Wellness and self-care are concepts that have recently become associated with upscale spas and luxury resorts offering epicurean amenities and…
Todd FongNovember 18, 2024
On the southernmost part of Japan lies a group of 23 islands called Yaeyama (八重山列島) where the mangrove forests and jungles…
Burcu BasarFebruary 28, 2023
Near the geological center of Goto’s Fukue Island, there is a tiny general store catering to the locals living in…
Todd FongJanuary 31, 2023
Over the immutably calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, we approached the port of Ogijima on the Meon Ferry,…
Todd FongDecember 23, 2021
The legendary island of Enoshima (江ノ島) is just a stone’s throw away (or one hour by train) from Tokyo, and…
Cherise FongAugust 31, 2021
We came to Shimane Prefecture to explore the former Iwami Ginzan silver mine and the historic village of Tsuwano. However,…
Clémentine CintréApril 30, 2021
The island of Manabeshima (真鍋島), in Okayama Prefecture (岡山県), is a place in Japan that I have dreamed of visiting…
Clémentine CintréMarch 18, 2021
In 2007, Okinawa drafted Japan's first Barrier-Free declaration with the aim to welcome all tourists, regardless of their physical limitations,…
Todd FongMarch 9, 2021
For more than 20 years, Okinawa has nurtured a growing trend toward achieving sustainability on all levels of society. In…
Cherise FongMarch 9, 2021
As we carefully plan our post-pandemic travels, personal health and safety remain among our top priorities. Okinawa’s subtropical climate makes…
Cherise FongMarch 9, 2021
This much is certain: the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the face of travel. But to keep things in perspective,…
Todd FongMarch 9, 2021
Located off the west coast of Japan, Sado Island is a short ferry ride from Niigata city. Ferries depart throughout…
Richard MilnerFebruary 10, 2021
Recently gaining popularity as an art-centric, culture-rich destination, Kagawa’s Seto Islands are not short of attractions. The Setouchi Islands, or…
Lucy DaymanJanuary 29, 2021
The name Goto literally means 5 Islands, the number of islands the Goto Islands were traditionally said to contain. The…
Todd FongJanuary 28, 2021
‘Konnichiwa!” called the students enthusiastically, receiving my breathless replies with encouraging good humour. I was pedalling past each other on…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
With chickens clucking around my feet, I spot a perfect lemon up in the branches. Stretching, I snip with shears…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
Between beautiful views and fresh island produce, the Shimanami Kaido is an excellent cycling trip full of Japanese history. From Samurai…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
Perched on the edge of Omishima Island in the Setouchi region of Japan, the striking design of the Toyo Ito Museum is…
Lily Crossley-BaxterJanuary 19, 2021
If 2020 has left you feeling like you've had an eight-month hangover, do your head, heart, and soul a favor…
Todd FongDecember 25, 2020
“It takes two entire years to pass a taiko apprenticeship. That means no drinking, no smoking, no social media. Do…
Lucy DaymanDecember 3, 2020
Learning the art of curling from a 79-year-old Japanese man had never really been on my bucket list, but it…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
“Canceled?” I asked, looking out to the blue skies across our coast-side hotel breakfast. It seemed unlikely, but our boat…
Lily Crossley-BaxterDecember 3, 2020
For those of us who grew up outside of Japan, the Goto Islands are a place shrouded in an air…
Todd FongNovember 9, 2020
Even as Japan and other parts of the world slowly begin to plan to reopen to tourism, there will continue…
Todd FongNovember 9, 2020
If we are being completely honest, nobody in the world would consider 2020 to be a "pretty good year." On…
Todd FongNovember 6, 2020
On a quiet road of Ojika Island, in the shadows of a Buddhist temple between the ancient pine forest on…
Todd FongNovember 6, 2020
Spiritual, contemplative places are abundant in Japan. With tiny sanctuaries just around the corner and gorgeous UNESCO world heritage sites…
Marion PontAugust 25, 2020
