As well known as Nara is, Japan's ancient heartland can often be confusing for people passing through from Kyoto and Osaka, not least because Nara is not just a city, but a whole prefecture! The truth is that there's a whole lot more to explore in Nara than meets the eye, and Mount Yoshino, around an hour or so south of the city, is a clear hidden gem. But which season is best for visiting?

Widely known as Kansai’s number one cherry blossom spot, Mount Yoshino turns into one big sakura viewing festival at the beginning of April each year. Alena Eckelmann, a local guide, sheds light on what the local cherry blossoms and Japanese ancient spirituality have in common.

Iwate Prefecture to the far north-east of Tokyo has been largely neglected by foreign visitors, wrongly so. A group of Iwate citizens, took the initiative and made it their mission to re-tell the story of this area’s rich history and traditions. They reignited the pride of Iwate’s people in their past and heritage through their project called "Iwate, the Last Frontier". Read to find out more about the revival of Iwate.

Head south of Osaka to find the Kii Peninsula, Japan's spiritual corner covered by primeval forests and generously gifted with natural gems. We asked Alena Eckelmann from Kii Monogatari to take us on a journey through her local prefecture - Mie, and she went above and beyond to introduce us to her favourites. Read on to find out more about waterfall stays and a secluded onsen with an underground trolley train.

The Kii Peninsula south of Osaka and Nagoya is a treasure trove of sacred places waiting to be discovered in its three prefectures – Wakayama, Nara and Mie. We talked to Alena Eckelmann of Kii Monogatari about the still unknown area of southern Mie and asked for her top trip recommendations. Alena has been living in Hongu, a small town in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula for over ten years now which makes her a seasoned local.