JAPAN

WHEN TO VISIT: The cherry blossom (or sakura) season is truly magical but is a popular time to visit. Blooming time can vary widely based on your location; to maximise your chance of experiencing full blooms in Kyoto and Tokyo, consider travelling between late March and early April. Autumn colours are arguably just as spectacular and the best viewing times for this range from mid-october to early December.

DON’T MISS: After sunset, wander the narrow alleyways of Pontocho and Gion; Kyoto’s atmospheric historic districts are lit by blood-red lanterns and adorned by old wooden teahouses. These areas remain the main hubs where geishas and maikos still work as entertainers.

ONE NIGHT AT... Staying at a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn – is a great way to fully immerse yourself in local culture. The experience usually involves trading your everyday clothes for a Japanese-style robe and slippers, sleeping on tatami mat floors, sampling a multi-course kaiseki dinner and communal bathing in either indoor baths or outdoor onsen (hot springs) – but note that nudity is compulsory for the latter.

MUST TRY: Mingle with the locals and spend an evening at an izakaya, an informal Japanese gastropub where city dwellers typically head in the evening to relax with their colleagues and friends over a couple of drinks and some inexpensive food.