Page 2 - guide to japan

Nestled amid the lush forested mountains of Saitama Prefecture, Chichibu is a hidden gem waiting to enchant every travel enthusiast and adventure seeker. Overflowing with natural beauty, cultural treasures, and mouthwatering cuisine, this charming town offers the perfect blend of serenity and exhilaration. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising landscapes and timeless traditions that make Chichibu an unmissable destination. Here’s how to explore it in three unforgettable days.

Day 1 | Arrival and

Hidden deep within the timeless forests of Mie Prefecture, the Ise Grand Shrine—known lovingly as Ise Jingu—isn’t just a shrine; it’s the soul of Japan itself. Revered as the nation’s most sacred site, it pulls in waves of pilgrims and curious travellers every year, all eager to feel the heartbeat of Japan’s ancient spirit and traditions. Join us as we step into this world of history, reverence, and quiet wonder. Enhance your Kumano Kodo walking journey with a visit to the sacred Ise Grand Shrine,

Meticulously preserved in the interiors of a red brick building, the Sapporo Beer Museum and Garden is an outstanding homage to Japan's beer heritage and more prestige to the already glamorous Hokkaido Island. As the birthplace of beer in Japan, Sapporo is both a capital and custodian of rich history, with the beer museum and garden the only historical landmark dedicated to beer in Japan. Deservedly designated a Hokkaido Heritage Site, this museum and garden are culinary icons and more reasons Hokkaido

Every season in Hokkaido brings a new wave of flavours, and there’s no better place to savour these gourmet creations than its food festivals. With a charming aura and delightful company, the experience draws you in and takes you beyond just delicious food; it immerses you in its rich culture and history. Stick with us as we go through each season and its best food festival.

Spring

As the cherry blossoms start to bloom, so do the flavours of Hokkaido, ushering in a whole year of entertaining

When summer blankets Hokkaido, this northern island wakes up as a wonderland for explorers. An explorer's fantasy is created from endless vistas of unspoiled nature, pure lakes cradled by ancient volcanoes, and the deep culture of the Indigenous Ainu people. Think quietly, as you traverse woods bursting with life, wandering atop calderas shaped by millennia of volcanic wrath, and losing yourself in cultural traditions as old as the region itself. Every road in Hokkaido tells a tale, and every vista

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost and second-largest island, constitutes one-fifth of the country's total land area. This island is known for many things, including its harsh winter weather, rural landscapes, thriving agriculture, and, of course, its wines. Playing a key role in Japan's wine industry, Hokkaido accounts for the largest wine grape production and the third largest share of winemaking from domestic grapes. In this spectacular region delicately crafted by nature to engage in the production

The island of Hokkaido offers something beyond the beauty of its scenes and fresh, crisp air. This northernmost island of Japan has gained the spotlight for its distinctive whisky. Two distilleries, in particular, have placed Hokkaido on the global whisky map: the iconic Nikka Yoichi and Akkeshi.

Onlyluxe Travel was invited by Hokkaido Tourism Organisation on an inspection trip in September 2024 to discover Whisky Tourism.

Masataka Taketsuru’s Vision Adopted By Nikka Yoichi

In 1934, the

Along the Kumano Kodo Iseji, Japan’s countryside scenery unfolds like a digital wallpaper, highlighting waterfalls, mountain peaks, rushing streams, and flourishing forests. Many spectacular landmarks dot the route, notably the Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three shrines of the esteemed Kumano Sanzan. This shrine is particularly stunning, distinguished by the charming Nachi-no-Taki Waterfalls – the shrine’s deity and source.

With so much beauty, culture, and religion to experience, here are the

A journey to achieve inner peace, spiritual fulfilment, or a deeper connection with nature is best encountered in solitude, away from every distraction. The Kumano Kodo Iseji Route is one of the few pilgrimage journeys that invite you to savour an authentic and spiritual experience trodding the lesser-travelled path of the Kumano Kodo.

Walk with us over this piece as we uncover the Iseji’s journey, from where it begins to where it ends, and all the wonders that lie along its awe-inspiring stretch.

Walking the Kumano Kodo Iseji comes with a badge of honour and pride as you tread on the exact footprints of mediaeval pilgrims. The pilgrimage route is also a visual treat, weaving through lush forests and mountain passes on cobblestone trails. Your effort and courage are crowned with access to revered shrines such as Hana no Iwaya and Ise Grand Shrines, including dazzling natural sights like the Nachi Falls and the Pacific Ocean. The walk is challenging and, as such, demands overnight stops to