Asia: Jeju, Nagoya, Sapporo & Hakodate

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.

The compact city of Kōbe is ideally situated between the mountains and the sea. It only takes a short time in this walker’s paradise to see why Kōbe is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Where else can you find natural waterfalls (Nunobiki Falls) in an urban setting that have inspired artists for centuries? Historic sites and museums intertwine with immaculate parks and vibrant culinary, arts and jazz music scenes. Come savor a day in this unique cosmopolitan city with Norwegian.

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.

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.

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.

Sakata had its heyday in the Edo period (1603 to 1886), when it was a wealthy port town populated by nobles and merchants. Step inside the Historical Abumiya Residence opposite the city hall, and you feel transported back in time to the home of a wealthy shipping agent. Admire the tranquil garden and make your way through the rooms divided by shoji screens. Fast forward just a bit to the Meiji Period (1868 to 1912) when you enter the Sannō Club, a lively, decadent private club lavishly decorated. For nice views of the ocean, head to Hiyoriyama Park, pick a spot on the hillside and relax.

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.

Nagasaki is often equated with the dropping of the atomic bomb, and there are many moving museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to its World War II history that shouldn’t be missed. Yet modern Nagasaki offers a vibrant and charming atmosphere that’s waiting to be explored. Among its cobblestone and rolling hills, the city boasts a rich culinary scene that will excite your inner foodie. To capture Nagasaki’s scenic beauty, consider a cable car ride or harbor tour. Centuries-old shrines, temples and churches dot the landscape and are a must see.

A visit to Kanmon Straits is an opportunity to experience one of the Japan’s most incredible waterways. This expansive channel connects two of Japan’s four main islands, Honshu and Kyushu. The best views of the surrounding scenery are from above. Hop on a helicopter ride or visit Mt. Hinoyama in Shimonoseki on the north side of the strait. On the south side, you can visit Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu. Make your way to either side using an underground pedestrian walkway or crossing Kanmon Bridge, one of the 50 largest suspension bridges in the world.

History is never far from mind in Hiroshima, thus the city has created one of the most important and breathtaking memorials in the world, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Statues, halls, and monuments at this World Heritage Site honor those who fell in World War II. As one of Japan's largest islands, Hiroshima also offers rich natural beauty and a myriad of outdoor activities like biking, hiking and beaching. The local cuisine is plentiful, especially the signature “Okonomiyaki,” a crepe filled with meat, seafood, cabbage, and vegetables. Oysters (usually grilled) serve as an additional fresh and delicious culinary draw.

A visit to Kanmon Straits is an opportunity to experience one of the Japan’s most incredible waterways. This expansive channel connects two of Japan’s four main islands, Honshu and Kyushu. The best views of the surrounding scenery are from above. Hop on a helicopter ride or visit Mt. Hinoyama in Shimonoseki on the north side of the strait. On the south side, you can visit Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu. Make your way to either side using an underground pedestrian walkway or crossing Kanmon Bridge, one of the 50 largest suspension bridges in the world.

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.

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district. Or spend a day in the serene atmosphere of a Zen Buddhist temple and a historic Korean village. Tour the DMZ and rediscover the drama of recent history. Or simply wander the fish market and promenade at Incheon.

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district. Or spend a day in the serene atmosphere of a Zen Buddhist temple and a historic Korean village. Tour the DMZ and rediscover the drama of recent history. Or simply wander the fish market and promenade at Incheon.