The setting is superbly pretty: Shimizu sits on Suruga Bay in the shadow of Mount Fuji, whose peak is spectacularly snow-capped for some five months of the year. The small city about 120 miles south of Tokyo has much quiet charm and is a good place for relaxing walks and gentle exploration. Visit Kashi-No-Ichi fish market by the port and sample some of the choices of tuna sushi at one of the cafés here – deep Suruga Bay is a prime area for this highly prized fish. Head to the observation terrace at Nihondaira Hill to take in magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Catch a water bus to Miho island just beyond the port and enjoy its views and its renowned pine groves, complete with an enormous 650-year-old black pine. Appealing attractions near Shimizu include the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum, showing some of Utagawa Hiroshige's finest woodblock landscape prints, and the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine, founded about 1000 years ago for protection from volcanic eruptions.

Sitting pretty on the sandy coastline between Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan's fourth-largest city is home to a thriving harbor district that is a lively destination in its own right. Part of the Garden Pier entertainment area, the country's busiest port is set around leafy landscaped grounds, home to an amusement park, shopping mall and aquarium. Wonder at the centuries-old wooden vessels that mapped the seas during the Age of Discoveries, displayed in intricate models at the port's Maritime Museum, and discover museum-ship Fuji, an icebreaker that explored Antarctica in the 1960s and 1970s. Further afield, a pair of golden shachihoko sea monsters crown Nagoya's imposing five-storey 17th-century castle. A symbol of this city's prosperity during the Tokugawa dynasty, the castle dates from Japan's Edo period and its powerful shoguns. Nearby, step back in time to that era on the streets of the Shikemichi preservation district, lined with white-walled merchants' houses now transformed into cafés and craft boutiques.

An imposing moated castle, its black-tiled roofs curling up towards the sky, sits across the street from a modern art museum in this multi-faceted city in southern Japan. It's also the capital of Wakayama prefecture, a mystical place of monastic settlements and mountainous pilgrimage trails. There are spiritual sites to visit right in town, too, with a trio of revered Shinto shrines said to be among the oldest in the country. Tap into the area's reputation as a hotbed for onsen (thermal springs) with a soak in mineral-rich waters, and try the province's mandarin oranges and famous umeboshi (salted pickled plums).

One visit to Osaka, and you'll soon see why it's known as the ‘kitchen of Japan'. This is a city that takes food seriously, where every mealtime is a celebration. Embrace its proud culinary culture and stroll the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori to sample iconic dishes that characterize Osaka's street food scene – from fritter-like okonomiyaki to piping hot balls of octopus-stuffed takoyaki. For a dose of history, pay a visit to Osaka Castle, which played a key role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Admire the sweeping views from the castle's main tower and stroll the surrounding gardens, which come alive with cherry blossoms in spring and turn fiery red in fall.

One visit to Osaka, and you'll soon see why it's known as the ‘kitchen of Japan'. This is a city that takes food seriously, where every mealtime is a celebration. Embrace its proud culinary culture and stroll the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori to sample iconic dishes that characterize Osaka's street food scene – from fritter-like okonomiyaki to piping hot balls of octopus-stuffed takoyaki. For a dose of history, pay a visit to Osaka Castle, which played a key role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Admire the sweeping views from the castle's main tower and stroll the surrounding gardens, which come alive with cherry blossoms in spring and turn fiery red in fall.

Views of the sea, high-rises, parks and temples, Kochi has it all. The town is particulary famous for its famous dish, katsuo tataki, a culinary delight of flavorfully seasoned, seared tuna, which draws food fans from all over the world. Once you have had your fill of the delicious local dish, any cravings you have for a taste of Japanese culture are sure to be satisfied during your visit. Meander through the Makino Botanical Garden, explore the Museum of Art, stroll along the nearby beach, barter at the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, visit the aquarium, or simply gaze at the city's most celebrated sight, Kochi Castle. Which remains largely intact atop Otakasaka Hill, and at the top of most traveler's must-see lists.

Kagoshima lies cradled within the protective arms of a large inlet on the island's extreme southern tip. It is Japan's southernmost city and combines slow-paced charm with thriving commercial activity. World-renowned Mount Sukurajima stands less than three miles away. This rare example of a busy metropolitan area coexisting with a volcano has led to comparisons between Kagoshima and the Italian city of Naples. Stroll picture-perfect Japanese gardens, explore an abundance of historical sites or shop for traditional pottery.

Nagasaki is a thriving city on Kyushu Island's northwestern shores. As Japan's only access to the West, it flourished during a period of national isolation in the 16th century and continues to be influenced by the ideas and technology of other cultures. Must-see attractions include Japan's oldest gothic-style wooden church and the inspirational Peace Park. Also of particular note is the stately Glover Mansion, an impressive hideaway which was the legendary setting of Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly. A harmonious blend of ancient and modern influences will be yours to enjoy during your sojourn in Nagasaki.

Incheon may only be a short journey from the vibrant Korean capital Seoul, but this charismatic city is a worthy destination in its own right. Gourmands are in for a treat: delicious scents of Dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken) and Hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes) waft from traditional street food markets, while in the city's colorful Chinatown, locals tuck into bowls of jajangmyeon, a Korean Chinese specialty of noodles in black bean sauce. Walk or kayak through Songdo Central Park, a sprawling urban oasis, stroll the seaside boardwalk at Wolmido Island, and visit Incheon Art Platform to discover the latest in contemporary art.

