Tackling waste in Bali
Plastic bottles and chip packets pile up on the sand, often mixed with driftwood, coconuts and the remains of religious offering baskets.
While the issue won't be solved overnight, Bali has committed to improving waste management and being waste-free by 2027. This includes a ban on single-use plastic bottles smaller than one litre, to be enforced from January 2026.
Some businesses in the tourism sector have already stepped up their efforts to become more sustainable.
The St Regis Bali Resort and The Laguna Resort and Spa in Nusa Dua have been stocking guest rooms with water supplied from their own bottling facility since 2018.
Located within the grounds of the St Regis, it uses Japanese advanced Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology, transforming seawater into pure, pH-balanced drinking water.
A visit to the facility requires me to don full PPE. Although it's not a big building, it can process and refill up to 10,000 glass bottles each day. I happily drank plenty of it.
Local agricultural students help determine the types of fruit, herbs and vegetables best suited to the St Regis' chef's garden, which also houses hives of stingless bees for harvesting trigona honey.
Guests can 'adopt' and plant coral along the shores of the St Regis as part of its coral discovery awareness and restoration program.
The St Regis estimates it transformed 175 metric tonnes of food waste and 191,590kg of landscape waste into nutrient-rich compost last year.
With 745 rooms and capacity for 1500 guests, The Mulia in Nusa Dua is often cited as Bali's biggest luxury resort. Last year only 2.44 per cent of its total operational waste — including waste from restaurants, guests and other facilities — was sent to landfill, the result of ongoing recycling, waste reduction and diversion initiatives.
Magi Farm was established to help transform food waste into sustainable solutions by harnessing the power of the black soldier fly. Its founders were inspired to act after seeing mountains of plastic bags full of food waste at landfill.
Each Magi Farm kit or house typically starts with tens of thousands of black soldier fly maggots. Voracious eaters, they can consume up to twice their body weight in food waste every day in a fast and odourless process. Around 30 hotels, villas and restaurants are using the service.
I view a demonstration kit at The Meru Sanur but decline the offer to touch the busy maggots.
The Meru Sanur has been using Magi Farm as part of its sustainability efforts for six months, converting 30-50kg of food waste per day into organic soil compost.
Located on the whitest stretch of sand in Sanur, the resort is committed to keeping it that way. Three times a week it is visited by Beach Cleaning Company's Baby Tapiro cleaner.
Founder Dimitri Dusa says that after more than a decade in the hospitality industry, he realised not enough was being done to address the root causes of pollution. After literally walking on garbage on a beach stroll in January 2023, he decided it was time to act.
'I felt I had to take a bigger responsibility to protect not just the beaches, but the entire ecosystem, from marine wildlife to the communities, and ultimately our beloved guests, elevating the guest experience for beachfront properties,' he says.
'It started with a hands-on response to a visible problem, but over time BCC evolved into a structured, professional initiative that incorporates a circular economy model, reintegrating as much as we can, the waste we collect into something useful and impactful.'
Dimitri says his system is different to the BeBot robotic cleaner used by some other beachfront businesses.
'BeBot is a great example of an innovative machine, but our approach is quite different. Our system combines both human and mechanical precision. We use specialised screening tools and manual labour to reach all types of debris. This allows us to clean deeper, more complex layers of the beach.
On average, Beach Cleaning Company cleans and screens up to 10,000sqm per session, collecting between 60-120kg of mixed waste depending on the season and tide conditions.
Later, it is separated into glass, metals and plastics for recycling.
Not all The Meru Sanur's waste goes to the maggots. The resort recently showcased the work of Ririn Yaxley of Kitabisa Design Studio, who spent two months creating the Merajut Harapan/Weaving Hope series to celebrate World Environment Day.
Ririn, who splits her time between Bali and Australia, used metal, wire, tree branches, reclaimed wood and paint from the Meru Sanur and sister venue The Bali Beach Hotel.
She also used canvas from I Am Sustainable, a Balinese studio that takes bed linen waste and processes in into new thread and fabric.
Ririn transformed what was considered waste into intricate compositions of renewal and resilience … 'a tribute to Indonesia's heritage and a hopeful vision for its sustainable future'.
