What's new in Japan, from theme parks to museums

A handful of restaurant tables in New York just became even more coveted reservations. Tacking onto the 15 New York additions to the Michelin Guide announced in September, the Michelin Guide just added 11 more restaurants.

Skygazers in eight western U.S. states will be treated to a rare “ring of fire” eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14. With the moon covering all but the outer edges of the sun, it will briefly look as though there’s a blazing ring of fire igniting the sky.

In the evolving landscape of post-Covid travel, Hilton has cast its spotlight on a new demographic, the “GenerAsian Traveler.” Hilton says this group is driven by a strong desire for self-discovery and a deep interest in exploring their cultural and ancestral roots through travel.

When it comes to luxury hotels, Tokyo has always been in a class by itself. So when Wayne Kask checked into the new Bellustar Tokyo, he expected a one-of-a-kind experience.

The mayor of Tokyo's busy Shibuya shopping and entertainment district is asking Halloween celebrants not to visit.

Texas looms large in American history and lore. The second largest state in the United States encompasses ancient rock art in its deserts, Latino culture in its cities, and cowboy history and classical paintings in its museums. To help rein in your trip, we consulted locals about where y’all should visit.

From striking architecture to romantic strolls amongst cherry blossoms, there’s so much to experience in Japan, and one of the best things to immerse yourself in is the country’s diverse food landscape. While you definitely need to explore Japan’s many sushi eateries, food markets and hole in the wall gyoza spots, there’s something beautifully convenient about visiting your hotel’s restaurant after a long day of sightseeing. That’s what makes staying at Park Hyatt a good choice, there are properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Niseko, each of them with esteemed dining options. Find out what culinary offerings each city and hotel have to offer here.

It's October, which means the leaves are changing, giant skeletons are taking over suburban lawns and people are apple-picking pretty much anywhere an apple grows.

It's been just a year since Japan reopened its borders to international travel after the pandemic. But tourism has rebounded in ways almost no one could have predicted, setting up a potentially record-breaking 2024.

Demand for luxury train travel has surged in the wake of the pandemic. The leisurely pace and atmosphere of Old-World glamour that define these voyages appeal to travelers seeking time for reflection and deeper connections to the people and places encountered along the way. While Europe boasts the Orient Express, Japan’s Seven Stars in Kyushu represents the pinnacle of luxury rail travel in Asia. Newly renovated last year—and a reader favorite—the Seven Stars celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. With only 10 cabins and a maximum of 20 guests, the deluxe liner elevates the art of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) to new heights.

The first thing to know about sake is that describing it can be as difficult as deciphering the label. It very much stands alone in terms of production style and flavour, meaning comparisons fall short. It’s often described as rice wine — rice is one of its key ingredients and it has a similar alcohol content to its grape-based cousin, but tastes nothing like it and is actually brewed more like a beer. Despite looking and tasting a little like a spirit, its typical alcohol content of 18% to 20% means it isn’t categorised as one. Even if you speak Japanese, its description is vague. Sake, or o-sake as it’s also called, simply means ‘alcohol’. What we in the West know as sake is called nihonshu (Japanese alcohol) in Japan, but is also labelled as seishu. It’s a complex lexicon that adds to sake’s seemingly undefinable intrigue.

OK, so I cheated. But with a panorama like this, can you blame me? Our yogic sensei (master) is counting us through meditative breathing — inhale ichi, ni, san; exhale ichi, ni, san — and despite her instruction to keep eyes closed, I’ve cracked open my right lid. Beyond the deck where 20-odd people are breathing serenely in unison, I spy a rambling green expanse of forest stretching to meet the Seto Inland Sea. I feel suspended above the foliage, weightless in space. This definitely beats meditating in a packed London studio.