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.

Missing Japan? So are we! It feels like a lifetime that we've not been able to travel and we really do hope the point at which safe travel can resume comes soon; but until then, 'Shouganai' (しょうがない, "It can't be helped")! Thankfully, there are still a number of ways you can "visit" Japan, albeit virtually: read on for 7 of our favourite!

Welcome to the Motorcycle Travel Guide to Japan. The 4th largest island country in the world, Japan offers an incredible variety of natural and urban sceneries to enjoy on a roadtrip, from snowy Hokkaido and subtropical Okinawa to the concrete jungles of Tokyo and Osaka. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling overland with a bike in Japan!

Hungry for another Japanese recipe to feed the family? With so many of us spending so much time indoors, it's good to channel not only our frustrations but also our unique creative skills into something as delicious as Japanese food! Thankfully, the skilled chefs over at the prestigious The Peninsula Tokyo hotel are here to save the day with a recipe for Seafood Yakisoba! Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for filling bellies with minimal prep! Take it away!