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.

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.

The Japanese seaside city of Kagoshima lies in a bay on the southwestern tip of the island. The city is sunny and friendly, it has even been voted Japan's friendliest. The very active Sakurajima volcano that sits across the bay is one of the city's main attractions. The local weather report has a special section for an 'ash forecast' as it falls regularly, coating everything, including cars, laundry and teeth. Kagoshima is often nicknamed 'Naples of the Eastern World' for its volcano and tropical climate.

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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.

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.

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.

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

Shimonoseki is a city in Japan. It has always been at the center of Japanese history. However, it is best known to culinary daredevils as the home of fugu, the potentially lethal pufferfish.