inspo & info

Kobe Port Tower is back — and better than ever. After a major 2024 renovation, Japan's most recognisable red tower now has an open-air rooftop deck and a 360° rotating café. Here's everything you need to know before you visit, from tickets and opening times to the best time to go for those famous night views.

If you are planning a day out in Odaiba, you are probably already looking at how to get there. There are a couple of ways (including the waterbus from Asakusa) but most guides will point you toward the Yurikamome Line, Tokyo’s fully automated, driverless transit system. But it's more than just a way to get from A to B: the views as you're looping your way through the Tokyo Bay area and crossing Rainbow Bridge are pretty fabulous. Here's the low-down on making the most of thos

Forget about Sky Tree, Shibuya Sky and even the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Odaiba Beach and Odaiba Marine Park is where you'll get what we think are the best views of the city... and for free, too! If you haven't seen Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline from Odaiba Marine Park, you're absolutely missing out. Here's everything you need to know.

That giant red Ferris wheel on top of a shopping mall in Osaka? That's Hep Five — one of Umeda's most recognisable landmarks. Whether you're tempted by the 106-metre views, the 100+ shops, or just want a fun photo stop, here's everything you need to know before you visit.

For some of the best views in Kansai, a pleasant hour or two in meticulously maintained gardens, complete with tropical greenhouse, a forest walk to a hidden waterfall and a gondola ride to boot, set aside an afternoon (or morning) to explore Kobe's Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway. If you do nothing else in Kobe, do this! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡ at no extra cost to you ♡ *All

Most first-time visitors to Japan shell out thousands of yen to queue at Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎, Tōkyō-to Chōsha) in the heart of Shinjuku offers some of the city's most spectacular - and entirely free - panoramic views. This isn't just a tourist platform; it's a bustling, working government office, but the twin observation decks are open to the public for 360-degree vistas of the sprawling metropolis.

Rainbow stairs at Odaiba's DiverCity: just one of the evening time attractions of this modern complex Get ready for a super-fun, futuristic escape to Odaiba (お台場), Tokyo's incredible man-made island in Tokyo Bay! Leave traditional Tokyo behind: this is a vibrant, modern district packed with impressive architecture, sprawling shopping malls, cool entertainment complexes, unique museums, and absolutely stunning waterfront views. From gazing at the iconic Rainbow Bridge to meeti

Right across the street from Tokyo Plaza Omotesando, this younger complex shares the same style and vibe Tokyu Plaza Harajuku, aka...