Gujo-Hachiman, Japan’s Water City and the Castle in the Sky

Gujo-Hachiman, Japan’s Water City and the Castle in the Sky

As I gaze across the valley all but the distant hilltops is hidden beneath a blanket of white clouds. I’m with a group of Japanese photographers who have been here since the early hours, patiently waiting to capture a rare sight. Every one of us is willing the...
In the Footsteps of the Samurai: Walking the Nakasendo Way

In the Footsteps of the Samurai: Walking the Nakasendo Way

As I stride along the narrow path, tall cedar trees tower above me. All I can hear is the gurgling stream, birds twittering and the breeze rustling in the treetops. The large cobbles I tread upon have been worn down over the centuries by the footsteps of thousands of...
Instagramming Japan – Autumn Colours in Shoryudo

Instagramming Japan – Autumn Colours in Shoryudo

Golds, russets and reds — the colours of autumn in Japan are mesmerising. I recently returned from my first visit to this exciting country and what a fabulous introduction it was. I was one of seven bloggers and journalists invited to Shoryudo, the central...
33 top tips for first-time visitors to Japan

33 top tips for first-time visitors to Japan

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Japan 7 Tomorrow I’m flying to Nagoya, the start of a new adventure exploring Shoryudo, the heart of Japan. This will be my first visit to this exciting country and when I asked my fellow travel writers, bloggers and...
A slice of lemon with your barnacles, madame?

A slice of lemon with your barnacles, madame?

If I spot something unusual on the menu chances are I’ll opt for that. Discovering weird food around the world is part of the fun of travelling. I’ve crunched my way through scorpions, nibbled locusts and enjoyed ostrich steak. But every now and again, I...

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