As well as being a busy InsideJapan tour leader, Hugh Cann has studied budō (Japanese martial arts) for 40 years, and has experience of teaching aikidō internationally. He gives us an insight into the fascinating history, and common misconceptions, of the practice. (more…)

Having led many a tour group around Japan's capital, Mark Rawlins has perfected the best way to make the most of 24 hours in Tokyo. (more…)

With world-class resorts and enviable powder conditions, Japan is a mecca for ski-lovers. In fact, we’d wager that it’s the best place in the world to take to the slopes. But maybe treating mountains like enormous adult slides isn’t your style; you’d rather celebrate the snow from a hot tub, steaming sake in hand with views of the mountain from afar. (more…)

There may be biting winds, and the occasional snowstorm, but boy does Japan do winter in style. Layer up, throw that scarf over your shoulder, and swap the land of the rising sun for the land of the rising snow. (more…)

Ask anyone in the street when they’d like to travel to Japan and chances are they’ll say springtime, "for the cherry blossom". It’s not hard to understand why, the annual arrival of the sakura (cherry blossom) is a sight to behold. (more…)