Views from Japan

30/11/2024

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS – When I moved to Japan 5 years ago, I quickly became obsessed with all types of Japanese folk crafts and traditions. From sword-makers to silk weaving, and glass makers to ceramic artists, Japan is home to some of the world’s most treasured ‘Shokunin’. Literally translating to ‘artisan’ in English, the Japanese meaning runs much deeper. A true Shokunin is someone who dedicates their life to mastering their craft, it’s a relentless pursuit towards perfection, an elite standard of self‑discipline and a personal responsibility to preserve their tradition for future generations ⚔️

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29/11/2024

VIEWS FROM JAPAN – Trusted by thousands of design-conscious and culturally curious travellers around the world, Views from Japan is an alternative travel guidebook that gives you all the tools to explore Japan’s lesser-known destinations, discover long-standing cultural traditions and create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Inside, I share everything I have learnt from travelling extensively around Japan for the last 5 years, so you can have a truly memorable experience for your next trip. Included are highlights from over 20 prefectures, from the northern mountains of Hokkaido to the tropical islands of Okinawa, the hidden temples of Kyoto to the unique architecture of Tokyo, and much more!

If you’re tired of seeing the same over-crowded areas, Insta-famous hotspots and cookie cutter itineraries for Japan, then Views from Japan offers a more meaningful experience – one that inspires you to unlock Japan’s hidden locations, whether that is a remote architectural destination, an under-the-radar neighbourhood or a beautifully designed countryside hotel.

📮 Order now in time for Christmas shipping!

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28/11/2024

OKINAWA – Soft white sand beaches, jungle-covered landscapes and untamed tropical rainforests. Sun-soaked Okinawa is the perfect place to explore remote tropical islands, hike deep into Natural Heritage-protected rainforest, and snorkel amongst coral-fringed shorelines. If you’re planning your next Japan itinerary and looking to spend time relaxing on white sands, coral reef diving and jungle hiking, then look no further than Japan’s subtropical paradise 🏝️

🎁 Looking for more alternative Japan inspiration and itineraries? Comment “XMAS” below to receive the shop link to Views from Japan direct to your inbox!

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25/11/2024

KYOTO – Kyoto has been in a news a lot recently, with visitor numbers reaching record highs and certain locations across the city becoming more crowded than ever. Good news is your Kyoto experience doesn’t have to be that way, and there are many ways to explore the depth and beauty the city has to offer. Here are a few tips to avoid contributing to over-tourism in Japan’s ancient capital 👘

1. Shop local – There are many things to buy in Kyoto. Why not support independent artists, such as investing in a Japanese knife or ceramics from a master craftsman.

2. Think modern – Many don’t realise how contemporary Kyoto is, with many innovative design spaces across the city like Hosoo Gallery and Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto.

3. Check your sources – Is your research from tried and tested experience, or someone who had some popular videos online? Beware viral trends!

4. Stay in local accommodation – Smaller ryokans and family-run hotels give you an opportunity to give back to local businesses, spreading the tourist spend away from chains and business hotels.

5. Spend time doing nothing – Visit a day spa, traditional ryokan or hot spring in a nearby onsen town.

6. Experience the culture – Many temples like Kenninji and offer private meditations and tea ceremonies, just make sure to research and book ahead.

7. Ask yourself ‘Why?’ not ‘Where?’ – A good challenge for travel in general. If social media didn’t exist, would you still visit that Insta-famous photo spot?

8. Respect the etiquette – Remember that Kyoto is a place where locals live their daily lives, not a theme park.

9. Rent bikes – Kyoto is often best seen on two wheels and it allows you to see the city away from the crowds.

🎁 Looking for more Japan inspiration and itineraries? Comment “XMAS” below to receive the shop link to Views from Japan direct to your inbox!

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24/11/2024

MACHIYA ARCHITECTURE - From the geisha districts of Kanazawa to the historical streets of Nara, Japan isn’t short of places to experience the architecture of years gone by. Walking down the traditional wooden townhouse-lined streets always feels to have a sense of magic to it, with decades, and in some cases centuries, of stories within each handcrafted wooden structure. Here are a few of my recent favourite destinations to add to your list.

Locations listed:

• Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa
• Magome Juku, Gifu
• Takayama, Gifu
• Gion, Kyoto
• Narai Juku, Nagano
• Naramachi District, Nara

🎁 Looking for more Japan inspiration away from the crowds? Comment “XMAS” below to receive the shop link to Views from Japan direct to your inbox!

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18/11/2024

FUKUI – The purity of Japan’s zen traditions are nowhere more prominent than the underrated prefecture of Fukui. Located on the wintery waters of the Hokuriku Region, towering cedar trees lead you through active monasteries and local sake breweries embrace the concept of ‘shizen’ to create a holistic product inspired by the land.

If you have a loved one, friend or partner planning their trip to Japan, or if you are looking for deeper inspiration beyond the usual tourist haunts, then my guidebook, Views from Japan, is the ideal gift this Christmas!

