The Japanese ability to mix a fast-paced world with a world of tranquility and refined ceremonies can be seen to its full effect in Osaka. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Japan’s third-largest city before taking part in a traditional tea ceremony.

Toba is on the Japanese island of Shima has about 21,000 inhabitants. The town is famous for its pearls. Even today you can observe women in bright robes diving for pearls shells. Places of interest include the Toba Sea Folk Museum and Kata-jinja Shrine.

Shingu is a city located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Popular attractions are Tankaku Castle, Kamikura Shrine and Kumano River. Shingu is also the birthplace of Aikido.

Himeji is located in Japan and was founded on April 1, 1889. The city is home to to a wonderful architectual style, reminiscent of the past. The castle of Himeji-jo has been protected by UNESCO since 1993 when it was declared a World Heritage Site. The surrounding park attrats many visitors with its Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival.

An island near Hiroshima, the names “Miyajima” and “Itsukushima” can be used interchangeably, and both are commonly used. One of Japan’s more popular spots for tourism, the island is a Unesco World Heritage site, due to it being home to the Itsukushima Shrine. In autumn, the island’s hillsides are awash with beautiful foliage - colorful cherry blossoms and maple leaves. A rural settlement, the island has a complete absence of traffic signals, and the small population of locals take the preservation of their home’s natural environment very seriously.

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.

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.

Karatsu is a southern Japanese city with a rich history and culture. In ancient times, the city was a significant trading port between Japan, Korea and China. Half a million visitors flock to Karatsu every year for its famous Karatsu Kunchi Festival that takes place in early November. There is plenty to do and see for any traveler visiting Karatsu, including religious sites and shrines, some of the best beaches in Japan, nature parks, and the ever popular Karatsu Castle.

In the medieval period, Hagi was dominated by the Yoshimi clan, who built Hagi Castle, of which the ruins can be visited today. Hagi is renowned for hagi-yaki, a form of Japanese pottery dating from 1604.

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