Views from Japan

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Koka-shi, Shiga
Views from Japan

A more meaningful way to experience Japan

22/10/2026

KAMAKURA VS NIKKO — Tokyo is surrounded by incredible destinations for day trips, with Kamakura and Nikko among the most popular. So, if you have limited time, which one should you choose?

Kamakura is a historic coastal town south of Tokyo, known for its Great Buddha, ancient temples and seaside atmosphere. North of the capital, Nikko is home to elaborate UNESCO-listed shrines, mountain forests and spectacular waterfalls.

Both offer a welcome change of pace from Tokyo, but in different ways. Kamakura is ideal for a relaxed day of culture and coastal charm, while Nikko is better suited to those drawn to dramatic nature and Japan’s rich spiritual heritage.

Better yet, both can be explored as day trips, allowing you to stay longer in Tokyo without constantly checking in and out of hotels🗼

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🔖 Save this for your next adventure in Japan!

19/10/2026

FAMILY DESTINATIONS — Tokyo offers a wealth of experiences where culture, nature, and creativity come together for all ages. From peaceful parks like Inokashira, where families can escape the city’s fast pace, to interactive digital art spaces like teamLab Planets, historic sites like Meiji Shrine, and immersive museums where traditional architecture and contemporary art meet, the city offers countless ways to explore Japan through a family-friendly lens. Whether discovering playful neighbourhoods, experiencing sumo culture, or taking in panoramic skyline views, here are some of our favourite spots in Tokyo to enjoy with the whole family 🎈

Locations listed:

— Gotokuji Temple
— Inokashira Park
— Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
— Yayoi Kusama Museum
— Ryogoku Kokugikan
— Meiji Shrine
— teamLab Planets
— Chidorigafuchi Moat
— Shibuya Sky

🇯🇵 Experience Japan like a local with our guidebook Views from Japan. Now available. Link in bio.

🔖 Save this for your next adventure in Japan!

15/10/2026

ITINERARY – While Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka draw visitors from around the world, their deeper cultural heritage can often be found away from the crowds, inside small workshops where skills, stories, and philosophies are passed down through generations.

Over five days, we journey through Kansai to meet five artisans preserving Japan’s living heritage: from the delicate art of bamboo tea whisks in Nara to hand-shaped roof tiles, Noh masks, tatami mats, and traditional zori sandals in Kyoto and Osaka 🎭

Day 1: Learn About Noh Through Mask Making in Kyoto

Day 2: Uncover Zori Sandal Making in Kyoto’s Rural Backstreets

Day 3: Witness Kyoto’s Last Handcrafted Kyo-Kawara

Day 4: Discover Bamboo Tea Whisk Making in Nara

Day 5: Explore Osaka’s Traditional Tatami Craftsmanship

🇯🇵 We’ve included these and many more experiences in our new book, Shokunin: A Journey Through Japan’s Traditional Craft Workshops, which explores design-focused itineraries, hands-on craft experiences and Japan’s lesser-known regions.

🏯 Limited first edition is now available, complete with a free bonus maps, booking links and digital guides. Link in bio.

12/10/2026

AUTUMN — It’s quickly approaching that time of year when Japan’s countryside, cities, parks and gardens evolve into vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow. Known locally as koyo, the fall season is a popular one, with annual forecasts giving insights to an almost scientific level of detail.

One of the things we love about experiencing autumn in Japan is that it is mostly free to do. So whether you are a bucket list hunter or a budget traveller, there is always something unique waiting around the corner. Below we share some of our favourite destinations across Japan, and welcome you to explore at a slower pace and enjoy all of the beauty Japan has to offer, from the mountains of Hokkaido to the temples of Kyoto and many places in between 🍁

Locations listed:

— Kamikochi, Nagano
— Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido
— Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa
— Karuizawa, Nagano
— Okutama, Tokyo
— Kodai-ji Temple, Kyoto
— Naruko Gorge, Miyagi
— Shiragawa-go, Gifu
— Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido
— Yamadera, Yamagata
— Arashiyama, Kyoto
— Nakajima Park, Hokkaido

🇯🇵Are you visiting Japan this autumn? Let us know below!

📥 For more travel guides and inspiration, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Link in bio.

08/10/2026

NATURE ESCAPES IN JAPAN — Japan is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, from misty mountain valleys and ancient pilgrimage trails to subtropical islands and crystal-clear blue ponds. Beyond the cities and cultural highlights, there’s an incredible side of Japan waiting to be explored.
If you’re looking to experience Japan at its wildest, here are nine destinations worth adding to your bucket list 🌿

— Kamikochi, Nagano
— Yakushima Island, Kagoshima
— Lake Toya, Hokkaido
— Kumano Kodo, Wakayama
— Togakushi Shrine, Nagano
— Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi
— Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido
— Iriomote Island, Okinawa
— Shirogane Blue Pond, Hokkaido

🇯🇵 Unlock more destinations and itineraries that go beyond the Golden Route with our guidebook Views from Japan. Now available. Link in bio.

