You know the tropical paradise you dream about at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon, when you’re supposed to be listening to Mike, the Assistant General Manager of Accounts, give his quarterly report?
Arcadia on Pandanan Island feels like that dream. Based on the miniscule island of Pandanan in Malaysia’s Sabah region, off the coast of Borneo, the hotel is the ideal place for a wholesome eco-adventure with some besties or your special bestie.
There’s an Arcadia Hotel in Toorak, Melbourne; a pub with the nickname ‘The Shark Park’ due to the kind of clientele that frequent it. But there are no sharks at Arcadia Beach Resort.
The waters are teeming with life – get lost’s Editor saw more turtles (green sea and hawksbill) in the three days he spent at Arcadia than he has combined for his entire life up until that point.
It’s unbelievably well set up for the ‘Gram, if that’s your thing. The rooms are all white, giving off Greek island vibes. But for us, it’s the diving, swimming, snorkelling and island hopping (pictured above – nearby island Bohey Dulang) – all of which are elite.
The word Arcadia actually loosely means to be in harmony with nature, or in a utopia.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
Hakuba Valley has several resorts that cater for families and groups with diverse abilities.
The cafe, THE CITY BAKERY at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, is famous for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps from an altitude of 1,289 metres. Warm up with hot coffee and pastries while enjoying the breathtaking views and take advantage of the private sessions and lessons tailored for adults and children. (International schools are available for non-Japanese speaking guests.)
5. CLEAN OFF IN AN ONSEN
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
The snow resorts in Hakuba Valley offer all levels of ski and snowboard terrain with more than 120 trails and some of the longest vertical skiing in Japan, 92 lifts and abundant snowfall averaging 11 metres a season.
Discover the magic of night skiing in Hakuba Valley. Tree riders can experience the delicious thrill of carving fresh tracks through virgin snow as they negotiate the picture-perfect, white-barked deciduous trees thanks to illuminated slopes.
4. TRAVEL WITH THE FAMILY
Hakuba Valley has several resorts that cater for families and groups with diverse abilities.
The cafe, THE CITY BAKERY at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, is famous for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps from an altitude of 1,289 metres. Warm up with hot coffee and pastries while enjoying the breathtaking views and take advantage of the private sessions and lessons tailored for adults and children. (International schools are available for non-Japanese speaking guests.)
5. CLEAN OFF IN AN ONSEN
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
The snow resorts in Hakuba Valley offer all levels of ski and snowboard terrain with more than 120 trails and some of the longest vertical skiing in Japan, 92 lifts and abundant snowfall averaging 11 metres a season.
Discover the magic of night skiing in Hakuba Valley. Tree riders can experience the delicious thrill of carving fresh tracks through virgin snow as they negotiate the picture-perfect, white-barked deciduous trees thanks to illuminated slopes.
4. TRAVEL WITH THE FAMILY
Hakuba Valley has several resorts that cater for families and groups with diverse abilities.
The cafe, THE CITY BAKERY at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, is famous for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps from an altitude of 1,289 metres. Warm up with hot coffee and pastries while enjoying the breathtaking views and take advantage of the private sessions and lessons tailored for adults and children. (International schools are available for non-Japanese speaking guests.)
5. CLEAN OFF IN AN ONSEN
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
Winter is peak season for adventure seekers in Hakuba Valley, which experiences snowfalls of over 11 metres.
The valley, which is made up of three municipalities Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi, boasts 10 snow resorts, each with their own unique offerings. If you can’t choose, snap up a day or season Hakuba Valley Lift Pass.
The cost-effective pass gives you access to all 10 resorts across, and you can use the free shuttle buses to move between them based on the weather conditions or your preferences.
You can also buy and use the international Epic Pass at Hakuba Valley. The valley has been a partner of the snow resort alliance Epic Pass since the 2018-2019 season, giving skiers the opportunity to lock in discounted access, food and lodging at world-class resorts throughout Japan, North America, Australia, and Europe.
The snow resorts in Hakuba Valley offer all levels of ski and snowboard terrain with more than 120 trails and some of the longest vertical skiing in Japan, 92 lifts and abundant snowfall averaging 11 metres a season.
Discover the magic of night skiing in Hakuba Valley. Tree riders can experience the delicious thrill of carving fresh tracks through virgin snow as they negotiate the picture-perfect, white-barked deciduous trees thanks to illuminated slopes.
4. TRAVEL WITH THE FAMILY
Hakuba Valley has several resorts that cater for families and groups with diverse abilities.
The cafe, THE CITY BAKERY at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, is famous for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps from an altitude of 1,289 metres. Warm up with hot coffee and pastries while enjoying the breathtaking views and take advantage of the private sessions and lessons tailored for adults and children. (International schools are available for non-Japanese speaking guests.)
