Japan’s Shikoku island is a popular place of pilgrimage among Japanese Buddhists. Kochi has three of the 88 temples on the route. Chikurinji Temple, with its five-story pagoda, is one of them. Located on Mount Godaisan, it also features an adjacent botanical garden. The town is most famous for its castle, originally built in the early 17th century, but largely rebuilt following a fire in the mid-18th century. It is one of only 12 existing feudal-period castles in Japan. South of the town, Katsurahama beach is a popular destination, although swimming is not allowed due to strong currents. A picturesque shrine located on a high point overlooking the sea is the perfect postcard image of rural Japan. The beach is also a good spot to enjoy Katsuo no Tataki, the traditional local dish of lightly grilled and seasoned bonito tuna.

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 19^th-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.

This splendid castle town, with over 400 years of history, beckons visitors to its unique time capsule of history and culture. As the seat of the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, it rivaled Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural achievements, making it a city with a rich legacy. Remarkably, Kanazawa largely escaped the destruction of World War Two, preserving its Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts in impressive condition.

Today, visitors pour over the detailed designs of meticulously restored residences and districts, harmoniously coexisting with modern architecture. However, the city’s crowning jewel is Kenrokuen Garden, often regarded as Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden. Its name “Garden of the Six Sublimities”, refers to the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden. Enjoy a tranquil walk through grounds teeming with water features, bridges, teahouses, trees, flowers, stones, viewpoints and hidden nooks.

Kanazawa’s culinary scene is a fascinating blend of regional flavors and international fusion. From elegant multi-course meals to comforting one-plate dishes, Kanazawa’s diverse culinary offerings cater to even the most discerning palates, promising an unforgettable journey for food enthusiasts.

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.

Celebration is a way of life in this iconic city, brilliantly showcased during the menagerie and elaborate annual festivals that honor every aspect of the life and nature that flow through the streets. The city comes alive at night during the Nebuta Festival; towering Nebuta lantern floats transform the streets, unveiling Aomori’s rich cultural heritage in a mesmerizing display of art and tradition. Yet, what truly sets Aomori apart is its seamless blend of culture and nature. While the festivities paint the night, this city invites you to explore serene lakes, verdant forests, and the iconic Hirosaki Castle during the day, creating an irresistible destination that seamlessly combines cultural immersion and scenic wonder.

This important port on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island was the first to be opened to European and American trade. The result of this is a trove of Western-style buildings in the suburb of Motomachi that gives the impression of a movie set. The bell of the distinctive Haristo Greek Orthodox church is designated one of Japan’s official treasured “100 soundscapes.” Hokkaido is famous for its hot springs, much beloved by the Japanese. Yunokawa Hot Spring enjoys a commanding view of the sea, and its botanical garden is home to the Japanese macaques called “snow monkeys” because of their habit of soaking in the hot springs during the northern winter. Goryokaku is a 150-year old star fortress that holds the Magistrate’s Office, an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture. Get a panoramic view from the observation platform atop the Goryokaku Tower.

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 Fukkō 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 17^th-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.

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 Roppongi’s karaoke bars.