Japan: A Curated Guide to the Best Areas, Food, Culture & Art

There is something about Japan that works its way into every fiber of your being. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll always uncover new experiences and life-altering adventures.

Pack your bags and travel with us to a country rich in cultural history and full of fascinating contrasts, from the frantic pace of Tokyo and Osaka, to the wintry soul of Hokkaido in the north and the natural wonders of Kyushu in the south. Navigate the dynamic cities, walk the roads of old Japan in Kyoto, Nara, Kanazawa and Nikko, or go off-grid to smaller, far-flung towns, each with their own unique traditions, crafts, sights, food and art.

Packed with cultural insights and stunning photography, this experiential and eclectic guide takes you on a deeper journey into Japan. Read up on history and local knowledge before you go, learn how to navigate the Shinkansen (bullet train), contemplate modern art and architecture, lose yourself in gardens, shrines and temples, and indulge in the best food tourism of your life. This tightly curated list of must-see places and experiences is for people who want to get an up close and personal look at the real Japan.

Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh are certified Japanophiles, having spent the last 20 years traveling back and forth between Japan and Australia. Steve is a writer and DJ. He hosts the long-running UK music radio show Far & Wide. Michelle is a multi-award-winning book designer and illustrator.

Their previous books include Mindfulness Travel Japan, Kyoto Pocket Precincts, Tokyo Pocket Precincts, and Osaka Pocket Precincts.