Tokyo-based Lia recently spent a couple of nights reacquainting herself with the city of Matsumoto, after a previous stopover over a decade ago! Sake tasting, 'the Crow Castle', and a candy-making workshop are only some of the things she got to enjoy during her stay. We asked Lia to share her favourite local experiences and create a mini guide for us.

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!

There is one thing that can connect you with your dream holiday destination and allow you to live the culture rather than be a passive observer: learning the local language!  Studying Japanese can help you understand the culture, get more out of your dream holidays, and impress quite a few locals on the way. Find out where to start and check out our language tips!

No other artform gets your inspiration going quite like cinema, but, in the spirit of thinking beyond just the armchair when it comes to travel, we thought we would ask for the help of an old friend, the founder of Studio Ghibli and the Walt Disney of Japan, Mr Hayao Miyazaki. But which films were inspired by which places? Well, buckle up and join us as we tour Japan from north to south - the Ghibli way!

Elegant geisha, imposing sumo wrestlers, sushi with ingredients fresh from the sea - those are the kind of things everyone needs to experience in Japan at least once. Many much-loved bastions of Japanese traditional culture are located just off the beaten path, away from the crowds. Discover how to enjoy Japan’s classic experiences and not limit yourself to Tokyo and Kyoto.