Japan
How scientists got wind of airborne germs at 3km altitude
Hundreds of different types of fungi and bacteria have been caught for the first time in the atmosphere and researchers think they know where they come from.
- by Carl Zimmer
Latest
Four reasons to visit this relatively unknown Tokyo neighbourhood
You might know Shinjuku, you’ve heard of Harajuku. But who travels here with the idea of calling through Jimbocho? Almost no one.
- by Ben Groundwater
Biden preparing to block Nippon Steel $22 billion takeover of US Steel
The deal would have created the third-largest global steelmaker in a bid to compete with Chinese rivals on the global stage.
- by Josh Wingrove
This country had ‘free’ mortgages. Now it’s coming to an end
For years, mortgages in Japan have been nearly cost-free. Homeowners are now bracing for that to change as Japan’s central bank has announced an end to the era of zero interest rates.
- by River Akira Davis and Kiuko Notoya
How Japan’s ancient hot springs could fuel a clean energy future
When a tsunami triggered a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant in 2011 more than 150,000 people had to evacuate. Some of them fled to the hots springs of Tsuchiyu Onsen. The evacuees were able to leave – but the usual tourists didn’t return.
- by Nicolás Rivero and Julia Mio Inuma
‘Gotta be fun, gotta be cool, gotta be sexy’: The candidates vying to be Japan’s PM
Up to 11 candidates could contest the election to become head of Japan’s ruling party and the country’s prime minister. Among them is the son a former PM and two women vying to become the country’s first female leader.
- by Lisa Visentin
Port guide: Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama is right beside Tokyo, yet overlooked. Here’s why you should visit this port city with lively international connections.
- by Brian Johnston
Chinese spy plane breaches Japan’s airspace
Japan lodged a formal protest with the Chinese government, summoning the Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.
- by Lisa Visentin
I went to Club Med without my kids – and regretted it
When you have young children, a “holiday” is often just parenting in a nicer location. But at this place, I wish my kids were here with me, living the dream.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Tripologist
Tripologist: Can I combine my love of food and arts on a tour of Japan?
You might be better off taking a group tour that focuses on either art or food.
- by Michael Gebicki
Traveller Awards: Hall of Fame – the legends of travel
We salute our icons of travel, those consistently excellent places or brands that deliver time and time again.
- by Traveller team