Japan & South Korea
Cruise: Seoul, Kobe &
Tokyo

Seoul

Seoul is a thriving metropolis encircled by mountains
with skyscrapers rising towards the heavens. The city is busting
yet organised, with modern marvels growing side by side with
centuries-old palaces and shrines.

A great deal of the credit for the well-ordered urban
planning of Seoul can be given to the ancient Joseon Dynasty, which
used great foresight when crafting the city into a capital way back
in the 14th century.

The old Joseon Dynasty city, with its central main
palace, is now the traditional downtown heart of Seoul where many
of the most popular sights, hotels, and markets are to be found.
One of the most interesting areas for visitors to explore is
Insa-dong, filled with antique shops, art galleries, traditional
teahouses, restaurants, and bookshops.

Across the Han River, the modern city is dominated by
Korea's World Trade Centre and the Coex Mall, a shopper's delight.
Even the island of Yeouido, in the middle of the Han River, is
densely packed with high-rise buildings; this is also the base for
the Korean National Assembly and the world's biggest Presbyterian
Church.

Interspersed through the urban landscape are several
lush, green parks, the most central being Namsan Park which
encompasses the mountain of the same name just to the south of
downtown Seoul. It's also home to the iconic Seoul Tower, which
offers spectacular 360 degree views of the city and surrounding
countryside.

Nightlife in Seoul has something to suit all tastes,
from pub hopping to sedate sit-downs at traditional teahouses.
Eating out is a feast for the senses in Seoul, with an enormous
international variety to choose from, whether it is succulent
steak, perfect pizza, multicourse gourmet, tasty tandoori, or, of
course, classic Korean.

Yeosu

As South Korea becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination, Yeosu remains a hidden gem. Punctuated by cliffs, islands and peninsulas the Scenic shorelines are nothing short of spectacular. Host to the EXPO 2012 World Fair meant that Yeosu received generous government funding in order to develop its waterfront and the exhibition centre still stands.

Busan

Busan is home to some of South Korea's most popular
beaches, hot spring resorts, and numerous historical attractions.
It is the largest port and second largest city in South Korea, and
is a quick three-hour trip via bullet train from Seoul to the
north.

Busan often goes unnoticed as visitors flock to get a
taste of the bright lights and big city feel of Seoul, but many
Koreans will tell you that Busan is one of South Korea's
friendliest and most relaxed cities.

With its beaches, mountains, and temples, Busan has
many attractions on offer. The coastline is one of the main draw
cards, with beaches like the beautiful Haeundae and Gwangalli
existing as some of the best the country has to offer.

The Busan Aquarium is Korea's largest and best, and
is one of the highlights of a trip to the city. Visitors interested
in temples and historical sites can visit the Beomeosa and
Yonggungsa temples, as well as the Geumjeong Fortress.

The markets in Busan are also an attraction in and of
themselves. They offer wonderful photographic opportunities and can
sometimes be a real eye-opener, particularly the Jagalchi seafood
market, the bohemian Gukje Market, and the Haeundae Market.

Visitors to the city should try and include a trip to
one of the local baseball games, a genuine cultural experience.
Baseball games are held every weekend during summer. Busan also has
great shopping and dining out opportunities. Visitors will find
that this seaside city has a lot of heart and may even prove to be
the highlight of a trip to South Korea.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka, the largest city on the southern Japanese
island of Kyushu, was the home of the samurai and today is the
terminus of the famous Shinkansen Line bullet train from Tokyo, 730
miles (1,168km) away. Originally, the town of Hakata was the centre
of the region, acting as a gateway to Japan from the rest of Asia,
which lies just across a short strait.

The feudal town of Fukuoka, however, grew rapidly
just across the Nakagawa River, clustered around a castle. In the
late 19th century, the cities united under the combined name of
Fukuoka. The modern city is busy and bustling, with an
international flavour and plenty of innovative architectural
development.

The Tenjin underground shopping arcade brings the
wares of the world to Fukuoka, while a sandbank in the bay has been
turned into the largest entertainment district in western Japan,
with more than 2,000 eating and drinking establishments congregated
under the neon lights.

The Naka River promenade and riverfront park make for
pleasant strolls, while top class theatres, theme parks, and art
establishments abound. There are some sightseeing attractions in
the city itself, and the surrounding area in Kyushu Island has
plenty to offer within easy reach of the city.

Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu, located in the Fukuoka Prefecture of Japan, is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. With its rich history, natural beauty, and bustling cityscape, Kitakyushu is a fascinating destination that has something to offer for every type of traveler.

One of Kitakyushu's most prominent attractions is Kokura Castle. Built in the 17th century, this stunning castle has been meticulously reconstructed and now serves as a museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's feudal past. The castle's beautiful grounds, complete with cherry blossom trees, offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For those interested in learning more about Kitakyushu's industrial heritage, a visit to the Kitakyushu Industrial Museum is a must. Here, visitors can explore interactive exhibits that showcase the city's history of steel production and technological advancements. The museum also offers guided tours of nearby factories, giving visitors a firsthand look at the region's industrial prowess.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Kitakyushu. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and is home to numerous parks and gardens. One such park is Kawachi Fuji-en, famous for its stunning wisteria tunnels that come alive with vibrant colors during the spring months. Visitors can stroll through the tunnels, capturing the mesmerizing beauty of the hanging flowers.

