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Telegraph
07-06-2025
- Telegraph
Why a cruise is the best way to see off-the-beaten-path Japan
When I told friends I was going on a cruise in Japan, the response was mostly bemusement. 'Isn't it better to take the train?' they'd ask. It's a fair question. Japan's high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world, and the journey I'd be making – from Tokyo to Kagoshima in Kyushu, the country's most southerly island – takes just under seven hours. The cruise ship would take three days. But the point here is to travel slowly, experiencing towns and destinations off the well-trodden tourist trail, and to enjoy the ship in between. Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess was the vessel I boarded in Tokyo. Built in Japan specifically for cruises around the country, it boasts a traditional izumi Japanese baths, a high-grade sushi restaurant (where Japanese chefs carve up fresh, local fish and seafood), and even Tai Chi classes held daily on the pool deck. I arrived in Tokyo early, allowing myself time to explore this frenetic city at my own pace, wandering amongst its ultra-modern high rises and winding narrow back streets stuffed with hole-in-the-wall izakaya bars, and spending long lazy lunches at tiny ramen restaurants – where I was just one of a handful of diners seated at a counter – watching the chef working a cauldron of steaming hand-pulled noodles. On my final afternoon, I headed to Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine to pull my ' omikuji ', or oracle, ahead of my voyage. These fortunes – which usually contain words of affirmation, thoughts about the world and ethical musings – come in the form of ' waka ' (traditional Japanese poems of 31 syllables), of which Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken (to whom the shrine is dedicated) were said to be prolific composers. To receive one, visitors shake a hexagonal box with a small hole until a single, numbered chopstick falls out. Each number corresponds to a numbered wooden box, and inside it is a waka, written on a thin strip of paper. It is hoped that the poem's message, based on the traditional Shinto ethics, will have particular meaning for the reader. I was pleased to see my oracle telling of success in health, wealth, love and family matters – and especially delighted when it declared that my travels would be 'pleasing'. A promising omen. The following day – waka safely tucked into my luggage – I boarded the ship and we headed for Miyazaki, Japan's warmest city. This was immediately evident in the change in the landscape: where Gingko, maple and candyfloss-pink puffballs of early cherry blossom had characterised the scene in Tokyo, here these were supplanted by palm trees, tangled jungle greenery and beaches – home to some of the best for surfing in all of Japan. We stopped at a viewpoint and, as I gazed out across the lush scenery, a peregrine falcon suddenly swooped menacingly towards me, its coal-black eyes fixed on the packet of wagyu-flavoured crisps in my hands. I lurched backwards but, at the last minute, it peeled away from me, talons retracted. A lucky escape, perhaps – or was my oracle looking out for me? From there, we made for Aoshima, a diminutive island with a circumference of just 1.5km, connected to the mainland by a slender footbridge and surrounded by curious rock formations known as 'the Devil's Washboard'. It was all too easy to imagine a giant dragging its claws through the ebony mudstone and watching as it hardened into lines. The bewitching Aoshima Shrine sits at the centre of the island, surrounded by more than 400 species of subtropical plants. At the temple's oracle zone, I tossed a clay disk into a ring and it shattered, giving me – the oracle there claimed – another dose of Japanese luck. Next was Kagoshima, known as the 'Naples of the Orient' due to its coastal location and active volcano, Sakura Jima, which puffs clouds of ash (grey safe; white danger) into the bay. We visited the popular Ibusuki spa resort on the outskirts of the city, where I was buried up to my neck in black volcanic sand, then feasted on steaming bowls of sabi-sabi hot pot. That afternoon, we travelled inland to the Chiran Samurai Houses, a village of well-preserved Samurai dwellings – some still inhabited by descendants of the Shimazu samurai. Their clan had once ruled the area, until – during the Meiji Restoration of 1868 – Kagoshima's Satsuma samurai led a battle that toppled the Shogun (local feudal commander) and restored power to the Emperor. But it was our arrival in Nagasaki which proved the most poignant. As the sun rose over the East China Sea, the city's iconic Hirado O-hashi suspension bridge (tomato red, often likened to San Francisco's Golden Gate) appeared to part the low-lying clouds. Our first stop was the Atomic Bomb Museum, which displays a sobering and comprehensive collection that recounts the devastation inflicted on the city and its residents in 1945. More moving still is the peace memorial, located in a tranquil park nearby. With much to process, we broke for lunch, feasting on delicate sashimi and bento served in beautiful lacquerware boxes decorated with traditional Maki-e patterns, a 1,200-year-old technique of painting motifs onto lacquer and sprinkling gold powder before the material hardens. But there is far more to Nagasaki than its tragedy – and our afternoon was dedicated to exploring other aspects of its fascinating past. A notable highlight was the city's Dejima district, a former island built first to contain Portuguese missionaries, and later Dutch traders, to keep them away from the city's Japanese population during Japan's two centuries of isolation. The reconstructed residences show how life was for the only Westerners permitted in the country during that time. On the last day of the cruise – bound for Tokyo once more – I stood on the deck of Diamond Princess, watching southern Japan's craggy mountains melting into the horizon. I looked again at my waka. 'Your request will be granted.' It read. 'The patient will get well. Building a new house will be well. Marriage of any kind and a new employment are both well.' The waka was as good as its word. That week, I returned home to find a job offer awaiting me, our application for a loft extension approved, and news that a family member, who had been waiting on hospital test results, had been declared healthy. Suffice to say, the Shinto oracles had worked their magic. Essentials Emilee Tombs was a guest of Princess Cruises, which offers the 10-night Japan Explorer sailing from £979 per person (based on two sharing an inside stateroom) or £2,219 per person (based on two sharing a balcony stateroom). Departs February 24, 2026.
