Yokohama, Kochi, Kagoshima, Sasebo, Busan, Kanazawa-, Akita, Otaru, Aomori, Hakodate, Shimizu, Kobe, Hiroshima, Sokcho, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Fushiki-Toyama, Miyakojima

Yokohama is one of the most visited cities in Japan. It is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, directly south of Tokyo. The Yokohama Port is set in the heart of the city and all tourist destinations are within walking distance. It is a cosmopolitan city, where the old and the new, the East and the West blend harmoniously. Minato Mirai is a seaside urban area in central Yokohama with large high-rises, including the Landmark Tower and a wealth of attractions such as shopping centers, hotels, amusement parks, a relaxation center with hot spring baths and museums. It is worth visiting the Sankeien Gardens, a vast genuine Japanese garden that will enchant you with its colors and shapes,its ponds and pagodas.

Kōchi is the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture located on the island of Shikoku in Japan.

Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. A symbol of the city is its most famous dish, katsuo tataki, made by lightly searing and seasoning tuna.

Kōchi Castle still exists in its pre-restoration form, and is one of the main tourist attractions. Other places of interest in the city centre are the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, the regular Sunday street markets which are close to a kilometre in length, and Harimaya-bashi, a bridge that featured in a famous Kōchi song about the forbidden love of a Buddhist priest.

Kagoshima lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula, on the island of Kyushu, Japan. The city’s port is situated along the coast of Kinko Bay. Kagoshima has mild climate, streets with palm trees and is dominated by Sakura Jima, an active volcano which every now and then dumps fine ash and obscures the sun like fog, creating a mythical and captivating landscape. It is a historical city and home of the mythical samurai Saigo Takamori, the most influential samurai in Japanese history that played a major role in the Satsuma Rebellion.

The area of present-day Sasebo was a small fishing village under the control of nearby Hirado Domain until shortly after the start of the Meiji period. Sasebo Naval District, founded in 1886, became the major port for the Japanese navy in its operations in the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War, and remained a major naval base to the end of World War II.

Busan is a port city located at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula in South Korea. It is known for its mountains and beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and seafood. Busan International Film Festival is held here each fall. If you are looking for something traditional and tranquil visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a 6th Century Bhuddist Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Otherwise wander around Centum City, the world’s largest shopping complex and feel the pace of modern Busan.

The area of present-day Akita was part of ancient Dewa Province, and has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Jizōden ruins within the city limits are a major archaeological site with artifacts from the Japanese Paleolithic period through the Jomon and Yayoi periods. During the Nara period, the Yamato court established Akita Castle in 733 AD to bring the local Emishi tribes under its control. The area was ruled by a succession of local samurai clans in the Sengoku period, before coming under the control of the Satake clan of Kubota Domain during the Edo period. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, a castle town developed around Kubota Castle. This representative summer festival began 350 years ago, with similar to tanabata festivals held elsewhere in Japan. During this festival, participants balance 15 meter poles with 230 lanterns on their chins; the main event is held during the evening and night hours, between the 3rd and 6th of August each year.  During the festival, Kanto stunt events are held in Senshu Park during daylight hours involving many amateur participants. This event was first held in 1931 and every subsequent year, except between 1935 and 1946 and in 1953 and 1965.[citation needed] Overseas exhibitions of the festival were performed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1988, Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2002, London, UK, in 2004, and as an opening event at the 2001 World Games.

Otaru is a city and port in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan, northwest of Sapporo. The city faces the Ishikari Bay, and has long served as the main port of the bay. With its many historical buildings, Otaru is a popular tourist destination because it is a 25-minute drive from Sapporo.

Aomori is located on Mutsu Bay, at the northern tip of Honshu, Japan. The city pumps much of its beauty from the famous apple orchards and cherry blossoms that encompass its landscape. The Hakkoda Mountains that are always covered with snow can be seen from a distance. Aomori is probably best known for its famous Nebuta Festival, an elaborate yearly event. The city has many sights to offer including the Hirosaki Castle and the Oirase River, its beautiful mountains and seas. The city’s port is a quiet, peaceful harbor and combined with the buildings and parks surrounding it, the bay area makes a lasting impression.

Yokohama is one of the most visited cities in Japan. It is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, directly south of Tokyo. The Yokohama Port is set in the heart of the city and all tourist destinations are within walking distance. It is a cosmopolitan city, where the old and the new, the East and the West blend harmoniously. Minato Mirai is a seaside urban area in central Yokohama with large high-rises, including the Landmark Tower and a wealth of attractions such as shopping centers, hotels, amusement parks, a relaxation center with hot spring baths and museums. It is worth visiting the Sankeien Gardens, a vast genuine Japanese garden that will enchant you with its colors and shapes,its ponds and pagodas.

Shimizu is located on the coast of Suruga Bay of the Pacific Ocean and covers a wide area from a coastal plain to the hills. The view of Mount Fuji at Shimizu as seen across the bay from the Miho no Matsubara appears in many pictures and paintings.

Since ancient times, Shimizu thrived as a harbor town due to its good natural harbor. Shimizu became an international trade port for the export of green tea, as well as housing a major fishery and affiliated industries.

Shimizu is known for producing Japanese mandarin oranges, and green tea in the mountainous area and around the Nihondaira. Shimizu Port is a major commercial fishing port. Production of roses used to be the highest in Japan.