+ Sue Yeap was a guest of The St Regis Bali Resort, The Mulia and The Meru Sanur. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication.
fact file
marriott.com
themulia.com
themerusanur.com
beachcleaning.co
magifarm.id
kitabisadesign.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
7 hours ago
- SBS Australia
From tatami rooms to TikTok – what the global matcha shortage really means
Oysters, truffles, caviar… matcha? This luminous Japanese tea could be the next luxury commodity. Matcha seemed like an unlikely contender for a global takeover – a powdered tea with an unnaturally iridescent shade of green and a grassy taste. But here we are – global exports increased by 25 per cent in 2024, according to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries . Credit: EdoMatcha In the past few years, exports and domestic demand both climbed sharply. "There's definitely been an increase in global demand in the past couple of years. We get customers coming in who've seen matcha all over TikTok or Instagram – everyone wants to try it, not just as a latte but also in smoothies, desserts, even skincare,' says Erin Lindwell of Australian-based supplier Matcha Yu Tea. On TikTok and Instagram , matcha isn't just a drink – it's a lifestyle prop. The hashtag #matcha has over 10 billion views on TikTok alone. From matcha lattes sipped in cars on the way to work, matcha baked goods, to vivid green ceremonial matcha whisked in a chawan in perfect morning light. Industry insiders, such as Tomo Kita, founder of importer OH!Matcha , point to the early 2000s as the turning point, when matcha shifted from an occasional ceremonial drink to a daily commodity. 'Before 2000, even in Japan we only drank matcha in a ceremonial way,' says Kita, 'Since [brands like] Haagen-Dazs and Starbucks created matcha-flavoured ice cream and drinks, it became very popular.' Travel has amplified the effect. Since Japan reopened post-pandemic, global visitors have surged, tasting high-quality matcha at the source and returning home with higher expectations. 'Australians have had a taste of what real authentic matcha tastes like from the origin and now return home with high expectations,' says Nguyen. Prices reflect the pressure. In May, tencha (the leaf used to make matcha) reached around ¥8,235/kg, a 170 per cent jump from the previous year . 'For the first time since we began ordering matcha, one of our suppliers experienced a shortage that lasted several months,' says Group General Manager Thibaut Chuzeville of Yugen Tea Bar in Melbourne. 'We've seen a fifteen to twenty per cent price increase across both ceremonial and culinary grades in the past six months.' What's behind matcha's appeal? Matcha tea – a finely ground powder made from shade-grown tea leaves – comes in two main grades: Ceremonial-grade matcha, which comes from the first harvest ( ichibancha ), is prized for its smooth texture, vivid colour and savoury-sweet umami. Culinary-grade, often from later harvests, is bolder and suited to lattes, baking and ice cream. 'Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest grade, but it's designed to be enjoyed with water in the purest form,' says Monica Nguyen of Japanese-inspired cafe Miyama Melbourne . Credit: Miyama Cafe Matcha's wellness halo – in Japan, once sipped by samurai before battle, by monks to elevate meditation – isn't without substance. Rich in antioxidants, it's been linked to heart health, improved focus and reduced inflammation. Because the whole leaf is consumed via the groun-up powder form, matcha delivers more concentrated benefits than steeped green tea. The amino acid L-theanine tempers caffeine's buzz, offering calm alertness prized by monks and office workers alike. As Elvan Fan Sydney cafe Moon and Back notes, 'For many customers, it's not just the taste – it's how they feel after drinking it.' A centuries-old tradition under pressure The global boom is reshaping matcha culture on its home turf. As William Guo of 30–seat matcha speciality cafe Matcha Kobo in Melbourne explains, the boom is a double-edged sword, 'There's