Gabrielle Doman

Japan-based freelance journalist, copywriter, PR and presenter who writes for content agencies, national newspapers, lifestyle magazines and online titles.

In my 20-plus years of writing, I have worked in the UK, UAE, Cambodia, Thailand, Netherlands and Japan.

About Me

My interests and expertise are curious and varied; Japan, powerlifting and strength training, nutrition, Suffolk, luxury, slow travel, traditional arts and crafts, people, cycling, vintage shopping, gin, Thailand, podcasts, sustainability, over-analysing pop culture, travel, hiking, fashion, beers…

I'm especially excited about projects that promote tourism in Japan's lesser-known, rural areas.

Previous work; Wallpaper*, Japan Times, The Independent, Vice, Louis Vuitton City Guides, Tokyo Weekender, Gulf News, Gulf Business, Japan National Tourism Organisation, LifestyleAsia, Mamamia, Japan Tourism Authority, Visit Gunma, Luxury Japan...

Wallpaper* •

Take a turn around Tokyo’s most ambitious record shop

Kameari, in Tokyo’s east, is not one of the city’s most well-known districts, but the Skwat Kameari Art Centre (SKAC), led by architect Keisuke Nakamura, is hoping to rewrite this narrative. At its heart is Vinyl Delivery Service (VDS), a record store founded by Rintaro Sekizuka, whose interest in music, sustainability and community is reshaping vinyl culture as a vehicle for local renewal and ecological consciousness.When Sekizuka opened VDS in its former central location at Shinjuku Gyoen in 2...
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) •

Travel Logs - Tohoku | JAPAN ADVENTURE

If you didn’t already know what Aomori was famous for, you’d soon catch on as you stepped off the Shinkansen at Shin-Aomori Station. Huge, illuminated washi paper floats (called neputa) from the city’s annual summer parade greet you in the station lobby, as does a giant apple, in a nod to the prefecture’s domestic fame for producing some of the world’s best apples. Though I was about to find out there’s a lot more to Aomori, apples and neputa remained a strong theme throughout my stay....
The Japan Times •

Tokyo’s vinyl experts say overseas buyers are ‘sustaining the scene’

For all the millions of tourists flowing into Japan, what are the most popular souvenirs they’re bringing back home? Tea, omamori charms and bottles of rare whisky are perennial favorites, but there’s a new hot item that overseas visitors are increasingly eager to snap up: vinyl records.By some metrics, Tokyo boasts the highest number of record shops of any nation’s capital at 93, and valuations for global vinyl record sales stand at $1.9 billion, according to market research company, Imarc Grou...
The Independent •

Why Japanese toji water therapy is the wellness trend you need to know about for 2024

Tis the season for punishing rituals, like glugging litres of water each day, embarking on military-level exercise challenges and vowing to plunge your semi-naked body into icy water in the name of recovery.

Ice baths have become inextricably linked with fitness, grit and determination, driven in no small part by Dutch motivational speaker, Wim Hof, dubbed the Iceman. He is a proponent of controlled breathing techniques, regular ice baths and cold water immersion, which he claims helps with fat
The Independent •

High fashion: What’s it like to rent your entire holiday wardrobe from an airline?

Travelling with only a tiny carry-on suitcase for a long-haul flight is a flex.

It’s freedom. It’s relaxing on your flight without worrying that your belongings will be held up in transit. It’s breezing past baggage claim while weary passengers wait for their cases to trundle onto the carousel. It’s hopping from city to city with nary an escalator or flight of stairs you can’t handle.

But it’s also a small measure travellers can take to pack lighter, thus reducing their flight’s CO2 emissions,
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) •

Travel Logs - East Hokkaido | JAPAN ADVENTURE

You’ll want a window seat as you fly into East Hokkaido. As Kushiro comes into focus, it’s instantly apparent that you’ve arrived in the wilderness. When the plane’s wheels descend for landing, vast expanses of unspoiled forests and wetlands stretch out as far as you can see.

