Karuizawa, located about an hour from Tokyo by the Shinkansen, lies on the border of Nagano and Gunma Prefectures. Known as a popular summer retreat, the town’s history dates back to 1886 when Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw visited and was captivated by its pristine natural beauty and pleasant climate. Surrounded by lush nature, Karuizawa is a true haven for relaxation. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the slow pace of time in a place where the landscape changes with each season.

The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the largest snow sculpture festivals in the world, transforms the city into a winter wonderland each year with hundreds of breathtaking snow and ice sculptures. The construction process is, in many ways, just as awe inspiring as the festival, however it is near impossible for visitors and even locals to get a glimpse behind the curtain. With that in mind, last year I decided to make a documentary following a snow sculpture team for several months to understand the ins and outs of how these towering snow creations are put together.

As the first flurries of 2024 begin to dust the mountains in Japan, the ski resorts have begun to open their doors. With world-class facilities and a variety of accommodations, matched with pristine powder snow conditions, Japan offers an unforgettable winter escape.

Tokushima Prefecture is another of the four prefectures that make up the island of Shikoku. Shikoku is the smallest of the main four islands of Japan, but it is filled with undiscovered and lesser travelled areas. Tokushima itself has stunning nature, deeply historic festivals, and a huge selection of experiences that will leave you wanting to visit again and again.

Japan stands as one of the world’s most long-standing cultures. Throughout the centuries, the people of the archipelago have gone on to develop a medley of arts and crafts, and to this day, many of these artisanal works live on. The regions of Hokuriku, Kansai (historically known as Kinki), and Chugoku serve as premier destinations to see these crafts first-hand, oftentimes even allowing for a hands-on experience to get a taste of the process behind the pursuit. Let’s take a look at some of these famous handicrafts and the destinations whose cultures they are synonymous with!