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Japan

Counter seating is common in Japan.

Solo traveller? There’s no better country for eating out than here

Too many times, I’ve been to countries where the solo diner is treated like something to be shoved in the corner.

  • Paul Marshall
The leafy facade of retro-style cafe Salon de Amanto.

Once-forgotten ghost town is now one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Japan

Just 20 years ago, this part of Osaka was barely known, even to the locals. One man sparked a complete transformation.

  • Barry Divola
The Adachi Museum of Art was founded by Adachi Zenko in 1980.

This trip opened my eyes to Japan in a whole new way

Stunning gardens aren’t extraordinary to the Japanese, but they are extraordinary to me.

  • Julietta Jameson
Ginza Kyubey.

The 90-year-old sushi place you must try when in Tokyo

This place isn’t a secret, it’s not exclusive and it doesn’t have a Michelin star – but it will provide you with a memorable, beautiful experience.

  • Ben Groundwater
Founded in 1629, a distinctive street market culture has since evolved in Shibamata.

The famous Tokyo neighbourhood few Australians have heard of

A record-breaking Japanese movie star put this area on the map through a series of 48 films. Visiting it is like stepping back in time to a Tokyo long gone.

  • Kerry van der Jagt
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The train between Okayama and Matsuyama crosses the 13 kilometres-long Great Seto Bridge.

Kooky Japanese train traverses scenic route and engineering marvel

The ever-offbeat Japanese have a propensity for theming their trains, even their shinkansen, around famous cartoon characters.

  • Anthony Dennis
Bento.

How Japan created the ultimate takeaway food

This specialised version of a bento box is designed specifically for train passengers. Add a bullet train and a cold beer and you have one of life’s great pleasures.

  • Ben Groundwater
If you’re into manga, toys, comics, robots, dolls, train sets, or just about anything hobby-related, head to Nakano.

The underrated Tokyo neighbourhoods you need to visit

From vintage clothing and lantern-lit alleyways to Japanese pubs and “cat town”, discovering new places to explore is never an issue.

  • Barry Divola
Walk Japan’s seven-day Snow Country tour means keeping an eye out for bears.

Bear attacks have surged in Japan. I met the man who still hunts them

There were hundreds of bear attacks in Japan last year, including 13 fatalities. Only six traditional hunters of the animals remain in this “very dangerous” pursuit.

  • Steve Madgwick
Vending machines outside Osaka Castle, Japan.

When it comes to convenient food and drink options, Japan is the king

Japan is justifiably regarded as a gourmet delight, but the country is also a world leader in culinary convenience, with the humble vending machine.

  • Adam Cooper