Japan

COVID-19 might have stalled travel, but these beautifully-written books will introduce you to nine new countries, cultures, and histories.

Fall in love with these independent stationery stores that are preserving and elevating the joy of writing.

"At that moment, I had to decide what was the least embarrassing option – stay silent and possibly allow myself to faint on that hot tarmac, or pluck up enough courage to ask the man walking next to me if I could hang on to his arm until we reached the cool of the terminal…

Bird droppings, snakes, sake, getting beaten with twigs – people have interesting (read: unusual) ways of unwinding, and these are just some of them.

Kabukichō is one of the liveliest – albeit slightly dodgy – nightlife and entertainment districts in Tokyo, Japan. It’s located in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo and is well-known as a red light district.

A visit to Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan is really like going to nine different fantasy worlds in one day!

Omoide Yokocho - or Memory Lane as it's called in English – is a small group of alleys filled with around 60 tiny restaurants and bars. It’s also just around the corner from the world’s busiest train station – Shinjuku.

With tourism being the lifeline of many prefectures in the nation, The Japan National Tourism Organization has created a 360° virtual tour of the country, perhaps in a bid to keep interest in the East Asian nation.

When you say ‘wine’ when speaking about Japan, you probably think about sake. Lesser known is that Japan has a bunch of wineries that make good, if not great wines – all against the backdrop of the scenic Japanese Alps.

Formerly known as Tokyo International Airport, when it comes to things to do and see, Haneda Airport is seriously giving Changi Airport in Singapore that’s known to be the best in the world a run for its money!

The formal ceremony where one takes refuge in Buddha and receives the guidelines is called a Jukai. Danjo Garan in Koyasan, Japan is one of the country’s most spiritual-religious complexes.

From skiing to snow festivals, Japan's Hokkaido has numerous winter attractions and highlights.