1) Takayama Spring / Autumn Festival Held twice a year in April & October Takayama Festival in Gifu is set in the Japanese Alps and is one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals. The surrounding mountains Hida Takayama are the backdrop to two festivals at different shrines, one in spring and autumn. The springtime Sanno Festival […]
As of yet, there is still no definitive date when Japan will reopen to international travel, however there are promising signs with last week’s announcements about the proposed ending of domestic restrictions. On September 9, 2021 the government announced a plan to assist in the easing of restrictions on travel, dining and public events for […]
What can you expect on the world famous Kumano Kodo walking pilgrimage in Japan? We asked local expert Brad who works with the local tourism authorities in the region to introduce this special part of Japan!
1) Tokyo the first city to host the Paralympics twice! Tokyo is the first city to host the Paralympics twice after the Games first debuted in 1960, ahead of Tokyo’s last Summer Games in 1964. The next city to host them twice will be Los Angeles in 2028. The Olympic torch has now been handed over […]
1) Amami Oshima Amami Oshima is a tropical island paradise and one of the largest elevated coralline islands in Kagoshima prefecture, close to Yoron yet on a bigger scale. The colourful coral is contained in cobalt seas which surround the dramatic coastlines and lush tropical forests, home to the native Amami rabbit and jay. In […]
Andrew and Mizuki are joined by long term Japan resident and tourism export Paul Haggart for a discussion about the native “Ainu” people in Hokkaido. This video also feature a video testimonial from one of our customer who recalled his visit to the Ainu village lake Akan. It is worth noting that Ainu culture and […]
THE SPECTATORS WHO COULDN’T TRAVEL As we look back on the Tokyo Olympics 2020, we have of course mixed feelings. The Japanese government has hoped to welcome over 1 million international visitors to Japan for the Tokyo Olympics. Huge amounts of preparations went underway to make Japan an even easier and more pleasant place to […]
At Unique Japan Tours, we pride ourselves with discovering hidden gems in Japan before they gain mainstream popularity. When we design our itineraries, of course we usually create a balance between some well know and popular highlight destinations, but where other tour companies stop there with the cliche hotspots, we always try to use our […]
Washi is the light, strong traditional Japanese paper made by hand from the inner-bark fibers of three plants. The name washi literally means “Japanese paper”. Today most paper in Japan is made in large automated mills, but a few hundred families in rural villages continue to make washi in the traditional way. A washi paper-making workshop experience, in the countryside, taught by a family with […]
Japan is well known for its unique food culture and incredible selection of restaurants. In the 2021 Michelin Guide rankings, Tokyo is once again leading as the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants, with over 212 listed in the Michelin directory in Tokyo alone and an incredible 413 different Michelin star ranked restaurants in Japan. […]
