Yokohama, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Busan, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Fushiki-Toyama, Sakata, Aomori, Hakodate

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.

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.

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.

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 Sakata was the location of the provincial capital of ancient Dewa Province, although the precise location has yet to be discovered by archeologists. A port at the mouth of the Mogami River is known to have existed since the Kamakura period. Although silting rendered it less important in the Muromachi period, the area developed as a major center for the kitamaebune coastal trade during the Edo period. By the early Meiji period, the Honma clan, a local merchant clan, dominated trade and emerged as the largest landholder in Japan.

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.