NHK
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Newly promoted Yokozuna Onosato performs ring-entering ceremony
In sumo wrestling, newly promoted Yokozuna Grand Champion Onosato performed his first ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo's Meiji Jingu shrine on Friday. Onosato first received a newly braided white rope, a symbol of grand champions, from Hakkaku, the chairperson of the Japan Sumo Association. The ring-entering ceremony then took place inside a shrine building due to rain. Spectators watched the ceremony from outside the building. Wearing the new rope around his waist, the yokozuna performed the ceremony in the unryu style, which is said to symbolize both offense and defense in sumo. Spectators cheered as Onosato gave a powerful performance called seriagari, in which he gradually moved his big body from a low position to upright, showing off his long arms and legs. Onosato said after the ceremony that he thought he managed to do well although he was a little nervous. He added, "I now feel I've really become a yokozuna. I'll do my best."
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Arab News
Japan: A bucket-list destination worth the hype
DUBAI: A bucket-list destination for many, Japan doesn't disappoint if you're looking for that hard-to-find mix of bright lights, big cities, fascinating history and glorious nature. As first-time visitors, we opted for the tourist-heavy double whammy of Tokyo and Kyoto on our recent (last-minute) week-long visit during cherry blossom season. A wonderful surprise was just how welcoming Japan is for those travelling with young children. With our three- and four-year-old in tow, we visited sites including the beautiful Meiji Jingu Shrine, the extremely popular Sensoji Temple and the buzzing Shibuya Scramble — the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. (A great hack for your must-do timelapse video at the latter? Visit MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 and head to the Dream Capsule store on the 5th floor for a quiet viewing window, which you can follow with a strangely addictive gacha gaming session, fun for all ages.) Tokyo's famed Shibuya Scramble at night. (Getty Images) While it's easy enough to list the aforementioned sites in a single sentence, it should be stressed that Tokyo is enormous, so organizing your itinerary according to neighborhoods is advisable. My highlights included shopping at LOFT (multiple locations across the city) for beauty products and adorably quirky homeware, and — of course — the 'TikTok-famous' 3D cat at the hectic Shinjuku crossing, solely due to the amazement on my kids' faces. Another top tip for travelling in Japan is to ask about the luggage-delivery service before you head to your next destination, which in our case was Kyoto. Your bags will be waiting for you in your next hotel room within 24 hours of dropping them off at the counter. With that sorted, we hopped on the bullet train blissfully unencumbered — well, besides the kids — and sped off to Kyoto, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, the city is an incredible maze of temples, shrines and zen gardens. Nuunu Kyoto sells original works by Japanese artists. (Instagram) Our first stop, though, was rather less storied: The Takashimaya Shopping Center is home to Nuunu Kyoto, an art department store selling original work by Japanese artists. The sketches and posters are laid out in record-store format and you can happily pass hours here picking out the perfect affordable souvenir. When it comes to historical sites, this city is bursting at the seams. The stunning views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple's cantilevered viewing platform were a personal favorite. Although we chose not to take a guided tour, I will say that a tad more info on Kyoto's various sites would be welcome in the form of billboards or QR codes. The peaceful Kodai-ji Temple boasts a small bamboo forest for those unwilling to brave the crowds at Kyoto's famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and we wrapped up our afternoon by visiting the Nanzen-ji Temple complex, at the base of the forested Higashiyama mountains. The expansive complex, which dates back to the 13th century, includes Tenjuan sub-temple with its serene gardens, stepping stones and koi pond full of inquisitive fish. Although it seems ludicrous to visit Kyoto without exploring the iconic red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, braving the uphill slope with two prams was something we couldn't face — but we will return. That was a familiar phrase while we were in Japan, which goes to show what an enjoyable time we had. The only warning I have — for couples traveling with children, at least — is to be mindful that restaurants tend to specialize. While this means most eateries are masters of their chosen fare, it also makes it hard to sample great sushi if your young ones are not of sushi-eating age. In our case, this meant our four-year-old developed a worryingly expensive penchant for wagyu steak, while our youngest existed on dry noodles and convenience store snacks (although, I have to say, even high-end restaurants were fantastic with the kids, welcoming them in no matter how late it was). Overall, Japan made for an ideal destination for a family vacation. Don't let those social-media gripes about overcrowding put you off. Even in its busiest cities at one of its busiest times of year, Japan is one of the most welcoming places on Earth.
