Japan

Japan is a land of beautiful contradictions, where ultra-modern cityscapes often hide intimate, secret worlds just steps away from the main thoroughfare. In Tokyo, we loved how you could be in the heart of the action at the Shibuya Crossing one moment and then duck into the tiny bars of Nonbei Yokocho—or "Drunkards Alley"—the next. Whether staying in a design-focused sanctuary like The Gate Hotel, Tokyo or waking up surrounded by floor-to-ceiling art at The Park Hotel, Tokyo, the city offers an incredible sense of discovery for those who want to experience both the polished and the hidden sides of Japanese life.

Beyond the neon lights, there is a deeper, more traditional pulse to find in places like Kyoto. Exploring Nishiki Market was absolute "food porn" for us; it’s a vibrant sensory overload where you can wander past stalls and vendors offering everything from popular favorites to unique local finds. It's this perfect balance—the sophisticated aesthetic of the hotels paired with the authentic, bustling energy of traditional markets—that makes exploring Japan such a rich experience.