
  9. Japanese Snacks Worth Packing in Your SuitcaseJapanese snacks make excellent souvenirs because they are compact, attractive and easy to share. A packet of regional sweets can recall a day in Kyoto, a…
  10. Walking the Quiet Nakasendo Trail Through Kiso ValleyTucked between two mountain ranges in central Japan, the Kiso Valley shelters a chain of old post towns that once served the weary travellers who walked…