OSAKA
Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and flawless technological innovation — with an extra touch of serenity owed to its location along the Pacific coast.
You'll feel that sense of calm the moment you first set eyes on Osaka Castle, standing proudly amid majestic skyscrapers. And it won't leave you, whether amid the bustling lanes of Dotonbori or in the curious district of Shinsekai, where time seems to slow down. Countless restaurants will pass before your eyes, serving up regional specialties: octopus-based takoyaki and succulent kushikatsu skewers.
SHINGU
In the southwest of the Japanese archipelago, Shingu is a port town in the Kansai region. Founded in 1933, it lies on the Kii Peninsula, the largest in the country. Be sure to visit the Kumano Sanzan religious complex, dedicated to three sacred mountains. There you can see two Shinto shrines, Kumano Hongu-taisha and Kumano Hayatama-taisha. The latter is home to the famous sacred nagi tree, said to have been planted around 1159. Both shrines, which draw numerous pilgrims, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. From there, you can reach the Dorokyo gorges by boat — a natural wonder carved by the emerald waters of the Kumano River.
KOCHI
Shikoku, the fourth-largest island of the Japanese archipelago, is also the most unspoiled. Here, forests and ocean stretch as far as the eye can see. On the island's south coast, the quiet city of Kochi welcomes visitors with serenity. You'll find a lively town with numerous shopping centers and restaurants, serving katsuo tataki, a local specialty of delicately seared fish. But Kochi, watched over by its castle, also invites you to take your time exploring — through its magnificent Katsurahama beach, its museums, and its Buddhist temples, which are the focus of a well-known pilgrimage each year.
KAGOSHIMA
In the south of Kyushu lies one of Japan's most singular places: Kagoshima. This city encompasses not only a majestic bay, its surface shimmering under the sun, but also an active volcano. A visit to this lively, cheerful city will remind you just how much the Sakurajima volcano is part of daily life here: with near-daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles here and there over the city's monuments. The upper portion of a 3-meter torii gate, “swallowed” by the massive 1914 lava flow, also emerges from the ground. Here, in complete safety, you'll feel a singular thrill before grand, untamed nature.
MIYANOURA, YAKUSHIMA
Yakushima is a magnificent forested island off southern Japan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its lush vegetation, Mount Miyanoura, waterfalls and cascades make it a favorite among hikers. But the island's most striking symbol remains its many cedar trees, several thousand years old, forming a dense forest said to have inspired scenes from the animated film Princess Mononoke. The island is also home to Japanese macaques, sika deer, and green sea turtles, which choose its beautiful sandy beaches to lay their eggs.
MOTOBU, OKINAWA
In the north of Okinawa island, nestled between the azure ocean and green hills, Motobu invites quiet contemplation. This off-the-beaten-track corner of Japan reveals landscapes touched with poetry. A setting of untouched nature with Mount Yae in the background, Motobu unfolds through its white sand beaches and its wild, preserved Yanbaru forest, home to a remarkably rich flora and fauna. Hiking trails invite you to explore this incomparable nature, where every step reveals breathtaking views and age-old legends.
NAHA, OKINAWA
The capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Naha is located in the southwest of the island. You'll enjoy its lively atmosphere, particularly along the Kokusai shopping street, whose name means “international.” The picturesque Makishi Market, nicknamed “Naha's kitchen,” will win you over with the profusion of colorful fish and local spices displayed on its stalls.
MIYAKOJIMA
Located between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, Miyakojima is the main island of the Miyako Islands, part of the Sakishima archipelago. It is the fourth-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, known for its numerous sugar cane plantations… and some of the finest beaches in Japan.
ISHIGAKI
Located south of the main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, in southwestern Japan, Ishigaki has all the hallmarks of an authentic slice of paradise. As you might expect, it's not for skyscrapers that one comes here, but for the purity of its crystalline emerald waters, the immaculate white of its beaches, and its coral reef.
Here you'll find everything you need to relax and enjoy a pleasant moment of rest at the heart of this idyllic natural setting. Ishigaki is also known for its pineapple cultivation and black pearls.
KEELUNG (CHILUNG)
At the northeastern tip of Taiwan, the port city of Keelung rises along one of the island's most beautiful coastlines. Neighboring the spectacular Yehliu Geopark, it's worth lingering here a while. You can easily explore the city on foot, discovering its historic sites. Numerous trails wind through the lush hills surrounding the harbor. Chung Cheng Park and Ershawan Fort offer superb views over Keelung and the coastline.
