Travel and culture, especially in remote, cold, & northern places - and Japan. From: Scotland now living in Northern NY, via London, NYC, Tokyo, Valparaíso, Sydney, Prague, Reykjavík and Honolulu.
Sacred Sunsets, Serene Escapes: Why Izumo Is Japan’s Hidden Spiritual Gem
Take yourself on a journey through Izumo, Japan’s sacred “Land of the Gods."
How Japan’s Wajima-nuri Artisans Are Bouncing Back After the Earthquake
A year after a natural disaster, the resilient artisans of Japan’s Noto Peninsula are forging ahead with support from the city of Kanazawa.
Return to the wild
The American vacation was born here, and now the Adirondacks are experiencing a revival.
The Right Touch
On the New York/Ontario/Quebec border, an Indigenous community is sharing centuries of tradition
Nunavik—With Inuit Storytelling and Arctic Wildlife—Is Opening Up to Travelers
A new model of tourism takes shape in Nunavik, led by Inuit guides.
Looking for a match made in heaven? This Japanese city is for people seeking love
If you pray for love in Izumo, there's a good chance you'll be heard. Every year, eight million gods gather in this seaside city to decide the fate of humans' relationships.
Sake Is Sacred in Japan — Here's Where to Sip at the Spiritual Source
If you really want to learn about sake, immerse in its birthplace.
Bright Ideas in Travel 2024
I chose Kanazawa for its commitment to craft preservation and support for displaced Noto artisans.
8 Holiday Gifts for Travelers That Celebrate the Handcrafted
My handcrafted picks: a knitting workshop in Shetland and beading session in New York.
The Way of Craft
Artisans in Kanazawa, Japan's epicenter of crafts, are preserving traditional ways by reinventing them for modern life — and visitors have a role to play.
The spectacular dance contest that brings nations together
There's no better place to see hoop dancers at the top of their game than at the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest in in Phoenix, Arizona.
Mingei: Japan’s ‘Art of the People’ is Having a Moment
There’s a contemporary flavor to the ideas and critiques surrounding this century-old Japanese crafts movement.
The Indigenous roots of a revived Olympic sport
One of the fastest growing sports in North America, lacrosse is headed back to the Olympics. But the game's creators may not be invited.
The true story of Japan's samurai city that chose art over war
The breakout series Shōgun has renewed interest in the clashing swords and political maneuvering of Japan's feudal era – and the city of Kanazawa is an excellent place to learn more.