From street style to heritage: a classic itinerary taking in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka

The journey can only begin in Tokyo, the megalopolis where cutting-edge fashion meets the vibrant atmosphere of the Shimokitazawa and Harajuku neighbourhoods – veritable temples of vintage archive pieces and independent fashion. After soaking up plenty of urban inspiration, simply hop on a train to reach Kanazawa in around two and a half hours. This gem on the North Coast is the beating heart of fine craftsmanship, renowned for its mastery of gold leaf work and the refined dyeing techniques of Kaga Yuzen kimonos (a traditional technique of painting and dyeing silk for kimonos), a savoir-faire that has long captivated couturiers from around the world. Continuing southwards, a mere two-hour train journey takes you to Kyoto, where the Nishijin district reveals the secrets of Japan’s finest silk. The tour concludes with a thirty-minute train ride to bustling Osaka, where you can lose yourself amongst the indie boutiques of Amerikamura, the bustling hub of youth culture, streetwear and vintage fashion, and the underground, creative vibe of the Nakazakicho district – a quiet area brimming with charming bars, art galleries and shops selling handcrafted goods, where independent fashion sets the trends for tomorrow. Incidentally, in Osaka itself, Halloween is a spectacular event that takes place after sunset in one of the city’s largest theme parks and runs until 8 November, with zombies roaming the park, horror attractions and themed shows.