Japan - InspirAsian travel blog
What makes Christmas in Japan so unique?
Andrew
Christmas in Japan is really something special. From the glitz of Tokyo to the winter wonderland of Hokkaido, Japan’s exuberant festive celebrations take the seasonal cheer to another level! Our Japan Specialist, Andrew, offers an expert glimpse into what it’s really like to celebrate Christmas in Japan.
Top 5 reasons to revisit our favourite destinations in Asia
Anna
A second visit to a destination in Asia, or even a third or fourth, is an opportunity to travel further, to visit lesser known places, and to see things from a different angle - to truly unfollow the herd. It’s a chance to appreciate the small details; those unique, quirky highlights that are all too easy to miss…
Beyond the blossom: visiting Japan out of season
Andrew
Japan is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia, and also one of the most popular, so peak seasons can be very busy times to visit. Discover more about the how to get the best from your visit to Japan by travelling off-peak…
Team travel: Sarah visits Naoshima art island, Japan
Guest author
12 ways to enjoy winter in Japan
Kate
Whether you fancy the novelty of skiing in Asia or a cosy hot spring spa in a superb snowy landscape, a winter holiday in Japan will warm you up in style...
6 ways to celebrate Christmas in Japan
Kate Goulson
Although it's not a public holiday, the festive season in Japan is full of the holiday spirit, making Japan a great destination for an alternative Christmas break.
7 of the best honeymoon destinations in Japan
Guest author
2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
Stephen
We'd hate to pass up an opportunity to give you the advantage, and we do try to tackle things head on, so our resident flanker Stephen has tailored an exclusive Rugby World Cup 2019 itinerary, based around the England Group Games with plenty of world class sight-seeing in between.
A local's guide to Kanazawa
Annie
Selective Asia's Japan expert Tom tells Annie what it's like to live in Kanazawa, and how you can make the most of this historic Japanese city when you visit.
When and where to see cherry-blossom in Japan
Suzie
Cherry-blossom viewing is one of Japan's most famous things to do in springtime. Here's our guide to staying in the pink during the annual blossom season...
Five romantic honeymoon hotels in Japan
Guest author
Whether you're retreating to the mountains for a hot spring soak, or indulging your inner urbanite with a pied-à-terre in a fascinating city, our Japan Specialists can recommend the perfect hotel for a truly romantic honeymoon...
Japan's Matsuri festivals
Andrew
Alongside the major national holidays, most Japanese towns and villages have unique matsuri festivals which highlight their history, heart and soul...
Hot spring etiquette: dos & don'ts for onsen & sento
Annie
Our quick guide to onsen etiquette will help you brush up before you take the plunge!
Hanami: Japan's Sakura Blossom Season
Andrew
Pops of cherry blossom are beginning to appear across most temperate countries thanks to gifts of Sakura trees from Japan over the centuries. These days, they are a ubiquitous symbol of early Spring across the world, but we dare to ask… given the choice, where would you rather be: sat under a tree in Brighton with your meal deal triple sandwich, grab bag of crisps and can of ready-mixed G&T, or under another sky, a Japanese one, next to a delightful specimen of Prunus Yedoensis, being seduced by an exquisitely prepared bento lunch and Japanese craft beer?
Japan: sake for beginners
Guest author
You heard it here first - sake is the new gin! A few of the Selective Asia team headed out (all in the name of research, you understand) to taste a selection of sake, and dig a little deeper into this slow-burning international sensation…
Selective Six: luxury ryokans
Guest author
Relaxing and romantic, traditional ryokan inns are an essential experience for any holiday in Japan. Our Destination Specialists have selected six of their favourite luxury ryokans...
Team travel: cycling Japan's Shimanami trail
Nick
Nick visited Japan to cycle the famous Shimanami Kaido trail, which crosses several islands in the country's Inland Sea. Here he is describing the journey...