Far, far away from the bright neon lights of Japan’s big cities, discover a simple and pure Japanese way of life in Akita, deep in Japan’s northern reaches...

When Nobuhiro Tamura, a retired Esoteric Buddhist monk, noticed that many travellers were only able to scratch the surface of what Mount Koya has to offer, he decided he wanted to do something to help! We chat to Nobuhiro about the origins of his tour company, Awesome Tours, as well as his personal recommendations when exploring Mount Koya and beyond.  

With so much land to cover in Japan and often so little time, it can sometimes feel bittersweet watching all the nature and countryside pass by between each destination. Luckily, Japan-rail expert Anna Udagawa takes us through some of the most scenic journeys along Japan's extensive train network so you don't have to feel like you've completely missed out.

Based on the 2021 Ashmolean Museum Oxford TOKYO exhibition, Exhibition on Screen's stunning new film, TOKYO STORIES, is a love letter to one of the world's most vibrant and innovative capitals and the incredibly diverse art that has made it so. Join us as we chat to David Bickerstaff – the creative mind behind the film itself! – about his work, inspirations and Japan travels, and find out more about the exciting Instagram giveaway we have to celebrate the film's upcoming release. 

‘Should I buy the Japan Rail Pass?’: the question every Japan traveller eventually faces. And with the latest announcement from Japan Railway Group, this question rings louder than ever. Japan Rail expert, Anna Udagawa, gives us a quick and easy refresher on all you need to know about the JR Pass to help you make your decision.