Included in the book are highlights from over 20 prefectures, from the northern mountains of Hokkaido to the tropical islands of Okinawa, the hidden temples of Kyoto to the unique architecture of Tokyo, and many more.

🎁 Comment “XMAS” below to receive the shop link direct to your inbox!

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01/10/2024

DESIGN HOTELS - From luxury ryokans to modern architecture showcases, and intimate design spaces to traditional machiya townhouses, Japan has so many unique hotels to choose from. Over the last five years I have had the pleasure of staying at quite literally hundreds of different hotels – big, small, modern, traditional, luxury, budget, you name it. The sweet spot for me is a beautifully designed place to stay, where the design itself becomes part of the experience. Here are a few of my recent favourites to add to your list!

Locations listed:

• Six Senses Kyoto –
• Maana Kiyomizu, Kyoto –
• K5 Tokyo –
• Hakujukan, Fukui –
• Roku Kyoto – .kyoto
• Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto, Hokkaido – .kai
• Rakudo-An, Toyama –

🏯 Looking for more architecture inspiration across Japan? Comment “MAP” below to receive a free Tokyo architecture map direct to your inbox 📩

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28/09/2024

NAGANO – Sacred forests, onsen-bathing snow monkeys and hiking ankle deep in snow. I highly recommend taking a winter trip into the mountains to Togakushi Shrine and to see Nagano’s famous snow monkeys. The journey is pretty simple, take the train from Tokyo to Nagano Station, grab a hire car and drive into the mountains to stay for a couple of days.

Top tip: Head to Togakushi early to experience the majestic Togakushi all to yourself, then take around a 1 hour drive to the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen, you won’t regret it ❄️

Togakushi Highlights:

• Best months to visit: December–March
• Togakushi Jinja
• Jigokudani Yaen Koen
• Zenkoji Temple
• Dine: Sobanomi (soba noodles)
• Stay: Kofukan Ryokan

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24/09/2024

ARCHITECTURE GUIDE – This guide is designed to encourage you to swap some of Japan’s well-trodden sights for a more creative option; where modern architecture rises from remote parks, houses are shaped like faces and hotels have design at the forefront. Do something different on your next trip to Japan and add a few of these architectural locations to your list! 🇯🇵

Locations Listed:

• Site of Reversible Destiny, Gifu
• Reflection of a Mineral, Tokyo
• Face House, Kyoto
• Shiroiya Hotel, Gunma
• Tokyo Toilet Project, Tokyo
• Sayama Cemetry, Saitama
• The Avior, Tokyo

📍 Looking for more architecture inspiration across Japan? Comment “MAP” below to receive a free Tokyo architecture map direct to your inbox

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16/09/2024

PLANNING SESSIONS – I am very pleased to introduce you to the latest part of the Views from Japan world, and something I have been quietly building over the last several months.

The Views from Japan Planning Sessions are designed to save you countless hours crafting your dream trip, giving you unfiltered access to my specialist knowledge, travel experience and Japan expertise.

Alongside your bespoke Planning Toolkit, your private planning session is where we design your once-in-a-lifetime Japan adventure. Your tailor-made session will help you decide which area of Tokyo to stay for a first-time visit, where to find unique cultural experiences for your honeymoon, how to plan a family trip away from the crowds, and so much more.

You will also gain exclusive access to a carefully curated list of 100 places to stay, from unique design hotels and rural ryokans, to bucket list city retreats and budget-friendly family getaways.

⛩️ Comment “PLAN” below to find out more and to book your bespoke Planning Session now!

🇯🇵 Available for a limited time only 🇯🇵

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06/09/2024

KYOTO - A secret garden hidden away amongst 72 acres of private forest,  is located on the north side of Japan’s ancient capital and feels completely secluded from the outside world. Huge moss-covered pathways lead you through the enchanted grounds, and each timber-clad pavilion takes inspiration from traditional Japanese inns - some housing guest rooms, and others the on-site restaurants, offering a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine. Staying here is like being transported to another world 👘

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04/09/2024

CRAFTS – When I moved to Japan, I quickly became obsessed with all types of Japanese folk crafts and traditions. From sword-makers to silk weaving, and glass makers to ceramic artists, Japan is home to some of the world’s most treasured craftspeople, and I am proud to have been able to discover so much about these often untold stories for my personal ‘Shokunin’ project.

Literally translating to ‘artisan’ or ‘craftsperson’ in English, the Japanese meaning runs much deeper. A true Shokunin is someone who dedicates their life to mastering their craft, it’s a relentless pursuit towards perfection, an elite standard of self‑discipline and a personal responsibility to preserve their tradition for future generations.

