24 Nights Asia

Born in 300 AD as Naniwa, ancient Osaka has survived an earthquake and two fires to grow into one of Japan's largest, most prosperous cities. The graceful intersection of elongated canals and several parks makes for a beautiful city and a gorgeous waterfront.

Humming with happy energy, Kochi is a wholesome city blessed with green mountains and a network of blue rivers. The hub of the Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the citys streets are bustling hubs of activity ? walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos. Dont miss Kochi Castle, one of the only original castles from Japans feudal age still standing today, with its traditional white towers perched on a hilltop above the city. Then, check out one of the citys 88 temples: The most famous is Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan, complete with a five-story pagoda. Jump onboard a Kochi cruise and snack on imo-kenpi (candied sweet potatoes) in Hirome Ichiba indoor market

The Kanmon Straits or the Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's four main islands

Nicknamed "Little Kyoto," Kanazawas rich history and culture ranges from geisha districts to a 16th-century castle. Locals here enjoy the good life away from big-city buzz, whether they're picking up fresh seafood at Omicho Market or strolling Kenroku-en Garden's manicured paths

Niigata is the place to go to experience Japans natural bounty. With four seasons of dramatic beauty ? with a full month of cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn and snow-capped mountains in winter ?this port city on the Sea of Japan is a nature lovers dream.

Akita is a large prefecture at the Sea of Japan coast in the northern Tohoku Region. Prefectural capital is Akita City. Among Akitas main attractions are its natural beauty of mountains and the sea, hot springs and the town of Kakunodate, which preserves one of Japans most interesting samurai districts.

Aomori, a prefecture in the northern part of Japan's main island of Honshu, is known for natural landscapes including volcanic mountain ranges. Towada-Hachimantai National Park, near the southern border, has hot springs, autumn foliage in Oirase Gorge, skiing at Mount Hakkoda and lava domes around Lake Towada. Aomori, the capital, is a laid-back port that hosts the Nebuta summer festival.

Hakodate overflows with historic architecture and steamy hot springs . Located along Hokkaidos southwestern tip, its the perfect spot to begin exploring this islands unique history and culture during your vacation. Cruise to Hakodate and start your day at the morning Hakodate-Asaichi, or Morning Market, and tuck into a hearty kaisendon, a bowl of ultra-fresh sashimi fish over steamed rice. Then, relax with a soak in the Yunokawa hot springs on Hakodates outskirts, or check out Goryokaku Fort ? the nearby tower lets you take in a birds-eye view of the star-shaped design surrounded by a moat. And dont leave without taking in the million-dollar views of the city from atop Mt. Hakodate.

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don't forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle

The skyline at Shimizu port is dominated by one of Japans most distinctive sites: snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Head to Miho-no-Matsubara, a pristine beach flanked by a picturesque pine grove, where you can take in some of the clearest views of Japans tallest mountain. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and take the one-hour drive from the port to Fuji itself for some hiking ? the mountain is relatively approachable climb appropriate even for beginners, and you dont have to hike all the way to the summit. Dont miss the ancient shrines that surround this volcanic landmark: Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine, built to appease Fujis volcanic deity. Or see Kunouzan Toshogu shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese lacquer and woodwork.

Humming with happy energy, Kochi is a wholesome city blessed with green mountains and a network of blue rivers. The hub of the Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the citys streets are bustling hubs of activity ? walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos. Dont miss Kochi Castle, one of the only original castles from Japans feudal age still standing today, with its traditional white towers perched on a hilltop above the city. Then, check out one of the citys 88 temples: The most famous is Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan, complete with a five-story pagoda. Jump onboard a Kochi cruise and snack on imo-kenpi (candied sweet potatoes) in Hirome Ichiba indoor market

From a distance, you can tell theres something special about Beppu. Pillars of steam rise from this sun-drenched city, attesting to its countless hot springs ? Beppu generates more spring water than any other city in Japan. Cruise to Beppu to visit one of the many onsen (hot-spring spas) ? there are over 2,000 here. You can also find mud baths at Beppu Onsen Hoyo Land Konya Jigoku and sand baths at Beppu-Kaihama Beach. Or head out of town for a wilder version of hot springs and see the Eight Hells of Beppu: Theyre too hot to bathe in but breathtaking to see. Once youre feeling unwound, channel your inner kid at Takasakiyama Monkey Park, where monkeys run wild at the base of Mount Takasaki.

The Kanmon Straits or the Straits of Shimonoseki is the stretch of water separating Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's four main islands

A bustling metropolis dotted with leafy parks and ancient shrines, Hiroshima is a city with deep historical significance that has its eyes on the future. Here, youll find rebuilt traditional castles standing next to modern skyscrapers. Get a better understanding of the citys place in 20th-century history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Walk mindfully through the Peace Park area ? see the Cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims and the towering Peace Flame monument overlooking a reflecting pool. Then, check out nearby Miyajima Island: See Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a floating shrine gate based on a 6th-century original. Cruise to Hiroshima, Japan and hike Mount Misen ? the summit offers quiet temples and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

The dense downtown ward of Hakata sprawls from the harbor toward bamboo-forested hills. It's known for modern malls and traditional craft stores on Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Busy noodle shops serve Hakata-style pork ramen, and after-work crowds fill casual bars near Hakata Station.

Despite its status as Korea's second largest city, Pusan (or Busan) does not neglect the country's obsession with nature. The city's undulating hills result in an unusual mix of forested slopes, rugged beaches, lurching cliffs and hot springs. Pusan's seafood is legendary.

The A-bomb Hypocentre (the exact point where the atomic bomb hit in 1945) brings most people to this pleasant, easy-going city. As a crossroads of cultures, it is imprinted with Chinese temples, Catholic churches and European-style houses, and imported cuisines and festivals flourish.

Japans southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take the short ferry ride from the port to Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park and immerse yourself in its natural grandeur ? take a rejuvenating soak in the 100-meter-long natural hot spring, and take in views of the areas most iconic landmark: Sakurajima volcano, nicknamed the Vesuvius of Japan. Then, take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.

Born in 300 AD as Naniwa, ancient Osaka has survived an earthquake and two fires to grow into one of Japan's largest, most prosperous cities. The graceful intersection of elongated canals and several parks makes for a beautiful city and a gorgeous waterfront.