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Travel + Leisure
09-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Plan Trips to Japan for a Living—These Are the Best Hidden Gems in the Country
As Japan's popularity soars, many travelers want to experience the country beyond the usual crowded hotspots. I've been on Travel + Leisure's A-list as a top Japan specialist for more than 10 years, and find that there's always more to see in Japan. Recently, I went on a month-long trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. My goal? A crowd-free adventure complete with new destinations, luxe accommodations, and spectacular private experiences. Here are the best underrated neighborhoods I explored along the way—and how you can experience them, too. Tokyo is the most popular tourist destination in Japan, but it's still full of little-known gems. For instance, the funky neighborhood of Sangenjaya is made up of winding streets dotted with tiny bars and cafes catering to locals. Explore bohemian neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama to unearth treasures in vintage clothing shops, independent boutiques, and galleries showing the works of young, emerging artists. Where to Stay : Janu Tokyo, part of Aman's newest brand, boasts eight amazing restaurants and the largest spa in the city. It opened in May 2024, and has quickly become one of the most talked about properties in the city. A view of Tokyo from one of Janu, Tokyo's suites. Kyoto is home to a dynamic nightlife scene. Travelers with insider knowledge can hop to nameless speakeasies or craft cocktail bars down nondescript alleys, or even head to Club Metro, an underground dance club behind a hidden door in the Marutamachi metro station. During the day, visit the birthplace of matcha, Uji, which is just south of Kyoto. Here, visitors can taste matcha from the over-600-year-old Okunoyama Tea Garden, the last of the Muromachi-era Uji Shichimeien (Seven Tea Farms of Uji). Where to Stay : The Shinmonzen is a modern ryokan , or traditional Japanese inn, designed by celebrated architect Tadao Ando. It houses a Japanese-French fusion restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Located along the Seto Inland Sea and just a 40-minute shinkansen, or bullet train, from Hiroshima, Onomichi is a picturesque fishing port full of tiny temples, local artisan shops, and charming cafes. It's best explored by taking the cable car up the steep cliffs and wandering down the winding, sloping streets. Then, get lost on the nearby Setouchi Islands by biking over architectural suspension bridges, or by taking a private boat. Meander through quaint fishing villages and along stunning powder beaches perfect for picnics by the azure sea. A cable car descending to the town of Onomichi. thanyarat07/iStockphoto/Getty Images Where to Stay : Azumi Setoda is a charming 22-room ryokan by Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman, who is pioneering tourism to this undiscovered destination. Fukuoka is a vibrant, green city on Japan's southern Kyushu island. Here, you'll find a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. Sophisticated travelers can savor world-class dining, from rich Hakata ramen to the most delicious gyoza, or explore modern art, castle ruins, and shops run by local artisans. One of the main draws of this city is that, come November, the Grand Sumo Tournament—Japan's most famous spectator event—moves into the region. Where to Stay : The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is one of the brand's most luxurious properties in Japan, featuring a Club Lounge, four restaurants, and stunning views across Hakata Bay. Instead of skiing in the more well-known town of Niseko, try Hakuba or Nozawaonsen in the Nagano Prefecture for an underrated experience. Then, go for an après-ski soak in nearby hot springs (onsen). In nearby Iiyama, you can get crafty with a gold leaf kintsugi workshop, go ice fishing with a local fisherman, or embark on a silent snowshoe adventure through the woods with a monk. Where to Stay : Travel agencies like The Legacy Untold can organize a stay for you in a privately-owned minka , a traditional farmhouse, restored with attention to western comforts. Or, visit Nagano as a day trip from Kanazawa via train. Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin sculpture on Naoshima Art Islands consist of several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea, like Naoshima and Teshima. Blending art, architecture, and nature, it has become a destination for global art aficionados. Here, you'll find a mix of avant-garde installations, world-class museums like The Chichu Art Museum, and thought-provoking outdoor sculptures like Yayoi Kusama's iconic "Pumpkin' on Naoshima. Where to Stay : Benesse House is both a museum and a hotel on the island of Naoshima. Located on a quiet hillside overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, it's perhaps the most immersive way to take in this emerging region. Someone repairing pottery using the method of kintsugi. Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a small city on central Japan's western coastline that offers the cultural wonders of Kyoto without the crowds. Explore Nagamachi, a preserved samurai district, and stroll through Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Discover the city's renowned artisans, who specialize in crafts from gold leaf to pottery, and visit a traditional geisha house to drink sake and revel with Japan's most delightful entertainers. While in Kanazawa, don't forget to dine on Kobe beef, perhaps Japan's greatest meal that you can get at a very reasonable price point. Where to Stay: At Korinkyo, an art-gallery-turned-boutique-hotel with an onsite distillery, guests will find peaceful, spacious accommodations with cocoon-inspired interiors. A view of Nagamachi Samurai Lakin is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Japan trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Lakin by contacting him at [email protected] .
