Sea of Japan & Plum Blossoms - Tokyo return

Welcome to Japan's cutting-edge capital, the world's largest city famed for its blazing neon, techno-gadgets, and serious fashion sense. Get a glimpse into Tokyo's glorious past while strolling the Imperial Palace gardens, or take a rickshaw ride through the Asakusa district with its ancient Sensoji Temple and colorful atmosphere that echoes Old Edo. Wander the Tsukiji Market, aka "Tokyo's Kitchen", the world's largest fish and seafood market, and raise a glass of rice lager at the Philippe Starck-designed Asahi Beer Hall located near the 2,080-foot-high Skytree, the world's tallest tower. You can shop for fashion-forward trends in Shibuya before heading to the rooftop garden that crowns Shibuya Scramble Square for outstanding views of Mount Fuji. If you think Tokyo buzzes by day, wait until you see it at night, so take advantage of a late-evening departure to soak in all of Shinjuku's razzle dazzle, explore Akihabara's gadget shops and gaming arcades, or join in Japan's favorite pastime at one of Roppongis karaoke bars.

Japan's second-largest city is famous for its imposing, photogenic Osaka Castle, set in a park with decorative fruit trees that provide extravagant blooms in the spring. It has always been a merchant city, and the business sections are busy and crowded. For visitors, the city holds numerous shrines and temples, including the Shitenno-ji, Japans oldest Buddhist temple from 526 AD, and the Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country, from 211 AD. The Peace Pagoda, built in 1963, continues a common Japanese theme. For museum lovers, the city has a National Museum of Modern Art, focused on postwar art, and a five-story Science Museum, as well as a unique Oriental Ceramics Museum with over 2,000 items from Japan, Koreas and China.

Kanmon Straits is a narrow channel of water that separates Honshu and Kyushu, two of Japan's main islands, while connecting the Sea of Japan with the Inland Sea. The strait has long played an important role in Japanese maritime history; the Shimonoseki Campaign, a series of military engagements with the U.S. and other navies that took place here in the 1860s, ended Japanese feudal rule over the region, thus opening Japan to the West and transforming it into an international trading hub. Twin 19th-centry lighthouses mark the port cities that face each other across the channel: Moji, Kyushu and Shimoneseki on Honshu, where you can still see cannons used during the naval campaign. Some 700 ships pass through Kanmon Straits on a daily basis; underground tunnels allow both cars and pedestrians to walk between the two ports. Japan's largest fireworks display takes place over the strait every August, drawing more than a million sky gazers to watch the spectacular.

Home to approximately 3.4 million people, Busan is a fast-moving coastal metropolis that guarantees you'll never have the same experience twice. History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the stunning historical treasures of Beomeosa Temple, a serene oasis nestled within the city, with a rich heritage that dates back over 1,300 years. No trip is complete without strolling through Yongdusan Park to take in panoramic views while marveling at the iconic Busan Tower, a symbol of the city's aspirations and dynamism. Busan's culinary scene is a highlight of any visit. Savor the city's diverse gastronomy by exploring its bustling markets like Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can feast on freshly caught seafood, and indulge in delectable Korean street food. The city's natural beauty is another compelling reason to visit, with its pristine beaches like Haeundae Beach offering a tranquil escape by the sea. For those seeking a glimpse of Busan's ecological diversity, Dongbaek Island's ecological park features coastal walks and panoramic ocean views. Whether you're drawn to studying the city's past and or its constant evolution, this destination appeals to a wide range of interests and tastes.

Renowned for its bounty of fresh seafood, Sakaiminato is a fishing town backed by mountains in the Honshu region. Izumo Grand Shrine is one of Japan's most important Shinto temples, and the six-story, black Matsue Castle is one of the oldest surviving Tokugawa Samurai castles. View the snow-capped Mount Daisen, the vermilion, elaborately carved Hinomisaki temples or soak in the Kaike Onsen hot springs by the sea. The Adachi Museum holds a collection of modern Japanese art, while the Tottori Flower Road is a 124-acre flower garden. On the streets, a number of statues commemorate the Yokai figures created by the locally-born manga artist Mizuki Shigeru.

One of Japan's best-preserved cities, Kanazawa escaped war damage and natural disasters to reward visitors with a wealth of architecture as an important clan castle town from the mid-17th century until the middle of the 19th. The mighty Kanazawa Castle did not survive intact, but its famous Ishikawa Gate, the Sunjikken Longhouse and lavish Kenrokuen Garden hint at the grandeur. Of special note are the surviving Higashi Geisha District and Samurai District streets. The Temple area holds the Myoryuji Temple with its hidden passages and secret doors giving it the nickname the Ninja Temple. The Oyamajinja Shrine is a later addition, its three-story gate with impressive stained glass windows reveal a Dutch influence. Museums worth exploring include the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, with examples of the arts and crafts using the pure gold decoration for which the region is famous. Another museum celebrates the Buddhist philosopher D. T. Suzuki, credited with introducing Zen philosophy to the West, and a striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Nearby Mt. Utatsu is renowned for its Three Shrines.

Nestled along the captivating shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata awaits to envelop you in the crimson and golden hues of Japan's fall foliage walking through Yahiko Park, Akasakayama Park, or visit the grounds of the Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum or Saito Villa for beautiful fall scenery as well as Confidential cultural immersion. Plunge into the rejuvenating embrace of open-air thermal hot springs of Tsukioka Onsen and Iwamuro Onsen or partake in the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, a soul-soothing forest bathing experience. Explore the awe-inspiring Kiyotsu Gorge, where a tunnel winds along the river, offering a captivating journey through nature's wonders.

