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.

Rosi moved to Japan on the JET Programme where she got a slice of countryside life in Shimoichi, a rural town in Nara prefecture. She later moved to Osaka where she is now in the process of opening her first vegan cake shop! We talked about her baking journey, best places for a plant-based feast in Japan, and her favourite must-see locations in Nara and Osaka.

Visiting Japan there is one place on everyone's to-do list, the famed convenience stores known as 'conbini'! They are real treasure troves of delicious food and sometimes curious flavour combinations. We got the low-down on conbini from two experts - Matt and Mike who are behind the 'Conbini Boys' podcast!

Neon lights and buzzy sidestreets make Japan pop after dark, but with so much variety of options, it can be difficult to choose for a first-time visitor. Read on to find out about Japan's prize winning nightlife and find your top picks!