Asia: Osaka, Jeju, Nagoya & Mt. Fuji

Once a sleepy fishing village, Yokohama is now one of Japans 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. 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.

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 Japans 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.

Japans 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 youll find Nagoya TV Tower, the citys symbol, and Oasis 21, a multi-level public park with a futuristic water theme.

Situated between mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japans sixth-largest city and a port bustling with culture and fine cuisine. Named after its origin, famous Kobe beef is one of the delicacies to enjoy at the many gourmet restaurants. Dont miss the chance to visit Ikuta Shrine – one of Japans oldest Shinto shrines – or tour a museum to learn about local culture. For sweeping views of the vibrant city, explore one of the nearby mountainsides through a diverse selection of activities.

Situated between mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japans sixth-largest city and a port bustling with culture and fine cuisine. Named after its origin, famous Kobe beef is one of the delicacies to enjoy at the many gourmet restaurants. Dont miss the chance to visit Ikuta Shrine – one of Japans oldest Shinto shrines – or tour a museum to learn about local culture. For sweeping views of the vibrant city, explore one of the nearby mountainsides through a diverse selection of activities.

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

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 shouldnt be missed. Yet modern Nagasaki offers a vibrant and charming atmosphere thats 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 Nagasakis scenic beauty, consider a cable car ride or harbour tour. Centuries-old shrines, temples and churches dot the landscape and are a must see.

The dormant volcano Hallasan formed many of the natural attractions found on Jeju. As South Koreas 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 worlds 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. Dont 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 Inchon.