India.com
21-05-2025
- India.com
7 Must-Visit Places In Japan
Zee Media Bureau May 21, 2025 Fushimi Inari-taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and business. The shrine is best known for its thousands of bright red torii gates that form scenic trails up Mount Inari. Founded in 711 AD, it serves as the head shrine for over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Arashiyama is a scenic district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural charm. It is especially famous for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Meiji Jingu is a major Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played key roles in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration. Kiyomizu-dera is a historic and iconic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 778 AD, it is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the historic Asakusa district. It was founded in 628 AD and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Dotonbori is a lively entertainment and nightlife district located in Osaka, Japan, along the Dotonbori Canal. Known for its bright neon lights, animated signboards (like the famous Glico running man), and street food, it's a must-visit destination for tourists Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a serene urban oasis nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Spanning 58.3 hectares, it harmoniously blends three distinct garden styles: Japanese traditional, French formal, and English landscape gardens. This fusion creates a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling cityscape Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Officially named Rokuon-ji, it was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and later converted into a temple by his son. Read Next Story
Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Telegraph
Holidays to Japan have never been more popular – here's how to do it better than everyone else
Cloud-brushing skyscrapers, flashing neon and seas of salarymen. The rhythmic whisk of matcha in the stillness of a tatami mat tea room. The dancing hands of a sushi chef slicing sashimi on a cypress wood counter. Decadent quantities of world-class powder snow. Steam rising from a hot spring onsen bath. And the list goes on. Japan has long been a timeless haven of colourfully unique experiences. It's home to a spectrum of only-in-Japan moments, balancing the rich layers of its deep cultural heritage with a futuristic modern edge – whether enjoying dinner in a robot restaurant in Tokyo or slipping shoes off at the threshold of a centuries-old Zen temple. Japan's diversity is mirrored in its geography. The landscape of the scattered archipelago – a narrow vertical stretch of volcanic islands – ranges from the snow-flecked ski resorts of northernmost Hokkaido to the subtropical island gems of southern Okinawa. And it's never been more popular. Tourism is booming – as is well documented, along with a growing reports of overtourism. This, however, should not deter visitors – instead, it should inspire them to get creative and explore the many quieter, less obvious spots. For many, one timeless draw is Japan's legendary food (Tokyo alone has 170 Michelin-starred restaurants – the highest number in the world). Culinary experiences vary wildly from shiny skyscraper eateries to tiny hidden sushi counters – plus countless local restaurants specialising in a cornucopia of treats such as soba noodles, tempura, ramen, yakitori (skewered chicken) and tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets). For others, the appeal is rooted in its aesthetics – from the modern minimalism of architect Tadao Ando's concrete buildings, to the wabi-sabi philosophy of transience and imperfection experienced in the stillness of tea rooms and Zen gardens. It was a mix of all the above (plus a sprinkling of romantic notions relating to cherry blossoms) that prompted me to swap my native London for Japan 17 years ago. After nearly two decades of living here (now based in the old kimono district of Kyoto), there is still so much more to see and learn. My itinerary does not attempt to cover everything, a near-impossible feat in two weeks. It does, however, aim to offer a curated taste of the cultural richness and diversity Japan has to offer, with the goal of creating memories that linger long after flying home – starting with Tokyo. Days 1, 2 & 3 Tokyo Find your feet in the city The first day of your trip will be occupied by an overnight flight from London to Tokyo. On arrival, after checking in at Trunk(Hotel) Cat Street, wander around Harajuku, the street fashion mecca. Soak up the rainbow-bright crowds of teenagers strolling down Takeshita Dori. Then, get a glimpse of the other side of Japan: just behind Harajuku station, roam through a wide forested path to the serene sanctuary of Meiji Jingu shrine. Next, head past the fashion flagships of tree-lined Omotesando. Pick up some Issey Miyake shopping at