Situated in the biggest city of Hokkaido, Sapporo Station is only 40 minutes away from the convenient gateway, the New Chitose Airport, where overseas travellers usually go through to begin their adventure. One of the reasons why Sapporo remains a popular hotspot is certainly due to the numerous eateries offering local, fresh delicacies from all over Hokkaido. But did you know that Sapporo and its nearby vicinity also have historic spots and nature attractions? Try visiting Maruyama Park, a lovely park filled with trees which its colours change with the seasons, or the Former Hokkaido Government Office, which serves as an iconic symbol and houses historical exhibits.

Try travelling around Hakodate – a well-known water gateway and port city connecting Hokkaido with Japan's Honshu (Main Island). For history buff, this is one of the five international trading ports that opened following the end of the national isolation in 1859. Take a look around and you can still find many old Western-style buildings, such as churches, making it a nostalgic yet unique cityscape as they continue to timelessly stand amidst the modern buildings. Here you can also find Mt. Hakodate – famous for the panoramic view of its surroundings – where you can take in a dreamy, out-of-the-world nightscape from its vantage points.

Morioka City - where the ruins of Morioka Castle lie - has been developed into a castle town. It is dotted with historical sites, like the Morioka Castle Site Park and the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. Traditional Japanese architecture found in ancient merchant houses and the Western-style buildings built in the Meiji period (1868-1912), such as the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building, are worth a visit too. While you're in the city, don't forget to try the "three great noodles of Morioka" - Reimen, Wanko Soba, Jajamen - as well!

Not too far from Atami is Mishima, located on the northern part of the Izu Peninsula. It is home to the Mishima Taisha Shrine and is known as a place blessed with pure spring water from Mt. Fuji. The Mishima Skywalk, the longest suspended footbridge in Japan, opened in 2015 as a thrilling yet scenic spot where you can look over for the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and its surroundings. Have a taste of the local delicacy, Mishima eels, while you're here!

Did you know that there are many more spots to experience Nagoya, other than Nagoya Castle? Explore the Atsuta Jingu shrine and the city's symbolic Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower. If you are a train lover, visit the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, featuring the dynamism of the technology, design and history of the railway. The city also boasts a rich selection of delicious local dishes called "Nagoya-meshi." Have a taste at miso katsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet dish with a miso base sauce, and the hitsumabushi, an unagi dish served in a wooden rice container to immerse yourself in the food culture!

Kyoto is more than just a city; it is a long-standing symbol of the country's culture and history. Here, you can find notable temples and shrines as well as the essence of Japanese cuisine, which is an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Not only its cuisine, from the traditional performing arts and handicrafts to seasonal rituals and festivals that have been carried out since ancient times, have a feel of Kyoto through its one and only cultural experiences! If you want to experience a completely different side of the prefecture, head to the northern areas of Kyoto to visit Kyoto by the Sea, with wonderful views of locations like the Amanohashidate sandbar, which is regarded as one of Japan's Three Great Sights.

Osaka started flourishing as a metropolitan area over 400 years ago to become one of the commercial and gastronomic centres, and commonly referred to as the "nation's kitchen." It is a gourmet paradise full of Osaka-unique, mouthwatering dishes, making every decision to choose from the city's seemingly limitless menu - from street food like takoyaki to Michelin-starred meals - like a once-in-a-lifetime one. "Eat till you've spent every single penny," which is how foodies usually go on a non-stop food expedition in Osaka. The convenient urban transportation network helps you travel around the city easily.

Grapes and peaches are some of Okayama's best produces, so sweets and other confections created with these fruits are not to be missed! Easily accessible by local trains, head over to Kojima, where popular domestic jeans are produced, Kurashiki - known for its beautiful, nostalgic townscape with white walls - and the Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens.

One of the most visited cities in Japan is Hiroshima, giving off a nostalgic ambience with its tram network. You may know Hiroshima for its Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine. Other charming spots among many, admire the monuments and structures made from white marble at Miraishin no Oka and take a scenic stroll along the Path of Literature of Senkoji Park to meet 25 Japanese poets (monuments). For rabbit lovers, Okunoshima Island needs to be on your list.
Do you know that Hiroshima has its own style of okonomiyaki? Yes, different from that of Osaka. An omiyage (souvenir) unique to the prefecture is momiji-manju.

Found at the very western tip of Honshu, Shimonoseki of Yamaguchi Prefecture is separated by the Kanmon Straits from Kyushu. Try taking a vehicle ride through the Tsunoshima Bridge which appears to be floating on the cobalt-blue Sea of Japan. Try out fugu at some of the famous restaurants here, which also happened to be frequented by the dignitaries - feel the luxurious vibes while having a taste.

Hakata, a vital port city buzzing with trade activities in Fukuoka, provides easy access to popular sites like Dazaifu and Itoshima, while serving as the hub of Kyushu's transportation system to let you travel easily around Kyushu by trains, including limited express. If you're a foodie, the Nakasu district next to Hakata Station offers a variety of eateries and cafes in addition to street food. If you're looking to savour the variety of gourmet food from Fukuoka, this is the place to be!

Kagoshima is an hour and a half on the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata. Kagoshima is certainly one of the places for nature lovers as it has much of its nature remaining in pristine conditions; explore the mysterious island of Yakushima, the volcanic island of Sakurajima, and the lovely beach at Yurigahama. Looking for a dip? Kagoshima is actually a hot spring sanctuary with the second largest number of hot spring sources in the country! Enjoy delicious local specialities, such as kurobuta pork, shirokuma (shaved ice with condensed milk), and fresh seafood with Kagoshima's sweet sashimi soy sauce as well!