If you could read Japanese and learn the language quickly, we put money down that you’d move here for a lifestyle change. Not only does the culture still demonstrate amazing levels of respect and courtesy which has somewhat disappeared in the West, but the general state of the country is to be admired for the low crime rate, the way everything runs like clockwork, the cleanliness of the streets and unique spectacles like sumo wrestling and train cabin crew who bow to each carriage before departing to the next.

Once you’ve absorbed the fact that it is possible to live in a modern country where you can feel safe but every convenience is provided, you can start to discover its other treasures. The ancient history is fascinating with its feudal systems and samurai, the architecture of those bygone days is awe-inspiring and Mount Fuji is breathtaking.

Japanese food is simply scintillating as well as having major health benefits (if you don’t like raw fish, try the melt-in-the-mouth Kobe Beef). We really cannot emphasise enough the high standard of food in Japan: there are more Michelin stars handed out to Tokyo restaurants (191) than Paris and London combined. Incredible but true. Modern Tokyo is a bastion of gadgetry whilst maintaining some historical wonders, whilst the ancient city of Kyoto has a wealth of temples, castles and even a real Ninja house, with all the false walls and trap doors to boot.

Hiroshima has risen from the ashes of the bomb that obliterated it over 60 years ago and now stands as a symbol of peace and the people of that city have an amazing grace about them. Nearby Miyajima Island possesses the iconic Tori Gate just off its shoreline and the shrine it protects is well worth a look for the stories behind it alone, as well as the quaint island itself.

Just when you think that Japan is just cities and more cities, simply linked by a brilliant and rocket-like bullet train system, the countryside beckons and small quaint castle towns like Takayama spring up on the horizon, hosting colourful and bewildering festivals and hiding deep history within the town walls.

Then there are the extremes – Hokkaido to the north, possibly the best skiing area in the world for its fine powder snow. Then to the south are the tropical pearl of islands, collectively known as Okinawa, which boast beautiful beaches and clear blue waters as they drip down towards Taiwan. All this before you’ve experienced the famous onsen (hot springs), which lie dotted all over Japan, heated by the volcanic activity that takes place all along these islands. These are some of the finest, if not the finest natural hot springs in the world and we have sourced some of the very best for you to experience, as well as some with more classical style hotel accommodation.

A trip to Japan is a must in anyone’s lifetime.