pride in the international demand, but also concern for the local cultural needs… Some tea ceremony teachers in Japan have found it harder to secure their preferred ceremonial-grade matcha… If current demand continues, the tight supply could last the next three to five years.' Climate stress has compounded the squeeze. Intense heatwaves in Uji, Kyoto – the most renowned and sought-after matcha-production area – cut yields by up to 25 per cent in some orchards. And while farmers plant new fields, tea bushes take five years to mature. Traditional methods – hand-picking, shading and stone-grinding – mean production can't be scaled quickly. Stone mill grinding alone produces only 30 g of matcha in one hour. 'The biggest challenge Japan faces isn't just rising demand – it's the lack of successors for tea farms and tea business owners,' says Taka Kaneko of matcha supplier EdoMatcha , 'We need more young people, and even foreigners, to get involved in the tea industry in Japan.' Australia feels the squeeze In Australia too, matcha has grown from niche curiosity to café staple. 'Over the past seven years or so of running the business, I have seen the level of matcha knowledge has lifted significantly,' says Lindwell of Matcha Yu Tea. 'People are also now looking for higher quality matcha… Many have travelled to Japan since the pandemic… and desire high quality matcha.' That quality increasingly comes at a cost. Matcha Yu Tea faced a two-month gap in supply this year when first-harvest stock ran out. 'The new harvest pricing came in 60 per cent higher than last year, with no guarantee of availability,' Lindwell says. For Japanese-inspired cafe and bar Kahii in Sydney, ceremonial and premium grades have become the hardest to source, 'farms can't easily increase production' and that finding reliable suppliers 'has become increasingly difficult,' says Director Matt Wong. How to get your matcha fix – from the experts While there's no one quick or easy solution to the global matcha shortage, there are some practical things consumers can do to still enjoy this prized flavour – while balancing it with a respect for traditional culture. Derek Yang, co-founder of Melbourne-based matcha and Japanese homeware store, Hikari Life , says, 'If you're adding jams and fruit, please don't waste your high-grade matcha… Save those for ceremonial moments and respect the culture behind it.' Yugen Tea Bar's Chuzeville agrees – 'Culinary-grade matcha is better suited for mixing or baking, and using the right grade for the right purpose preserves tradition while supporting sustainability.' Minimising 'haul' culture is also needed. Rather than stockpiling up on matcha powder – especially as the tea has a maximum 6-month shelf life, only buy what you can use within a few weeks. 'Buy only what you can use within a few weeks… Choose the right matcha for the right purpose… Be willing to pay a fair price – quality matcha is labour-intensive, and your support helps tea farms pass their craft to the next generation,' says Matcha Kobo's Guo. 3 matcha alternatives to try Above all, why not treat this as an opportunity to explore other Japanese brews, each with its own history, flavour, and loyal following? Hikari Life has added hojicha, genmaicha and sencha alongside matcha, and says the response has been positive. Nguyen admits she personally drinks hojicha more than matcha, 'It's smoky, earthy, naturally sweet and has less caffeine, making it perfect for the afternoon. I'd love to see hojicha and genmaicha become just as popular as matcha.' For many customers, it's not just the taste – it's how they feel after drinking it. Hojicha powder, a roasted green tea with a toasty, nutty profile and low caffeine, makes a comforting latte. Genmaicha blends green tea with roasted rice for a warm, popcorn-like aroma. And mugicha, or barley tea, is a summer staple in Japan – naturally caffeine-free, refreshing, and best enjoyed chilled. At Kahii, their Black Sesame Cloud Latte is a popular menu item. Shortage or not, matcha is here to stay – but how we drink it will shape its future.