Another natural wonder in Kitakyushu is the Mojiko Retro District. This historic port area is known for its well-preserved European-style architecture and scenic waterfront. The district offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern cafes, galleries, and boutiques, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and exploration.

Food lovers are in for a treat in Kitakyushu, as the city is renowned for its delicious local cuisine. Hakata ramen, a regional specialty, is a must-try for noodle lovers. Served in a rich pork-based broth, topped with melt-in-your-mouth slices of chashu pork, and accompanied by various condiments, Hakata ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more. Additionally, the city is known for its fresh seafood, including fugu (blowfish), which can be enjoyed in various culinary preparations.

Kitakyushu is well-connected to other major cities in Japan, making it easily accessible for travelers. The city has its own international airport as well as efficient public transportation, including trains and buses, making it convenient to explore the wider region. Additionally, Kitakyushu is just a short ferry ride away from the beautiful island of Kyushu, offering opportunities to further explore the natural beauty of the region.

In conclusion, Kitakyushu is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines modernity with tradition. From its historic castles and museums to its stunning natural landscapes and delicious cuisine, the city offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply exploring the local culture, Kitakyushu has something to offer for everyone.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the main city of the Chugoku Region on
Japan's main island Honshu. On 6 August 1945, it became the first
ever target of an atomic bomb. Early in the morning, three United
States B-29 bombers flew in from the northeast; one dropped its
bomb over the centre of the city, killing 140,000 civilians.

Today, millions of visitors make a pilgrimage to
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park to pay tribute to the victims, but
also to marvel at the lively modern city that has overcome its
tragedy to become the thriving home of more than a million people.
Not surprisingly, the city has become vehemently engaged in the
promotion of peace, and American visitors are welcomed with open
arms along with foreigners of all other nationalities.

Visitors are drawn mainly to the Peace Memorial Park
and its museum, but the rebuilt city is an attractive place to
visit in its own right, criss-crossed by rivers and wide avenues
and containing several good museums. Nearby are some of Japan's
most scenic excursion destinations, making Hiroshima a good base
for explorations into the countryside.

Beppu, Kyushu Island, Oita

The lantern-lit hot springs of Beppu is a town that’s prettier than a picture. The town is found in a particularly volcanically active part of Japan (hence the abundance of hot springs, or in Japanese, onsens).  As if the gorgeous palette of colours at the onsen was not enough, Beppu is also world famous for its Sakura, or cherry blossom season. More than 2,000 cherry trees near the base of the ropeway to Mount Tsurumi make for one of Beppu’s most impressive hanami (flower viewing) spots.

Kochi

Kochi is a beautiful city located in southern Japan. The city is known for its stunning natural scenery, its friendly people, and its delicious food. Kochi is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Japan. Kochi is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. There are many shops and markets located throughout the city, so you can find something for everyone on your list. Kochi is a popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from. Whether you want to stay in a traditional Japanese inn or a modern hotel, you can find the perfect accommodations for your needs.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is not only one of Japan’s largest cities, but one of its most attractive. The capital of the Hyogo Prefecture, it has been an important port city since it was first opened to foreign trade in the 19th Century. A relatively small city, visitors can explore most areas by foot from the main train station or harbour.

Shimizu

Shimizu is a city located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, in the central region of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 8th century when it was first mentioned in historical records. Shimizu thrived as a key port city during the Edo period (1603-1868), serving as an important stopping point for trade between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto.

Today, Shimizu is a modern and vibrant city, with a population of over 700,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with Mt. Fuji visible from many parts of the city on clear days. Shimizu is also home to a number of large companies and industries, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Honda Motor Company.

The city of Shimizu is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture while also enjoy all the conveniences and amenities of a modern city. There are a number of temples and shrines to visit, as well as traditional gardens and parks. For those interested in shopping and nightlife, Shimizu has plenty to offer, with a wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as bars and clubs.

Tokyo

The modern capital city of Japan, Tokyo could be
described as too good to be true. People dress in the latest
fashions and experiment with the latest technologies, excellent
restaurants serve up delicious food of all varieties, and the
trendiest nightclubs keep going throughout the night.

The public transport system is punctual and one of
the most efficient in the world; and shops and vending machines
provide necessities and luxuries both day and night. All this is
achieved in a city that is home to more than 13 million people,
amid the confusion of bumper-to-bumper traffic, flickering neon
signs, and a crush of humanity packing subways and sidewalks.

Amidst the hurly-burly, Tokyo remarkably remains
one of the world's safest cities with a low crime rate and local
people who are generally only too willing to spare the time and
effort to assist a stranger.

With such a dense population, Tokyo is an urban
maze of buildings that jostle for space in an unplanned jumble of
grey concrete, which makes parts of it drab. The city fills a huge
area that seems to go on forever, with no specific city centre, but
rather a succession of districts grouped together. In the back
streets, where timber houses line narrow lanes, there are reminders
that this is exotic Japan: kimono-clad women prune bonsai trees and
colourful neighbourhood festivals take place.

The city is an exuberant experience for visitors.
It is home to many museums and is the largest repository of
Japanese art in the world. Then, of course, it would take forever
to exhaust the shopping possibilities in this megalopolis.

The more one explores Tokyo, the more it becomes
obvious that one cannot judge a book by its cover. Inside the
modern buildings the cultural life of Japan is very much alive and
well. Interiors reflect the tranquil minimalist Asian style and
taste of Japan.