Views from Japan

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

🇯🇵 Are you visiting Nagano soon? Let me know in the comments!

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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)

⛩️ Are you visiting Japan this autumn? Let me know below!
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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.

07/08/2024

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.

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.

06/08/2024

Discover exciting summer activities in Hokkaido, from lavender fields to outdoor festivals.

Explore the best summer activities in Hokkaido this season, from camping, paragliding, hot air balloons and so much more.

05/08/2024

Japanese transport is clean, reliable, and quick. But which should you use to get around? In this article, we’ll find out.

Japanese transport is clean, reliable, and quick. But which should you use to get around? In this article, we’ll find out.

03/08/2024

Views from Japan is now officially available via Amazon! If you are a UK prime customer, you will benefit from FREE next day delivery, along with any other Prime benefits.

Ben Richards is a travel and architectural photographer based in Tokyo. Over five years, Ben has travelled extensively across 30 Japanese prefectures, tried and tested experiences from all corners of the nation and built a client list of leading tourism boards, luxury hospitality brands and globa...

02/08/2024

Echigo-Tsumari Art Field seamlessly combines rural Japan with modern artistic expressions from both local and international artists.

Echigo-Tsumari Art Field seamlessly combines rural Japan with modern artistic expressions from both local and international artists.