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

Several decades on from her primary school days, hand weaver and textile designer Llio James still remembers one particular lesson. She grew up in the small village of Talybont, close to Aberystwyth,

Knitwear designer, Anna Wheeler

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

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

Bring joyful layers of intrigue and character to an interior with vintage and antique textiles, whether unique cushions, a pretty quilt or old linen tea towels, says Kerryn Harper-Cuss