Deal

The Japanese city of Kobe needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with its homegrown superstar. We are not talking of its stunning shrines, cherry trees laden with blossom during sakura, or effervescent city, buzzing with life 24/7. We are of course talking of a much more grass roots hero – its eponymous beef. The delicacy might have put the city on the map, but there is far more to Kobe than its meat. Naturally, Kobe wears its cuisine as a badge of honour. Its port history has given it a gastronomy that is quite different from its neighbours. Seafood and sushi is naturally some of the freshest and most diverse you can find, but Kobe’s multi-cultural nature (the city is home to 98 different nationalities) means that it has one of the most diverse gastronomic cultures in Japan. Bread and bakeries are also an (unexpected) delicacy. Additionally, Sake is taken very seriously – Kobe even has its own museum dedicated to the national spirit. Historically, Kobe has always been a key city for Japan. Renamed in 1889, it was known as Owada no Tomari during the Nara Period (710-784 C.E.). Kobe’s location on the calm Inland Sea between Osaka and Kyoto has proven to be pivotal in Japanese history; it is mentioned in famous literary works such as The Tale of Genji (from approximately the late 9th century) and the Taiheiki (14th century). The city and region are home to many attractions including the Himeji Castle (widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful feudal castle), a short ride away.

Kochi Castle, with its elegant black and white tiered roofs, is one of only twelve of the original castles remaining in Japan. Step inside to explore authentic feudal architecture and admire sweeping views over the city and mountains. The surrounding landscape is dotted with temples and forested hillsides, where the historic Shikoku Pilgrimage route winds. Beyond the castle, the Makino Botanical Garden guides visitors through pathways and greenhouses of diverse flora. The Shimanto River — Shikoku’s longest — draws outdoor enthusiasts with peaceful hiking trails and a serene backdrop for reflection. Facing the vast Pacific on Shikoku’s southern coast, Kochi is celebrated for its katsuo no tataki — lightly seared skipjack tuna — and thriving sake-brewing tradition.

Gloriously green, tangled, and otherworldly, the primeval forests of Yakushima are a portal to another universe. This subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu is famed for its towering Yakusugi cedars — ancient giants, with thousands of years of history. Gnarled roots and mossy boughs and rocks form landscapes so mythic they inspired the forests of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke. In 1993, Yakushima became Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the wettest places in Japan — the rains feed cascades and rushing mountain streams, as well as forests of endemic birds and wildlife. Misty trails wind through dense forest and along rugged coastlines toward hidden hot springs and secluded golden beaches. Along the way, you may encounter wild deer and Japanese macaques.

Watched over by the black-and-white tiers of its elegant castle, Shimabara is a historic town where the past is never far behind. Located on the eastern shore of the Shimabara Peninsula beneath the active slopes of Mount Unzen, its geothermal springs promise gentle relaxation, while restored samurai houses and old merchant streets stand beside water channels. Shimabara Castle — a five-story white fortress rebuilt in traditional style — was first constructed in the 1600s and now houses samurai exhibits and offers panoramic views of the Ariake Sea. The town’s koi-filled waterways have earned it the name “City of Swimming Carp,” while nearby hot springs and the Disaster Memorial Hall reveal the give and take of the volcano, which has played such a key role in life here.

A tapestry of kaleidoscopic colours, intense seafood flavours, and urban beach bliss, Busan rolls across a glorious natural setting on the Korean Peninsula’s southeast. One of the biggest and busiest ports in the world, 3.5 million people call South Korea’s second city home, and the amiable locals help to lend the city its quirky, offbeat outlook. A spacious, playful, and cosmopolitan place, Busan is a lively, livable city, cradled by lush mountains and endless ocean scenery. Haedong Yonggung Temple nestles on a dramatic cliffside, just above the crumbling rocks and crashing waves of the East Sea. Dating back to 1376, the temple’s multi-story pagoda is adorned with lions – each representing a different emotion. Elsewhere, lanterns glitter in the night sky around Mount Geumjeongsan, freshly released from the beautiful Beomeosa Temple, which was established in AD 678.

The hillside shantytown of Gamcheon Culture Village has completed an improbable transformation, blossoming from a sea of makeshift homes for Korean war refugees, into a colourful explosion of creativity and curiosity. Local artists have been let loose to create interactive installations, and the entire area is now an expansive canvas for expression. Lose yourself among vibrant alleyways of flamingo-pink, lemon-yellow, and baby-blue painted facades in this unique area. Sample bibimbap, fiery-hot beef, and rice, from street food vendors, before relaxing on one of South Korea’s best beaches – Haeundae’s banana bend of sand. Metallic skyscrapers offer an unusual backdrop to this pristine expanse of golden powder and are mirrored by elaborate sandcastles and sculptures during the annual sand festival – when spontaneous water fights and firework displays also take place. Gwangalli Beach is another urban option, laying out spectacular views of the reaching Gwangan Bridge – the country’s second largest bridge. At night, 16,000 bulbs bathe this “engineering marvel in colour.”

