A Journey of Ocean
Serenity, Lively Culture &
Island Grace

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.

Toba

Japan is an isolated archipelago off the coast of mainland China, Russia, and Korea, separated from its Asian neighbours by the Sea of Japan. Between 1639 and 1859, Japan elected to cut itself off from trade or traffic with the rest of the world, except for marginal contact through the southern Kyushu island ports.

Since reopening up its doors around 150 years ago, the densely populated islands have developed in leaps and bounds and much of the country is now covered by sprawling neon-lit cities and the world's most sophisticated public transport networks.

Modern it may be, but Japan still retains plenty of its mystical oriental charm. From the intricacies of etiquette demanded in social situations, to the minimalist décor behind rice paper screens, traditional Japanese culture is alive and well, making a visit to Japan a fascinating experience.

The modern metropolises are dotted with numerous ancient shrines and temples, while the countryside is riddled with hundreds of volcanoes and hot springs overlooking pastoral paddy fields. Parks are festooned with rigidly raked white gravel Zen gardens or coated with layers of lilac and cherry blossom.

Japan's islands are mountainous in the interior - 75 percent of the country's landmass is made up of mountains - and most of the people are tightly packed within the limitations of the coastal plains, particularly on the main island of Honshu. Tokyo, the capital and largest city, situated on Honshu's east coast, has a population of 12 million.

Despite this huge mass of humanity, Japan is well ordered. Everything runs on time, and crime levels are almost non-existent. It is still possible to find beautiful vistas and wide empty spaces in the countryside, and when you are forced to mingle with the urban throngs you will find the Japanese to be charming, courteous, and friendly to foreign faces.

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.

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.

Matsuyama

Located in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan, Matsumoto is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Best known for its magnificent Matsumoto Castle, this city provides visitors with a rich experience that showcases both traditional and modern Japanese elements.

Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle" due to its beautiful black exterior, is one of Japan's premier historic landmarks. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the nation's oldest surviving castles. The castle's unique architecture, moat, and beautiful cherry blossom surroundings make it a must-visit attraction for tourists. Inside, visitors can explore the various floors and learn about the castle's history through the informative exhibits and displays.

Aside from the castle, Matsumoto also boasts a thriving arts scene. The Matsumoto Performing Arts Center, located near the castle, is a hub for both traditional and contemporary performances, including theater, music, and dance. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant productions staged here, which often showcase local talent as well as international acts.

Another notable cultural attraction in Matsumoto is the Matsumoto Museum of Art. Located in a beautiful modern building, this museum houses a diverse collection of artwork from both local and international artists. With rotating exhibitions and a focus on contemporary art, the museum provides visitors with a chance to explore different artistic styles and interpretations.

For those seeking a more serene experience, Matsumoto is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. Just a short drive from the city center, Kamikochi is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, this scenic valley offers stunning views of majestic mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and encounter unique flora and fauna along the way.

Matsumoto is also famous for its hot springs, known as onsen. These natural geothermal baths are scattered throughout the region and provide an opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. Many traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) offer onsen facilities, allowing guests to soak in the mineral-rich waters while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Food enthusiasts will also find themselves delighted in Matsumoto. The city is known for its exceptional local cuisine, including signature dishes like soba (buckwheat noodles) and oyaki (stuffed dumplings). Visitors can indulge in these regional delicacies at local restaurants and markets, where they can experience the authentic flavors of Matsumoto.

Matsumoto is easily accessible by train from major cities like Tokyo and Nagoya. Once in the city, efficient local transportation networks make it convenient for visitors to explore the various attractions.

With its rich history, cultural attractions, natural beauty, and delectable cuisine, Matsumoto is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a food lover, this charming city in the heart of Japan will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

Sasebo

Sasebo is a charming port city nestled in the far western corner of Nagasaki Prefecture in southwestern Japan. It is known for its picturesque harbor and beautiful beaches, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing retreat. The city is also home to some of Japan’s best seafood restaurants, its unique mix of traditional and modern architecture, and its low-key atmosphere, which makes it a great place to unwind.

