Battle of the giants

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

Giles Catchpole hopes for cool heads in cold climes

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

A Russia of trees and liberty and peace: ...

It’s time to take a look at the wealth of stylish smaller conifers that give all-year colour and structure, says Sue Fisher