Japan
in Asia

Iconic views of Mount Fuji, the Open-Air Museum and onsens galore make Hakone one of the most captivating, irresistible places in Japan. Nestled in the Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is the perfect tranquil foil to bustling, buzzing Tokyo.

On the Honshu island of southwestern Japan is Hiroshima, a city associated with its historical past during World War II that is now vibrantly rebounding into a culturally rich and green space-abundant hub. Catch the cherry blossom blooming between mid-May and April, visit the inner-city parks and peaceful ryokan, and rub shoulders with the locals in the izakaya (Japanese taverns) hubbubs. Take a ferry across to the iconic Miyajima Island, and otherwise enjoy this lesser-visited, equally charming side of Japan. 

Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, nagano feels calmer and slower than many of the country’s bigger regions. Winter brings skiers to the mountains, while warmer months are all about hiking trails, forest walks and quiet onsen towns. Beyond the scenery, there is a strong sense of tradition here with wooden villages, Zen temples and small local restaurants serving soba noodles and seasonal produce. Whether you come for the snow or the landscapes, nagano has a wonderfully grounding quality to it.

Dubbed the "art island", this place is pretty spectacular. Despite all the tourists, peace and quiet are the name of the game at this immersive, eclectic art experience.

Okinawa Prefecture feels worlds away from mainland Japan. Closer to Taiwan than Tokyo, its bottle-green waters, coral reefs and distinct Ryukyuan culture has been shaped by its own history and subtropical climate. Expect slow island rhythms and beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the South Pacific – just with better noodles.

Oft-overlooked Osaka should truly not be missed. With big-city excitement and small-town warmth, we love it more and more every time we go.

If you, like us, are an art lover, Teshima is going to be paradise. And if you can time your trip to line up with the Setouchi Triennale, we'll be all the more jealous.

Yamanashi is best known for its iconic views of Mount Fuji, but this gem in Japan's Chubu region has much more to offer. Think serene lakes, historic shrines and stunning vineyards producing some of Japan's finest wines. Perfect for peace seekers who love some wine from time to time.