Yomiuri Shimbun
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Array of Tokyo-Made Gins Exude Scents of Local Nature; Island Flowers, Mountain Wood, Urban Citrus Add Flavor
The production of 'Tokyo-made craft gin' using fruits and water sourced within the metropolis is gaining momentum. As gin is growing in popularity as a spirit that can be used in various cocktails, gin makers also hope to draw attention to Tokyo's natural environment. At the bar counter of the Janu Tokyo hotel in the Azabudai Hills complex in Minato Ward, a refreshing aroma of citrus fruits filled the air when Toshio Imai, the assistant director of the hotel's food and beverage division, poured his original gin into a glass filled with ice. He added tonic water to it, making a gin and tonic, the bar's most popular cocktail. 'The aroma of the fruit fills your mouth, and the taste is refreshing,' he and kabosu grown at Azabudai Hills are used to make the gin. There is an orchard where about 20 types of fruits, such as mandarin oranges and herbs, are grown on the sunny slope in Azabudai Hill's central square. According to Mori Building Co., which manages the complex, they have made efforts to create an environment conducive to crop growth by mixing leaf mold into the artificial soil. After learning about the orchard at Azabudai Hills, Imai and others decided to create a gin using these fruits. They collaborated with The Ethical Spirits, a craft gin maker in Taito Ward, to produce an original gin. The gin was produced with even more time and care than usual, resulting in a stronger fruit aroma. Chikara Ono, chief executive officer of the company, said, 'We want people to enjoy the aroma of fruits grown at Azabudai Hills, right in the heart of Tokyo.' According to Suntory Spirits Ltd. in Minato Ward, gin is easy to make because there are fewer restrictions on ingredients and manufacturing methods than for whiskey and tequila. There are more than 140 facilities to produce gin in Japan, which is more than the number of whiskey distilleries. The domestic market is also growing, reaching ¥25 billion last year, about 3.5 times greater than in high degree of freedom in production methods makes it easy to create 'local gin' using local specialties, and production within Tokyo is also expanding. Toranomon Distillery at Toranomon Hills in Minato Ward has produced over 20 types of gin using ingredients such as passion fruit from Hachijojima Island, gardenia from Izu Oshima Island and osmanthus harvested in Tokyo. Teppei Ichiba, a distiller at the distillery, said, 'I want people to learn about the rich nature of Tokyo through gin and convey the charm of Tokyo to people overseas.' Haneda Brewery, which makes beer and gin in Ota Ward, produces a unique gin using thinned cedar and cypress wood from Ome in western Tokyo for flavoring. This also contributes to environmental protection. Shunsuke Noro, chief of the company's sales department, hopes that 'the scent of the wood will help people relax and encourage them to think about protecting the forest.' Yutaka Okada, senior researcher at the private think tank Sompo Institute Plus Inc., notes that such craft gins 'have the added value of being 'made in Tokyo,' which makes them probably more appealing and popular. It is also expected to contribute to enhancing the image of the region and revitalizing it.'
Tatler Asia
28-04-2025
- Tatler Asia
Mother's Day 2025: 5 best luxury hotels to stay in Asia, for every type of mum
2. For mums who need a break Above This wellness village is set amidst pristine gardens along (Photo: Instagram / @Rxvwellness) RXV Wellness Village Sampran, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand This wellness village is located just outside Bangkok and set amidst pristine gardens along the Tha Chin River. The village offers a holistic approach to well-being, integrating traditional treatments with modern science. Find various treatment centres within the village, such as the Bor Naam hydrotherapy complex that features vitality pools and infrared saunas as well as the Wellness Clinic where one can receive personalised health assessments. When it comes to food, there's also farm-to-table dining for guests to indulge in nourishing and delectable plates. Our fitspo mums will love this. In case you missed it: The best mother-daughter spa and wellness experiences in Singapore 3. For urban mums Above Janu Tokyo is located in the heart of Azabudai Hills (Photo: Janu Tokyo) Janu Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Mums who thrive on the energy of a city will revel in a stay at Janu Tokyo. In the heart of Azabudai Hills—Tokyo's newest and most dynamic urban village—the property's light-filled rooms and suites offer private balconies and sweeping views of Tokyo Tower. The hotel's design balance elegance and calm, creating a serene sanctuary amid the city's buzz. Beyond its tranquil interiors, Janu Tokyo places you steps away from decadent dining concepts, high-end shopping streets and cultural landmarks. Tatler tip: Elevate mum's experience and have an enchanted evening on a private night cruise. The luxurious yacht takes you across calm waters, allowing you to admire the city's stunning skyline. The journey is also tailored upon request, providing a more personalised experience. 4. For artistic mums Above This boutique hotel is a visual feast (Photo: Instagram / @ Villa Palladio Jaipur, Jaipur, India A visual feast for mums with an artistic soul, this nine-room boutique hotel is inspired by the grandeur of Maharaja's palace and infused with Rococo exuberance. The property is designed to inspire and delight the senses. Each room is uniquely decorated with canopied beds, hand-carved marble and block-printed textiles. The lush rose gardens, Mughal-style pool and whimsical pavilion bar create a dreamlike setting. 5. For adventurous mums Above There's plenty to explore at Nihi Sumba (Photo: Facebook / Nihi Sumba) Nihi Sumba, Sumba, Indonesia Located on the remote Indonesian island of Sumba, Nihi Sumba is a destination like no other. Here, days can be spent horseback riding on the beach, hiking through lush hills or exploring local villages. The resort's all-inclusive philosophy ensures every detail is taken care of, from airport transfers to curated excursions. With its vibrant landscapes and commitment to sustainability, the property is perfect for mums who see travel as a way to discover and connect with the world. Tatler Tip: Looking to try a unique adventure? Head to Nihi's Sandalwood Stables for a Swimming with the Horses experience, where you'll get to explore the clear blue waters with a guide and a four-legged friend.
