” The “Food Question” is said to be the most important one for all travellers, and it is discussed continually with startling earnestness, not alone as regards my tour. […] The fact is that, except at a few hotels in popular resorts which are got up for foreigners, bread, butter, milk, meat, poultry, coffee, wine, and Learn More …
As far as people remember about 40 migratory birds have come to form couples and reside during spring to autumn in the branches of the huge 400-year old zelkova tree rising from the yard of the old training centre of Zentokuji Temple.Located in Johana at the Southern end of the Toyama plain, in a region Learn More …
Lessons about finding balance between Nature and human activity, the power of mutual help and the spirit of gratitude:I have to confess I am often annoyed about the use of the catchy “hidden gem” expression when associated with certain highly visible and well known destinations in 2026 Japan. The Gokayama villages, south of Toyama City Learn More …
The Shimanami Kaido is often presented as one of Japan’s most beautiful and accessible cycling roads. It links Onomichi (Hiroshima Pref.), on the main island of Honshu, with Imabari (Ehime Pref.), on the island of Shikoku, across six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, connected by spectacular suspension bridges. Those in a hurry will cover Learn More …
Saké as a beverage is far more interesting than most people imagine. I was happy to host in Tokyo a series of small, intimate, private sake masterclasses for the high end international clients of a luxury brand. I had decided to take them by surprise from the first sip, show them the breadth and depth Learn More …
In the context of rapid population ageing in Japan – more than 80% of rice farmers are over 65 – and ongoing rural depopulation, these two inspiring gentlemen are on a mission: to protect satoyama culture. Satoyama designates the landscape between the forested mountains and the valley floor. For centuries, it has sustained local life: Learn More …
Everyone visits Nara. Almost no one stays. Let’s change that… Rural Nara Prefecture is #6 in Japan by number of foreign visitors – after the usual giants Tokyo, Osaka (KIX Int’l airport!), Chiba (Narita Int’l airport!), Kyoto and Fukuoka (Int’l airport!). Yet Nara ranks dead last (47th/47) when it comes to spending per foreign visitor Learn More …
I’ve fallen in love with walking Japan’s ancient routes—starting with the Nakasendo, the historic road that once connected Kyoto and Edo through the mountains.There’s something magical about these journeys: the chance encounters, the shared smiles, and the unforgettable cultural and culinary experiences. Every time I reflect on them, I feel a warmth in my heart—and Learn More …
“I entered the world of sake because of sake brewers”, do I often say. I am fond of their authenticity, pride and great generosity. I love the fact that they will put the conservation of their heritage, and its transmission to the next generation most often above other business success indicators. Naoshi Takatsu, Executive Education Learn More …
I appear to be standing in the most sacred space within Za-dō, the main hall of Kinpusenji Temple in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture—directly in front of the awe-inspiring 7-meter-tall Kongō Zaō Daigongen. These three divine avatars are the temple’s most revered objects of worship. Normally hidden behind closed doors and only revealed to the public for Learn More …