hiking
Hiking the Kumano Kodō: Japan's ancient pilgrimage routeOct 8, 2019 • 7 min read
One of Japan's most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka.
Kii Hanto Travel Stories
artExploring Kōya-san: staying at Japan’s sacred mountaintop temple complexMay 22, 2019 • 5 min read
High in the undulating woodlands of the Kii Peninsula, on a raised tableland at the peak of a mountain, sits Kōya-san. This sacred place offers serenity,…
art and cultureFirst time Wakayama: a guide to Japan's spiritual heartlandApr 17, 2019 • 7 min read
From its winding mountain trails to its charming, pristine beaches, Wakayama Prefecture is an ancient gem waiting to be discovered. Steeped in history and…
foodKyoto and more: the highlights of Japan’s Kansai regionApr 3, 2019 • 5 min read
You could cover a lot of ground on a trip to Japan, or very little, and still get to experience the best of what the country has to offer. Centrally…
artMystical mountaintops and incredible coastlines: the lesser-known jewels of WakayamaApr 25, 2018 • 6 min read
At the heart of Japan lies Wakayama-ken, a prefecture rich in spirit, history and natural beauty. Here, lesser-tread paths lead to rugged hiking trails,…
foodA guide to romantic Japan: where to eat, stay, loveJun 15, 2017 • 7 min read
Manga comics, blazing neon, speeding trains, supersized pedestrian crossings – Japan might not immediately inspire a vision of traditional romance, but…
foodMatsusaka detour: history, hikes and to-die-for beefMay 26, 2016 • 6 min read
With so much keeping travellers occupied in nearby Kyoto and Osaka, it’s not surprising Matsusaka is often overlooked. But while Japan’s star cities may…