Join us as we sit down with Takako Imai, a local lodge-owner in Fukushima's beautiful Oku-Aizu region, to find out what life is like in this idyllic and enigmatic part of rural Japan and how you too can experience its many charms. 

Fish markets and morning squid auctions, a retro tram network with wood-panneled carriages, a weirdly wonderful and exclusively regional Japanese hamburger chain, beautifully preserved old timey boutique cafes overlooking sunsets on the sea… There's a lot to love about Hokkaido’s second city of Hakodate, but standing proudly next to Jujigai tram stop is another of the city’s characterful hidey-holes and a must-visit landmark on any craft-lover’s map: Hakodate Kogeisha gallery and boutique. Read on to find out what they had to say about their gallery and this wonderful port city.

Join as us as we sit down for a chat with master soy sauce producer Yasuo Yamamoto from the island of Shodoshima in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. What's a day in the life of a soy sauce maker like? What's there to see in Shodoshima? What makes a really good bottle of Shoyu? Read on to find out!

You may love using them, you may hate using them - either way they are our faithful companions when navigating the rich and diverse world of Asian cuisine.

Calling all cat lovers! Meet Love, the stationmaster cat of Ashinomaki Onsen Station in Fukushima's historic Aizu region!