The vibrant heart of the expansive Akita Prefecture in northern Tohoku stands out as a unique destination where modernity entwines with tradition. Sheltered along the enchanting Sea of Japan coast, Akita boasts a captivating blend of modern and old, with a cityscape that showcases an intriguing contrast of architectural styles. Immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty as you walk through lush amber forests and soak in the tranquil vistas of immaculate crystal lakes or absorb the serene ambience of the Sea of Japan; daydreaming and beachcombing. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Akita's hot springs, known as onsen, provide a therapeutic escape. These onsen resorts, set against stunning mountain backdrops, invite you to soak in mineral-rich waters, providing the perfect setting for unwinding and rejuvenating the senses. One of the gems in Akita's cultural crown is the historic town of Kakunodate, celebrated for its preservation of one of Japan's most intriguing samurai districts. As you stroll through its well-preserved streets, you'll encounter traditional samurai residences and the enchanting sight of cherry blossom trees in full bloom, offering a timeless journey into the past.

Located on the northernmost harbor of Japan's main island of Honshu, Aomori is the traditional departure point for Hokkaido Island. It is famous for its summer Nebuta Matsuri festival, and has a museum that recaptures the color and pageantry for those who visit in other seasons. Explore the earliest prehistoric cultures of Japan at the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site, or visit the Aomori Museum of Art for a look at more contemporary works. Nearby Hirosaki boasts a 17th Century castle. Visit either the Auga or the Furukawa public fish market, where you can create your own version of a donburi rice bowl with pristinely fresh local seafood.

Set along the east coast of the Iwate Prefecture, Miyako was Japan's main seaport for hundreds of years before a series of tsunamis took their toll. Yet what the city lacks in historical buildings, it more than makes up for in natural attractions such as Sanriku Fukko National Park. Stretching some 110 miles along the coast, the park showcases amazing flora, including Japanese red pine and a virgin forest of Tabu trees, while a variety of seabirds find refuge along its cliffs and beaches. Birders also flock to nearby Sanganjima island, one of Japan's main nesting grounds for Swinhoe's storm petrels. Spend the day relaxing on Jodogahama Beach, which ranks among Japan's best, or head to Morioka, Iwate's largest city, to visit the 17th-century Hachimangu Shrine and sample rice wine on a tour of Asabiraki Sake Brewery, which dates from 1871. Just north of the city lies Ryusendo Cave, a massive subterranean network of towering stalagmites and translucent lakes.

Renowned for its exquisite festivals, diverse dining experiences, and warm hospitality, Sendai is a city where visitors make lasting memories and genuine connections. Steeped in history and tradition, ancient landmarks like the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Zuihoden Mausoleum, invite you to immerse yourself in the authenticity and richness of their heritage. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, Sendai offers natural beauty at its finest, with Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's most scenic spots, as a picturesque backdrop. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the city into a sea of pink and white blossoms, a moment of pure magic and renewal. The city's vivacious spirit shines through vibrant festivals like the Tanabata Festival and the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, offering an intimate glimpse into Japanese traditions and a warm welcome from the locals. As night falls, the Kokubuncho Entertainment District comes alive, providing a lively nightlife under vibrant city lights.

Get a glimpse of bygone Japan in the port city of Hitachinaka, located around 100 miles northeast of Tokyo on Honshu. Hitachi Seaside Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in the entire country, blanketed in millions of flowering plants; during late spring, the park is awash in a sea of vibrant blue nemophila blossoms. Follow the coast down to the 9th-century Oarai Isosaki Shrine; its revered Kamiiso-no-Torii gate is believed to be where the gods descended to earth. Ushiku Daibutsu, a 390-foot-high figure of Buddha, stands among the world's tallest statues; step inside to view some 3,000 golden buddha statuettes. For a fabulous hike, head to the remote hill town of Daigo and Fukuroda Falls, a dramatic, four-step waterfall that plunges nearly 400 feet. Be sure to try Hitachinaka-style takoyaki (grilled octopus), then wash it down with some rice wine at one of more than 40 sake breweries in the Ibaraki Prefecture.

Welcome to Japan's cutting-edge capital, the world's largest city famed for its blazing neon, techno-gadgets, and serious fashion sense. Get a glimpse into Tokyo's glorious past while strolling the Imperial Palace gardens, or take a rickshaw ride through the Asakusa district with its ancient Sensoji Temple and colorful atmosphere that echoes Old Edo. Wander the Tsukiji Market, aka "Tokyo's Kitchen", the world's largest fish and seafood market, and raise a glass of rice lager at the Philippe Starck-designed Asahi Beer Hall located near the 2,080-foot-high Skytree, the world's tallest tower. You can shop for fashion-forward trends in Shibuya before heading to the rooftop garden that crowns Shibuya Scramble Square for outstanding views of Mount Fuji. If you think Tokyo buzzes by day, wait until you see it at night, so take advantage of a late-evening departure to soak in all of Shinjuku's razzle dazzle, explore Akihabara's gadget shops and gaming arcades, or join in Japan's favorite pastime at one of Roppongis karaoke bars.