West Australian
4 days ago
- West Australian
Tackling waste in Bali
We've all seen photos of rubbish washed up on Bali's beaches, with the problem exacerbated during the wet season. Plastic bottles and chip packets pile up on the sand, often mixed with driftwood, coconuts and the remains of religious offering baskets. While the issue won't be solved overnight, Bali has committed to improving waste management and being waste-free by 2027. This includes a ban on single-use plastic bottles smaller than one litre, to be enforced from January 2026. Some businesses in the tourism sector have already stepped up their efforts to become more sustainable. The St Regis Bali Resort and The Laguna Resort and Spa in Nusa Dua have been stocking guest rooms with water supplied from their own bottling facility since 2018. Located within the grounds of the St Regis, it uses Japanese advanced Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology, transforming seawater into pure, pH-balanced drinking water. A visit to the facility requires me to don full PPE. Although it's not a big building, it can process and refill up to 10,000 glass bottles each day. I happily drank plenty of it. Local agricultural students help determine the types of fruit, herbs and vegetables best suited to the St Regis' chef's garden, which also houses hives of stingless bees for harvesting trigona honey. Guests can 'adopt' and plant coral along the shores of the St Regis as part of its coral discovery awareness and restoration program. The St Regis estimates it transformed 175 metric tonnes of food waste and 191,590kg of landscape waste into nutrient-rich compost last year. With 745 rooms and capacity for 1500 guests, The Mulia in Nusa Dua is often cited as Bali's biggest luxury resort. Last year only 2.44 per cent of its total operational waste — including waste from restaurants, guests and other facilities — was sent to landfill, the result of ongoing recycling, waste reduction and diversion initiatives. Magi Farm was established to help transform food waste into sustainable solutions by harnessing the power of the black soldier fly. Its founders were inspired to act after seeing mountains of plastic bags full of food waste at landfill. Each Magi Farm kit or house typically starts with tens of thousands of black soldier fly maggots. Voracious eaters, they can consume up to twice their body weight in food waste every day in a fast and odourless process. Around 30 hotels, villas and restaurants are using the service. I view a demonstration kit at The Meru Sanur but decline the offer to touch the busy maggots. The Meru Sanur has been using Magi Farm as part of its sustainability efforts for six months, converting 30-50kg of food waste per day into organic soil compost. Located on the whitest stretch of sand in Sanur, the resort is committed to keeping it that way. Three times a week it is visited by Beach Cleaning Company's Baby Tapiro cleaner. Founder Dimitri Dusa says that after more than a decade in the hospitality industry, he realised not enough was being done to address the root causes of pollution. After literally walking on garbage on a beach stroll in January 2023, he decided it was time to act. 'I felt I had to take a bigger responsibility to protect not just the beaches, but the entire ecosystem, from marine wildlife to the communities, and ultimately our beloved guests, elevating the guest experience for beachfront properties,' he says. 'It started with a hands-on response to a visible problem, but over time BCC evolved into a structured, professional initiative that incorporates a circular economy model, reintegrating as much as we can, the waste we collect into something useful and impactful.' Dimitri says his system is different to the BeBot robotic cleaner used by some other beachfront businesses. 'BeBot is a great example of an innovative machine, but our approach is quite different. Our system combines both human and mechanical precision. We use specialised screening tools and manual labour to reach all types of debris. This allows us to clean deeper, more complex layers of the beach. On average, Beach Cleaning Company cleans and screens up to 10,000sqm per session, collecting between 60-120kg of mixed waste depending on the season and tide conditions. Later, it is separated into glass, metals and plastics for recycling. Not all The Meru Sanur's waste goes to the maggots. The resort recently showcased the work of Ririn Yaxley of Kitabisa Design Studio, who spent two months creating the Merajut Harapan/Weaving Hope series to celebrate World Environment Day. Ririn, who splits her time between Bali and Australia, used metal, wire, tree branches, reclaimed wood and paint from the Meru Sanur and sister venue The Bali Beach Hotel. She also used canvas from I Am Sustainable, a Balinese studio that takes bed linen waste and processes in into new thread and fabric. Ririn transformed what was considered waste into intricate compositions of renewal and resilience … 'a tribute to Indonesia's heritage and a hopeful vision for its sustainable future'. + Sue Yeap was a guest of The St Regis Bali Resort, The Mulia and The Meru Sanur. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication. fact file
Courier-Mail
5 days ago
- Courier-Mail
Best cities to visit in Japan for tourists
