With a large ski area, excellent transport links and foreigner friendly infrastructure, the Japanese ski resort of Niseko finds itself at the forefront of winter sports in Hokkaido. Duncan Manser from Japan Ski Experience shared his favourite spots for skiiers of all levels and must-visit après-ski locations!

Victor's first visit to Japan made him fall in love with the countryside and culture so his move to Japan three years later didn't come as a surprise. He doesn't shy away from adventure: last year Victor walked the 319 miles long Tokaido road historically the main walking trail connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto! We had a quick chat about this impressive feat, his passion for climbing Mt. Fuji, and street photography.

Tokyo-based Lia recently spent a couple of nights reacquainting herself with the city of Matsumoto, after a previous stopover over a decade ago! Sake tasting, 'the Crow Castle', and a candy-making workshop are only some of the things she got to enjoy during her stay. We asked Lia to share her favourite local experiences and create a mini guide for us.

Say goodbye to fish and rice, and hello to meat and potatoes! Okinawan cuisine is famously different from mainland Japanese diet yet Okinawans' longevity has been amazing people all over the world. Kate Crockett went on a foodie adventure around those sunny islands and shared her insights from this inspiring culinary journey.

There's a reason why food is what brings a lot of people to Japan - but what about drink? Sake is maybe the best known, but did you know that the humble plum forms the base of one of Japan's other most enjoyed beverages? Umeshu, or plum wine/liqueur is a popular alcoholic drink which will have anyone with a sweet tooth addicted after one glass but there is a world of variety and cultural significance behind his drink, something Risa Iwashita from Umeshuya London was happy to tell us all about!