Asia: Jeju, Nagoya & Sapporo

The dormant volcano Hallasan formed many of the natural attractions found on Jeju. As South Korea’s tallest mountain, Hallasan offers an abundance of hiking opportunities and is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve showcasing a crater lake and an abundance of plants and wildlife. The Manjang Cave, formed by cooling lava, is the world’s longest lava tube and is partially open for tours. Head from the mountain to the magnificent beaches and watch famed haenyo (powerful sea-women) dive for octopus, abalone, clams and more without the aid of a breathing apparatus. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh seafood dishes at a local restaurant.

Busan – South Korea’s second largest city – is a harmonious blend of age-old culture and contemporary metropolitan flair. The downtown skyline and Bampo Bridge are two of Busan’s visual wonders. The old-world Buddhist temples and vintage structures preserve the essence of Korean history and culture. Equally captivating is the abundance of Busan’s natural landscape, from miles of unspoiled beaches to expansive mountainous terrain. Busan is also home to one of the largest trading ports in the world, and its growing popularity in tourism and commerce makes this South Korean city a must-see destination.

Head to Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture and you step back in time to the Edo Period (1603 to 1886), the height of samurai culture. Thankfully, Kanazawa was the second-largest city (after Kyoto) to make it through World War II intact. As a result, parts of the old castle town, including the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in pretty good condition. Keep your camera ready to capture the rows of teahouses in the historic Geisha district. Kanazawa also boasts attractive temples, a wide variety of museums and a lively market dating back to 1721. About an hour away is Kaga Onsen, healing hot springs that are well worth a day trip.

On the Sea of Japan, the prefecture of Akita and its capital city of the same name, has an abundance of natural beauty. Its hot springs, called onsen, rate the most acidic, especially in Tamagawa, where visitors flock to lie on rare, radioactive stones said to have health benefits. From virgin beech forests to the deepest lake in Japan, Akita is a haven for nature lovers, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Senshu Park is a favorite viewing space. Love history? Tour Japan’s most preserved samurai district by rickshaw. Head to the top of Selion Tower at Akita Port for 360-degree views.

Considering its population was just seven in 1857, Sapporo is one of Japan’s youngest major cities. Hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics gave the city a lot visibility. Catch a chair lift to the top of a ski jump to Okurayama Observatory for incredible views of Sapporo below. Or, head to the Historic Village of Hokkaido just outside the city to tour around 60 buildings dating from 1868 to 1926, which are set up as a typical town as well as fishing, farming and mountain villages. Alternatively, pay a visit to Noboribetsu to pamper yourself in healing, mineral-rich hot springs.

The best view of Hakodate is seen from high atop its namesake mountain. Ride the gondola to the observation deck and gaze down at the spectacular vista below. Immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan. Work up an appetite strolling along the city’s sloping streets and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market.

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.

Considered one of Japan’s most cosmopolitan cities, Osaka’s laid-back atmosphere coupled with its vibrant nightlife and famous food culture make it a must-see for travelers to the region. From stalls selling famous street food dishes to elegant Michelin-starred restaurants, foodies will delight in the abundance of unique and delicious cuisine. Centuries-old shrines and temples provide islands of tranquility among the bustling cityscape. And to dive into the region’s dramatic past and culture, visit the unique Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, the National Museum of Art or one of the other museums.

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.

Japan’s fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a center 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.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Yokohama is now one of Japan’s largest ports and your gateway to Tokyo. Ancient traditions and historic sites blend into modern culture, crafting a city unlike anywhere else. In Tokyo, you can 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. Savor 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.