Kobe is located on the southern side of the island of Honshū, on the north shore of Osaka Bay, Japan. The city is perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea and is considered one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Kobe is small and quite compact, so most sights can be reached on foot. Meriken Park, located near the waterfront, has modern art installations, park areas and an impressive memorial to the recent devastating Hanshin Earthquake that killed thousands of people. Travellers should pay a visit to Port Tower in order to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Kōchi is the capital city of Kōchi Prefecture located on the island of Shikoku in Japan.

Kōchi is the main city of the prefecture with over 40% of its population. A symbol of the city is its most famous dish, katsuo tataki, made by lightly searing and seasoning tuna.

Kōchi Castle still exists in its pre-restoration form, and is one of the main tourist attractions. Other places of interest in the city centre are the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, the regular Sunday street markets which are close to a kilometre in length, and Harimaya-bashi, a bridge that featured in a famous Kōchi song about the forbidden love of a Buddhist priest.

Hiroshima is the largest city in the Chūgoku region of western Honshu, the largest island of Japan. It is situated on the Ōta River delta, on Hiroshima Bay. The river's six channels divide Hiroshima into several islets. The city that became the site of the world's first atomic bomb attack is now a modern, cosmopolitan city with a bustling nightlife. It is a friendly city with modern architecture, excellent museums and a wide range of culinary delights.

Τourist attractions include Seoroksan, Cheoksan hot spring, Sokcho Beach, Shinheungsa and Abai village. In July 2016, Sokcho became one of the few locations in South Korea where Pokemon GO could be played due to government restrictions on mapping data. Players flocked to the city, causing bus tickets to sell out. There are natural hot springs in Sokcho, some of which have been developed into spas and pleasure swimming halls. There are also golf courses which are popular because of their natural surroundings.

Sakaiminato is a city in Tottori Prefecture, Japan.  The city is located at the northern end of Yumigahama Peninsula and it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is the home country of the famed manga comic artist Shigeru Mizuki and the city’s main attractions are the approximately 100 bronze statues of supernatural characters designed by the artist that can be found throughout the city. Sakaiminato is the gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. 

Toyama is a city and the capital of Toyama prefecture, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Toyama is a popular tourist destination since it hosts many wonderful attractions including museums, gardens and castles and many festivals. Visit the Toyama Castle, a small residence from the 15th century, the Toyama Castle Park, the botanic gardens  and the Toyama Street Museums. Annual festivals like the Toyama Chindon Contest and the Kaze No Bon are held in the Yatsuo region each September.

The area of present-day Akita was part of ancient Dewa Province, and has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Jizōden ruins within the city limits are a major archaeological site with artifacts from the Japanese Paleolithic period through the Jomon and Yayoi periods. During the Nara period, the Yamato court established Akita Castle in 733 AD to bring the local Emishi tribes under its control. The area was ruled by a succession of local samurai clans in the Sengoku period, before coming under the control of the Satake clan of Kubota Domain during the Edo period. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, a castle town developed around Kubota Castle. This representative summer festival began 350 years ago, with similar to tanabata festivals held elsewhere in Japan. During this festival, participants balance 15 meter poles with 230 lanterns on their chins; the main event is held during the evening and night hours, between the 3rd and 6th of August each year.  During the festival, Kanto stunt events are held in Senshu Park during daylight hours involving many amateur participants. This event was first held in 1931 and every subsequent year, except between 1935 and 1946 and in 1953 and 1965.[citation needed] Overseas exhibitions of the festival were performed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1988, Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2002, London, UK, in 2004, and as an opening event at the 2001 World Games.

Miyako-jima is the largest and the most populous island among the Miyako Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Miyako-jima is administered as part of the City of Miyakojima, which includes not only Miyako-jima, but also five other populated islands.

Miyako-jima lies approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Okinawa Island and 400 kilometres east of Taipei, Taiwan. Miyako is the fourth-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. The island is triangular in shape and is composed of Ryukyuan limestone.

Miyako-jima is well known for its beauty, particularly the Eastern Cape, which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful spots in Japan. Other notable locations include Maehama beach, the German Cultural Center, Painagama Beach, and the sights on Irabu-jima. There are three islands close by which are connected by bridges to Miyako-jima, Irabujima (as of early 2015), Ikemajima and Kurimajima. The Miyako language, one of several Ryukyuan languages, is spoken here.

Miyako-jima is home to sugarcane cultivation, and produces brown sugar. Miyako jōfu is a locally produced hand-woven textile made from ramie fiber. It was formerly known as Satsuma jōfu. The textile traces its production to the Tensho period, 1573-92.

Yokohama is one of the most visited cities in Japan. It is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, directly south of Tokyo. The Yokohama Port is set in the heart of the city and all tourist destinations are within walking distance. It is a cosmopolitan city, where the old and the new, the East and the West blend harmoniously. Minato Mirai is a seaside urban area in central Yokohama with large high-rises, including the Landmark Tower and a wealth of attractions such as shopping centers, hotels, amusement parks, a relaxation center with hot spring baths and museums. It is worth visiting the Sankeien Gardens, a vast genuine Japanese garden that will enchant you with its colors and shapes,its ponds and pagodas.