James Lau

Every winter, deep in Hokkaido’s Daisetsuzan National Park, a snowy village known as Shikaribetsuko Kotan appears on the surface of Lake Shikaribetsu. Built entirely from ice and snow, this temporary settlement offers a one-of-a-kind experience set amidst untouched natural surroundings.

In Japan, few experiences capture the nation’s love for nature and relaxation quite like the rotenburo. These outdoor baths enable visitors to soak in naturally heated water while surrounded by lush forests, majestic mountains, or the serene sea.

In the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikkō is a place where Japan’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and culinary traditions converge. Just a few hours north of Tokyo, this town enchants visitors with vibrant autumn leaves, ornate shrines, and flavors unique to its mountainous setting.

After more than a century abroad, the spirits of three Ainu ancestors have finally returned home to Japan. In May 2025, the University of Edinburgh formally returned skulls that once belonged to members of Japan’s Indigenous community. Their return marks an emotional and symbolic moment for the Ainu people, whose cultural heritage was long overlooked under Japanese imperial rule.

Hakuba is a mountain village in Nagano Prefecture and one of Japan’s most beloved winter destinations. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps, the area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country.

From small corner shops with paper lanterns to busy chain restaurants near train stations, izakaya are a fixture of Japan’s social life.