The enchanting Kiso Valley, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a timeless treasure, where history breathes through its ancient pathways and rustic architecture. Four centuries ago, the picturesque villages of Magome and Tsumago served as crucial staging posts along the 500 km Nakasendo Highway, where feudal warlords journeyed annually to Edo (now Tokyo). Today, these villages retain their historic charm, with Magome seamlessly blending modern amenities with its traditional core, easily accessible by rail and bus from Nagoya. As you step onto the broad foot trail of 'old' Magome, the echoes of the past resonate, transporting you to an era untouched by time.

The huge Toyota Museum is a must-visit for all those interested in automotive history. The automotive pavilion features a great range of vintage trucks and cars, while kids will love spending their time in the Technoland, a hands-on series of interactive displays. The Textile Machinery Pavilion offers a throwback to the time when the textile Industry was the main industry of Japan.

This extravagantly decorated clandestine church built centuries ago when Catholicism was considered a crime is hidden in plain sight behind an unassuming front door in the city centre. Those walking down Juffrouw Idastraat would never imagine that within one of the typical terraced houses lies the enormous Parish of Saints James and Augustine where Catholics used to practice their faith in secret. Nobody is quite sure who built the church, but the stunning baroque plastering seems to suggest that it was the famous architect and artist Daniel Marot or one of his students. Book a free tour which takes you through the church and the attic to the more recent Bishop’s Chamber which is full of some of the original features and furniture that were used in the 1700s.

The Haagse Bos, as it is referred to in Dutch, can be found towards the northeast of the centre of The Hague, starting in Malieveld and continuing up to Wassenaar. It is hugely important to the city’s history as some of the oldest trees in the Netherlands remain there after many were cut down for firewood in the 16th and 17th centuries and during the Second World War. Aside from its pertinent roots, The Hague Forest has a lot to offer passers-by such as large open green spaces, a deer park and a pond in the centre, making a great scenario for just about any event or activity.