🔖 Save this for your next adventure in Japan!

06/10/2026

DESIGN HOTEL — Nestled in a secluded valley just an hour from Tokyo, Hoshinoya Karuizawa offers an escape from the everyday hustle of Japan’s cities. Surrounded by forests and a meandering river, this intimate retreat seamlessly blends contemporary design with a deep reverence for its surroundings. The individually designed villas offer floor-to-ceiling views of Karuizawa’s lush landscape, allowing guests to feel completely enveloped by the seasons. From the natural hot springs and forest meditation sessions to starlit dining experiences, every detail is designed to encourage deep relaxation and an appreciation for nature.

What I love most about Hoshinoya Karuizawa is the way it allows you to slow down and experience a different side of Japan. With its walking trails, local craftsmanship, farm-to-table dining and surrounding wildlife, it’s a beautiful place to reconnect with nature while still being within easy reach of Tokyo 🌿

🏔️ Our brand new eBook, The Views from Japan: Alps Edition gives you access to 101 carefully selected locations from every corner of the Japanese Alps.

⏰ It’s available for download now. Head to the link in bio to claim your early bird offer.

🔔 Offer ends Friday 9th October!

29/09/2026

JAPAN ITINERARY — Over 7 days, step back in time as you explore the mountain towns of the Japanese Alps, from the old post towns of Magome and Narai to the preserved streets of Takayama and the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go. Along the way, stay in local inns, enjoy regional food and discover the traditions and rural landscapes that have shaped this part of Japan 🛖

Days 1-3: Magome-juku
— Walk the historic Nakasendo trail through cedar forests and mountain villages
— Explore the beautifully preserved streets of Magome-juku
— Stay in a traditional ryokan and enjoy a seasonal dinner

Days 3-4: Narai-juku
— Stroll through the preserved streets of this former Nakasendo post town
— Explore traditional wooden houses, shops and cafés
— Visit Nakamura Residence, a former lacquered-comb merchant house

Days 4-6: Takayama
— Browse the morning markets for local produce and Hida specialities
— Visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall to see the elaborate yatai up close
— Sample Hida beef and visit one of the town’s traditional sake breweries

Days 6-7: Shirakawa-go
— Explore the thatched-roof farmhouses of Shirakawa-go
— Walk through the surrounding rice fields and mountain scenery
— Climb to the village viewpoints at sunrise or sunset

🏔️ Our brand new eBook, The Views from Japan: Alps Edition gives you access to 101 carefully selected locations from every corner of the Japanese Alps.

⏰ It’s available for download now. Head to the link in bio to claim your early bird offer.

🔔 Offer ends Friday 9th October!

27/09/2026

JAPANESE ALPS — For those interested in design, the Japanese Alps offer a fascinating mix of traditional architecture, contemporary art and thoughtful spaces shaped by the surrounding landscape. From beautifully designed hotels and historic villages to immersive artworks and unique museums, there is plenty to discover beyond the mountains themselves. Here are some of our favourite places we think are worth a visit in the region 🏔️

Locations listed:

— Takasugi-an, Nagano
— Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Nagano
— Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, Niigata
— Shirakawa-Go, Gifu
— Site of Reversible Destiny, Gifu
— Yubatake, Gunma
— Hiroshi Senju Museum, Nagano
— Flying Mud Boat, Nagano

🏔️ Our brand new eBook, The Views from Japan: Alps Edition gives you access to 101 carefully selected locations from every corner of the Japanese Alps.

⏰ It’s available for download now. Head to the link in bio to claim your early bird offer.

🔔 Offer ends Friday 9th October!

24/09/2026

CRAFT TOWNS – Beyond Japan’s major cities, you’ll find towns known for centuries-old pottery, textiles, washi paper and other traditional crafts, each with its own unique history and local character. Many of these towns are also working to keep their craft traditions alive as populations age and younger generations move to larger cities. Supporting local tourism can help bring attention and income to these communities.

Why not visit one of these places on your next trip to Japan? Purchase the work of local artists from independent shops and galleries, meet with craftspeople in person, and explore Japan away from the crowds.

If you’re looking to explore Japan’s craft towns, or simply learn more about Japan’s artisans and craft culture, then here are a few places to get you started 🏺

🇯🇵 We have included many of these places in our new book, SHOKUNIN, exploring design-focused itineraries, hands-on craft experiences and Japan’s lesser-known regions.

🏯 Limited first edition is now available, complete with a free bonus maps, booking links and digital guides. Link in bio.

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