 













The boardwalk through Kushiro Wetland

 

Eager to explore, I grabbed my luggage from the carousel and hopped in a rental car, driving 25 minutes to Onnenai, an entry point to Japan’s largest...
Deeper Japan •

The Legends and Literature Behind Wagashi — Deeper Japan

From its humble origins as simple nuts and rice cakes in the Jomon era, wagashi has evolved alongside Japan’s cultural history into handcrafted confections that celebrate the seasons, aesthetics, and deeper narratives of everyday life. Serving more than just sweetness, wagashi have long accompanied tea rituals and poetry, appearing in classical literature, temple offerings, and roadside stalls, each morsel entwined with folklore, feudal tradition, and artistry.There are many legends about the or...
Tokyo Weekender •

The Timeless Swag of Japanese Tabi Shoes

2023 was the year of the tabi shoe. Specifically the Maison Margiela Tabi. Celebrities including Dua Lipa, Nick Jonas, Cardi B, Chlöe Sevigny and Pedro Pascal all sported the hoof-like split-toe footwear this year. But perhaps the most powerful marketing tool for the shoe was a viral TikTok in September, when a woman shared on the platform that her Tinder date, dubbed “the Tabi Swiper,” had stolen her pair worth around ¥150,000. It was viewed more than 178 million times and prompted a staggering
Metropolis Japan •

Exploring Mitsuiboshi Kaido | Travel | Metropolis Japan

The very idea of overtourism—the crowds, the queues, the imposition on locals—makes me feel a little queasy. As record-breaking numbers of tourists continue to arrive in Japan, some of us head in the opposite direction. We avoid the well-worn Golden Route (Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka) and venture into the quieter pockets of Japan. The Mitsuiboshi Kaido, or Three Star Road, is a great pick for intrepid travellers.


This lesser-known route connects Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawa-go,...
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) •

Dazaifu Town Stay | Heritage Stays | Travel Japan | JNTO

Stay at a historical boutique property and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and rich cultural heritage of Japan’s ancient western capital

Discover Dazaifu through Hotel Cultia Dazaifu’s boutique heritage properties. Feel at home in one of several inviting, lovingly restored properties, from former artists' residences to businesses that once served members of Japan’s Imperial Court. The hotel’s buildings retain the atmosphere and aesthetic of the time in which they were built, with st
Tokyo Weekender •

Strongirls Festival: Muscular Women Raising the Bar in Japan

Colorful balloons, a DJ spinning bops and the buzz of anticipation at Yokohama’s PRagmatic Academy on a public holiday in November: it looked like the setting for a lively party. Yet, despite appearances, it was the scene of Japan’s second Strongirls Strength Festival, a women’s powerlifting competition (known as a meet), where 39 women of all ages, sizes and abilities tested their strength in three lifts; squats, bench presses and deadlifts.

This welcoming and joyful atmosphere has been delibe
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) •

Cycling Report | Japan Cycling | JNTO

Explore a historic corner of Japan on two wheels

Biwaichi is one of the country’s designated National Cycle Routes. It is in Shiga Prefecture, and allows you to cycle around the circumference of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. This 200-kilometer-long cycling path is well-marked and easy-to-navigate, designated by blue lines around the shore. If you want to explore a little deeper and see the area through the eyes of a local, a guided cycling trip is the best way to go. The opte
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) •

Miidera Temple Stay | Heritage Stays | Travel Japan | JNTO

Miidera is a grand temple complex at the foot of Mt. Hiei near the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. It has welcomed emperors and worshippers for thousands of years, and now, visitors can enjoy a private temple stay in the beautiful grounds. Myogonin Temple is a 400-year-old monks’ quarters surrounded by private gardens on Miidera’s grounds, which is available for exclusive stays. The property was renovated in 2018 into a stylish, private shukubo or temple lodging, by Japanese architect T
CarterJMRN •

The Evolution of Gaming Culture in Japan: From Arcades to Mobile Gaming - CarterJMRN

Japan is synonymous with gaming culture. Its video gaming giants, including SEGA, Sony and Nintendo are household names across the world.
The characters of Japanese video games, such as Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Pikachu are massive global successes. Their reach extends far outside the games they appear in, inspiring movie franchises, merchandise, and even theme parks. From humble beginnings, Japan’s gaming scene is now legendary.





