Asia: Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya & Himeji

The gateway to the east coast of Taiwan, Hualien is a bustling city full of good food, majestic architecture and beautiful green spaces. Tour temples both old and new, stroll through the city centre, or get a taste of Taiwan at one of many restaurants or markets. If you're looking for natural beauty, you'll find it just up the coast. Visit Taroko National Park, where the Liwu River carved a scenic gorge with hills rising up on either side.

Discover this remote and picturesque island's lush mountains, beautiful beaches and magnificent coral reef from island viewpoints. See the native palm forest and the lavishly decorated Chinese tomb. Journey to isolated Irimote to trek through the island's dense jungles and mangroves or enjoy fantastic snorkelling amid beautiful coral reefs. Back in Ishigaki, search for local textiles, pottery, crafts and black pearls, and enjoy local meat-centred specialties in the town's restaurants.

Enjoy the scenic countryside, WWII memorials, magnificent limestone caves and a reconstructed Ryukyu village where the island's heritage and crafts are on display. Take home exquisite Bingata fabric, handmade paper, colourful tsuboya-yaki pottery and other craft items. You'll also find foods to suit any palate, but traditional Okinawan cuisine blends influences from Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.

The largest in the Satsunan Islands, Amami Oshima is known for its numerous white-sand beaches, pristine warm waters and its celebrated Oshima Tsumugi silk, which has been used for centuries to make Japan's famous kimonos. Discover local culture and traditions while exploring Amami City (also called Naze) and sample delicious cuisine. Then venture outside of town and recline beachside for some relaxation. From enjoying water sports like fishing, snorkelling and surfing to heading inland to explore the dense jungle, there's an outdoor activity for everyone to enjoy.

Engage with locals and indulge in local flavours in this welcoming city, known for its famed dish Katsuo no tataki (a type of tuna Tataki). The city centre was initially settled in 1601 as a town surrounding Kochi Castle, which is now one of the region's principal attractions. Delve into times gone by as you stroll along the famed, red Harimaya-bashi - the basis for an old local folklore song. Discover the lovely Katsurahama beach area, where the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial overlooks the sea and honors this legendary Japanese peace negotiator.

Himeji was founded as a castle town in the 14th century. Through the centuries the castle went through several major renovations and expansions under different rulers. Today, Himeji Castle still sits upon the hillside and is the main attraction for visitors to the area. With approximately half a million residents, the city offers a wide range of dining and shopping opportunities to enjoy as you explore the castle, shrines and temples.

Cradled by rolling hills on three sides, Kyoto is considered the historical and cultural epicenter of the country. The city was Japan's capital for more than 1,000 years (794 - 1868) and approximately 1,600 Buddhist temples and more than 400 Shintō shrines are peppered throughout the city. From numerous historic sites and tranquil gardens to delicious local cuisine and boutique shopping, Kyoto offers you a window into the heart of Japan's traditions and culture.

Cradled by rolling hills on three sides, Kyoto is considered the historical and cultural epicenter of the country. The city was Japan's capital for more than 1,000 years (794 - 1868) and approximately 1,600 Buddhist temples and more than 400 Shintō shrines are peppered throughout the city. From numerous historic sites and tranquil gardens to delicious local cuisine and boutique shopping, Kyoto offers you a window into the heart of Japan's traditions and culture.

Japan's fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae. This busy hub is where you'll find Nagoya TV Tower, the city's symbol, and Oasis 21, a multi-level public park with a futuristic water theme.

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira. Take in the seascapes on a bay cruise, or learn of undersea delights at Japan's first sushi museum, and get a glimpse at feudal life in Japan in 200 BC at the archaeological site of Toro. Shop for traditional Japanese wooden handcrafts and fabrics unique to the region, and sample some yokan, a sweet jellied confection.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Tokyo is now one of Japan's largest ports. Ancient traditions and historic sites blend into modern culture, crafting a city unlike anywhere else. Walk among both neon-glowing skyscrapers and regal temples. Browse stores showcasing the latest advances in technology or retreat to one of the tranquil gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. Savour traditional cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant and witness the centuries-old sport of sumo wrestling. This cosmopolitan hub offers a vast selection of attractions and activities and a wealth of culturally and historic sites. Whether this is your first or fifth visit to the city, Tokyo will captivate your imagination.