Kyoto is one of Japan's most important cities for discovering its history and traditional culture. It served as the country's capital for more than a thousand years and preserves a wealth of temples, shrines, gardens and historic districts. With around 1.45 million inhabitants, Kyoto is a large city, yet its atmosphere differs considerably from Tokyo's. Many areas retain a more traditional and peaceful character.

The city is administered by a mayor and municipal government and plays a major cultural and tourism role in Japan. It is also home to universities, shops and a thriving tourism sector.

Famous sights include the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Gion district. Kyoto is also renowned for its gardens, tea ceremonies and traditional cuisine.

One of its most remarkable sights is Fushimi Inari, with thousands of red torii gates forming long pathways up the mountain. The Golden Pavilion is another highlight, with parts of its exterior covered in gold leaf.

Gion is also associated with the traditions of geisha and maiko, making it one of the best-known places to discover a more traditional side of Japanese culture.

Kamakura is a coastal city near Tokyo. Smaller and quieter than the capital, it is best known for its history, temples and connections with the samurai.

With approximately 173,000 inhabitants, it offers a much more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo. Despite its size, it attracts many visitors thanks to its historic monuments and proximity to the capital.

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura has its own mayor and municipal government. Like the rest of Japan, it forms part of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government.

Its best-known landmark is the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Other highlights include Hase-dera Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Its seaside location also means the city has beaches and coastal areas.

A fascinating detail is that visitors can enter the Great Buddha statue. Kamakura was also one of Japan's most important political centres for centuries, particularly during the age of the samurai.

Located in southern Hokkaido, Hakodate is one of the island's best-known cities. Its position by the sea has shaped its history and development, and for many years it was an important point of contact with other countries.

With approximately 260,000 inhabitants, it is a medium-sized city with considerable cultural and tourism significance in Hokkaido.

Historically, Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade. This heritage can still be seen in some of its Western-style buildings and neighbourhoods.

Highlights include Mount Hakodate, which offers panoramic city views; the morning market; the historic Motomachi district; and Goryokaku Fort. The city is also well known for its fresh fish and seafood.

One of its most distinctive features is Goryokaku's star-shaped design, unusual in Japan. The night views from Mount Hakodate are among the city's most famous sights.

Hakodate also stands out for its blend of Japanese and Western influences, visible in religious buildings and former merchants' houses.

Niigata developed as an important trading port on the coast of the Sea of Japan. In 1858, it was designated as one of the ports Japan would open to international trade, and it began operating as such in 1869. Located on Honshu Island, it lies near the mouth of the Shinano River, Japan's longest river. Its surroundings combine extensive rice fields, mountains, beaches and coastal scenery.

The region is famous for its high-quality rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine. It is also renowned for sake production, supported by pure water, locally grown rice and a long brewing tradition.

Niigata has a strong regional identity linked to agriculture, fishing and traditional celebrations. One of its best-known events is the Niigata Festival, which fills the city with parades, dancing and fireworks in summer.

Niigata Prefecture is known for heavy winter snowfall and ski resorts. From the city, visitors can also travel to Sado Island, famous for its historic gold mines, coastal landscapes and distinctive cultural heritage.

Busan is a major city on South Korea's southeastern coast and the only port of call on this itinerary outside Japan. A modern city closely connected to the sea, it combines high-rise buildings, beaches, traditional markets and shopping districts.

With approximately 3.3 million inhabitants, it is South Korea's second-largest city after Seoul and 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. Its port is one of Asia's most important, supporting extensive commercial and maritime activity.

The city is also known for its beaches, especially Haeundae, and its seafood markets. Popular sights include Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Market and Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside neighbourhood filled with colourful houses.

Busan hosts a major international film festival each year, attracting visitors and film professionals from around the world. Jagalchi is also one of South Korea's best-known fish markets.

Kagoshima lies in southern Japan, on Kyushu Island. It is known for its natural surroundings, mild climate and proximity to Sakurajima Volcano, which stands across the bay and forms an iconic part of the city's landscape.

With a population of approximately 591,263, Kagoshima is one of southern Japan's most important cities. Alongside tourism, it plays a significant commercial and administrative role in the region.

The city is known for its cuisine, particularly Kagoshima black pork, fresh fish and dishes prepared with local ingredients. Sengan-en Garden is another highlight, offering historic surroundings and beautiful views across the bay.

One of the city's defining features is Sakurajima, an active volcano that has shaped both the landscape and everyday life.

At times, the volcano releases ash that reaches the city. Residents are accustomed to this and special measures are in place to clean the streets when ash accumulates.