Mount Tateyama: Heaven or Hell? Hagino Baker puts on her walking boots to learn about this much-fabled and mysterious part of Japan. (more…)

We would never suggest travellers can be categorised, but if you don’t know where to start planning your Japan trip, this handy quiz (and perfect procrastination tool) will give you somewhere to start. (more…)

As far as Japanese public transport goes, nothing competes with the shinkansen (bullet train), but tour leader Mark Fujishige has found no end of novel ways to take to the tracks. As one of the world's healthiest nations, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by the Yakuzen Resha train, complete with herbal medicine-infused bento boxes. (more…)

Earlier this year, InsideJapan directors Alastair Donnelly and Simon King donned their Lycra to spend a few days exploring the little-discovered cycling hotspot of Awaji. (more…)

As the colds of winter crept closer last year, we picked our 6 favourite winter festivals - crisp evenings, thick snow and twinkly illuminations make the season a special one. But with long hot days, icy beer and a calendar fit to burst with events, when it comes to festivals in Japan, nothing beats summer. (more…)