5. CLEAN OFF IN AN ONSEN
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
It may have been the 1998 Winter Olympics that put Hakuba Valley on the map, but it’s the inviting powder snow, stunning landscapes and authentic Japanese culture that have kept it there.
The Japanese Northern Alps are a group of mountains over 3,000 metres high, extending to the Sea of Japan, creating a natural adventure playground in the process.
So, if you’re into snow, adventure, food, culture, or all of the above, head to Hakuba Valley for these 7 must-do activities.
1. VIST WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES SITES
It’s no exaggeration to say hosting the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics was a gamechanger for the Hakuba Valley. When the game’s global audience caught a glimpse of the valley’s phenomenal snow conditions, its reputation as an international snow destination was cemented. A surge of visitors eager to experience the area’s pristine slopes and vibrant winter sports culture soon followed.
You can visit the iconic Olympic ski jump that launched Hakuba Valley on the world stage, and check out the panoramic views of the stunning valley from the 90-metre and 120-metre jumps. Take a moment to reflect on the courage and skill of the athletes who launched themselves down the ramps and into the history books, including the two Japanese gold medal winners.
Winter is peak season for adventure seekers in Hakuba Valley, which experiences snowfalls of over 11 metres.
The valley, which is made up of three municipalities Hakuba, Otari, and Omachi, boasts 10 snow resorts, each with their own unique offerings. If you can’t choose, snap up a day or season Hakuba Valley Lift Pass.
The cost-effective pass gives you access to all 10 resorts across, and you can use the free shuttle buses to move between them based on the weather conditions or your preferences.
You can also buy and use the international Epic Pass at Hakuba Valley. The valley has been a partner of the snow resort alliance Epic Pass since the 2018-2019 season, giving skiers the opportunity to lock in discounted access, food and lodging at world-class resorts throughout Japan, North America, Australia, and Europe.
The snow resorts in Hakuba Valley offer all levels of ski and snowboard terrain with more than 120 trails and some of the longest vertical skiing in Japan, 92 lifts and abundant snowfall averaging 11 metres a season.
Discover the magic of night skiing in Hakuba Valley. Tree riders can experience the delicious thrill of carving fresh tracks through virgin snow as they negotiate the picture-perfect, white-barked deciduous trees thanks to illuminated slopes.
4. TRAVEL WITH THE FAMILY
Hakuba Valley has several resorts that cater for families and groups with diverse abilities.
The cafe, THE CITY BAKERY at HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, is famous for its panoramic views of the Northern Alps from an altitude of 1,289 metres. Warm up with hot coffee and pastries while enjoying the breathtaking views and take advantage of the private sessions and lessons tailored for adults and children. (International schools are available for non-Japanese speaking guests.)
5. CLEAN OFF IN AN ONSEN
If a day on the slopes is not enough to work up a healthy glow, head to the areas throughout the three municipalities to indulge in steamy onsens — hot springs with highly alkaline water and natural cleansers that will exfoliate the most snow-crusted skin.
Explore outdoor baths that provide views of the snow-covered landscapes, so you can relax your muscles and sightsee whilst experiencing the benefits of the hot springs minerals.
Legend has it that the hydrogen in the water has anti-aging properties.
Hakuba Valley’s accommodation options range from traditional Japanese inns to private chalets and high-end luxury apartments and hotels that can organise your ski hire. For those who prefer ski-in, ski-out options, several on-mountain options can accommodate you.
Not all activities in Hakuba Valley revolve around the snow. The area is rich with non-skiing activities that can give you a taste of the real Japan, such as shrines and Buddhist temples.
If shopping is more your choice of off-piste activity, Hakuba Valley has a good selection of shops, including multiple outdoor gear shops, including famous brand outlets.
Echoland, which sits between Hakuba 47 and Happo-one Snow Resort, has a vibrant 500-metre long main street bustling with a broad selection of restaurants and bars. Japan makes a fine range of beers, but don’t forget to give sake a go. It can be drunk warm, to help defrost after a day on the mountain.
Hot tip: Check whether the night shuttle bus is running so you can let your hair down and really enjoy the après ski scene.
The brand-new adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, Shōgun, which you can watch on Disney+ and Hulu, can actually be experience in-person in Japan.
If you want to be a passenger princess on holiday for once, not having to organise everything – Inside Japan Tours Shogun campaign is for you. They can curate a tailored adventure that allows you to learn more about 17th century Japan and the Edo period.
The Shōgun trail entails learning about samurai culture of Kyushu in Nagasaki city. Surrounded by a bay and mountains, it isn’t just a picturesque place to visit but one oozing in history, most notably with the reconstructed man made island of Dejima. For 220 years this was the sole region of Japan accessible to Europeans, and for a limited number of locals, a unique chance to engage with the outside world before their country opened up in 1853.