Craftspeople listed in order:

1. Matsuda Sensei – Samurai Sword, Kanazawa
2. Sakurai Kokeshi – Kokeshi Dolls, Miyagi
3. Kitamoto Dyeing – Kimono Printing, Kyoto
4. Sugahara Glass – Glass Blowing, Chiba
5. Shimatani Syouryu Koubou – Orin Gongs, Toyama
6. Nishimura Orimono – Silk Weaving, Fukuoka
7. Moriyama Kanzan Gama - Ceramics, Fukuoka

📥 Looking for more unique experiences across Japan? Comment “CRAFT” below to join thousands of others who receive my weekly Views from Japan newsletters and free guides.

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02/09/2024

AUTUMN - It’s quickly approaching that time of year when Japan’s countryside, cities, parks and gardens evolve into vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow. Autumn in Japan is by far my favourite time to travel, with the summer temperatures finally cooling down and the landscapes across the country being completely transformed. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or a city dweller, there are so many (free) places to experience Japan’s autumn leaves, from the mountains of Hokkaido to the temples of Kyoto and many places in between. In no particular order, here are a few of my favourites 🍁

1. Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa (Best time: Mid-November - Late November)
2. Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi (Best time: Late October - Mid-November)
3. Arashiyama, Kyoto (Best time: Mid-November - Mid-December)
4. Kamikochi, Nagano Early (Best time: Early October - Mid-November)
5. Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido (Best time: Late October - Mid-November)
6. Shirekawa-go, Gifu (Best time: Mid-October - Mid-November)
7. Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido (Best time: Early October - Mid-November)
8. Noboribetsu, Hokkaido (Best time: Early October - Mid-November)

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25/08/2024

🇯🇵 Comment “TRIP” below to receive your free Tokyo Day Trips eBook direct to your inbox! 📥

If you’re dreaming of your next trip to Japan, there’s no doubt Tokyo will be high on your list of places to visit. But what most people miss when planning a first time itinerary to Japan, is the wealth of day trips on offer on the outskirts of Japan’s capital. Mt Takao and Okutama sit on Tokyo’s western edge and offer a completely different side to Tokyo, surrounded by nature and mountains, and north of the city, Nikko and Kawagoe are great places to experience more of Japan’s traditional culture and hot springs.

Locations Listed:
• Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
• Mt Takao, Tokyo Prefecture
• Okutama, Tokyo Prefecture
• Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture

🏯 In this guide I feature 8 ultimate day trips from Tokyo, tips & tricks to help you plan for your next adventure and an extensive travel resources section for accommodation, transport, etiquette and more.

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16/08/2024

🇯🇵 Comment “TOKYO” below to receive your free Tokyo Neighbourhoods eBook direct to your inbox! 📥

Tokyo can often feel like a real paradox. How can somewhere so busy be so quiet? How can somewhere so modern and feel so traditional? You’ll find neon-clad towers next door to age-old temples, and traditional coffee shops alongside modernist architectural masterpieces. One minute you’re on a busy main road surrounded by thousands of people and the next you’re in a leafy suburb with just a few locals. One of my favourite pastimes has always been exploring these smaller neighbourhoods, finding unique homes, quiet corners and seeing local life unfold.

🗼 In this free guide I take you to some of my favourite suburbs in Tokyo, low rise and walkable and away from the crowds.

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09/08/2024

Wander through the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo, where nature, history and culture combine in the spiritual heartland of Japan.

Wander through the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo, where nature, history and culture combine in the spiritual heartland of Japan.

08/08/2024

Kyoto is definitely a city that has shaped my Japan experience. Since my first ever visit on a personal trip to Japan in 2019, I’ve seen the city in freezing snow, humid summers, cherry blossom and autumn leaves. I’ve written articles for magazines, stayed in over 30 different hotels (big, small, old, new, you name it), and even had the joy of showing my mum and dad around towards the end of last year!

07/08/2024

NAOSHIMA - A world class museum doubles up as a hotel, contemporary artworks flows along the coastline, and disused buildings are transformed into pop-up galleries; just a snapshot of what to expect from Japan’s Art Islands. 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 and the majority of the galleries on the island are designed by world-renowned architect, Tadao Ando - It’s not one to miss for fans of art and architecture 🇯🇵

Locations to Visit:

1. Valley Gallery – As you walk up the long path, you’ll find more artworks by the likes of Yayoi Kusama and Tsuyoshi Ozawa.

2. Benesse House – Tadao Ando’s main museum on the island, it also doubles up as the island’s resort hotel.

3. Lee Ufan Museum – Artworks made from stone, concrete and iron are displayed in the combined indoor and outdoor space.

4. Naoshima Pavilion – Designed by Sou Fujimoto, this crystal-like ‘island’ was created to provide an escape from the hot summer sun.

5. Chichu Art Museum – Built mostly underground and designed to integrate seamlessly into the landscape.

6. Naoshima Terminal – Another example of unconventional design on the island, the terminal even glows like a beacon when illuminated at night.

7. Teshima Art Museum – Tip-toe around tiny water droplets, constantly changing appearance and gathering in the centre of the polished concrete floor.

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