Circumnavigation of Japan: Sacred Isles & Northern Shores

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

Matsuyama (“Pine Mountain”) is the capital of Ehime Prefecture on the Shikoku island of Japan. This city of half a million people is known for its hot springs and bath houses. Dogo-onsen Hot Spring that is said to have a 3,000 year history, is the oldest spa in Japan, The good quality of the spring, its noteworthy tradition, and easy access from downtown have made Dogo-onsen the most popular destination of newcomers. Read more about Matsuyama, Japan

A small city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, known for its historic temples, especially the famous Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. It’s a peaceful city with rich Japanese culture and beautiful seasonal landscapes. Read more about Hofu, 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. Read more about Busan, South Korea

Toyama is surrounded by steep mountains on the coast of the Sea of Japan in central Honshu, about 200 km N of Nagoya and 300 km NW of Tokyo. During the last century heavy and chemical industries developed in Toyama, based on abundant electricity which was generated by hydro power stations in the mountains near-by. There are numerous attractions to visit such as the Fugan Unga Kansui Park that is an oasis in a busy city, the history museum of Toyama Inotani Sekisyokan, as well as the Family Amusement Park and the Botanic Gardens. Read more about Toyama, Japan

Niigata (population 800,000) is the capital of Niigata Prefecture, NW coast of Honshu, Japan. It lies on the Agano and Shinano Rivers, which open to the Inland Sea (Sea of Japan). The port is the largest on the coast, and the city is known for its manufacturing. Read more about Niigata, Japan

Akita is a port city where the Omono River enters the Sea of Japan. It is situated to the north of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, and 470 km north of Tokyo. The city has very warm, humid summers and cold, very snowy winters. Read more about Akita, 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. Read more about Hakodate, Japan

Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan's Honshu island. Following World War II, the city has been rebuilt. Sendai has been subject to several major earthquakes and a tsunami including two this century. Read more about Sendai, Japan

Oarai is a port on Japan’s largest island Honshu, facing the Pacific Ocean. It lies 100 km NE of the port of Tokyo. The Naka River flows through the town. Read more about Oarai, Japan

Tokyo, located on the eastern side of the main island of Honshu, is the core of the most populated area in the world (urban area 38M). The small fishing village of Edo was fortified in 1457 with Edo Castle (The Imperial Palace now stands at this location) and became one of the largest cities in the world by the 18th C. Its stringent policy of seclusion ended in 1854 and opened Japan to outside trade. Read more about Tokyo, Japan

Toba, population 19,000, is located on the Shima Peninsula facing Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It lies on the central east coast of Homshu Island. Much of the city is within the borders of the Ise-Shima National Park. Read more about Toba, 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