What most people miss when planning a first time itinerary to Tokyo, is the wealth of day trips on offer on the outskirts of the city.

The bright lights of Japan’s capital entice many visitors to the most famous spots, but when in Tokyo it’s best to do as locals do and explore the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods.

A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, cutting edge modern art flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries.

Once a quiet residential suburb, Nakameguro is a neighbourhood that has reinvented itself over the years.

From design hotels and creative living spaces to art islands and floating tea houses, Japan has so many unique places to experience art and architecture.

Spanning the length of 3 prefectures, the Japanese Alps are full of natural beauty. From snow monkeys and sacred forests to thatched-roofed villages and more, here’s how to experience it at its best.

Travelling ‘hands-free’ throughout Japan is a less stressful and far easier way to see the country. Here’s how to do it.