The Japanese city of Yokohama is known as an industrial and commercial city and is part of the metropolitan area of Tokyo. After Tokyo, Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan. The geographical position of the city is on the bay of Tokyo which adds to its charm. Yokohama is particularly popular due to its lively arts scene and impressive bay area.

Shimizu is a small town of 10,000 inhabitants in the Hokkaido Prefecture of Japan. The town lies at the foot of one the Japanese 'Three Holy Mountains' and the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Mount Fuji. Nature enthusiasts will love the pine groves located just outside the busy town centre, there are over 30000 trees lining the shore. The port of Shimizu is the liveliest place in town. Hundreds of cruise ships anchor at the Cruise Terminal every year, bringing people from all over the world.

Kobe, on the southern side of the main island of Honshū is located on a hillside sloping down toward Osaka Bay. In ancient times, Kobe was an important port in the early days of Japan's trade with China, and was one of the first settlements for foreigners in the mid 19th century. Its relatively small size mean Kobe's neighbourhoods are easily traversed on foot, while the subway system is simple to navigate your way around.

In Hiroshima, due to the Second World War, the are many war monuments and memorials such as the Peace Park, the Peace Tower, and a peace museum. The original Hiroshima Castle (called Carp Castle),was destroyed in 1945 by the atomic bombing. However, it was reconstructed in the 50's and now houses a museum of the history of Hiroshima before World War II.

The Kanmon Straits or Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating two of Japan's four main islands.

Kitakyushu is a port city on the northern coast of the Japanese Kyushu Island. Although quite industrial, the city attracts a lot of tourists every year, especially in spring and autumn, when cherry and wisteria blossom. Another one of Kitakyushu's big attractions is the Kokura Castle, built originally in 1602 it is now surrounded by the beautiful Katsuyama Park that is perfect for a picnic with a stunning view. The city is definitely worth a visit.

South Korea's second largest city, is a modern port town with skyscrapers and beaches, while the city is also surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Seoul may be the capital but Busan is an energetic city with a soul of its own. Fresh seafood is a city staple as there are sprawling markets offering locals the freshest variety of produce. The city also has numerous trendy nightclubs for partying after a day spent exploring or laying on Haeundae Beach, while October welcomes the Busan International Film Festival.

Nagasaki is located on the third-largest Japanese island of Kyushu on the south-west coast. The city became well known in 1945 when it suffered a nuclear bombing. The city is home to a range of museums, one of which is the atomic bomb museum which commemorates the city's past.

The Amani is the main in the Amami islands, that are part of the Ryukyu Archipelago and belong to the Kagoshima Prefecture of Japan. Listen to the native folk songs 'shumauta', learn the Amani sign language or just lose yourself on a stroll on its beautiful coast.