the northern end of Omotesando, before exploring time-capsule traditional treasures (plus the serene gardens) at the Kengo Kuma-designed Nezu Museum. Skip the city crowds If jetlag is kicking in, make the most of rising early and try to skip the crowds at Sensoji – Japan's oldest temple – wandering along its lively market walkway, in Asakusa, an atmospheric old district in eastern Tokyo. Not far away is Ueno Koen, one of the city's oldest public parks, filled with national museums, shrines, a lotus pond and quality people-watching. For a low-key detour, head a little farther east to Yanaka, one of the few neighbourhoods to have survived wartime bombing – resulting in a rare time-warp atmosphere. Stroll through its cherry-tree-filled cemetery and sip coffee in old-school cafés. Don't miss Scai the Bathhouse, one of Tokyo's best independent contemporary galleries, housed, as its name suggests, in an old sento bathhouse. Later, for dinner, head to Kyubey in Ginza for quality sushi – asking for a counter seat to watch the master chefs at work. Day 4 Kanazawa Take the bullet train Take a bullet train to the crafts-rich Hokuriku region, which hugs the Sea of Japan coastline, west of Tokyo – and in around three hours, arrive at Kanazawa. This mountain-wrapped city is a historic gem in Ishikawa prefecture, famed for its wooden architecture and quality craftsmanship. Check into the sleekly comfortable (and convenient) Hyatt Centric Kanazawa near the station, before exploring highlights, such as the historic lanes of the Higashi Chaya district and Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top-three traditional gardens. Don't miss the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, with world-class exhibitions housed within clean, minimal lines of curved concrete and glass designed by architects Sanaa. Day 5 Kaga Onsen Recharge in an onsen This is often when jetlag fatigue kicks in: take a break from exploring and jump on a 45-minute train to Kaga Onsen (about halfway between Kanazawa and Kyoto), home to a hub of generations-old onsen ryokan inns. One stand-out gem is Beniya Mukayu – an innovative family-run inn that exudes a sense of stillness and beauty – through its seamless blend of ryokan heritage, intuitive omotenashi hospitality, tea culture and delicious cuisine mixed with contemporary design and art installations alongside a serene green garden. Not to forget its onsen bathing: recharge with addictively restorative soaks in its mineral-rich hot spring baths. Stay the night to wake feeling refreshed. Day 6 & 7 Kyoto The ancient city It may be famously busy, but a trip to Japan is still incomplete without a visit to the ancient city and time-capsule of traditional culture: Kyoto. Take a Thunderbird train from Kaga Onsen to Kyoto Station (around one hour 45 minutes). Despite the furore over tourist volumes, visitors tend to stick to the same places – making certain spots intensely busy, while others are refreshingly peaceful. It's worth checking out different neighbourhoods and smaller temples for a taste of local Kyoto. Staying at Aman Kyoto is a good example of this: it's located in the rural north-eastern reaches of the city, with countless local makers, temples, shrines on its doorstep (accessible via hotel bicycles). For those who prefer to be in the heart of the city, the Shinmonzen, a beautiful art-packed Tadao Ando-designed hotel, is located in geisha district Gion, which is bracingly busy – yet this hotel sits on one of the quieter streets, overlooking a serene river, making it the perfect spot to pause and recharge. See the sights A day of exploring. Rise early (to avoid the crowds) if visiting popular spots such as the Philosopher's Path, the stunning hilltop Kiyomizu-dera temple and Nijo Castle. The best way to enjoy the grid-lined lanes of Kyoto is on two wheels: hire a bicycle (Kyoto Eco Trip can deliver them to your hotel). Explore the historic green gardens at Gosho – the Imperial Palace Park – and temples which tend to be a bit quieter, such as Yoshimine-dera and Daitoku-ji. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a poetically crafted Kyoto dinner in a serene traditional setting, at the Michelin-star-worthy Kikunoi Honten. Day 8 Koya San The sacred mountain Another early start to bid Kyoto sayonara and embark for Mount Koya, one of the nation's most sacred mountains, in Wakayama prefecture. After a string of trains, take a cable car to reach the mountaintop town. Upon arrival, check into Fudo-in, one of countless local temples that take in guests. Then stroll among the exquisite temple architecture before viewing the tombstones deep in the forest at Okunoin, Japan's biggest cemetery. Back at the temple, tuck into a vegetarian Buddhist dinner. Day 9 & 10 Osaka Japan's second city Witness the monks' pre-sunrise prayers, complete with drumbeats, chanting and incense burning before a gold altar. After breakfast, head back down to earth on the cable car – and travel by train to