With a new year of adventures on the horizon, the Jan/Feb issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) invites readers to uncover unique experiences in one of the world’s most varied and culturally rich destinations — Japan.    

The East Asian archipelago has truly captured the imaginations of travellers in recent years, thanks in part to the ever-increasing prestige of its art, cuisine and fashion. Between January and October 2025, Japan saw record-breaking visitor numbers, and while that means some parts of the country have been busier than usual, much of it remains unknown to travellers. Comprising four main islands and thousands of smaller ones, this is a nation that stretches some 2,000 miles in length. Uncover its most idiosyncratic experiences — from island-hopping in Okinawa to hopping between vinyl listening bars in Tokyo — with the Jan/Feb issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). 

Readers will also find a free guide to cruise travel included with the Jan/Feb issue. Brimming with inspiration for anyone looking to explore the world’s oceans, the cover story this year looks at the best small-ship expeditions, taking travellers everywhere from French Polynesia to uninhabited islands in the Seychelles.  

Don’t miss 

• Sweden: Sámi creativity blooms amid the ice and snow of the northern Lapland region 
• Grand Canyon: A backcountry hike through Arizona along the multi-day Escalante Route 
• Türkiye: A photographic journey through the lush, tea-wreathed hills around the city of Rize 
• Poland: ‘Drunk’ cheese and herring vodka — anything goes for the chefs of the Tricity region    

To read a sample of the Jan/Feb issue, click here.  

To subscribe to the National Geographic Traveller (UK) newsletter, click here.  

###  

Notes    
National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel     

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, find us on the National Geographic app or visit us at Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.  

About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital, and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events, and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability, and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards and Step Up. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers. 
aplmedia.co.uk