Japan has been making blades for over a thousand years, and the workshops that grew from that tradition are extraordinary. This is a guide to three towns where some of the best knives come from, and how to get beyond the shop counter and into the workshops where they're actually made.

China has its own restaurant guide that’s goes far deeper than any western food guide does. The Black Pearl evaluates restaurants by Chinese culinary standards, including a criterion for cultural inheritance that Michelin doesn't have, and covers over 30 cities that Michelin has never touched. If you're planning to eat well in China, this is the list you actually want

I've spent years walking into the restaurants most people walk past. Places with faded facades, handwritten menus, and an old person cooking one thing with total focus. Then I discovered Japan's Dirty Michelin, and found out there's actually a name for what I'd been doing.

Many years ago I visited Chongqing with no research and no expectations. What I got was one of the most surprising cities I've ever been to and I've been recommending it ever since. Here's the guide I wish I'd had.

Ask for a Chinese meal in the West and someone will ask whether it comes with rice. In China, that question barely makes sense because depending on where you are, the answer might be hand-pulled noodles, a charred clay-oven flatbread, or a dense paste of roasted barley flour. This guide breaks down the staple foods Chinese people actually eat.

Kobe beef gets all the attention, but Japan's 200+ regional wagyu brands are where things get interesting. From virgin cattle raised on beer in Matsusaka to olive-fed cows on a remote island in the Seto Inland Sea, we break down the varieties worth planning a trip around.

Takamatsu, Japan doesn't announce itself. There’s no iconic skyline, no bucket-list landmark. But give it two days, eat well, and wander, and something shifts.

You've done the sakura circuit in Japan. You've seen the Instagram posts. But China’s flower culture? It's been going for 2,000 years longer, with philosophical weight that makes hanami look like a recent trend. If you're ready to go deeper than sakura, this is where you start.

When the sakura forecast drops, flights to Tokyo triple in price and viewing spots overflow with tourists. But Japan's cherry blossoms bloom from January to May across different regions. Here's how to experience hanami without the crowds.

China is massive, but some of the country's best destinations sit just a few hours from Beijing and Shanghai. We've picked eight side trips that show you different sides of China - from ancient water towns to mountain cities where your GPS gives up trying to make sense.

You've got the Golden Route sorted: Tokyo's electric energy, Kyoto's temples, Osaka's food scene. Now it’s time to see what else Japan has to offer. This guide covers six destinations that are easy to reach but genuinely different from the Golden Route - places where you can slow down, dig into local culture, and experience a side of Japan most visitors never see.

Travelling by train in China is more than just getting from point A to B, it's an opportunity to see the country's diverse landscapes unfold. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about China's rail network, from booking tickets to boarding with your passport.

China is a world unto itself. This is what makes it an incredible place to visit, and also quite intimidating. Most of us rely on apps like Google Maps, Instagram or Uber, but none of those work in China. Here's your complete guide to the essential apps you'll need.

Most first-timers feel awkward at a Japanese onsen. They're not sure what to do, where to look, or whether they're doing it right. This guide fixes that, and points you towards some of the best onsen in Japan while it's at it.

Japan is blowing up with tourists, so we're sharing five places to visit in 2026 that showcase less visited regions. From Fukushima's samurai history to Yakushima's ancient forests and Aomori's massive summer festival, plan your 2026 to places that are truly Off The Eaten Track.

China is having a tourism moment. As visa rules relax and infrastructure develops, we're sharing five places that inspire us for 2026, from Yunnan's burgeoning wine scene to Guizhou's towering peaks. These aren't your typical tourist destinations, they're places that will help you discover what China really has to offer.

Think renting a car in Japan sounds daunting? It's actually surprisingly easy once you know what you need. We'll walk you through getting an international license, navigating Japanese roads, understanding ETC cards, and all the insider knowledge you need to hit the road with confidence.

Xiamen is one of China's most underrated cities, a small coastal gem with incredible food, centuries of cultural exchange, and a thriving arts scene. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to China's best noodle soup, Xiamen offers a laid-back alternative to China's megacities

The Japan Rail Pass used to be a no-brainer for anyone visiting Japan. Not anymore. With recent price hikes, there's a better option most travelers don't know about that helps you get deeper: Regional Rail Passes.

Some of the best ways to understand Chinese culture are hiding in plain sight: in the parks, the markets, and the street corners of everyday life. We've chosen two everyday activities to share with you and help you dive deeper into Chinese culture: people watching and shopping.