You could get your steps up and walk where the Samurais and Daimyo Lords did, along Nakasendo. The entire route spans 534km through central Japan dating back to the 17th century, sprawling with tree-lined paths and mountain towns through central mainland Honshu….but you don’t have to walk the entire length like Samurais did, obviously.
What about a two-hour kenbu class in Kyoto? A dance with a katana sword and a fan, you could be just like samurai who would gather strength before a battle in a kenbu ritual.
Speaking of swords, you could also visit a workshop in one of Japan’s last-remaining traditional sword-smiths. See if you can figure out the traditional way to fold steel, and see first-hand some of their older blades.
As Shōgun says ‘Lose yourself in the music, the moment…’ wait sorry, wrong lose yourself.
‘Lose yourself in it, make yourself one with nature…’.
A second teamLab Borderless has opened in Tokyo at Azabudai Hills, another immersive visual art installation showcase from the absolute weapons who brought you the first.
Technically, this is art, but it’s not like you’re sniffing someones armpit trying to get a half-decent shot of the Mona Lisa, nor is it staring at a picture of an apple which is apparently worth US$274,000, which just quietly, you reckon you could have painted.
At teamLab Borderless, you don’t so much as move from room to room but flow that way.
Each room is an experience, designed to make you feel a certain way. Mirrors, lights, cutting-edge technology and plants alike are used to create different universes, blowing your mind constantly from one room to the next.
In the new edition, one room features countless wobbling lights which run continuously through a space that infinitely expands, meaning you can’t really get your head around depth perception. The lights also shimmer beautifully, just managing to straddle the line between trippy and incredible.
If you went to the old teamLabs borderless at Odaiba, there’s a couple of things you should know. The first is that this new site at Azabudai Hills in the city’s south is bigger…way bigger. No less than 50 (!) the world renowned independent installations are featured in the 8.1 hectare site (where tf did they find eight hectares in Tokyo from?). One of these is an adaptation from the room of lamps that featured in teamLab mark I, which has evolved into a room of light bubbles.
Is there a more aesthetically pleasing mountain than Mount Fuji?
Forever a landmark of the Land of the Rising Sun, Fuji’s snow-capped peak is an active stratovolcano that raises it’s head majestically above mist, or on a clearer day standing in full visibility from the capital Tokyo.
Japan is the number one trending global destination for 2024 according to Tripadvisor, aptly crowned ahead of this year’s Mt. Fuji Day on Friday 23rd February.
Fuji Day commemorates and promotes the iconic mountain, with towns surrounding the 3,776-metre mountain getting ready to party. Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks have been happening through January and February but are set to go out with the biggest bang on Mt. Fuji Day.
And yeh sure, you could climb it…OR you could go full get lost and paraglide around it, taking the Big Boy in from mid-air.
For more adrenaline, there’s a half-day rafting experience. Fly along the Fuji River you’ll get to splash your way through the 6km course and maybe even tip one of your mates out hold on for dear life. For those who prefer to stay dry, there’s a few cycling tours that allow you to take in the views of Japan’s tallest mountain as well as the stunning countryside.
Tucked away in the southwest of Japan, Fukuoka offers the best the country has to offer in one intriguing package. The largest city on Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is famous for teasing visitors with the intoxicating aromas of street food at ‘yatai’ stalls, world-class shopping, culture and nightlife.
It also has something for lovers of the outdoors—built on the shores of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka offers easy access to beaches and the stunning mountains that embrace it on three sides. Those mountains have beckoned pilgrims for centuries. Now it’s your turn.
Whether you’re searching for enlightenment, a life partner or a demon slayer, Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture has a pilgrimage to suit. Just don’t get your mountains confused.
Love mountain
Before Tinder, there was Mount Hōman. The mountain was known for being able to help the unlucky in love, with pilgrims praying to find their life partner as they headed up the trail. Its profile has been raised even more thanks to its starring role in a popular manga series.
The trail through lush forest includes several small waterfalls with cascading crystal-clear waters en route to the summit, 829 metres above sea level, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Fukuoka City—from the coastline and city in the north, to the mountains in the south.
Tamayorihime no Mikoto, enshrined in the main hall of Houman-gu Kamado Shrine, is famous as the god of matchmaking. It is said to bring together not only romantic relationships but also all kinds of connections such as family, friends, and work.
There are two rocks on the right side of the main hall called Aikei no Iwa, or ‘Charming Rocks.’
It is believed that if you walk from one rock to the other while closing your eyes and thinking of the person you love, your love will come true. Worth a crack.
