Himeji Castle: Japan–s first Unesco heritage site reopens for public
After five long years of renovation, Japan’s most famous tourist attraction, Himeji Castle, is open again to visitors
Churning Japanese
The author of Cloud Atlas sets his fifth novel in the late 18th century period of Japanese history known as Sakoku
Fire on the mountain
Every year on the fourth Saturday of January, Mt Wakakusayama in Japan is set on fire for a ritual re-enactment
Comic misadventures
This book should be compulsory reading for the proudly Indian — seeing ourselves as others see us
At a teahouse in Tokyo
Sitting Japanese-style on low tables and sipping warm sweet rice sake in the quaint Amazake Jaya Teahouse
Eggs boiled in sulphur springs
Driving outside Tokyo to Owakudani to have eggs boiled in sulphurous hot water
Cherry blossom in Japan
Visit Shikoku Island in springtime to witness cherry trees, Kochi Castle and Oboke gorge
Land of the rising fun
The shopping and entertainment are great, the food even better. There’s plenty heritage too in Japan