The Ultimate Two-Week Japan Itinerary for Intermediates
For the innately curious and open-minded travellers amongst us, the Golden Route won’t always cut it. Delve deeper into the historical and cultural side of Japan with this two week intermediate itinerary.
7 Unique Ryokans to Add to Your Japan Bucket List
Looking to dive deeper into Japan’s culture and history? Traditional Japanese inns might just be the unique accommodation option you’ve been looking for.
Bulgari Hotel Tokyo: Italian Glamour Meets Japanese Heritage
Located in central Marunouchi District, the brand new Bulgari Hotel Tokyo brings luxury Italian design with a touch of minimalism to Japan’s capital.
A Stay at Rakudo-An: Art & Design in the Japanese Countryside
Set in Tonami Plain, Rakudo-An is a more than 100-year-old restored farmhouse that’s ideal for a quiet and traditional Japanese escape.
Kyoto’s Understated Art Hotel: The Shinmonzen
Created in Paris, built in Kyoto, and designed by the one-and-only Tadao Ando, The Shinmonzen is located riverside in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion District.
Kyushu’s Modern Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka
The first of its kind in on the island, The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka combines low-key luxury and traditional crafts into one of the area’s most enticing accommodation options.
What Type of Accommodation Should You Book in Japan?
From boutique hotels and ryokans steeped in history to unique architectural Airbnbs and everything in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing where to stay.
Hot Spring Healing: Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto
Set on the edge of Lake Poroto and enfolded in forest, this 42-room ryokan convincingly blurs the line between man-made structures and its bucolic surroundings.
6 Remote Hotels For Your Next Trip to Japan
Japan has so many unique remote hotels; from a traditional farmhouse converted into a design hotel in Toyama, to a luxury escape in the subtropical islands of Okinawa.
6 Design Hotels for Your Next Trip to Kyoto
From luxury ryokans to modern architecture showcases, here are six of my favourite design-focused hotels across Japan’s ever-evolving ancient capital.
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island: A Timeless Subtropical Escape
Nowhere is the timelessness of Ryukyu culture more beautifully preserved than the hidden village of Hoshinoya Taketomi Island.
Hoshinoya Fuji: Glamping with a Luxury Twist
A private cabin, toasted marshmallows, and breakfast at the foot of Mt Fuji, Hoshinoya Fuji is Japan’s first-ever glamping resort.
In With the Old: A Stay at Maana Kiyomizu, Kyoto
The third property by Maana Homes, Maana Kiyomizu is designed by local architects Shigenori Uoya and Takeshi Ikei, with each of three guest suites created as intimate spaces to enhance the senses.
Nature Through a Luxury Lens: The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Inspired by Japanese minimalism, the concept of The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is based around ‘celebrating nature through a luxury lens’.
Aman Tokyo: The Gateway to Urban Discovery
Created to ‘temper urban dynamism with a profound atmosphere of serenity’, each curated space at Aman Tokyo is inspired by timeless Japanese design traditions.
A Living Room for the City: Shiroiya Hotel
Once a centre for the Japanese silk trade, the small city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture might not be as famous as some of its neighbours, but that is all set to change.
Hoshinoya Kyoto: The Ultimate Japan Experience
If you are looking to experience Japanese culture and design at the highest level your first port of call is likely to be Kyoto.
Download Your FREE Tokyo Neighbourhoods eBook
Kickstart your Tokyo travel plans with my latest snapshot guide, featuring 10 of my favourite Tokyo Neighbourhoods. I’ll take you to some of my favourite hidden corners and offer a more thoughtful, slower way to appreciate Tokyo, away from the usual tourist traps.
From hiking Japan’s greatest ancient pilgrimage trail to getting lost in centuries-old forests and visiting cultural centres filled with art, here are 6 under-the-radar destinations waiting to be explored.