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.

Oshima Island or Izu Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, a group of volcanic islands under the administration of Tokyo. It is located about 100 km south of Japan's capital. At the heart of the island is the 758 m tall Mount Mihara, an active volcano- the source of several interesting sites and various hot springs on the island.

Jeju is the largest South Korean island. The subtropical climate attracts plenty of national and international visitors. Mountains and volcanoes traverse the island.