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Is Japan worth visiting during summer? I get asked this question a lot, and wheres there are certainly preferred times to visit each prefecture, summer in Japan has its own unique highlights and doesn’t have to involve you hiding inside an air conditioned mall to escape the heat and humidity in central Tokyo. In fact, summer in Japan is the perfect time to climb the majestic Mt Fuji, take a trip to the tropical islands of Okinawa, or embark on a pilgrimage along one of Japan’s spiritual hiking trails. Follow the guides below to find out more, and as always let me know your favourites!
It's fast approaching that time of year when thousands of hikers seek to reach the summit of Japan's iconic 3,776-metre volcano. This is the perfect bucket list summer activity, but make sure you check on the latest guidelines in place for 2024. Join me as I take you through everything there is to know to discover the beauty of this legendary peak.
An idyllic way to enjoy summer, with soft white sand beaches, jungle-covered landscapes and untamed tropical rainforests – the sun-soaked Yaeyamas are the southernmost isles in the Ryukyu Islands chain that make up Okinawa Prefecture. Here are my insider tips for a trip to Japan’s subtropical paradise.
Wander through the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo, where nature, history and culture combine in the spiritual heartland of Japan. The UNESCO World Heritage designated route leads you through towering sacred forests, waterfall-laced mountains and remote hot spring hideaways.
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima, and neighbouring island Teshima, are home to artworks from the likes of Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell and Lee Ufan. The creative energy is felt around every corner, and with modest shrines and temples, and local fishermen going about their daily lives, it’s a truly Japanese affair.
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In collaboration with Agobay Escapes, Tosei Shinabe, a zen monk from Kyoto, shares the stories and processes behind this traditional Japanese craft. In Ryosokuin, a centuries-old Zen Buddhist temple, Shinabe uses ancient hemp alongside stones from a remote island to create these unique and spiritual creations.
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Trusted by thousands of design-conscious, culturally curious and forward-thinking travellers around the world, Views from Japan is a meaningful travel guidebook that gives you all the tools to unlock remote destinations, delve into Japan’s unique cultural traditions and discover lesser-known neighbourhoods, without spending hours trawling the web or following generic itineraries.
Japan offers a wealth of destinations where art, architecture, and nature come together–for design-loving families, here are some of the best spots in Japan to experience art and architecture with the whole family.
One of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring towns, Kusatsu Onsen has drawn visitors for centuries. Once a retreat for samurai and scholars, today it remains a place where tradition thrives—steaming bathhouses, wooden ryokan, and time-honoured bathing rituals are all part of daily life.
Situated between Honshu and Shikoku, Awaji quietly boasts an impressive collection of architecture, drawing in those with an eye for thoughtful design.