ESCAPE

On the edge of Fukuoka’s Itoshima Peninsula, Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones rise from the sea—bound by rope, framed by a torii, and bathed in myth. Said to represent Izanagi and Izanami, Japan’s divine creators, these sacred rocks draw lovers and seekers alike. Whether for the solstice sunrise or a sunset stroll, this stop on MK’s 5-hour Itoshima Course reminds us that beauty, belief, and love are never far apart.

Dotonbori isn’t just a street—it’s Osaka’s neon pulse, where retro-futurism meets fried food and spontaneity. Once a 17th-century canal, now a technicolor fever dream of signage, octopus balls, and late-night regrets. The district’s wild energy—equal parts jazz-era decadence and Blade Runner chaos—turns every walk into a scene. From Glico’s running man to legends of KFC curses and celebratory canal dives, this is where Osaka lives loud.

Tokyo Autumn Activities: Tokyo Moon Illuminations at Hotel Chinzanso, Monet exhibition, and Tokyo gourmet fair

Fukuoka Autumn Activities: Bamboo lantern illuminations at Kokura Castle, Traditional art backlit by lanterns, Kyushu Oktoberfest.

Sapporo Autumn Activities. Great Views of Autumn Leaves in Jozankei. Sapporo Short Film Festival. Sapporo Munich Christmas Market.

Parfum Satori’s “Sakura” perfume celebrates Japan’s beloved cherry blossoms. Fresh, bright top notes of cherry and perilla mint elicits the

PRESERVING SAGA WOODCRAFT TRADITIONS

WORLD-CLASS INTERNATIONAL AND HOMEGROWN TALENT ON JAPAN’S PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOURS

MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM Tucked away in a quiet corner of Tokyo lies Sugai Percussion Instrument Factory, a small home and...

ITALIAN FINE JEWELRY Discover Fope, the Italian jewelry atelier that epitomizes timeless luxury and craftsmanship. With a legacy dating...

KeepSakes Founded in 1825, Isehan Honten in Tokyo is the last remaining shop in Japan still producing Komachi-beni. This is a makeup made...

Japanese Keepsakes Established in 1999, Di Ser Parfum has a simple message: the company hopes its natural Japanese scents will soothe and...

Bamboo is a revolutionary natural resource that can be used efficiently and grown repeatedly on a minimal amount of land. Riveret began...

Upcycling and the perfect Japanese Gift Upcycling is the art of giving new life to what might otherwise be discarded. In Japan, the...

Upcycling Upcycling is the art of giving new life to what might otherwise be discarded. In Japan, the upcycle trend has taken on an air...

ONE-OF-A-KIND HANDBAGS CREATED FROM UPCYCLED KIMONO AND OBI As an admirer and advocate of Japanese esthetics, Jasmine Takizawa, founder...

A STAPLE OF JAPANESE SCHOOL LIFE, UP UNTIL RECENTLY RANDSEL LEATHER PACKS WERE TYPICALLY ONLY SPOTTED ENGULFING THE BACKS OF ELEMENTARY-...

These Good Design Award-winning appetizer rests combine a centuries-old Japanese craft with a modern twist. Magewappa CurvedAppetizer...