Travel in Japan

A ragged ‘S’ off the north coast of central Japan, Sado — the country’s sixth-largest island — is a lesser-known destination for most travellers, yet it embodies many of the finest elements of Japan’s culture and history. As a former place of exile, disgraced aristocrats and scholars were sent to Sado to live out their days. With thriving gold mines and lying on a busy shipping route, Sado once contained a broad mix of Japanese society in miniature — home to samurai warriors and working-class merchants. Its geography is also a microcosm of Japan, with emerald-green lagoons, cedar forests and the grand Osado mountain range. Sado is an overlooked gem, with its temples, tub-boats and toki (crested ibis birds) providing a nature-filled getaway. Combined with a city break in Niigata on the mainland, a visit here allows travellers to experience the best of Japan.

Alaska Air Group reached a deal to buy struggling Hawaiian Airlines in the latest round of U.S. airline consolidation.

Wondering if it’s still possible to find a beautiful yet under-the-radar destination in Japan? It certainly is. In a world where popular destinations teem with tourists, Setouchi, a region comprised of the western end of Honshu and the Island of Shikoku, offers a more tranquil yet fascinating adventure in Japan.

Each year in the Alps, as the first snows of the season start to fall, mountain towns welcome winter visitors with a slew of smart new hotels. And this year is no different, with upscale brands including COMO Hotels and Resorts moving its beach-beautiful ethos to the Italian Alps in COMO Alpina Dolomites, and Grace Hotels giving St Moritz its first luxury opening in half a century in the Grace La Margna. With its boutique modern addition, the sleek Swiss hotel breathes new life into the former art nouveau hotel La Margna, following a trend for high-profile revamps seen across the Alps this season. Here’s a look at the six best new openings, many of which revitalise former hotel landmarks.

At the end of my recent trip to Japan, I found myself at Haneda Airport in Tokyo with an hour or so to kill. So I went to the onsen.

Holidays in hot places? That’s old hat. How about chilling out – truly – on your next big trip?

Recently opened just steps from St. Mark’s Square, this 43 room boutique hotel is an ideal spot to call home. Your luxurious welcome begins as soon as you leave the airport; a short stroll takes you to the hotel’s private dock where you will be whisked away in a sleek water taxi. The historic building was originally the former Stock Exchange and it has been lovingly restored by the French-Italian team of Lecoadic & Scotto.

While the big boys are continuing to expand their portfolios—with some spectacular announcements for 2024—the coming year is also shaping up to be a good one for people who prefer a bit of whimsy, a dollop of homegrown style and the one-of-a-kind feeling of an independent hotel (or at least one that’s part of a small regional group). From Aspen to Athens, Bhutan to Botswana, here are 15 new hotels that share a close attention to detail, a distinctive character and a genuine interest in sustainability.

Why is Berlin the undisputed capital of Christmas markets? Could it be because it has more than 80 different holiday markets that attract nearly one million visitors to Berlin every year. From new additions, to timeless favorites, here are some great Christmas markets in Berlin that you won’t want to miss this season.

It’s hard to talk about Alaska's capital without the conversation turning to nature. Juneau’s privileged position on the Gastineau Channel — where temperate forests reach seafood-rich glacial waters — has birthed a city of foragers, fishermen and hunters. And with the return of Cordon Bleu-trained chefs such as Lionel Uddipa, Juneau is taking Alaskan cuisine to new heights, where sustainably sourced salmon, wild game and foraged fare all take centre stage. We talk to Lionel to learn more about farm-to-fork cooking in the region and how new eateries are combining Alaskan traditions with sustainable practices.

Fall is always an exciting time in New York City, especially because there are so many new restaurant openings. Many tasty newcomers have opened in the last few months and they’re absolutely worth a visit. From buzzy nightlife boîtes to unique omakase destinations, here’s where you should eat before the year is over.

Great food may not be the main objective for a visit to Cairo, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be sought out. The good news is it's easy to do so, as Cairo has a vibrant dining scene that celebrates Egypt’s cuisine and culture. Now more than ever, restaurants across the city have blossomed in new directions, embracing everything from casual street food classics to fine dining, as well as elevated international flavors drawn from Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines (and beyond).

Demand for U.S. visas from Indian travelers are at record highs. But 500-day wait times or longer continue to hinder travel to the U.S.  

Spend enough time in Tokyo and you can start to notice certain paradoxes, like how a city that feels so busy can sound so quiet. You may also find that, despite its sprawling footprint, the best way to experience the city is on foot. Its walkable nature is partly what has made Tokyo a destination rivaling Paris or New York for street photography.

Intrepid travelers come to Jordan to experience the ancient ruins of Petra, the wide open spaces of Wadi Rum, heart-pumping hikes, Arab hospitality, and (of course) the kunafeh.

Culinary powerhouses from throughout Latin America gathered yesterday at the Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, in Rio de Janeiro, to hear which restaurants would be honored as the very best in the region in 2023, according to World’s 50 Best.

The city of Tokyo has a lot to offer for visitors, with its exciting attractions, traditional monuments, natural sites, and of course its delicious food. As tourists can enter Japan again, it is a great time to discover all that its capital has to offer.

Born and raised in Hebei—the province that, on the map, appears to wrap two arms around Beijing in a loving hug—restaurateur Amy Li moved to the Chinese capital some 26 years ago to live and work. In the time since, she and husband Jonathan Ansfield have run several food businesses (the latest, Vietnamese restaurant Susu, was conceived after a friend observed a dearth of such cuisine in the city.) Li loves Beijing's multifaceted nature, citing both the “powerful sense of order” wrought by such landmarks as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Wall as well as the messy chaos of Old Beijing's hutong—here, she lays out what you can't miss of the old as well as the new on a visit.

Travel searches by Indian travelers for Thailand have spiked. Online travel agency Agoda’s search data for the peak December travel period shows recent visa policy changes have impacted travel preferences and top destination choices for Indian travelers.   

The Connaught is a beloved five-star oasis of indulgence conveniently located in Mayfair. Guests return year after year for exceptional service, stunning rooms and consistently fabulous meals. The property becomes even more special as the holidays approach and guests are welcomed with special Christmas trees and festive holiday menus. This year’s tree was designed by influential British artist and sculptor Dame Rachel Whiteread. It sits outside the hotel and is decorated with over 100 circular neon white hoops, encouraging everyone to celebrate a feeling of togetherness.

Danish design, a style characterized by its simplicity, excellent craftsmanship, and focus on function, has become known around the world for its seamless blend of tradition with contemporary aesthetics.