Japan

• 1 Top five festive cities to spend Christmas
  Sprinkle some magic into this year's Christmas by visiting one of the world's most festive locations. With sleigh bells ringing, frosty snow falling and the commencing of the advent calendar in our midst,...

• 2 Houses to take your breath away
  The German publishing house Taschen specialise in lavish, but affordable original editions with exceptional photos on a range of topics particularly design, architecture and lifestyle. This time, with...

• 3 Getting to the top in Tokyo
  The cutting-edge Sky Tree construction project is almost complete after nearly four years of work. At the start, it was unclear just what the final height of this stylish free-standing tower would be,...

• 4 The world's best toy shops
  Hamleys, London Established in 1760, the seven-storey toy shop on Regents Street is a treat for any family shopping day in the capital. Rocking horses, dolls and other traditional toys, educational toys,...

• 5 Autumn colours in Kyoto
  Recently the readers of U.S. magazine Conde Nast Traveler name Kyoto the best Asian city, ahead of Bangkok and Hong Kong in a survey whose result pays tribute to the time-honoured cultural wealth of the...