North-East Asia
Australians are flocking to ‘the world’s most important country’ in record numbers
Many parts of this nation have sights to rival anything France or Japan has to offer, but few Australians have ever heard of them. It’s time to change that.
- Brian Johnston
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
- ★★★★
- Japan
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
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
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
One of the world’s biggest cities is a surprising hiking heaven
Of all the things I expected to find in this Asian megacity, fabulous hiking wasn’t one of them.
- Rob McFarland
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
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
- ★★★½
- Airport reviews
This charmless airport terminal is the world’s longest (and is slowly sinking)
An architectural and aviation landmark when it opened, Osaka’s Kansai International still measures up, except for one small thing.
- Kristie Kellahan
The frozen ‘Ice City’ home to the most likeable people on Earth
Here, winter isn’t just endured: it’s a full-throttle celebration of all things cold, led by a people known for their wicked sense of humour and appetite for a good time.
- Frank Sweet