Japan

If a getaway on your own makes you feel a little nervous, rest easy, because we've found five solo trips that are safe, affordable and brimming with bucket list experiences.  

High-speed trains, irridescent laneways, endless ramen and underground izakayas—time to get booking.

If you're looking for a melting pot of culture, cuisine and scenic wonders off the beaten track, look no further than Japan's hidden gem—Fukuoka Prefecture.

Headed by animation legend Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has created renowned works inspired by the traditions of folklore and fantasy in Japanese art and to honour this, the Art Gallery Of NSW is dedicating an entire month to screening the studio’s most iconic films. 

Getting off the beaten track is the best way to holiday, and we can’t think of a place that makes it more convenient than Japan.

Japan is on everyone’s lips these days, but there’s so much to this island country than the bright lights of Tokyo. Don’t get us wrong, Tokyo is incredible as always, but getting off the beaten track and exploring what’s on offer in Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Osaka will well and truly make you fall in love with this country (if you haven’t already).

Everyone’s favourite label-less label MUJI has just opened its first domestic hotel, and they’re doing things a little differently.

If you’re feeling a bit wary about travelling solo, Tokyo is the perfect place to dip your toes in the water. It’s one of the safest places you can travel and there is so much to do you won’t even notice you’re on your own. And then there’s the plethora of micro-restaurants and bars you’ll be able to experience which just isn’t possible when you’re travelling in a bigger group. If you’re not convinced yet, here are 8 things to do in Tokyo if you’re travelling solo.

We probably could have called this article ‘Neighbourhoods To Check Out In Tokyo That Aren’t Shinjuku, Ginza, ShibuyaOr Roppongi’, because 99% of travellers are going to hit all of those multiple times. And there’s nothing wrong with that—there’s a reason Shinjuku and Shibuya draw millions of selfie-stick wielding visitors every year. They’re amazing. But if it’s your second or third time in Tokyo, or you just want to branch out and see something beyond the well-trodden tourist routes, try these on for size.