Asia: Osaka, Kochi, Jeju & Nagoya

La que fuera una tranquila ciudad de pescadores, Yokohama es ahora uno de los puertos más grandes de Japón y es la puerta de entrada a Tokio. Tradiciones antiguas y lugares históricos de mezclan con la cultura moderna, creando una ciudad diferente a cualquier otro lugar. En Tokio, se puede caminar entre los rascacielos de neón y los templos reales. Pasee por las tiendas que muestran los últimos avances en la tecnología o retírese a uno de los tranquilos jardines que rodean el Palacio Imperial. Disfrute de la cocina tradicional en un restaurante con estrellas Michelin y presencie el deporte centenario de la lucha de sumo. Este centro cosmopolita ofrece una amplia selección de atracciones y actividades y una gran cantidad de lugares culturales e históricos. Tokio cautivará su imaginación tanto en su primera como en su quinta visita a esta atractiva ciudad.

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.

Japan’s fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre 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.

Situated between mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japan’s sixth-largest city and a port bustling with culture and fine cuisine. Named after its origin, famous Kobe beef is one of the delicacies to enjoy at the many gourmet restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to visit Ikuta Shrine – one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines – or tour a museum to learn about local culture. For sweeping views of the vibrant city, explore one of the nearby mountainsides through a diverse selection of activities.

Esta cosmopolita ciudad fundada en Portugal es una improbable mezcla de arquitectura colonial encantadora, palacios de estilo holandés, antiguas mezquitas, sinagoga de 400 años de antigüedad, gigantescas redes de pesca chinas y restos desmoronados del Raj británico. Sus canales rurales están alineados con antiguas aldeas, arrozales, mercados y templos. Pruebe los platos variados y picantes de Kerala y lleva a casa algunos productos de algodón indio hecho de manera tradicional.

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.

Visit the exquisite Iso-Teien Garden and its villa, built in 1660, and enjoy gorgeous views before a short ferry ride to smoking Sakurajima for a close-up view of the volcano and its lava fields. Or journey into the countryside to Chiran and its well-preserved streets lined with samurai homes. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lake Ikeda and the stunning vistas of the Satsuma Peninsula. Local Satsuma dolls, unique cards printed with ink made from volcanic ash, and unusual wooden toys make interesting souvenirs. And be sure to try some miso soup, sashimi or ramen, the area’s famous noodles.

Nagasaki es a menudo equiparado con la caída de la bomba atómica, y hay muchos museos en movimiento, monumentos conmemorativos y monumentos dedicados a su historia de la Segunda Guerra Mundial que no debe perderse. Sin embargo, el moderno Nagasaki ofrece un ambiente vibrante y encantador que está a la espera de ser explorado. Entre sus adoquines y colinas onduladas, la ciudad cuenta con una rica escena culinaria que excitará su apetito interior. Para capturar la belleza escénica de Nagasaki, considere un paseo en teleférico o una excursión por el puerto. Siglos de antigüedad, santuarios, templos e iglesias salpican el paisaje y son una visita obligada.

The dormant volcano Hallasan formed many of the natural attractions found on Jeju. As South Korea’s tallest mountain, Hallasan offers an abundance of hiking opportunities and is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve showcasing a crater lake and an abundance of plants and wildlife. The Manjang Cave, formed by cooling lava, is the world’s longest lava tube and is partially open for tours. Head from the mountain to the magnificent beaches and watch famed haenyo (powerful sea-women) dive for octopus, abalone, clams and more without the aid of a breathing apparatus. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh seafood dishes at a local restaurant.

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district. Or spend a day in the serene atmosphere of a Zen Buddhist temple and a historic Korean village. Tour the DMZ and rediscover the drama of recent history. Or simply wander the fish market and promenade at Inchon.