Mount Hōman loop
Distance: 5.6km
Elevation gain: 602 metres
Time requirement: 3 plus hours
AllTrails rating: Challenging
Hard Hiko
With AllTrails rating the summit climb as ‘challenging’, it’s no wonder followers of the Shungendo religious tradition—a combination of Buddhism, Shintoism and mountain worship—picked Hiko as one of their training mountains. The Shungendo pushed themselves to their physical and mental limits in their bid to achieve enlightenment. Lesser mortals may need to stop to rest at the awe-inspiring Hikosan shrine. A registered national historic site conveniently located about halfway up the mountain, Hikosan is thought to bring good luck and is just one of a number of significant temples and shines on the mountain.
You know you are about to enter a sacred space when you spy one of iconically Japanese ‘torii’ gates, featuring upright beams supporting lintels.
Hiko’s summit rewards your hard work with a panoramic view of the bustling Fukuoka city against a glittering Pacific Ocean backdrop.
Mount Hiko loop
Distance: 7.4km
Elevation gain: 732m
Time requirement: 3-4 hours
AllTrails rating: Hard
Forest bath
The Japanese have been the brains behind many useful, and not so useful, inventions, ranging from the Bullet Train to emojis. But it is during a leisurely stroll up the gentler slopes of Mt Kubote that you appreciate one of their more off-beat creations – ‘shinrin-yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’.
Forest bathing is now recognised internationally for its physical and mental well-being benefits. The idea is simply to spend time in densely forested areas to let the trees soothe and heal. With Mt Kubote’s ancient forests emitting the heady smell of cedar, all your troubles, including a fear of moths destroying your clothes, simply melt away.
Along with Mount Hiko, Kubote was a key training ground for the mountain-worshippingShungendo, who believed Gods lived in the hills and that if followers endured severe training at altitude, they would gain superhuman powers. You can see evidence of Shungendo training grounds, temple ruins, halls, and graves strewn throughout Mount Kubote, which has been declared a national historic site.
End your adventure with a more traditional type of bathing in the natural hot springs at Kubote Onsen (assuming you haven’t gained superhuman powers, in which case you’ve probably got more important things to do)
Whether you’re into K-Pop or not, we reckon South Korea should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The hectic frenzy that is Seoul, the deliciously crazy cuisine (hello, hongeo-hoe!) to the baseball games, South Korea is hit of extraordinary culture.
We know South Korea is on many of your bucket lists, owing to the thousands of entries we had into our Ultimate K-Adventure competition.
We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and creativity of our readers, and there were many worthy winners. But, there can be only one.
AND THE WINNER IS
Drumroll please…
Trishia Jandu!
Congratulations Trishia! You’ve won return flights to Seoul, $750 cash and an extraordinary 7-day South Korean adventure for the ages!
get lost would like to thank our incredible partners in this competition, ASIANA Airlines, Inside Asia, World Nomads and Visit Korea, for their exceptional support and making all this possible – helping travellers get lost.
Brand new in Singapore, 21 Carpenter is a hotel where history buffs and modern, art-deco minimalist-types can live in harmony – not always the case.
It’s blends old-world Singapore – think relics, inscriptions and phrases from the building’s history dating back to the 1930s as an old remittance house – with an exquisite, minimalistic luxury which is sure to win the hearts of architecture and design enthusiasts.
The building really is something to behold; sleek, modern art deco meets brutalist concrete, the latter inscribed with real-life messages from 1930s immigrants who would visit the building to send money home to their families.
It’s location on a busy urban street fades away when you step inside, where a rooftop pool and large open spaces remind you that you’re in a luxury hotel, and not in the 1930s (don’t think infinity pool cocktails were a thing back then).
There’s also a sick garden terrace to hang out in, for when you need a refuge from the hustle and bustle of 2024 Singapore.
‘The Black Pool’ is a 40 metre, 40℃ infinity pool that is arguably the highlight of the stunning Botanical Pool Club, near Chiba, Tokyo.
It’s amazing that a place like this could even exist in Tokyo, comprising of 21 rooms, a bunch of swimming pools and a jungle-inspired sauna stretching out over some considerable space.
Tokyo is a city of vastly variable climate, and so this is a place to come whether it’s a desert oasis or warming up you’re requiring.
It is so at odds with the Tokyo we all know and love, in fact, that we at get lost think it’s a masterstroke. A refuge from the chaotic, beeping energy, leaving you with more energy to charge this city’s weird beauty during the day and at night.
When the legends at Soneva sound the conch horn to announce they’ve built another stay, you listen.
The luxury chain makes accommodation so damn dreamy you’ll think it’s been dreamt up by AI. But it’s not. This place is real. Soneva Secret is the incredible, not-so-secret collection of 14 beach and over-water villas located in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the Maldives’ most remote atoll.
The resort’s star attraction? Probably the Castaway Villa, the Maldives’ first floating villa. Floating on water, not a euphemism, this incredible master suite even boasts a roof that slides open to reveal star-strewn skies.
Transport around the resort is also done in style; going for a swim? Take the water slide. Heading to dinner? Enjoy the zipline.
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