

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto: A Serene Hilltop Retreat
Perched high above Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto is an architectural masterpiece that redefines luxury in the ancient capital.

An Architect's Guide to Awaji Island
Situated between Honshu and Shikoku, Awaji quietly boasts an impressive collection of architecture, drawing in those with an eye for thoughtful design.

What to Look for When Booking Your Accommodation
Unique hotels with a deep sense of place and culture can become as memorable than the journey itself. Here’s what I discovered after staying in 57 hotels last year.

How a Night in Onomichi Helped Me Slow Down
Tucked along the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi is a small coastal town of narrow alleys, aging temples, and sloping stone stairways that invite slow, unhurried exploration.

Like Kyoto? Then You’ll Love These 7 Destinations
In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in tourism. With over 34 million visitors entering Japan throughout 2024, many flock to the famed city of temples, gardens, and ancient streets.

7 Japan Destinations that Should be on Your Radar in 2025
As we enter a new year, we invite you to embrace travel with mindfulness and intentionality. From new cultural landmarks to serene retreats, here’s your guide to exploring Japan more deeply in 2025.

How to Spend a Day in Tomigaya, Tokyo
Tucked away just west of Shibuya, Tomigaya feels worlds away from the chaotic nature of Tokyo. This is a place where creativity and design thrive behind understated facades; a neighbourhood that has excellent coffee, thoughtfully designed shops, and polished dining.

The Design-Lover's Guide to Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s timeless beauty goes beyond temples—step into a world where centuries-old craftsmanship meets sleek modern design. Explore the city’s hidden studios, innovative galleries, and a creative scene that balances tradition with bold new styles.

Timeless Craft and Modern Luxury: A First Look at Six Senses Kyoto
Winding pathways, hand-painted handicrafts, and a towering bamboo garden – Six Senses Kyoto is the latest addition to the city’s luxury design hotel scene.

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.

Roku Kyoto: A Retreat in the Foothills of Mount Takagamine
A retreat-style resort tucked away in Kyoto’s Takagamine mountainside that celebrates traditional Japanese design merged with modern-day minimalism.

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.

7 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 Alternative Experiences for Your Next Trip to Kyoto
Beyond Kyoto’s well-trodden tourist trail lies a city filled with local curiosities, artisans and experiences found nowhere else on earth.

Health, Wellbeing, and History: A Stay at Garrya Kyoto
An intimate 25-room hotel in a quiet corner of Japan’s ancient capital with a strong focus on wellbeing. With countless accommodation options in Kyoto, let’s take a look at Garrya stand out from the crowd.

7 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.
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.