Osaka. Heaven for foodies, Japan's second-biggest city is famed for its down-to-earth atmosphere and boisterous nightlife. It's also the setting for Osaka Expo 2025, running from April 13 to October 13. Head to Yumeshina on Osaka Bay to explore a string of international pavilions wrapped in a giant wooden ring designed by architect Sou Fujimoto (be sure to book tickets in advance). Check into the Four Seasons Osaka for a cloud-brushing taste of luxury; or Zentis Osaka for a less-pricey design hotel experience. Cookery, culture and karaoke Learn how to make Osakan street food – from okonomiyaki pancakes to udon noodles – at an Eat Osaka cookery class run by local mothers. Nakanoshima is also worth exploring – home to a growing hub of museums and culture spots. Take your pick from the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest, a library designed by legendary Osakan architect Tadao Ando. In the evening, drink beer with locals in an izakaya -style pub, before letting off steam at karaoke. Day 11, 12 & 13 Naoshima Island life Next, head out to sea. Take two trains to Uno port in Kagawa prefecture, and then a private boat to Naoshima. A contemporary art mecca, this small fishing island is a textbook template of how to revitalise an ageing rural community through art. This year, the acclaimed (and ever-growing) Setouchi Triennale returns, a 100-day contemporary art festival spanning 17 islands and coastal areas, which started on April 18 ( The best place to stay is Benesse House a sleek minimal concrete space by the architect Tadao Ando. Check in for two nights before exploring the subterranean Chichu museum, with its treasured Monet Water Lilies, art installations on local wooden houses, and the abstract rock installations in the Lee Ufan Museum. Remote beaches and rural creativity Hop on a local ferry to neighbouring island Teshima. Here, hire an electric bicycle at the port and cycle across the hilly rural landscape, soaking up the creative atmosphere – from the minimal white Teshima Art Museum, inspired by a drop of water, to Christian Boltanski's installation on a remote beach where visitors can record their own heartbeat. Return to Naoshima and finish up with a muscle-warming soak at I Love Yu, a kitsch bathhouse in Miyanoura Port. Art experiences Take a ferry back to Takamatsu Port. Next stop: Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum. It was in the tiny village of Mure that the sculptor built his home and studio, both painstakingly preserved – in a beautiful natural setting (an advance appointment is essential). Take a 20-minute train ride to Furutakamatsu Minami and a 10-minute taxi, before being escorted through the intimately scattered abstract artworks. Head to Takamatsu airport and fly to Tokyo Haneda. For a final touch of luxury, check into the Palace Hotel, which fuses contemporary comforts and quality design with legendary hospitality, in a prime location overlooking the Imperial Palace moat. Day 14 Tokyo Final farewell Request a table on the terrace for your final breakfast (looking out for passing swans). If you have time, enjoy some last-minute shopping – from the boutiques and flagships of Omotesando to the department stores of Ginza. Fly back to UK. When to go Autumn is perhaps the best time of the year to visit, with mild weather, blue skies and vivid landscapes of fiery-leafed trees. From late December and early January, temperatures drop – making it a good time to head to a northern ski resort or south for some Okinawan winter sunshine. Spring brings the iconic cherry blossom season (and lots of crowds). Golden Week around May is best avoided as it's so busy. July and August are uncomfortably hot and humid in Tokyo and Kyoto – making it a good time to escape to the cooler green mountains of northern Japan. What to book Local specialists Among the best independent Japan travel specialists is InsideJapan (0117 409 4908; with its vast network of contacts and expertise for all budgets. It offers a 14-day Ultimate Japan cultural adventure costing £3,711pp (excluding flights). The trip passes through Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kaga Onsen, Kyoto, Naoshima and Osaka, with the price including 13 nights accommodation, transport, some private guiding and experiences such as tea ceremony and a street food tour. Blow the budget At the more luxury end of the spectrum, Black Tomato (0207 426 9888; can curate a high-end bespoke itinerary from £60,000 for a group of four people (excluding flights), including top accommodation (including Benesse House on Naoshima and Beniya Mukayu), a string of curated experiences and private guiding. On a budget Japan Journeys (020 8064 2771; offers Japan Arts Revealed, a 10-night self-guided tour tailored for lovers of arts and crafts, with visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kurashiki, Naoshima, Fukuoka and Arita, including B&B accommodation and a seven-day rail pass (excluding international flights), from £1,595pp.
