The hotel breathing new life into one of Tokyo's oldest neighbourhoods

The hotel breathing new life into one of Tokyo’s oldest neighbourhoods

Within seconds of leaving the Nippori metro station, the sound of birdsong replaces the rumble of metro trains. The noise of traffic – barring occasional pushbikes, often with entire families balanced on top – simply disappears. There’s something ironic about the fact that the Tokyo neighbourhood of Yanaka is just a few kilometres from Akihabara,…

Why Jakarta should be on your travel radar

South East Asia has long been one of the world’s most popular regions for travellers, with Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City topping wish lists. Until now. In recent years, a number of other Asian cities have emerged as unlikely hot-spots. This includes Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, where a riverfront redevelopment project has transformed the city. But…

Kawaii Monsters and more: Tokyo’s weird and wonderful themed cafés

When it comes to weird and wonderful places to eat and drink, nothing beats Japan’s colourful capital. Here are some of the strangest cafes and restaurants in Tokyo to chow down in – perfect for your Instagram Stories! Kawaii Monster Café, Shibuya If you’re done with the whole unicorn thing, you’ll probably want to avoid the Kawaii Monster…

Where to stay in Mexico City: an expert guide

Home to over 25 million people, Mexico City is one of the world’s true megacities. First time visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the city, occupying a shallow mountain bowl at over 2,400m above sea level. Life here is equal parts laid back, edgy and cosmopolitan, and the city’s sheer size can be overwhelming – so deciding…

8 Reasons to visit Kigali, Rwanda

25 years after the genocide which devastated the hilly, wildlife-filled paradise of Rwanda, the country’s capital is emerging as one of Africa’s hippest destinations. Here’s why the capital of Rwanda should be on your radar in 2019 and some of the top things to do in Kigali. Rwanda was recently voted the world’s ninth-safest country and…

Zambia safari: why you should visit Kafue National Park

Zambia is emerging as one of Africa‘s top safari destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. The country has fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, expert guides and (crowd-free) wide open spaces. Kafue National Park in the west of the country is Tamara Hinson’s top pick for a Zambia safari experience; read on to find out why.…

9 Reasons to visit Sri Lanka’s east coast

Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the world’s coolest destinations, with growing numbers flocking to hotspots like the southern port town of Galle, and the tea plantation-covered hills of Kandy. Our advice? Avoid the crowds and head for Sri Lanka’s east coast – before the rest of the world does the same. (…continued below) 1.…

The best Reykjavik restaurants

Hot springs and geysers are all well and good, but man cannot live on water alone. Iceland’s biggest new attraction is quickly shaping up to be the food scene in its capital. From Mexican flavours to traditional Icelandic specialities, there’s a lot to explore. Here Tamara Hinson shares the nine Reykjavik restaurants you ought to…

Eating insects in Bangkok: the future of food?

Three courses into my tasting menu at what’s regarded as one of Bangkok‘s top restaurants and I’ve reached the moment I’m dreading: the ravioli. But the reason for my weariness isn’t an intolerance to wheat, or the spicy turmeric sauce drizzled over the delicate parcel of meat. It’s the knowledge of what lies beneath – in…

Sipping sake: a dispatch from one of Japan’s oldest breweries

The land of the rising sun will always be the true home of this potent, rice-based spirit. Tamara Hinson reports from one of Japan's oldest sake breweries.

6 reasons why Osaka should be on your radar

Osaka is affectionately known as “Japan‘s kitchen”. It’s the birthplace of ramen noodles (which celebrate their 60th birthday in 2018) and is home to some of the country’s quirkiest restaurants. But there’s more to Osaka than the food. Add to that buzzing canal sides, blossom-filled parks and the country’s most luxurious toilets and you’ve got…

Food for thought: a Rough Guide to the Japanese depachika

Simply put, a depachika is a Japanese food hall – but confuse it with the average grocery store at your peril. Usually found within Japanese department stores, depachikas are carefully curated tributes to Japan’s finest foods: the best cuts of meat, beautiful cakes, rare bottles of sake and gift-wrapped fruit baskets. Hungry? Here’s everything you…