The architectural aesthetic of South Korea's capital city, Seoul, reflects an enticing blend of old and new. State-of-the-art skyscrapers, glistening office blocks and vast modern shopping centres dominate the skyline. Despite being one of the world's most modern and vibrant mega-cities, tucked at the base of this glass, steel and concrete jungle, you will find a warren of winding cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses and a slew of historical sites, tranquil parks, sacred shrines and temples, and quaint tea houses. The sprawling night markets where travellers can sample some of Korea's most deliciously spicy national dishes with their alluring aromas and unique tastes are well worth visiting. Seoul is characterised by a fast-paced, frenzied atmosphere with a natural escape near a magnificent chain of peaceful mountains, all within walking distance of the city's remarkably efficient public transport system. Must-see attractions include the opulent palaces dating from the late 14th century surrounding this dynamic and enchanting metropolis.
An evocative mix of ancient and modern, Fukuoka is located on Kyushu Island’s northern coast and forms the capital of the Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as Japan’s sixth-largest city. Visit centuries-old temples; indulge in retail therapy at the ultra-modern Canal City Hakata (mall); take in an exhibition at the Fukuoka Art Museum, housed in the tranquil grounds of Ohori Park; or savour the city’s famous tonkotsu ramen – a thick, creamy Japanese noodle soup – at any of its many street markets. Other highlights include the Momochi Seaside Park, the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, and the Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple. Popular activities on offer include hiking, golfing, swimming, river cruises, coastal cycling routes, and some fascinating cultural tours.
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.
Osaka is a large port city and a busy commercial centre on the Japanese island of Honshu, known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. This bustling city features a number of appealing attractions, most notably its restored 16th-century Shogunate Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat and plum, peach and cherry blossom trees. The city also boasts an impressive array of museums including the National Museum of Ethnology, the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. Other must-see attractions include the Universal Studios Japan and the Expo Commemoration Park, which features the iconic Tower of the Sun.
Japan’s ‘cultural capital’, Kyoto, is located on Honshu Island within the Kansai region. Filled with awe-inspiring shrines, temples, and Zen gardens, as well as a host of extraordinary modern attractions and numerous things to do, the city offers a plethora of experiences. First stops include the other-worldly Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shinto shrine; Kiyomizu-Dera, offering a ‘love providing’ ceremony and jaw-dropping views, and Buddhist Tōfuku-Ji, famous for its glorious garden. It is also entirely possible to visit Kyoto for the sake of food alone; hubs like Nishiki Market provide a dizzying array of culinary adventures. 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. Exquisite hikes and natural hot springs await just outside the city.
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.
