14-Day Asia From Tokyo to Seoul: Osaka, Sakaiminato & Hakodate

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Itinerary

1. 1
   Tokyo, Japan

   Once a sleepy fishing village, Tokyo is now one of Japan’s largest ports. Ancient traditions and historic sites blend into modern culture, crafting a city unlike anywhere else. Walk among both neon-glowing skyscrapers and regal temples. Browse stores showcasing the latest advances in technology or retreat to one of the tranquil gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. Savor traditional cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant and witness the centuries-old sport of sumo wrestling. This cosmopolitan hub offers a vast selection of attractions and activities and a wealth of culturally and historic sites. Whether this is your first or fifth visit to the city, Tokyo will captivate your imagination.
2. 2
   Sendai (Ishinomaki), Japan

   Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Sendai is nicknamed the “City of Trees,” which is easy to see why as you explore this vibrant city. Historic sites and museums dot the cityscape, allowing a glimpse into the region’s storied past. From delicious street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, Sendai offers numerous ways to savor local cuisine as you browse boutique shops. Or journey outside the city to dormant volcanoes, rolling hills and relaxing hot springs to soak in the surrounding natural beauty.
3. 3
   Hakodate, Japan

   The best view of Hakodate is seen from high atop its namesake mountain. Ride the gondola to the observation deck and gaze down at the spectacular vista below. Immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan. Work up an appetite strolling along the city’s sloping streets and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market.
4. 4
   Aomori, Japan

   In Aomori, immerse yourself in history as you visit fascinating archaeological sites, ancient villages and cultural museums. Come hungry for culinary delights and create your own donburi from the fresh, local seafood sold at Furukawa Fish Market. Or discover one of the city’s many apple groves and taste green and red apples and homemade jams and juice.
5. 5
   Akita, Japan

   On the Sea of Japan, the prefecture of Akita and its capital city of the same name, has an abundance of natural beauty. Its hot springs, called onsen, rate the most acidic, especially in Tamagawa, where visitors flock to lie on rare, radioactive stones said to have health benefits. From virgin beech forests to the deepest lake in Japan, Akita is a haven for nature lovers, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Senshu Park is a favorite viewing space. Love history? Tour Japan’s most preserved samurai district by rickshaw. Head to the top of Selion Tower at Akita Port for 360-degree views.
6. 6
   Sakata, Japan

   Sakata had its heyday in the Edo period (1603 to 1886), when it was a wealthy port town populated by nobles and merchants. Step inside the Historical Abumiya Residence opposite the city hall, and you feel transported back in time to the home of a wealthy shipping agent. Admire the tranquil garden and make your way through the rooms divided by shoji screens. Fast forward just a bit to the Meiji Period (1868 to 1912) when you enter the Sannō Club, a lively, decadent private club lavishly decorated. For nice views of the ocean, head to Hiyoriyama Park, pick a spot on the hillside and relax.
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   Kanazawa, Japan

   Head to Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture and you step back in time to the Edo Period (1603 to 1886), the height of samurai culture. Thankfully, Kanazawa was the second-largest city (after Kyoto) to make it through World War II intact. As a result, parts of the old castle town, including the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in pretty good condition. Keep your camera ready to capture the rows of teahouses in the historic Geisha district. Kanazawa also boasts attractive temples, a wide variety of museums and a lively market dating back to 1721. About an hour away is Kaga Onsen, healing hot springs that are well worth a day trip.
8. 8
   Busan, South Korea

   Busan – South Korea’s second largest city – is a harmonious blend of age-old culture and contemporary metropolitan flair. The downtown skyline and Bampo Bridge are two of Busan’s visual wonders. The old-world Buddhist temples and vintage structures preserve the essence of Korean history and culture. Equally captivating is the abundance of Busan’s natural landscape, from miles of unspoiled beaches to expansive mountainous terrain. Busan is also home to one of the largest trading ports in the world, and its growing popularity in tourism and commerce makes this South Korean city a must-see destination.
9. 9
   Kanmon Strait

   As Japan's fifth largest city, Fukuoka offers a bit of everything – ancient temples, contemporary shopping malls, popular beaches, prominent art galleries and some of the best food in the country. The city's famous open-air food stalls, known as Yatai, serve their signature ramen in a variety of forms. History buffs will love Shofukuji, Japan's first Zen temple, founded in 1195. Get a glimpse into the past at The Maizuru Castle, with its almost 500-year-old remnants. And link to the present at the Castle's sizeable sports facility. Across the bay, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is an expansive, family-friendly marine destination with a zoo, gardens, beaches and a large aquarium.
10. 10
    Hiroshima, Japan

    History is never far from mind in Hiroshima, thus the city has created one of the most important and breathtaking memorials in the world, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Statues, halls, and monuments at this World Heritage Site honor those who fell in World War II. As one of Japan's largest islands, Hiroshima also offers rich natural beauty and a myriad of outdoor activities like biking, hiking and beaching. The local cuisine is plentiful, especially the signature “Okonomiyaki,” a crepe filled with meat, seafood, cabbage, and vegetables. Oysters (usually grilled) serve as an additional fresh and delicious culinary draw.
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    Kochi, Japan

    Engage with locals and indulge in local flavors in this welcoming city, known for its famed dish Katsuo no tataki (a type of tuna tataki). The city center was initially settled in 1601 as a town surrounding Kochi Castle, which is now one of the region's principal attractions. Delve into times gone by as you stroll along the famed, red Harimaya-bashi – the basis for an old local folklore song. Discover the lovely Katsurahama beach area, where the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial overlooks the sea and honors this legendary Japanese peace negotiator.
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    Kyoto (Osaka), Japan

    Cradled by rolling hills on three sides, Kyoto is considered the historical and cultural epicenter of the country. The city was Japan’s capital for more than 1,000 years (794 – 1868) and approximately 1,600 Buddhist temples and more than 400 Shintō shrines are peppered throughout the city. From numerous historic sites and tranquil gardens to delicious local cuisine and boutique shopping, Kyoto offers you a window into the heart of Japan’s traditions and culture.
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    Nagoya, Japan

    Japan’s fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a center of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae. This busy hub is where you’ll find Nagoya TV Tower, the city’s symbol, and Oasis 21, a multi-level public park with a futuristic water theme.
14. 14
    Mount Fuji (Shimizu), Japan

    In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira. Take in the seascapes on a bay cruise, or learn of undersea delights at Japan’s first sushi museum, and get a glimpse at feudal life in Japan in 200 BC at the archaeological site of Toro. Shop for traditional Japanese wooden handcrafts and fabrics unique to the region, and sample some yokan, a sweet jellied confection.
15. 15
    Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

    Once a sleepy fishing village, Yokohama is now one of Japan’s largest ports and your gateway to Tokyo. Ancient traditions and historic sites blend into modern culture, crafting a city unlike anywhere else. In Tokyo, you can walk among both neon-glowing skyscrapers and regal temples. Browse stores showcasing the latest advances in technology or retreat to one of the tranquil gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. Savor traditional cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant and witness the centuries-old sport of sumo wrestling. This cosmopolitan hub offers a vast selection of attractions and activities and a wealth of culturally and historic sites. Whether this is your first or fifth visit to the city, Tokyo will captivate your imagination.