

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.

How to Spend 72 Hours in Kusatsu Onsen
One of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring towns, Kusatsu Onsen has drawn visitors for centuries. Once a retreat for samurai and scholars, today it remains a place where tradition thrives—steaming bathhouses, wooden ryokan, and time-honoured bathing rituals are all part of daily life.

Azumi Setoda: A Contemporary Ryokan Rooted in Tradition
Set along the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Azumi Setoda redefines the ryokan experience by blending contemporary elegance with centuries-old traditions.

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 to Spend 24 hours on Miyajima Island, Japan
Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, Miyajima offers a slower, more serene pace of life. The island is most famous for its ‘floating’ red torii gate and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine.

8 Design Hotels for Your Next Japan Itinerary
From luxury ryokans to modern architectural showcases and intimate design spaces to traditional machiya townhouses, Japan offers a wealth of unique options for the inquisitive traveller. Here are 8 of my favourite Design Hotels.

A Place of Peace: Discover Zen Rituals in Fukui Prefecture
Ancient temples nestled amongst the landscape, a local sake brewery, and an abundance of nature wherever you look. Witness Japan's Zen rituals amongst the beauty of Fukui Prefecture.

How to be a More Thoughtful Traveller in Japan
It's never been easier to visit Japan - or to get sucked into accidental over-tourism. It's impossible to know everything, so here are 14 of my top tips on how to be a more thoughtful traveller in Japan.

How to Explore Japan on a Budget: Smart Hacks for Savvy Travellers
With the yen at a 30-year low - it's never been more affordable to travel to Japan. Here are some money-saving hacks to make the most of your trip to Japan on a budget and help your yen stretch further.

The Best Honeymoon Hotels in Japan: From Tokyo to Kyoto
A trip to Japan offers a blend of long-standing cultural traditions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, making it a perfect destination for celebrating newlyweds.

The Nature Lover’s Guide to the Japanese Alps
Spanning the length of 3 prefectures, the Japanese Alps are full of natural beauty. From snow monkeys and sacred forests to thatched-roofed villages and more, here’s how to experience it at its best.

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.

The Beginner's Guide to Onsen Etiquette in Japan
The perfect way to relax after a hard day’s exploring. Here’s how to make the most of your traditional Japanese dip.

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.

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.
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.