The Japanese port city of Yokohama to the south of Tokyo on the main island of Honshu. It is a starting point for excursions to Tokyo, Mount Fuji or the Hakone National Park, but the local attractions are worth a visit as well.In addition to bars and restaurants, the former lighthouse at the port of Yokohama has an observation deck which offers a beautiful view of the city and the surroundings. If weather permits, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Tiny Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. It’s home to more than 3,000 hot springs, as well as the dramatic Hells of Beppu.
Tiny Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. Nestled between Beppu Bay and a range of volcanic mountains, it’s home to more than 3,000 hot springs (onsen).

Busan is South Korea’s second largest city and seaport, and it’s a laid-back, metropolitan destination. Its pace is slower, and its diversity more pronounced, than the country’s capital city of Seoul. Busan has an intriguing medley of culture and history, beautiful natural settings and exciting adventures. It’s also near South Korea’s cultural capital, Gyeongju, and the fortress of Jinju.

Japan’s first contact with the West came in the form of Portuguese explorers and Jesuit missionaries. Dutch merchants followed. Apprehensive shoguns closed Japan to foreign trade – except at Nagasaki. Stop by Peace Park for a moment of serenity, or visit the Confucian Shrine to see the influence that the Chinese community has on Nagasaki. And for a truly spectacular view of the city, take the ropeway to the lookout tower atop Mount Isa.

On the southern tip of Kyushu lies Kagoshima, a place of spectacular scenery. Why not enjoy the rugged mountain vistas, the rivers and bubbling hot springs, and the unexpected palm tree lined streets.

Kochi is the capital of the Kochi Prefecture, which is located on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands which make up Japan, in a region scattered with temples and forested mountains. One of Kochi’s main sights is the castle complex, whose main tower, or donjon, is one of just twelve to remain intact across Japan. Its origins lie in the early 1600s, even if most of the buildings were rebuilt after a devastating fire in the mid-1700s. Several points make it unique, notably that its donjon served not just a military function, but as a residence too. Wooden interiors show how the castle would have looked during the Edo Period, and its lookout point offers fine views over the city.

The Japanese port city of Yokohama to the south of Tokyo on the main island of Honshu. It is a starting point for excursions to Tokyo, Mount Fuji or the Hakone National Park, but the local attractions are worth a visit as well.In addition to bars and restaurants, the former lighthouse at the port of Yokohama has an observation deck which offers a beautiful view of the city and the surroundings. If weather permits, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.