Ronan O'Connell

A perfect day in Tokyo
The Japanese capital’s knack of fusing ancient and contemporary can be experienced to thrilling effect in the city’s Taito ward.

Flamboyant Fusion
One of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing ethnic mash-ups, Peranakan culture has bequeathed vivid architecture, design, and cuisine.

Island of Culture
Osaka’s Nakanoshima Island is the city’s highbrow hub with three key museums openings windows to science, ceramics, and fine art.

Mastering the Crafts
Japan’s artisanal traditions may date back millennia, but visitors can turn their hand to learning ancient skills through local knowledge.

Into the Light
Galungan, a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil in Hindu mythology, is one of Bali’s most colorful celebrations.

Full of Fire
Introduced to Korea by invading Mongol armies, fermented rice alcohol (or sool) forms the basis for a range of widely-consumed spirits including the country’s beloved soju.

Hidden in Plain Sight
Everyone knows Angkor Wat, Halong Bay, and the Taj, but Asia is home to numerous less vaunted UNESCO-listed attractions. Here are a few of our favorites.

Flour Power
An unexpected visitation in the 16th Century by Portuguese sailors blown off course by the weather kicked off a craze for baking in Japan that endures to this day.

Curated Connections
It’s one of the island’s most exclusive properties, but Cappella Ubud is forging links with Balinese communities and culture via immersive guest experiences like Keliki miniature painting classes and herbal medicine making.

Funny Business
Japan’s Manzai school of double-act comedy may date back for millennia, but it remains hugely popular with audiences across the country.

To Be Precise
Japan’s array of classical gardens showcases the country’s penchant for considered minimalism at a glorious zenith.

Light and Shade
Sharp-fanged and sword-wielding, Fudo Myoo inspires Japan’s feared Yakuza. Yet the deity is also worshipped by Buddhists worldwide.