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is a dynamic blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling urban life. Situated on the southeastern coast, Busan is so much more than a sum of its parts; it's a captivating mix of historic charm, modernity, and stunning, natural beauty. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as local favorite Haeundae Beach, perfect for long strolls along the promenade or the more nostalgic Dadaepo Beach, where golden sands meet the turquoise sea. South Korea is still emerging as a traveler destination and as such, much of this beautiful country remains unspoiled. The city's history comes alive at places like the Beomeosa Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary founded in 678 AD, and the historic Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful houses and artsy alleys. Or, if you are looking for a glimpse into Busan's maritime heritage, head to Jagalchi, one of Korea's largest fish markets. Experience bustling fish auctions and savor the freshest seafood dishes at the surrounding eateries.

Facing the Sea of Japan on the north coast of Honshu Island, Sakaiminato is the main fishing port for western Japan so, as you'd expect, you can try some of the finest seafood in the country here. Vibrant displays of glistening bluefin tuna and red queen crab are laid out in the bustling fish market next to Yumeminato Tower. Nearby, there are species of another kind: Shigeru Road is lined with about 150 bronze statues of monsters and ghosts created by acclaimed manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. For more classic Japanese culture head just west of town to handsome Matsue-jo castle, which dates from 1611 and is only one of a handful of its kind remaining in Japan (a gentle boat trip around the moat is a lovely way to see it). Sakaiminato is also a good base for hiking through the Daisen Oki National Park, which surrounds the striking (and dormant) volcano Mount Daisen.

On the northern shores of Honshu, Maizuru commands glorious views across the bay and its islands, a spectacle you can truly appreciate from the top of the city's Goro Sky Tower. But this place has an intriguing history to discover, too. Once a quiet fishing village, the port transformed into one of the most significant naval bases in Japan, with a military heritage you can explore at museums including one dedicated to the experience of soldiers repatriated to their home country after the war. There are temples to marvel at, too, such as Kongo-in with its ancient, three-storied pagoda, and, for contrast, head west to the Amanohashidate sandbar, a two-mile-long isthmus with white sands backed by pine trees. Maizuru is also a good base for trips to Kyoto, Japan's capital for several centuries, which is famed for its traditional culture and Buddhist and Shinto architecture.

This serene garden city packs a punch for samurai heritage and immaculately preserved Edo-era architecture – and surprisingly uncrowded 17th-century neighborhoods. Here you will encounter geishas hosting tea ceremonies behind screen-walled houses, and artisans producing Kutani pottery, kaga-yuzen dyed silk, and lacquerware in workshops dating back to when wealth, power, and arts patronage defined this city-seat of the influential Maeda clan. In Kenroku-en, the family's castle grounds, explore one of Japan's most exquisite gardens, with ponds and fountains linked by bridges and fringed by walkways overhung with trees and plants that erupt into seasonal bloom. Carefully curated beauty is replicated in kaiseki, Japan's classical multi-course fine-dining experience, here taking in such regional delicacies as sesame tofu, Noto beef and the Ishikawa sake made from the crystal-clear waters from the mountains.

Drift through the “city of water”, a venerable port city where roads, once canals, are still lined with nodding willow trees, and two major rivers weave their way through to the Sea of Japan. Niigata is a port delivering Japan in microcosm, its watery backcountry tiered with the Tokamachi rice fields that supply the nation with the premium grain and springs that make superlative sake. In winter, Siberian winds bring snows that make Niigata one of Japan's best winter-sports destinations. Its mountain resorts are also home to natural onsen hot springs. Early in the year, the coast town of Takada hosts one of the country's most celebrated cherry blossom festivals, when 4,000 delicate white-petal Yoshino cherry trees come into bloom on the riverbanks and ramparts of the town's Edo-era castle. Come at night to see this watercolour-worthy scene lit with thousands of bonbori paper lanterns.

Japan's cultural past comes into focus in Akita, the capital city of the far north prefecture of the same name. At its heart is Senshu Park, a peaceful oasis where you'll find the ruins of an Edo-period castle and a series of moats that reflect the changing colors of seasonal blooms – from the soft pink of spring cherry blossoms to the fiery red of autumnal momiji maple leaves. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck of the restored Osumiyagura Turret, which was vital to protecting Kubota Castle in its heyday, and discover the legend of Yojiro the Fox at the Yojiro Inari Shrine. Across from Senshu Park, view an extensive collection of artwork by Japanese-French painter Fujita Tsuguharu at the Tadao Ando-designed Akita Museum of Art. Don't miss his famous 20-meter-long mural, Events in Akita, which portrays the city's seasonal festivals in the early 20th century.

With its apple orchards, cherry trees and backdrop of the Hakkoda Mountains, this city on the northern tip of Honshu island is a gateway to some of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. About 30 miles south is UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi, a mountainous area with the last of East Asia' virgin beech forests. Walking trails here lead to waterfalls and lakes, and you may spot golden eagles, black woodpeckers, Japanese macaques and even shy black bears as you go. Some 40 miles southeast, deep-blue Lake Towada is serenely breathtaking and offers gentle activities from walking to canoeing and boat rides. The Aomori area also enjoys a vibrant contemporary arts scene, from the gleaming white Aomori Museum of Art, complete with a colossal dog statue by Yoshitomo Nara, to the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, strikingly set in a former brewery, and Towada Art Center with eye-popping sculpture.