Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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How Can You Plan a Relaxing Honeymoon in Japan?
If you're planning a honeymoon in Japan, it's tempting to see as many cities as you can. But changing hotels every day or two wears you out faster than you'd expect.
With one or two weeks, we recommend a few days in Tokyo, two or three nights in an onsen area, then on to Kyoto or Osaka. Hakone, Mishima and the Izu area are good places to break the journey between Tokyo and Kansai: hot springs, Mt Fuji, good food and a bit of local culture.
The Science Behind Onsen: Unveiling Japan's Natural Wellness
The science behind Japan's revered onsen (hot springs) culture, moving beyond the traditional perception of relaxation to a deeper understanding of their therapeutic benefits. It reviews research on how different types of onsen, such as Carbon Dioxide, Sulfate, Bicarbonate, and Acidic springs, can positively impact health through their unique mineral compositions. The piece highlights specific mechanisms, like vasodilation for circulation and the bactericidal effects of acidic waters on skin conditions.
50th Wedding Anniversary Ideas: Celebrate Yours in Japan
If you think Paris and Venice are the only romantic destinations in the world, then you’ve been sleeping on a gem of beauty and culture. Japan is full of many well-known spots and special sights for couples who want to cherish their 40th or 50th wedding anniversary here.
So, if you’re planning to celebrate your day in Japan, we have a handful of 50th wedding anniversary ideas to make the trip special and memorable.
Sento or Onsen? Let's Choose Your Ultimate Japanese Spa Experience
Unravel the mystique of Japanese bathing traditions with a deep dive into the differences between sento and onsen. Learn which offers the ideal relaxation experience for your journey in Japan.
Best Ryokans (Japanese style hotels) in Japan
Experience the epitome of Japanese luxury and culture. Discover the charm, tranquility, and heritage of Japan's finest ryokans.
Japan Chubu and Hokuriku Adventure: 6 days, 5 nights
Taste seafood freshly caught from the Sea of Japan and see the mountains of Hokuriku draped in the fiery colours of autumn.
The Hokuriku Region lies to the northwest of Tokyo along the Sea of Japan, backing on to the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps. This is one of Japan's most celebrated locations for seafood and gourmet dining, with Kanazawa in particular considered one of the very best places to eat in all Japan. Its majestic mountain landscapes and beautiful historic sites make it one of Japan's most popular locations for seeing the autumn colours, as do the natural thermal waters of its hot spring towns like Kaga Onsen.
Hotel Koo Otsu Hyakucho
Designed by architect Yoshiji Takehara, the hotel's rooms are spread across seven traditional townhouses dating back to the last century, reinterpreted and transformed into comfortable, modern spaces while losing nothing of their original soul, but providing all the facilities modern visitors expect. But the choice of its location was a fundamental part of the design. Otsu is a 20 minute drive from the overcrowded tourist hotspots of central Kyoto and is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor. Bringing visitors here helps to support the regions outside the tourist hotspots and reinvigorate commerce, but also to give visitors a glimpse of the hidden charm that can't be found in the over-travelled centers.