Blossoms & Temples – Tokyo to Tokyo

Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and, with a population of 3.6 million, is Japan’s largest city after Tokyo. It is centered on an inlet on the western side of Tokyo Bay, to which it is connected by a half-dozen railway lines as well as expressways and surface streets via Kawasaki. A major industrial zone known as the Keihin Industrial Area stretches along the reclaimed coastline to the north of the central area towards Kawasaki and Tokyo beyond.

This centrally located city at the crossroads of the country offers the international visitor an excellent look at both modern and traditional Japan. It features wide boulevards, a dynamic shopping district in the heart of downtown, and easy access to nearby mountains and beaches for day trips. The main visitor destination here is Nagoya Castle, featuring the samurai armor and treasures of the Tokugawa clan. Other visitor favorites include the Atsuta Shrine & Technology Museum, highlighting the city’s past and present; nearby Inuyama Castle, believed to be the oldest castle in Japan; Noritake Garden and its Craft Center; and Toyokuni Shrine where you can see the large torii (Shinto Shrine gate).

Visit the breathtaking temples and shrines of Japan’s old imperial capital, Kyoto, or visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples that pre-date Kyoto’s. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Then travel on to Osaka and its famed castle. In Kobe visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge, amazing edifice built entirely of wood and tile! Take home silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects. Enjoy traditional Japanese fare or indulge in a wonderful dinner of Kobe beef. Everything will be exquisitely prepared and served.

Visit the breathtaking temples and shrines of Japan’s old imperial capital, Kyoto, or visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples that pre-date Kyoto’s. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine. Then travel on to Osaka and its famed castle. In Kobe visit historic Himeji Castle, a huge, amazing edifice built entirely of wood and tile! Take home silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects. Enjoy traditional Japanese fare or indulge in a wonderful dinner of Kobe beef. Everything will be exquisitely prepared and served.

Kochi boasts beautiful and abundant natural landscapes, from an expansive coastline running with the Kuroshio Current to the clear Shimanto River and the deep green forests that surround it. Located in the south of Shikoku, Kochi is ringed by rugged mountains to the north, and its arc-like southern coastline traces the outline of Tosa Bay. To the east is Cape Muroto, and to the west, Cape Ashizuri, with gently undulating sandy beaches stretching between these two extreme points. The prefecture also boasts the mystical limestone caves of Ryu-ga-do, and the beautiful sands and green pines of Katsura-hama Beach.

Beppu is a city and spa resort on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. Set between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains, it’s home to more than 2,000 onsen (hot springs). Kannawa Onsen district has facilities for bathing in nutrient-rich water, mud and sand. The 8 Hells of Beppu—6 in Kannawa, 2 in outlying Shibaseki—are dramatic landscapes of thermal pools. To the west is Mount Tsurumi, accessible by cable car.

Inchon, located on the west coast of South Korea, is regarded as part of the greater Seoul metropolitan area due to its close proximity to the city. During the Korean War, Inchon was the site of the Battle of Inchon, when United States troops landed to relieve pressure on the Pusan Perimeter and to launch a United Nations offensive northward. The city was also the site of a Japanese POW camp during World War II.

Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the largest city of the People’s Republic of China and the ninth largest in the world. Widely regarded as the citadel of China’s modern economy, the city also serves as one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers of China. Shanghai is also one of the world’s busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.

Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the largest city of the People’s Republic of China and the ninth largest in the world. Widely regarded as the citadel of China’s modern economy, the city also serves as one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers of China. Shanghai is also one of the world’s busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.

Kagoshima is Japan’s southernmost major city, and is nicknamed the “Naples of the Eastern World,” based on its caldera bay location, hot climate, and volcano. The majestic view of Mt Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, dominates the city’s landscape, towering over the beautiful Kinko Bay. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who landed in Kagoshima and first introduced Christianity to Japan.

Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and, with a population of 3.6 million, is Japan’s largest city after Tokyo. It is centered on an inlet on the western side of Tokyo Bay, to which it is connected by a half-dozen railway lines as well as expressways and surface streets via Kawasaki. A major industrial zone known as the Keihin Industrial Area stretches along the reclaimed coastline to the north of the central area towards Kawasaki and Tokyo beyond.