Visiting Sasebo is an experience that every traveler should enjoy. When you first arrive in Sasebo, you will be amazed at the beauty of its harbor. The waterfront area around the harbor is alive with activity as boats bob in the tranquil waters and locals make their way around the city. Colorful fishing boats line the docks, while larger ships and cruise vessels move through the waters. Locals can be seen fishing near the docks while tourists often hop on boats to explore the nearby islands or explore more of Sasebo itself.

In addition to the stunning harbour, Sasebo also has a number of beaches that are perfect for swimming or just relaxing in the sun. The city’s long coastline includes many beautiful beaches, from wide stretches of sand to small isolated coves. Visitors can also explore the many picturesque islands just off the coast and take in some stunning views of the ocean and Sasebo skyline.

Sasebo is also full of history, culture, and delicious food. It has a fascinating history, having been the site of a major naval base during the Second World War. Today, many buildings from this period still stand, from old ships to rusting tanks. Locals and visitors alike can also visit the many temples and shrines scattered throughout the city.

When it comes to food, Sasebo offers no shortage of delicious options. The city is known for its seafood and sushi, but there are also plenty of other dishes to enjoy, such as kamameshi (rice cooked in a special clay pot), tempura, noodles and more. Many restaurants offer traditional Japanese foods as well as more modern fare like Italian, French, and Chinese cuisine.

No matter what your interests are, Sasebo has something for everyone who visits. With its breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and vibrant culture, visiting Sasebo is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea, is a popular destination known for its stunning landscapes, unique cultural heritage, and world-class attractions. This volcanic island, often referred to as the "Hawaii of Korea," is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its diverse range of attractions and activities, Jeju Island offers something for every traveler.

One of the highlights of Jeju Island is its breathtaking natural beauty. The island is home to majestic mountains, pristine beaches, lush forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Mount Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular hiking spot. With a well-maintained trail network, visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking routes, each offering stunning panoramic views of the island and its surrounding ocean.

Jeju Island is also famous for its volcanic formations, such as the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a volcanic crater filled with lush vegetation, and a sunrise hike to the peak is a must-do experience for many visitors. Another must-visit natural wonder is Manjanggul Cave, one of the largest lava caves in the world. Exploring the cave's unique formations and underground passages is a fascinating experience for both nature enthusiasts and those interested in geological wonders.

The island's coastal areas are equally enchanting, with stunning beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Hamdeok Beach, Hyeopjae Beach, and Jungmun Saekdal Beach are some of the most popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. In addition to its beaches, Jeju Island boasts several impressive waterfalls, including Cheonjeyeon Falls and Jeongbang Falls. These beautiful cascades not only offer travelers a refreshing retreat but also provide spectacular photo opportunities.

Jeju Island is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The island has a unique mythology and a strong tradition of shamanism, which can be experienced at various cultural sites and festivals. The Jeju Folk Village Museum is a living museum that showcases traditional Jeju Island life, with preserved old houses, folk performances, and craft demonstrations. The opportunity to learn about the island's history and traditions is a fascinating aspect of visiting Jeju Island.

Moreover, Jeju Island is famous for its local cuisine. The island's fertile volcanic soil and abundant seafood resources contribute to its delicious and diverse culinary offerings. Don't miss the opportunity to try Jeju black pork, a local delicacy known for its rich flavor, or indulge in fresh seafood dishes like raw fish (hoe) or abalone porridge. The island is also famous for its mandarin oranges, which are both a popular souvenir and a refreshing treat.

Getting around Jeju Island is convenient, as it has a well-developed transportation system. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the island, but public buses and taxis are also readily available. The island's compact size makes it easy to navigate, and there are plenty of tourist information centers to assist travelers with their itineraries.

In summary, Jeju Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. From hiking up a volcanic peak to relaxing on pristine beaches, visitors will find numerous attractions to explore and enjoy. Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature, learn about the island's history, or simply indulge in its delicious cuisine, Jeju Island promises an unforgettable travel experience.

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.

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.