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. The nation's cities each have their own distinct character and offer unique regional experiences. Best Japanese city for traditional culture: Kyoto Kyoto stuns in autumn. One of the miracles of modern history is that Kyoto was spared the most devastating ravages of World War II and as such it teems with history. You can barely turn a corner without running into a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are over 1600 shrines and temples here with heavy hitters including the Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Kyoto is also home to Nija Castle, the Imperial Palace and stunning Japanese gardens like those at Kodaiji Temple and Heian Shrine. We'd even give it the edge over Tokyo in our list of best cities in Japan to travel to. Major festivals include the Aoi Matsuri in May and Gion Matsuri in July. In other words, you must visit Kyoto. Best Kyoto alternative: Kanazawa Gardens galore in Kanazawa. Way less crowded than Kyoto, it has geisha districts such as Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi, a Ninja Temple complete with traps and secret passages and the Nagamachi Samurai District. Gardenwise, the Kenrokuen is considered one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, complete with serene temples, historic treasures and tea houses. Best day trip from Kyoto: Nara Nara Park is famed for its friendly deer. The first permanent Japanese capital is famed for the hundreds of tourist friendly deer roaming Nara Park but Japan's largest Buddha can also be found at Todai-ji Temple and the serene Kofuku-ji Temple is a stunner. Best Japanese city for cutting edge modernity: Tokyo If you've never been, Tokyo - Japan's largest city - it should absolutely be the place to start your Japan trip. The Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing and quirky street style of Harajuku are just the start of this neon-licked behemoth. It's the contrast between the ultra contemporary and traditional Japan that make this such a beacon, so be sure to also check out the historical sites such as the Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Culturally, the Edo Tokyo Museum, Nezu Museum and modern art at Roppongi Hills should feature on your Japan itinerary as both are among Japan's tourist attractions of note. In late August, the Koenji Awa-Odori dance festival features roughly 10,000 traditional dancers while early December heralds the arrival of Tokyo Comic Con for sci-fi, fantasy, and anime fans. And the locals commit big time. It's a no brainer but this is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Japan to travel to. Especially if you master all the details of the train stations. Best Tokyo alternative: Nagoya Streetside treats in Nagoya. A centre for all things tech, it's home to Japan's automotive and aerospace industries. Rev heads will love the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park to sink into a speed fest of bullet trains. It's no slouch in the history department either with Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum, Osu Kannon Temple and Atsuta Shrine. Best day trip from Tokyo: Tokyo Disney Resort Say konichiwa to Mickey and Minnie. The Japanese hold a special place in their hearts for Mickey and Co and it shows as this massive theme park about 30 kilometres from the city centre. International visitors throng here because it's just so much fun. Take the train to get there quick. If you want something more serene and slightly off the beaten path, try Nikko with its UNESCO World Heritage Park including the jaw-dropping gardens of Toshogu Jingu, Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple. Day trips to Mount Fuji are also an option from Japan's capital and should be on any Japan bucket list if you're up for a bento box of breathtaking scenery. An unforgettable trip. If the weather is clear at Mt Fuji that is. Best Japanese city for food and nightlife: Osaka Welcome to bustling Osaka. Osaka positively thrums with crammed alleyways slinging the best ramen you've ever tasted - try Ramen Hayato in the Kita ward, pulsing nightclubs and oh my goodness, the shopping. Explore the street food and fashion scene in Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo World theme parks are major drawcards, but the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is also one of the best on the planet. A taste of traditional Japan in this modern city can be found at Osaka Castle, Yasaka Shrine and Hozenji Temple. Best Osaka alternative: Kobe Kobe is a cool alternative to Osaka. A bustling Chinatown, pubs galore and some of the best beef in a country that takes marbling very seriously. Kobe is also home to the Ikuta Shrine which dates from the third century and the cable cars to Mount Rokko provide stellar views. Also check out the famed Arima Onsen. Best day trip from Osaka: Himeji Like something out of a film, Himeji Castle soars above the township. Known as the White Heron Castle, it is a prime example of 17th Century architecture and right next door is a virtual catalogue of Edo-era garden styles in the Koko-en. Best Japanese city for snow sports: Sapporo City Sapporo city is the hub servicing some of Japan's best ski fields. Gateway to the ski fields of Hokkaido, Sapporo is about way more than snow though. The Sapporo Beer Museum attests to the city's love of a raucous night out and its umami take on curry is iconic. This is not just a winter destination. The summer landscapes around the Shiretoko Peninsula, Kushiro Marshlands, and Lake Toya are sublime while mid July sees the lavender fields in Furano and Biei explode into life - take the Lavender Express train to see the best of both. Want some autumn foliage pyrotechnics? Check out Sounkyo's Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls for extraordinary leaves. Best Sapporo alternative: Niseko If you want to sample the best of Sapporo but want to be closer to the slopes where skiing is the main priority, Niseko is a snow lovers smorgasbord. Best day trip from Sapporo: Noboribetsu Onsen heaven in Norobetsu. Get your onsen on at this bathing paradise - try the Daiichi Takimotokan - in the middle of volcanic landscapes. This is one seriously rewarding day trip. Most moving Japanese city: Hiroshima Hiroshima Castle has endured the city's tragic history. Having rebuilt after the devastation of a nuclear bomb this modern city carefully calibrates tragic history with a positive and modern outlook. Hiroshima Peace Park is must visit in Japan. Once you've paid your respects at the Atomic Bomb Dome, check out the Shukkei-en Garden with its traditional ponds and teahouse, the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium for a baseball game (the season runs from April to December) and wander the hiking trails on Mount Misen. You can also explore the Seto Inland Sea from Hiroshima. Here, you'll find the famed Naoshima Island, also known as Art Island, which filled with sculptures, installations, museums and galleries. It is legit one of the most interesting places on the planet. Best Hiroshima alternative: Nagasaki Mountains meet the water in Nagasaki. Less busy than Hiroshima, it too was levelled by an atomic bomb but has recovered profoundly to boast a unique food scene - try the 'washikan kamaboko' fish cakes at the Momokawa restaurant which was established in 1931. Also sip some sake at Tatanbaa. Best day trip from Hiroshima: Miyajima Island The Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed wonder. Aside from the UNESCO World Heritage listed Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating gate, the island is populated by wild deer and the Omotesando covered shopping street teems with local crafts and restaurants. Best Japanese city for nature: Nagano Nagano is close to Narai-juku, a historic post town along the Nakasendo route. With the Japan alps at its doorstep, Nagano is one of the most captivating cities in the country. As far as Japan destinations go, you've got the 10 kilometre ancient pilgrimage route of Togakushi Kodo to hike, the Jigokudani Monkey Park with its Japanese macaques (AKA snow monkeys) bathing in the hot springs, the off the beaten path Nagano Art Museum with its dynamic Mist Sculpture and a Ninja theme park. It's not one of the big cities of Japan but it's certainly one of the most popular cities. Best Nagano alternative: Matsumoto Matsumoto Castle dates from 1594. The Matsumoto City Museum is a culture lover's slice of heaven with Yayoi Kusama's Giant Pumpkin taking centre stage. From the contemporary to the past, the Matsumoto Castle is one of the largest wooden buildings in the region with fortifications dating from between 1467 and 1600. You can also take a day trip from Nagano and on the way get a glimpse of rural Japan and its traditional thatched houses. Best day trip from Nagano: Zenkoji temple Zenkoji Temple is a striking shrine. Said to hold the first Buddhist icon brought to Japan via China, this 7th Century temple complex offers temple lodging for an overnight stay that will be a highlight whether it's your first trip or your tenth. Be sure to pop into nearby 2nd street for some of the best thrift shopping in Japan. When is cherry blossom season? Generally speaking, you are looking at the last the last week of March to the first week of April for Kyoto, Tokyo, and surrounding regions for sakura season. It's crazy, crowded (especially in early April) but crowds aside it will forever be an excellent reason to visit Japan. What are the best places to see cherry blossom and autumn foliage in Japan? Public parks and gardens in Japan are specifically geared for flower viewing known as hanami. Try Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Osaka Castle Park, Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hokkaido, Himeji Castle grounds, and Kawachi Fujien Garden in Kyushu for wisteria flowers (closer to May). Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Osaka Castle Park, Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hokkaido, Himeji Castle grounds, and Kawachi Fujien Garden in Kyushu for wisteria flowers (closer to May). What island are the Japanese alps on? Honshu. In summer they offer excellent hiking trails that have become tourist attractions in themselves. When was the Edo period? From 1603 to 1868. The Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is the slightly off the beaten track in the western suburbs of Tokyo and features exquisite gardens among the thatched buildings that characterised this period. What are the best hot springs to visit in Japan? For a spread of experiences that go from uber luxe resorts through to traditional onsen towns through to public baths (please read the rules first), try Kinosaki Onsen, Kusatsu Onsens, Beppu Onsen, Hakone Onsen and Yufuin Onsen. Where is Kyushu island? Kyushu is the southernmost Japanese island. It has a subtropical climate and its main city of Fukuoka is home to a sparkling blend of top notch shopping, museums and shrines. Bit of everything with the beach an option too. Originally published as The best cities to visit in Japan on holiday
