Dean Newcombe came to Japan to work as a model which then turned into acting and reporting for NHK World. Inspired by his off the beaten track adventures around Japan he started a YouTube channel called 'runAway Japan' where you can watch him stay at a Yokai (Japanese monster) hotel or hike with his family. Travelling nearly 2,000 km across Japan with a TV crew, he left his heart in Tottori prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan. He advises to keep your eyes and heart open because - there is a Japan out there for anyone and everyone.

The BFI's Japan Season, with over 100 years of Japanese cinema' has had us itching for more films and trip to the locations that inspired them! Must be that Japan-shaped hole in our hearts... So whilst we can't yet travel to Japan, we thought we'd properly introduce you to some of the locations featured in some of the season's finest films, while travel is confined to the armchair and silver screen. Read on to find out more!

Japan is very well known for the bright neon lights of its cities but far away from the hubbub of the larger metropolitan areas lies a much quieter, rural Japan. Upwards of 60% of Japan is classified as woodland (and around 73% as mountain) so the truth is those big cities are only far less than 50% of the picture. Sam was born and raised in Somerset, UK, but after moving to the remote region of Shimane as a part of the JET programme, he fell in love (in more ways than one!). Now he lives on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, where he runs tours as Hidden Japan Travel for visitors looking to dig a little deeper.

In the Kansai area just below Osaka, lies Wakayama, a prefecture famous for its magnificent mountains, connections to Japanese history, roaring waterfalls, and spiritual pilgrimage trails. Many think of it as the natural and spiritual capital of Japan, and this year Lonely Planet’s readers gave credit where credit is due as Wakayama was voted the best sustainable destination in 2021! With both mountains and sea, and a refreshing take on modern life, Wakayama is a treasure waiting to be discovered.