Views from Japan

Views from Japan A more meaningful way to experience Japan

WAKAYAMA – Just beyond Japan’s well-trodden routes, Wakayama offers a slower, more spiritual side of the country, where ...
18/08/2026

WAKAYAMA – Just beyond Japan’s well-trodden routes, Wakayama offers a slower, more spiritual side of the country, where ancient pilgrimage trails wind through cedar forests, stone stairways lead to mountain temples, and waterfalls tumble through the lush Kii Peninsula. The Nakahechi Route is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this landscape, with the atmospheric Daimon-Zaka steps leading towards Nachi Waterfall and Seiganto-ji Temple, before continuing to the sacred Kumano Hongu Taisha and ending with a restorative stay at Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima. Whether you have three days to spare or simply want to discover a calmer side of Japan, Wakayama belongs on your itinerary 🌿

Locations Listed:
— Nakahechi Route
— Daimon-Zaka
— Nachi Waterfall
— Seiganto-ji Temple
— Kumano Hongu Taisha
— Stay: Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima (碧き島の宿　熊野別邸　中の島)

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TOKYO – Tokyo is one of the world’s best shopping cities, but knowing where to look makes all the difference. Each neigh...
16/08/2026

TOKYO – Tokyo is one of the world’s best shopping cities, but knowing where to look makes all the difference. Each neighbourhood has its own speciality, from the professional kitchenware shops of Kappabashi to the vintage stores of Shimokitazawa and the design boutiques of Aoyama.

Moving through the city by area is one of the best ways to discover what makes Tokyo unique, whether you’re searching for Japanese craftsmanship, independent brands, vintage finds, or beautifully made everyday objects.

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and want to bring home something beyond the usual souvenirs, these neighbourhoods are a great place to start 🛍️

Locations listed:
— Kappabashi: Professional kitchenware and Japanese craft tools
— Aoyama: Luxury boutiques and modern Japanese design
— Daikanyama: Art books and stylish homeware
— Nakameguro: Independent labels and curated lifestyle finds
— Jimbocho: Rare books and vintage magazines
— Nihonbashi: Traditional crafts and timeless Japanese goods
— Shimokitazawa: Vintage clothing and indie brands

🗼 We’ve spent months building a brand new resource that streamlines the Tokyo planning process, built around the neighbourhoods, experiences and local culture that most guides never get close to.

🍡 The Views from Japan: Tokyo Edition gives you access to 101 carefully selected locations from every corner of Tokyo, alongside 10 curated neighbourhood walking maps.

⏰ Head to the link in bio to download yours!

tokyotravel

ARCHITECTURE GUIDE — Few architects have shaped modern Japan quite like Tadao Ando. Self-taught and unmistakable, his bu...
10/08/2026

ARCHITECTURE GUIDE — Few architects have shaped modern Japan quite like Tadao Ando. Self-taught and unmistakable, his buildings are defined by smooth concrete, natural light and a precise command of space. From an underground museum on Naoshima to a lotus pond concealing a Buddhist temple on Awaji Island, each project reveals a different expression of his distinctive architectural language. Here are some of his greatest works to experience across Japan 🪨

Locations listed:

— Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo
— Garden of Fine Arts, Kyoto
— Honpukuji Water Temple, Awaji Island
— 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Tokyo
— Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima Island
— Awaji Yumebutai, Awaji Island
— Lee Ufan Museum, Naoshima Island

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POTTERY TOWNS — Some of Japan’s most fascinating destinations are built around ceramics. From historic porcelain towns a...
04/08/2026

POTTERY TOWNS — Some of Japan’s most fascinating destinations are built around ceramics. From historic porcelain towns and rural kiln villages to creative communities where potters still fire their work using centuries-old techniques, these places offer a chance to experience one of Japan’s oldest craft traditions where it continues to thrive.

Rather than simply buying pottery in a department store, visit the towns where it’s made. Wander pottery streets lined with independent galleries, meet local ceramic artists in their studios, learn about regional styles, and bring home pieces with a genuine connection to the place they were created.

