Visit Kanto’s biggest illumination at Sagamiko, which this year features Paddington Bear, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben in glorious LED form. Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest Anything billed as a ‘pleasure forest’ immediately attracts attention and Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest really comes into its own during winter when millions of LED lights descend upon the park.…

Located in Central Tokyo, just fifteen minutes from Shinjuku, Shimizuyu offers an onsen experience at a fraction of the usual price. Here, baths use kuroyu (black water) tapped from natural sources below the city. This inky coloured water is common across Tokyo’s bath houses but at Shimizuyu bathers also have the chance to dip into…

The majority of onsen (Japanese hot springs) have a strict no bathing suit policy but located in North-West Tokyo is Toshimaen Garden Spa, the perfect place to escape from the madness of central Tokyo and enjoy ultimate relaxation whilst keeping your kit on. Niwa No Yu, Toshimaen The facilities are extensive with a large mixed…

Located just south of Tokyo is Enoshima, a small picturesque island which will feel a million miles from the madness of central Tokyo but is only an hour away on the train. After exploring the caves and enjoying spectacular views from the viewing tower, treat yourself to some TLC at the wonderful Enospa. Treatment  …

At the foot of the Izu peninsula lies a quiet seaside town named Shimoda where the sand is white, the fish is fresh and the views are spectacular. Where to stay   If you’re looking for some luxury and don’t mind paying for it, then the Shimoda Central Hotel offers top class accommodation with a…

Gokuraku literally translates as land of bliss and specifically refers to Sukhavati, Amitabha’s pure land in Mahayana Buddhism. It may be a stretch of the imagination to declare Gokuraku-yu a paradise but nonetheless the spa chain provides excellent facilities for a few relaxing hours. The company is one of Japan’s largest spa operators with 38…