Asia: Osaka, Mt. Fuji & Okinawa

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 center, 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 snorkeling amid beautiful coral reefs. Back in Ishigaki, search for local textiles, pottery, crafts and black pearls, and enjoy local meat-centered 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, colorful 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.

Engage with locals and indulge in local flavors in this welcoming city, known for its famed dish Katsuo no tataki (a type of tuna Tataki). The city center 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.

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, 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.