Boasting a dazzling cityscape of towering skyscrapers and a picturesque waterfront, Minato is Japan’s political and economic nerve centre, set on the coast of eastern Tokyo. This glittering cosmopolitan city features extravagant stores, affluent residential areas that secrete exclusive clientele, and a bustling business district home to numerous foreign embassies and a plethora of corporate giants including Mitsubishi, Sony, Google and Apple. Brimming with a vast array of attractions, visitors can discover a range of must-visit venues including Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo Joypolis, Zojoji Temple, and Akasaka Palace. After a day of sightseeing, visitors can trawl the glitzy streets of Roppongi, dine at the high-end restaurants, and immerse themselves in the area's exciting nightlife.
Hiroshima has a deep historical significance – it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked devastation across the urban hub on 6 August 1945. The only remaining building in the area was the Genbaku Dome, which is now known as the 'City of Peace' and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace. Hiroshima-jo is a replica of the original castle where Japanese elders came together for centuries to discuss strategies and politics. Today Hiroshima is a thriving tourist destination with an interesting food scene and a very vibrant nightlife. Cultural experiences include the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mazda Museum.
Located on Honshu Island in Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto, the nation’s cultural heart, is renowned for its magnificent temples, tranquil Zen gardens, and historic shrines. Rich in tradition yet alive with modern energy, the city offers an extraordinary blend of ancient beauty and contemporary experiences. Not-to-be-missed highlights include the other-worldly Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shinto shrine; Kiyomizu-Dera, offering a ‘love providing’ ceremony as well as jaw-dropping views, and Buddhist Tōfuku-Ji, famous for its glorious garden. Kyoto is renowned for its food, with places like Nishiki Market offering a wide variety of culinary delights. Culture enthusiasts can attend a traditional tea ceremony; soak up the striking displays at the Kyoto International Manga Museum; or head to Gion, the vibrant downtown district, to visit artisan studios or watch a Kabuki show. Just beyond the city, scenic hikes and restorative hot springs provide the perfect way to connect with nature.