Whether you’re a collector, a tea lover, or simply appreciate beautiful handmade objects, these pottery towns are some of the most rewarding places to explore on a trip to Japan 🏺

🇯🇵 Looking for more design and craft destinations? Discover pottery towns, artisan workshops, and lesser-known regions across Japan in my brand new book.

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

⏰ Support Japan’s crafts today. Link in bio.

DESIGN HOTEL — Once a centre for the Japanese silk trade, the small city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture might not be as...
28/07/2026

DESIGN HOTEL — Once a centre for the Japanese silk trade, the small city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture might not be as famous as some of its neighbours, but that is all set to change. Shiroiya Hotel (SHIROIYA HOTEL 白井屋ホテル) is one of several projects spearheaded by owner, entrepreneur and previous Maebashi resident, Hitoshi Tanaka, with the goal of regenerating the city around the theme of ‘Where good things grow’.  Designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, the idea is to create ‘a living room for the city’ – a space to be enjoyed not only by design-savvy tourists, but also for locals to feast on art and design any day of the week.

Guests are greeted by a huge typographic mural by American artist Lawrence Weiner upon entrance. The main lobby of the hotel really is the show stopper, with Leandro Erlich’s ‘Lighting Pipes’ stretching the full height of the vast piazza-like atrium and natural light pouring in from the roof.

Each of the 25 rooms is designed by a different creative. We particularly recommend the Jasper Morrison room: entirely wrapped in timber panelling referencing art transport crates, with a secret view into the central atrium, a cypress bathtub and Isamu Noguchi lighting 🛋️

🇯🇵 Who would you stay here with?

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ITINERARY — Japan is home to more than 3,000 hot spring towns, each offering its own unique atmosphere, healing waters a...
25/07/2026

ITINERARY — Japan is home to more than 3,000 hot spring towns, each offering its own unique atmosphere, healing waters and centuries-old bathing traditions. From the volcanic landscapes of Hokkaido to the steaming geothermal valleys of Kyushu, onsen culture reveals a more restorative side of the country where evenings are spent soaking beneath star-filled skies and mornings begin with views of mountains, forests and coastlines.
Over the course of 14 days, this itinerary brings together some of Japan’s most memorable hot spring destinations, combining scenic landscapes, traditional ryokan stays and unforgettable bathing experiences for the ultimate onsen journey ♨️

Days 1–5: Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
— Soak in the mineral-rich waters of Noboribetsu Onsen.
— Walk through the dramatic volcanic landscape of Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
— Relax beside the peaceful shores of Lake Toya.
— Stay: Zaborin (Zaborin 坐忘林 Ryokan)

Days 5–7: Kusatsu
— Experience the healing waters of Kusatsu Onsen.
— Witness Yumomi, where water is cooled by stirring with wooden paddles.
— Wander through the atmospheric streets surrounding Yubatake.
— Stay: Kusatsu Onsen Boun (【公式】草津温泉 望雲　Kusatsu Onsen Boun)

Days 7–9: Hakone
— Bathe in open-air onsens overlooking Mount Fuji.
— Explore the volcanic landscape of Owakudani by ropeway.
— Discover world-class art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
— Stay: Hakone Gora Kadan (強羅花壇 | GORA KADAN)

Days 9–11: Katsuura
— Soak in oceanfront hot springs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
— Visit Nachi Falls and Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of Japan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
— Enjoy fresh seafood from the waters surrounding the Kii Peninsula.
— Stay: Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima (碧き島の宿　熊野別邸　中の島)

Days 11–14: Beppu
— Explore the famous “Seven Hells of Beppu”, a collection of colourful geothermal springs.
— Experience a traditional sand bath at Beppu Beach Sand Bath.
— Try a steam bath and sample cuisine cooked using natural geothermal heat.
— Stay: Kai Beppu (界別府 - KAI Beppu 【公式】)

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HAKONE VS KAMAKURA – Few day trips from Tokyo are as rewarding as Hakone and Kamakura. Kamakura draws visitors with its ...
21/07/2026

HAKONE VS KAMAKURA – Few day trips from Tokyo are as rewarding as Hakone and Kamakura. Kamakura draws visitors with its centuries-old temples, bamboo groves and relaxed coastal atmosphere, while Hakone unfolds around volcanic landscapes, mountain railways and lake cruises, with some of Japan’s finest ryokan and open-air museums adding to the experience.

