It is often said that the journey is as important as the destination, and nowhere is this more applicable than in Japan, where the place you stay is an experience in and of itself. Hostels might be mansard-roofed, but inside they feel more like lodges, while the capsule hotels, far from having a clinical feel, … Read more
Witness the recent western fascination with Japan for its wellness traditions, which stretch back thousands of years and include forest bathing and onsen culture as well as mindfulness practices akin to sitting meditation. These traditions offer a glimpse into alternative routes to wellbeing. What is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)? First developed in the 1980s, forest bathing … Read more
To the aficionado and the specialist, one of Japan’s most wonderous and vivid legacy is its architecture, modern and ancient, tradition coexisting with novelty. The sumptuous wooden temples of the ancient capital Nara and the titanic she’s higher structures mesmerise visitors whenever advertised. In this article, we look at what is so special about Japanese … Read more
In the digital whirlwind of technology and innovation, crafts can seem antiquated. However, in Japan, they retain a central place in a conversation between history and modernity. For the art lover, the traveller and the cultural adventurer, they offer a window onto Japanese cultural heritage, while also highlighting the nation’s capacity to innovate and transcend … Read more
Winding their way through the endless mega-city streets and neon-saturated avenues of Japan’s urban playgrounds is a gaming culture that is as vibrant as it is varied. There is an inimitable spirit of innovation, creativity and community that permeates the country’s gaming landscape. The next few paragraphs will offer a flavour of a fascinating story … Read more
A Dynamic Fashion Powerhouse Modern Japanese street fashion is not just clothes; it is a living, massively influential cultural movement, circumnavigating the globe with every passing moment. From outré youths walking the streets of Harajuku to the catwalks of fashion weeks, there is a constant trail of new trends birthing, evolving and even dying in … Read more
Imagine walking into a 24/7 shop filled with beautifully packaged meals and tasty snacks that reflect Japanese culinary culture – that is the experience at Japanese convenience stores, or konbini. Konbini is not like the generic convenience stores in your home country. Rather, it is a world filled with food and unique snacks and provisions … Read more
Japan is the cradle of East Asian civilisation. Many years from now, however, it might also be seen as the global birthplace dating: AI matchmaking. Algorithm-matching, data-crunching, app-powered sparks – the latest singles meet-ups are sowing a techno-liferome. This may be music to singles in Japan, tech (and techno) enthusiasts, and anyone else looking for … Read more
Imagine standing in your living room and being transported to Japan: even the tiniest details in the room’s nooks and crannies are instantly recognisable – they take you back to your trip to that country. The world of Nanoblock offers you a toy to help you relive these memories. This Architecture Tours brochure is your … Read more
There is a quiet but very real epidemic occurring in the big neon-lit cities of Japan. In the shadows of these bustling metropolises, hundreds of thousands of individuals have spiralled into acute social withdrawal, barely leaving their homes for years, or even decades. Known as hikikomori – a term that translates to ‘withdrawal’ – and … Read more