Kamakura is a coastal city located near Tokyo. It is much smaller and quieter than the capital and is best known for its history, temples and strong connection to the samurai.

With a population of around 173,000, Kamakura offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo. Despite its size, it attracts many visitors thanks to its historic landmarks and proximity to the capital.

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, the city has its own mayor and municipal government. Like the rest of Japan's cities, it is part of the country's political system, based on a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary government.

Its most famous landmark is the Great Buddha of Kamakura, although Hase-dera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine are also well worth visiting. As it is situated by the sea, Kamakura also boasts beaches and beautiful coastal areas.

One of its best-known curiosities is that visitors can actually go inside the Great Buddha statue. Furthermore, Kamakura was one of Japan's most important political centres for centuries, particularly during the age of the samurai.

Aomori is located in the north of Japan’s main island and is a city surrounded by nature. It has a more peaceful atmosphere than many of the country’s larger cities and is renowned for its proximity to the sea, beautiful landscapes and local produce.

With a population of approximately 275,000, Aomori is a medium-sized city. It is the main urban centre of the prefecture that shares its name and plays an important role in the administrative and commercial activities of northern Japan.

The city has its own mayor and municipal government, responsible for managing local affairs. Thanks to its geographical location, Aomori has traditionally served as an important gateway connecting Japan’s main island with Hokkaido.

Agriculture is one of the area's most important industries. Aomori is particularly famous for its apples, one of its most iconic local products. Fishing, seafood and port activities also play a significant role in the local economy.

One of the city's most famous events is the Nebuta Festival, held every summer. During the celebrations, enormous illuminated floats parade through the streets, featuring impressive figures of warriors, historical characters and mythical Japanese creatures.

As an interesting fact, Aomori is also known for its cold, snowy winters. This gives the city a very different appearance depending on the season, creating a striking contrast with the warmer cities in southern Japan.

Sakaiminato is a small city located on Japan’s western coast, in Tottori Prefecture. It is a much quieter destination than Tokyo, Kyoto or Busan, and is particularly known for its close connection to the sea, fishing and manga culture.

With a population of approximately 30,600, it is one of the smallest cities on our itinerary. Despite its size, its port plays an important role in the fishing industry and the distribution of seafood.

The city is governed by a mayor and a municipal council responsible for local administration. It is part of Tottori Prefecture, located along the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Fishing is one of Sakaiminato’s most important industries, making it an excellent place to sample fresh fish and seafood. The city also offers shopping areas and pleasant walks around the port, providing visitors with a glimpse of a more authentic, less touristy side of Japan.

One of its best-known attractions is Mizuki Shigeru Road, a street dedicated to the famous manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born in the area. Along the street, visitors can discover numerous statues of manga characters and traditional Japanese supernatural creatures known as yōkai.

Interestingly, these characters can be found throughout the city, appearing in statues, shops, trains and even elements of street furniture. This gives Sakaiminato a truly unique identity, making it quite different from the other destinations on our journey.

Busan is a large city located on the southeastern coast of South Korea and is the only port of call on this itinerary outside Japan. It is a modern city with strong ties to the sea, combining impressive skyscrapers, beaches, traditional markets and shopping districts.

With a population of around 3.3 million, it is the second-largest city in South Korea, after Seoul. It is also one of the country's leading economic and commercial centres.

South Korea is a presidential republic, and Busan has its own mayor and local government. The city plays an important role nationally thanks to its economic activity and major port.

One of Busan's most important features is its port, one of the busiest and most prominent in Asia. It drives much of the city's commercial and maritime activity. Busan is also famous for its beaches, particularly Haeundae Beach, and its traditional seafood markets.

Among its best-known attractions are Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village, a colourful hillside neighbourhood filled with small, brightly painted houses.

One interesting fact about Busan is that it hosts a major international film festival every year, attracting visitors and film professionals from around the world. In addition, Jagalchi Fish Market is one of South Korea's most famous seafood markets.

Kochi is the capital of the prefecture of the same name and is located on the island of Shikoku, in southern Japan. It is a coastal city known for its relaxed atmosphere, local traditions and beautiful natural scenery.

The city has a population of approximately 320,000 and is the main urban centre of the prefecture. Its economy is largely based on fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Kochi has strong ties to Japanese history and is particularly famous as the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma, one of the most influential figures in Japan's modernisation during the 19th century.

Among its main attractions are Kochi Castle, one of the few original castles still preserved in Japan, Hirome Market and Katsurahama Beach, which offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.

One of Kochi's most fascinating features is its annual Yosakoi Festival, one of Japan's most famous dance events. Every summer, thousands of participants fill the streets with colourful costumes and spectacular musical performances.

Tokushima, located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Shikoku Island, is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, rivers and rich cultural traditions. With a population of approximately 250,000, it is an ideal destination for discovering a more authentic side of Japan.

Its most famous tradition is Awa Odori, a dance festival with over 400 years of history, held every August. The city is also renowned for its traditional crafts, particularly indigo dyeing.

Among its main attractions are Tokushima Castle, the Awa Odori Kaikan, where visitors can learn about and enjoy this traditional dance throughout the year, and Mount Bizan, which offers magnificent panoramic views.

Nearby, visitors can also discover the famous Naruto Whirlpools, which can be admired from sightseeing boats or from a glass-floored observation walkway.

As an interesting fact, the spirit of Awa Odori encourages both dancers and spectators to join in the celebrations. Even outside August, visitors can enjoy performances and experience this lively Japanese tradition at the Awa Odori Kaikan.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most important cities for discovering the country’s history and traditional culture. It served as Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years, which is why it is home to an extraordinary number of temples, shrines, gardens and historic neighbourhoods.

With a population of approximately 1.45 million, Kyoto is a large city, although its atmosphere is very different from that of Tokyo. Many areas retain a more traditional and peaceful character.

The city is governed by a mayor and a municipal council and plays a major cultural and tourism role in Japan. It is also home to several universities, a thriving commercial sector and a strong tourism industry.

Among its most famous attractions are the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the historic Gion district. Kyoto is also renowned for its beautiful gardens, traditional tea ceremonies and local cuisine.

One of its most fascinating features is Fushimi Inari, where thousands of red gates known as torii create spectacular pathways winding up the mountainside. The Golden Pavilion is equally impressive, with parts of its exterior covered in gold leaf.

Another interesting fact is that the Gion district continues to preserve the traditions of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha), making it one of the best-known places to experience Japan’s traditional cultural heritage.

Shimizu is an important port located in the city of Shizuoka, on Japan's central coast. Its privileged position overlooking Suruga Bay makes it one of the country's most prominent ports.

The area is part of Shizuoka City, which has a population of several hundred thousand people. Historically, the port has played a key role in Japan's maritime trade and fishing industry.

Shimizu is particularly famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic and recognisable mountain. On clear days, the volcano's majestic silhouette dominates much of the surrounding landscape.

Among the area's most popular attractions are Shimizu Port, Kashi-no-Ichi Fish Market, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and Miho no Matsubara Beach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Fujisan cultural heritage area.

One interesting fact about Shimizu is that its bay and Mount Fuji have featured prominently in many traditional Japanese stories. The area is also renowned for producing some of Japan's finest green tea.