Alena grew up in East Germany and she found herself working in Tokyo when the 11 March 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami struck Japan. She always wanted to live in the countryside and this created an opportunity to make the big decision and move to Wakayama prefecture where she is now a Certified Forest Theraphy Guide, an experienced facilitator, and so much more. Find out about spiritual travel and exploring the Kii Peninsula, home to Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures, just the south of Kyoto.

For the past few years Pokémon have been appearing all over Japan on special manhole covers. Called Poké Lids, they can be found from northern Hokkaido to southern Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu. We picked our top four areas in different parts of Japan where you can join the craze. Check out our ideas on how to add some Poké Lids to your itinerary!

Dean Newcombe came to Japan to work as a model which then turned into acting and reporting for NHK World. Inspired by his off the beaten track adventures around Japan he started a YouTube channel called 'runAway Japan' where you can watch him stay at a Yokai (Japanese monster) hotel or hike with his family. Travelling nearly 2,000 km across Japan with a TV crew, he left his heart in Tottori prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan. He advises to keep your eyes and heart open because - there is a Japan out there for anyone and everyone.

The BFI's Japan Season, with over 100 years of Japanese cinema' has had us itching for more films and trip to the locations that inspired them! Must be that Japan-shaped hole in our hearts... So whilst we can't yet travel to Japan, we thought we'd properly introduce you to some of the locations featured in some of the season's finest films, while travel is confined to the armchair and silver screen. Read on to find out more!