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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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.

Kitakyushu is a port city on the northern coast of the Japanese Kyushu Island. Although quite industrial, the city attracts a lot of tourists every year, especially in spring and autumn, when cherry and wisteria blossom. Another one of Kitakyushu's big attractions is the Kokura Castle, built originally in 1602 it is now surrounded by the beautiful Katsuyama Park that is perfect for a picnic with a stunning view. The city is definitely worth a visit.

Sakaiminato, which lies at the northern end of the peninsula and Yumigahama, is a city in the Tottori Prefecture in Japan.

Overnight

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.

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.

Nagoya is a city, seaport and administrative center of Japan's Aichi Prefecture on Honshu on the Pacific. With 2.3 million inhabitants, Nagoya is in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka Japanese fourth largest industrial center.