Premiering earlier this month, the 4th series of Race Across the World pits 5 pairs of adventurers against each other as they attempt to cross Asia, all without their phones, the internet, and other essentials. The first episode began with the groups departing from Sapporo, the capital of the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Endeavouring to reach the city of Nara as their first checkpoint, let’s look at some of the spots that the pairs visited along their journeys!

Situated in the western portion of Japan, known as the Chugoku region, lies Shimane Prefecture. Facing the Sea of Japan, this hidden gem is filled to the brim with stunning sights to see and experiences to undertake. The area is also serviced by one of the few remaining sleeper trains in the country, the Sunrise Izumo! So let’s see what amazing things Shimane Prefecture has to offer.

JR East and JR West have announced an extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line from Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture, which officially opened on March 16, 2024. Here are a few fun things that you can do along the way!

Sustainability has been a hot topic in recent times, with people, places, and countries becoming more environmentally aware of waste and plastic usage. Especially in terms of single use plastics and plastic water bottles, the movement to reduce the number used is growing. We talked with Robin and Mariko, who created the company mymizu, which through its app helps people to find water refill stations all across Japan and the UK to limit plastic usage.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and is the largest city in Japan north of Tokyo.  While it is perhaps most well-known internationally for the beer and the Snow Festival, there is so much more to explore in the vibrant and picturesque Northern Capital.