From island-hopping in southerly Okinawa to farm experiences in rural Aomori and skiing in far northern Hokkaido, this diverse archipelago offers intriguing local culture, ancient history and epic wilderness experiences around every corner — and deeper exploration reaps huge rewards

EMBRACE THE SEASON BY HUNKERING DOWN WITH A BOOK DEVOTED TO THE WONDERS OF WINTER

(whatever your budget!)

A change is as good as a rest, so the saying goes. As well as a relaxing break, travelling to a new destination can spark creativity, and if your holiday takes in a lovely garden or a beautiful landsc

CITYSCAPES after a snowfall are just as picturesque as the snow-clad landscapes we often see at this time of year. When it snows, it does not tend to lie for very long in cities, because of the urban

When temperatures fall, winter spa visits provide unique wellness benefits, from stress relief to boosted circulation and immune responses