The Dawn of Gaming in Japan: Post...
Tokyo Weekender •

Aesthetic Medicine in Japan: Body Contouring and Non-Invasive Treatments

With its reputation for hospitality, high-quality care and cutting-edge technology, Japan is becoming one of the world’s leading destinations for aesthetic procedures. The current favorable exchange rates have further driven its appeal as a prime location for affordable and reliable treatments. 
Among these, a popular procedure is Cryolipolysis* — more colloquially known as fat-freezing — a nonsurgical body-contouring treatment that aims to provide patients with targeted fat reduction. The proce...
Tokyo Weekender •

How Japan Became a Go-To Destination for Body Contouring and Other Nonsurgical Treatments

Aesthetic treatments are in huge demand in Japan, and the industry is projected to grow even more over the next few years. High standards of care and hospitality have garnered global recognition and made quick, nonsurgical procedures a popular addition to some Tokyo itineraries. 
While places like South Korea have long been associated with high-quality cosmetic surgery, Japan is quietly carving out a niche in the realm of nonsurgical procedures. These treatments typically require less downtime a...
Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, •

Dubai mall wonders and shopping venues

You’ve seen the ski slope at Mall of The Emirates. You’ve hunted for bargains at Deira City Centre and you’ve padded the length and breadth of Dubai Mall and have the blisters to prove it. Where next? There’s more to shopping in Dubai than megamalls packed with outlandish attractions.Step off the beaten tourist track and visit some of these lesser known shopping centres. You might find just what you are looking for. WAFI Oud Metha Wafi is a great tourist destination. Not only is it packed wit...

Forest Bathing in Japan’s National Parks

Reconnecting with nature is one of the simplest ways you can achieve balance. Forest bathing, the Japanese method of meditating in nature, is prescribed by doctors for its health-boosting qualities. If you’ve ever taken the scenic route home after a long day at work or gone for a long walk to destress, then you’re already familiar with the healing power of surrounding yourself with nature. This premise brought about the Japanese pastime of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The idea is simple: lea
Rakuten Travel •

Unpacking Japan’s Obsession With Fruit

For an insight into the esteem in which Japan’s luxury fruit is held, and to see some of the eye-watering prices firsthand, visit the luxury fruit store, Sembikiya. Japan’s best-known specialty fruit shop first opened in Tokyo’s chic Nihonbashi area in 1834 and remains a prestigious place to buy flawless, perfectly packaged fruit. The store’s aesthetic is akin to a sleek wine store, and, like a wine store, great importance is placed on how the fruit tastes, where it was grown, and by whom. These

8 Onsen Experiences in Kusatsu | Stories & Guides | Gunma Official Tourist Guide

Traditions are held in high esteem in Kusatsu Onsen, where life revolves around its hot spring—quite literally. The center of the town is dominated by Yubatake, a large hot water field where water cools before being piped to nearby bathhouses and ryokan inns. These hot, acidic, mineral-rich waters are purported by local legend to be able to cure any disease but lovesickness. Embrace Kusatsu’s traditions as you stroll the atmospheric streets, bathe in styles unique to Kusatsu, and take in cultura
Rakuten Travel •

Hotel Chain Feature: Four Seasons

Japan is synonymous with hospitality that anticipates your needs and exceeds your expectations. Luxury international hotel chain Four Seasons more than meets this lofty benchmark at its three properties in Japan: two in central Tokyo; Otemachi and Marunouchi, and one in the historic city of Kyoto. Four Seasons has established a global reputation for providing top-notch service and a stylish, welcoming sanctuary, making it a favorite for VIPs and the global elite. This high level of attention to
Rakuten Travel •

Hotels Near Mount Fuji with Private Open-air Baths

In the shadow of the majestic Mount Fuji, a collection of ryokans beckons travelers seeking the epitome of serenity and indulgence. These hotels offer the ultimate Japan experience, with private hot springs in the guestrooms and suites. Picture yourself soaking in steaming, mineral-rich waters as you gaze upon the silhouette of Fuji majestically framed in the distance. These accommodations range from contemporary and elegant to traditionally Japanese, but they unite in one promise: to be a haven
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