Both destinations offer a completely different perspective on Japan. If you enjoy coastal walks, historic streets and exploring temples at a leisurely pace, Kamakura is hard to beat. If mountain scenery, hot springs and art museums are more your style, Hakone offers one of the country’s most memorable escapes into nature. Better yet, both are easy to reach by direct train from Tokyo, making either an excellent choice depending on what kind of day you’re looking for ⛩️

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SHOKUNIN — Japan is home to some of the world’s most treasured Shokunin. Literally translating to artisan in English, th...
19/07/2026

SHOKUNIN — Japan is home to some of the world’s most treasured Shokunin. Literally translating to artisan in English, the Japanese meaning runs much deeper. A true Shokunin is someone who dedicates their life to mastering their craft; it’s a rejection of mass-produced perfection and a personal responsibility to preserve the legacy of their skills for future generations.

Yet preserving that legacy is becoming increasingly difficult. Among Japan’s many extraordinary traditional crafts, some now face an uncertain future.

Many of these crafts are at risk of fading away, and although Japan has a system of Living National Treasures, the future remains fragile. What will happen when the last swordsmith in a village puts down his hammer, or when the final rural woodcarver passes on with no apprentice? Some artisans adapt to find new audiences through tourism, collaborating with designers, or leaning into sustainability with the hope of inspiring younger generations.

Here are five traditional Japanese crafts that are at risk of fading, and the artisans working to keep them alive 🏺

🇯🇵 Gain unprecedented access to Japan’s master artisan studios with our brand new book, Shokunin and the digital Craft Journal.

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

⏰ Support Japan’s crafts today. Link in bio.

OSAKA ALTERNATIVES — Long celebrated for its incredible food, lively nightlife and down-to-earth atmosphere, Osaka remai...
14/07/2026

OSAKA ALTERNATIVES — Long celebrated for its incredible food, lively nightlife and down-to-earth atmosphere, Osaka remains one of Japan’s most popular cities. While it continues to be an essential stop for many visitors, its busiest districts can often feel crowded and overwhelming. Fortunately, Japan is home to countless cities that capture Osaka’s vibrant energy, outstanding cuisine and urban charm, while offering a more relaxed pace 🍜

These are some of our favourites:
— Fukuoka, Fukuoka
— Sapporo, Hokkaido
— Kobe, Hyogo
— Kanazawa, Ishikawa
— Hiroshima, Hiroshima

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

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LAST CHANCE – There are only 24 hours left to pre-order our newly updated Japan guidebook!Trusted by thousands of design...
13/07/2026

LAST CHANCE – There are only 24 hours left to pre-order our newly updated Japan guidebook!

Trusted by thousands of design-conscious and culturally curious travellers, Views from Japan is an alternative travel guidebook that gives you all the tools to create a once-in-a-lifetime Japan itinerary.

Across 280 pages, we invite you to explore off-the-beaten path destinations; from the architecture galleries of Naoshima to the tropical islands of Okinawa, the design hotels of Hiroshima and so much more.

After two completely sold out print runs, Views from Japan has been carefully updated for 2026, with brand new locations and access to deeper regions of Japan than ever before.

No more endless scrolling or second-guessing; you’ll save hours of research while gaining clarity, confidence and local knowledge that takes years to build.

If you are a repeat visitor actively planning your next design-focused trip, or a first timer just beginning your research, then now is the time to get your hands on Views from Japan!

⏰ Secure your limited copy before it is too late. Link in bio.

🔔 Pre-orders end today, 14th July at 21:00 JST.

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