Japan

Japan will always remain enigmatic to the Western traveller; the very reason this makes it such an attractive holiday destination. Located in the Pacific Ocean ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ is a multi-faceted archipelago, balancing a bygone past with a cutting-edge future. Quite simply, Japan is fascinating.

The best way to tackle the capital Tokyo – one of the largest cities in the world - is with an expert guide, and if food is your passion, you’re in the best place to sample both lively street food spots that only locals frequent, and top-class haute cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants.  But the country is so much more than its capital, and travelling in a high-speed bullet train is an easy way to escape the crowds for a slice of traditional rural Japanese life.  

Inhale the clean, mountain air and rejuvenate in an Onsen (hot steam baths) before retiring to a Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) for a peaceful night’s sleep. Spring is quite rightly one of the best times to visit with festivals around the country held in honour of the season, and thousands of pink cherry blossom trees in bloom. Get well off the beaten track and Japan offers beaches, hot springs, active volcanoes and luxury ski resorts. With an intoxicating blend of ancient traditions and modernist lifestyle, Japan is truly timeless.

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit Australia depends on the area you plan to see. A country of two climates, Australia’s northern half is driest and most accessible between April and September. Warm, sunny days show the national parks and beaches at their very best, providing opportunities for swimming and barbecues. The north is humid from October to March, with more rainfall, but this is offset by the active wildlife, and reinvigorated rainforests and wetlands.

In the southern half of Australia, the summer months (December to February) bring hot weather. Autumn (March to May) is also a lovely time, with numerous festivals and the busy grape harvest. Winter (June to August) is less busy and generally attracts a temperate climate that’s ideal for hiking, while spring (September to November) often sees more wildlife activity.

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