Japan Explorer & Circle Hokkaido Cruise -

Yokohama is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, less than half an hour's train journey directly south of Tokyo. It is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most visited by foreigners. Despite being devastated by bombings in WWII it remains a maritime city and retains an international flavour. Nissan and city of Yokohama have launched Japan’s first-ever car-sharing program with ultra-compact EVs (electric vehicles). Read more about Yokohama, Japan

Osaka, the heart of the Greater Osaka Area, is located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, and is the third largest city in Japan. Historically it is also regarded as the commercial capital of Japan, as evidenced by its daytime population being over a million greater than its night time population. From above ground and underground shopping malls and specialised shopping complexes, to the unusual America Mura which offers both new and used clothing, as well as flea markets, and the Asia Pacific Trade Centre with its international wholesale market, shopping here truly is a fascinating experience. Read more about Osaka, Japan

Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku Island, Japan. The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair. It boasts several attractions of interest to travellers. A well-preserved, original, elegant, hilltop castle from the feudal period is designated Important Cultural Property, and also provides great views of all of Kochi city. Read more about Kochi, Japan

The capital of the prefecture of the same name, Hiroshima, situated at the centre of the Chugoku region in western Honshu – Japan’s largest island – is possibly best known for being the first city in history to be destroyed by a nuclear weapon. Today, though, it is a modern cosmopolitan city with wide boulevards and criss-crossing rivers. Many of the famous attractions are connected to the horrific split second of the bomb blast on August 6, 1945, and are truly well worth visiting. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event. Read more about Hiroshima, Japan

Busan (formerly Pusan), the second largest city and principal port of South Korea, is situated in the SE of the peninsula on the Korea Strait. The city has many steep hills, creating a delightful mix of mountains and ocean. While Busan was relatively untouched during the Korean War, the flood of refugees has shaped the city. Tourists often come to this region to hike and to visit the Buddhist Temples located deep within the region's mountains. Read more about Busan, South Korea

Nagasaki City, on the island of Kyushu in Japan, lies at the heart of Nagasaki-hanto Peninsula. As one of Japan's closest port cities to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries. This is a port city that developed up the steep slope of a mountain, while also stretching horizontally to hug the Nagasaki Gulf. For an excellent view of the city one should go to the top of Inasa. Read more about Nagasaki, Japan

Yokohama is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, less than half an hour's train journey directly south of Tokyo. It is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most visited by foreigners. Despite being devastated by bombings in WWII it remains a maritime city and retains an international flavour. Nissan and city of Yokohama have launched Japan’s first-ever car-sharing program with ultra-compact EVs (electric vehicles). Read more about Yokohama, Japan

Kushiro is the capital city of the Kushiro Subprefecture and the most populous city in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. It is situated along both banks of the mouth of the Kushiro River, facing the Pacific Ocean. The natural year-round ice-free harbour has been transformed into a very large commercial and fishing port that serves the nearby coalfield. Fifteen kilometres north of the port is Kushiro Marsh, Japan's largest marshland, a year-round home to endangered Japanese cranes, making it popular for birders. Read more about Kushiro, Japan

Korsakov is a fishing port town with a population of 35,000, situated at the southern end of Sakhalin Island, just east of the Asian mainland. Sakhalin and the adjacent Kuril Islands are administered by Russia. The Korsakov History Museum presents its local frontier history and record of Japanese occupation (1905-1945). Korsakov is drab with its main street lined by small stalls, but do try the summer strawberries and Korean delicacies. Read more about Korsakov, Russian Federation

Otaru is a small city and port on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, NW of the larger city of Sapporo. It faces on the west the Sea of Japan and mainland China. The original inhabitants were indigenous Ainu people. Otaru is for many a commuter town for Sapporo. Read more about Otaru, Japan

Hakodate is the largest city and port in southern Hokkaido, Japan. It is considered to have – as seen from Mt. Hakodate – one of the world's most impressive nightscapes, particularly from June through March, when the bright lights emitted from the squid fishing vessels add a touch of romantic inspiration. Take a trip to Mount Hakodate, and on the drive be impressed by the agricultural area that feeds most of Japan. Read more about Hakodate, Japan

Yokohama is located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, less than half an hour's train journey directly south of Tokyo. It is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most visited by foreigners. Despite being devastated by bombings in WWII it remains a maritime city and retains an international flavour. Nissan and city of Yokohama have launched Japan’s first-ever car-sharing program with ultra-compact EVs (electric vehicles). Read more about Yokohama, Japan