The sun is shining again which means the season for day trips and outdoor explorations is officially open.  We've created a list of all of our favourite Japanese experiences in London which will make for the best day out in the city!

Read our interview with Aaron Burgess-Smith who brought the famous Japanese restaurant Kanada-Ya to the UK, and get 20% off your March visit to Kanada-Ya's Carnaby site!

Say goodbye to fish and rice, and hello to meat and potatoes! Okinawan cuisine is famously different from mainland Japanese diet yet Okinawans' longevity has been amazing people all over the world. Kate Crockett went on a foodie adventure around those sunny islands and shared her insights from this inspiring culinary journey.

There's a reason why food is what brings a lot of people to Japan - but what about drink? Sake is maybe the best known, but did you know that the humble plum forms the base of one of Japan's other most enjoyed beverages? Umeshu, or plum wine/liqueur is a popular alcoholic drink which will have anyone with a sweet tooth addicted after one glass but there is a world of variety and cultural significance behind his drink, something Risa Iwashita from Umeshuya London was happy to tell us all about!

On your way up into Hokkaido from Tokyo by bullet train, you'll stumble across this unassuming port town with oodles of history and culture on offer. A star-shaped fortress, squid fishing, a Michelin-starred night view, onsen monkeys and fantastic food - all this and more is on offer in Hakodate.