Autumn in Japan is when history, culture and nature collaborate best to show off the sheer beauty you will never forget. Autumn starts in northern Japan and rolls south as the year progresses. This presents so many more opportunities to experience this natural beauty and to select what pleases you best.

Mention Spring in Japan and most people immediately think of the cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese). Often however their thoughts don’t go much further.

You often hear that Japan is blessed with a beautifully distinct four seasons. But you’ve got to experience one or more of the seasons to actually know what it means. Following the ‘Cherry Blossom Spectacular Tour’ one traveller painted a picture of what surprised her.

There is a wide variety of accommodation in Japan, from the large 5* international chains to the smaller more personal type of accommodation. Of interest here are two particular types of accommodation in Japan; ryokans and minshuku.

The Japanese tea ceremony has evolved in its own way over time with its own purpose and rituals. One can see a form of the tea ceremony in public displays and tourist shows, however, much of the meaning and depth of the ritual can really only be appreciated at a private ceremony.

Buddhism came to Japan about 1500 years ago. Buddhism took some time to get a foothold in Japan because of its more complex theories. Today in Japan there are numerous sects and sub-sects of the religion.