Into Japan Specialist Tours

04/09/2026

What happens when an Olympic cyclist brings everything he has learned back home to Nagano?

Former Olympic mountain biker Raita Suzuki has spent years exploring the region from the saddle, even helping to develop 100km of cycling routes through the Japanese Alps.

Today, through Ride Nagano, Raita and award-winning guide Yukie Sawada create bespoke rides that take guests beyond the usual routes and into the rural communities they know so well.

From challenging mountain routes to relaxed e-bike journeys, cycling offers a completely different way to discover Nagano.

Speak with our travel designers to find out more.

26/08/2026

SIMOSE Art Garden Villa is one of the most distinctive stays in Japan.

In our latest blog, we explore why this remarkable property is attracting attention from travellers looking beyond Japan's established art destinations.

Read more here: https://intojapan.co.uk/where-art-meets-the-seto-inland-sea-inside-simose-art-garden-villa/

Credit: ©SIMOSE

19/08/2026

Expert Insight: Exploring Pottery Towns with Karan

This month, Karan shares her insights into Japan’s pottery towns, exploring how local traditions and generations of craftsmanship continue to shape these communities and offer travellers a deeper connection to regional Japan.Which pottery region in Japan

would you most recommend to travellers and why?

Pottery is such an ancient art in Japan that I feel it has a presence in almost every region, so it's hard to recommend just one area to visit! To help narrow it down, there is a special category designated as Japanese Heritage sites for some of the most important kilns called 'The Six Ancient Kilns'. These ancient kilns offer some of the most distinct regional styles of pottery: Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tamba, & Bizen. If I were to recommend just one region, then I would say Bizen in Okayama prefecture offers adventurers the most interesting processes. With a central pottery village in Imbe, it offers an amazing opportunity to explore various kilns and studios to see the wide variety of styles even within Bizen-ware.

What makes Japan's pottery towns so rewarding to visit?

Visiting a pottery town offers our guests one of the best opportunities to personally encounter thousands of years of Japanese history. There are few artisanal crafts left in the world which have been passed down generation by generation. Japan has preserved many of their cultural traditions incredibly well, with pottery being one of the most revered with 9 ceramicists on the list of Living National Treasures of Japan. As a hobbyist ceramicist myself, I find it fascinating to see how each region's kilns processes differ. Even the method of collecting and processing clay can be different!

How does visiting a pottery workshop help travellers connect with local culture?

Visiting a pottery atelier to experience a hands-on workshop is one of the best ways to understand the amount of work and effort it takes to keep local craftwork alive. I was lucky enough to be able to take part in a raku-ware workshop in Kyoto and was amazed at the dedication of each and every one of the artisans at the atelier. The ceramics master explained how many years it took to learn each step of the craft until they were skilled enough to produce work that was of an acceptable standard. I truly appreciated what an honour it was to learn even a small part of the ceramics knowledge that was contained in their studio.

12/08/2026

There’s more to SIMOSE Art Garden Villa than its striking architecture.

At SIMOSE French Restaurant, Chef Keisuke Fujiya brings his own perspective to the property, creating French cuisine that draws on the seasons and ingredients of the surrounding region.

It’s another reason SIMOSE is such an exciting addition to a luxury Japan itinerary, particularly for guests with a strong interest in art, design and food.

Photo credit: ©SIMOSE

06/08/2026

Art, architecture and the Seto Inland Sea come together at Simose Art Garden Villa.

Designed by prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, this remarkable retreat offers a different perspective on contemporary Japan, where every stay is shaped by architecture that responds beautifully to its coastal surroundings.



Credit: ©SIMOSE

29/07/2026

There are few experiences more closely associated with Japan than the traditional tea ceremony.

In our latest blog, we take a closer look at the philosophy, etiquette and cultural significance of one of Japan's most enduring traditions.

Read the full article here: https://intojapan.co.uk/the-art-of-tea-ceremony-in-japan/

In a country often celebrated for its contrasts between tradition and modernity, few experiences reveal the depth of Japanese culture quite like a tea ceremony. It is an encounter shaped by centuries of tradition, where even the smallest details carry significance and nothing within the room feels a...

22/07/2026

There's nothing better than hearing that a journey has created memories that will last a lifetime.

Every trip we design is tailor-made around our guests, combining Japan's iconic sights with authentic experiences that reflect their interests and travel style. Whether it's discovering hidden corners, meeting local artisans or enjoying unforgettable cuisine, we believe every journey should feel personal.

Want to plan your perfect trip? Visit our website to learn more: https://intojapan.co.uk/

09/07/2026

Understanding Japan isn't always about visiting more places.

Sometimes it begins by noticing the smallest details.

Discover more about experiencing Japan’s tea culture by visiting our website: https://intojapan.co.uk/experiences/japanese-tea-ceremony/

01/07/2026

For many guests in Japan, a tea ceremony becomes more than a cultural activity.

It is an opportunity to experience one of Japan's most celebrated cultural traditions firsthand.