What you may not know about Hong Kong is that an astonishing 70% of it is made up of green areas and mountains, filled with historical and natural wonders. Yes, it is well-known for being a shopper's paradise, but it is also so much more. As one of the culinary capitals of the world, Hong Kong offers you the opportunity to try the best of cuisines of the Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanes or French variety, to name a few. Time your visit to coincide with a festival in the city, such as the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival or Arts Month for a truly memorable experience.

The East China Sea is a marginal sea east of China and is part of the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese islands of Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands lie to the east of the sea, to the south lies the South China Sea. The sea connects with the Sea of Japan through the Korea Strait and opens to the north into the Yellow Sea.

The port city of Keelung, Taiwan is home to the second most important port in the country. The Keelung Ghost Festival is particularly well-well known and reflects the culture of the country. Boat trips to Keelung Island are a popular tourist activity. The island is essentially a pyramid shaped mountain peak, which from the top offers stunning views over Keelung and the harbour. Heping Island, connected to the city by bridge, is the location of the fish market which offers the freshest local seafood. Of historical interest is the Ershawan Fort, a chinese built fortification.

The East China Sea is a marginal sea east of China and is part of the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese islands of Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands lie to the east of the sea, to the south lies the South China Sea. The sea connects with the Sea of Japan through the Korea Strait and opens to the north into the Yellow Sea.

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.

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.

With its beautiful scenery - hotsprings, mountains in the background and sea at the front, Beppu attracts many tourists each year. Visit the Takasakiyama Monkey Park, or the Otobaru Waterfall. For the more adventurous, there is the Wonder Rakutenchi amusement park as well as the Firework Festival which takes place in late July.

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In Hiroshima, due to the Second World War, the are many war monuments and memorials such as the Peace Park, the Peace Tower, and a peace museum. The original Hiroshima Castle (called Carp Castle),was destroyed in 1945 by the atomic bombing. However, it was reconstructed in the 50's and now houses a museum of the history of Hiroshima before World War II.

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.

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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.