Christopher Harding: Bringing Japan’s History and Culture to a Wide Audience
An interview with Christopher Harding, historian and author, who explores Japan’s culture and history through books that blend narrative flair with scholarship.
Niigata Wine Coast: A Wine Region Built From Scratch
The Niigata Wine Coast may just be the most beautiful wine region in Japan, and is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Uncharted Tokyo 3｜Hahajima’s Sustainable Farm: Where Tourism Meets Conservation
Taekoni Farm, the eco-tourism project I was visiting, is located on Hahajima (Mother Island), the second largest of the Ogasawara Islands, some 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Tokyo. Here, tour-guides-turned-farmers Taeko Morosawa and Toshinori Konishi teach visitors about sustainable farming and conservation through tours and hands-on experiences with local farmers such as Kazuo Orita, who had kindly offered me the mango.
Uncharted Tokyo 2｜Satologue: Revitalizing the Ome Line and Okutama
A Bucolic Retreat in Tokyo Lush, forested mountainsides, cool clean river valleys and farms are not what most people associate with the metropolis of Tokyo. But just under two hours by train from the busy streets and high-rises of Shinjuku is the Okutama area, where the lands around the local Ome train line are being revitalized, making use of vacant lots and buildings, while also rebuilding community, and passing on precious traditions.
Uncharted Tokyo 1｜Hydrangea Mountain: From a Dream to a Sustainable Natural Wonder
A Magical Forest on the Edge of Tokyo Just a 90-minute train ride from the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku lies the Fukasawa area, nestled in a lush, peaceful forest on the slopes of the Okutama mountain range. One of metropolitan Tokyo’s westernmost areas, Fukasawa has embraced a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism—welcoming growing number of visitors while preserving the fragile natural environment.
Booking.com’s Luiz Rodrigues on Diversifying Japan’s Inbound Market
From promoting lesser-known destinations like Amami Oshima and Furano to addressing overtourism, sustainability, and inclusivity, Luiz Rodrigues is looking to diversify experiences across the country. In this interview, he discusses post-pandemic rebound travel, the growing role of AI in creating seamless journeys, and how technology can connect visitors with authentic, off-the-beaten-path Japan while supporting regional economies.
Savoring Shizuoka: A Gourmet Adventure
A short distance south of Tokyo, Shizuoka Prefecture is earning a reputation as a luxury destination for those in search of unique accommodations and culinary discoveries.
Japan Sea Port Town: Historic Site of Wealthy Merchants and Brave Boatmen
From here, bold local merchants set sail to destinations up and down the coast of Japan, bringing wealth to the successful. Its charms dating from that period are a treat for travelers.
