Discover Kobe city’s famous Wagyu beef, visit one of Japan’s few ‘original’ castles and meet the small-town brewers and potters that make this region so special

After seeing the devastation of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Mohri Chikafusa wanted to help local producers get back on their feet. He tells Rebecca Hallett how he achieved this by establishing the Akiu Winery in Miyagi

Explore a little-visited region where Shinto gods congregate and masked dancers tell ancient legends

The Nagato area flies under the radar of everyone but Japanese travellers, who have long seen the appeal of its onsen towns, craggy isles and fishing heritage

Make this spicy, warming comfort food using pork belly and mature kimchi for maximum flavour. SERVES 2 PREP 20 mins COOK 25 mins EASY 400g mature kimchi1 tbsp vegetable oil¼ small onion, finely sliced

At his Isle of Skye restaurant Edinbane Lodge, chef Calum Montgomery is giving visitors an authentic taste of the Scottish Highlands