While known for incredible skiing conditions and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, tour leader Robert Kodama discover that Hokkaido in summer might just be the country's best kept secret. (more…)

Despite spending four years living in Japan (as well as plenty of visits back since), Senior Travel Consultant Amy had never gone behind the wheel before. Here, she offers her top 10 tips for swapping that famously efficient public transport to take to the "wrong" side of the road. (more…)

Having lived in Japan for years, tour leader Marky Hobold has the ultimate guide to key Japanese phrases, sure to help every traveller out of a pickle. (more…)

Layovers aren't all about hiding in a coffee shop, or stalking around duty-free shops for the umpteenth time. Lily took a couple of days for her Hong Kong layover, but was it worth it? (more…)

Travel consultant Shakira takes in the sights, sounds and (most importantly) tastes of Iwate. Luckily she arrived hungry for the wanko soba challenge... (more…)