Awamori – the local spirit of Okinawa in Japan’s far south – embodies this beautiful prefecture’s unique history, culture and personality. Here’s what awamori tastes like, how to drink it and its new relationship with yuzu. With tropical shores more like Hawaii, a location that’s closer to Taiwan than its mainland and a culture that’s … Read more
With its tropical weather, Hawaii-like shores and unique culture, Okinawa offers the perfect mix of island time and Japanese sophistication. But how do you get there? Okinawa is Japan’s most southerly prefecture. Its string-of-pearl archipelago reaches almost within sight of the shores of Taiwan. And its ancient culture makes it as different as it is … Read more
The moment you arrive in Tokyo you feel instantly energised. Perhaps this sensation it’s the life of the city. Or maybe there’s another, more spiritual reason for this sensation. And it’s something not limited to Tokyo alone. Have you ever arrived in a place and felt that burden of long-haul travel lift from you and … Read more
Finding where to eat in Okinawa – in fact anywhere in Japan – is a challenge of choice and an art of discovery. You can walk right past the best place on the island without even knowing it’s there. Here are 5 top eateries from a local living in Okinawa, Japan. We were caught in … Read more
Food in Okinawa is as different as everything else in this strange, far-southern part of Japan. From Roald-Dahl-esque vegetables to soy-marinated pork belly from local wild boar, delicious challenges are abound in this unique prefecture. Sign up to our free newsletter here for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel … Read more
Okinawa, Japan is an enigma in an already mysterious country. Not only is it nothing like a lot of the mainland in its culture, history or cuisine, Okinawa also looks completely different. Here are our Postcards from Okinawa, Japan. Japan is one of those incredibly photogenic countries – even everyday moments there are interesting. Our trip … Read more
Okinawa must be the most un-Japanese part of Japan. You won’t find Shinto shrines or torii gates here. There are no geisha, they have their own language, they even have their own kind of sake here called awamori. On the other hand, it’s like there’s a concentrated version of Japanese culture in Okinawa. It’s fascinating. … Read more
Words like ‘spacious’, ‘beachside’ and ‘resort’ aren’t what you usually associate with hotels in Japan, but then Okinawa isn’t your typical Japanese destination. And neither is the Private Resort Okuma – Okinawa’s most northerly hotel. When we think of hotels in Japan, images of very small, sparse accommodation come to mind. Businessmen pulling themselves into … Read more
The island prefecture of Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost state, has a climate, a lifestyle and a culture that is completely different to anything else you’ll find in this fascinating country. These 11 unusual things to do in Okinawa are the most un-Japanese Japanese experiences you’ll find. Sign up to our free newsletter here for more travel … Read more
Japan is a great country to drive in. The roads are excellent, the other drivers are polite and you can really see so much more of the country. Here are our top tips on how to drive safely in Japan. Driving in a different country is one of my favourite things. However, the idea of … Read more