From original castles to layered gardens and playful manga heritage, surround yourself with Japan’s peaceful artistry. Located on the Yumigahama Peninsula in northwestern Tottori Prefecture, Sakaiminato reveals natural beauty and artistic heritage. Nearby Matsue Castle — one of Japan’s twelve surviving originals — rises with dark timbers, evoking the grace of the feudal era. The castle town is filled with artistry — from pottery and samurai-era architecture to museums and hands-on performances. On Daikon Island, Yushien Garden bursts with tree peonies and lotus ponds in season. In Sakaiminato, bronze statues celebrate manga heritage and the legendary Shigeru Mizuki’s world of spirits. The sacred Izumo Taisha Shrine is also within reach — one of Japan’s oldest and most revered.

Among the clear waters of the Sea of Japan, the Oki Islands emerge as a stunning volcanic sanctuary. Just north of the Shimane Peninsula — but a world away — this UNESCO Global Geopark is a rare encounter. Gaze over a submarine caldera, with panoramic views revealing the sunken volcanic crater and geology reminiscent of Santorini. Geothermal forces fuel lush green scenery, and the landscapes are home to rare plant and animal life, including the Oki salamander. Sail the waters for a new perspective — exploring cliffs, vertical drops, and sea arches. Wander Nishinoshima Island, where trails lead through forests and copper-red volcanic terrain. The tranquil islands reveal unique insights into Japan and tell tales of obsidian trade and exiled emperors.

The capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa once rivalled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) as a town rich in cultural achievements. Kanazawa escaped destruction during World War II and accordingly has been able to preserve many of the old districts in good shape. The city is famous because of Kenrokuen. Located next to Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is classified as “One of the Three Gardens of Japan”. The garden has an artificial pond, and hills and houses are dotted within the 11.4 hectares. It has Japan’s oldest fountain using natural water pressure and a teahouse dating back to 1774. Close by is the Higashi Chaya Gai Geisha District, designated a National Cultural Asset and the biggest of the Geisha districts of Kanazawa. Some of the houses not only retain the original structure but still are used as Geisha houses. Some of the streets have traditional shops creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Kanazawa is also known for its lacquer ware, Kutani-style pottery, gold-leaf workmanship, and delicately painted silk kimonos.

A lightning bolt-shaped island in the Sea of Japan — the long, feature-rich coast is etched with sea caves, rugged cliffs and gently rising green peaks. A peaceful island of ancient rice terraces, rare toki birds, and traditional wooden tub boats — the serenity was shattered by the discovery of gold in 1601, bringing a rush that created the country’s largest gold mines. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through original, hand-dug mining tunnels, as well as later excavations. This remote island is now a peaceful place to wander between mountains and forests, but was once a place of exile, and the former emperors and Buddhist monks banished here left a lasting cultural legacy. Each year, the Earth Festival brings the rhythms of taiko drumming and exuberant dancing.

A city of woods, water, and panoramic views — Noshiro is northern Honshu at its most tranquil. Nestled between the Sea of Japan, the Yoneshiro River, scenic lakes and bubbling hot springs, the city is surrounded by dense forests and green slopes dotted with torii gates and viewpoints — offering deep calm among nature. A sea of pine trees — fostered to block harsh winds during the Edo period — adds to the sense of serenity. Known as the City of Woods, Noshiro grew from its rice exports before the cedar logging trade took over. Nearby hot springs offer soothing baths fueled by geothermal warmth. Relax into a stress-dissolving experience with views of the sea, forests, and mountains stretching out. Migratory birds can often be seen along the surrounding coastline. Wild, sprawling, and 8,000 years old, the forests of Aomori are a natural treasure of Japan. The ancient beech forest of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an immersion in natural beauty. Known as the forest of gods, this wilderness remains gloriously untouched. Wander peaceful trails where green moss carpets the earth and birdsong fills the air, or explore soaring mountains where clear streams cascade. The reconstructed Jomon village brings Japan’s prehistoric era to life through traditional dwellings and exhibitions. In August, the city lights up with the Nebuta Matsuri festival — one of the country’s largest, a sensory spectacle of drumming, traditional music, and glowing lantern floats. A dedicated museum tells the festival’s stories throughout the year.