The Tohoku region of Japan is synonymous with the great 17 th-century writer Matsuo Basho — whose journey into the north of his country was recorded in his masterpiece, The Narrow Road to the Deep ...

Before we plunge into the lovely world of ryokans, let’s talk about simplicity. If you’re expecting gilded suites and over-the-top extravagance, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Ryokans are the ...

Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers guests a unique and immersive experience of Japanese culture and hospitality. These establishments have a long history and are known for their warm ...

I stayed at a ryokan, a Japanese inn with a tatam-mat floor, futon mattress, and bath. Although sleeping on the floor hurt my back, the room was very peaceful and I loved the breakfast. Staying at a ...

If you are looking for tranquil relaxation in the heart of the Kyoto, you’ll find a dreamy selection of gorgeous Kyoto spas ...

It’s a familiar experience: the baggage carousel, the jetlag-induced microsleeps in the back of the taxi and the realisation that you haven’t got any local currency to tip the bellboy. Then, once he’s ...

As Japan struggles to contain the spread of the coronavirus, officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, the local economy is being hit hard, with businesses at popular tourist sites ...

From heritage sites to buzzy hotspots, Osaka has it all, but don’t forget to relax. Make time to zen out at one of Osaka's ...