Taketomi in Japan

Mount Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano, is located on Kyushu island. The awe-inspiring image of a volcanic crater spewing smoke, combined with improved accessibility, has turned the Aso caldera into a much sought-after attraction. The hike up to the numerous volcanic peaks dotting the caldera is a thrilling one and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Iriomote, the second largest island on the Okinawa archipelago, also has the distinction of being the least populated. Accessible only by ferry from Ishigaki, the island is known for its unique landscape with dense jungles, mangroves, and strikingly beautiful coral reefs.

Ishigaki island, with its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, appears straight out of a picture postcard. Sharing the same latitude as that of Honolulu and Miami, this second largest island of the Yaeyama group is a diver’s paradise. Head for one of the many secluded beaches, patches of mysterious forests, and winding hiking trails, for an unforgettable holiday.

Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is a bustling city that manages to perfectly blend modernity with tradition. Home to over 300,000 people, it is the largest city of Okinawa. From the stores, bars, and restaurants that line Kokusai-dori, the city’s main street, to the ancient Shuri castle and a Shinto shrine, there is plenty to see and do here.

Kinosaki Onsen is a charming hot spring town located three hours from Kyoto and Osaka in northern Hyogo Prefecture, overlooking the Sea of Japan. This atmospheric 1,300-year-old Japanese town boasts seven public hot spring bathhouses within walking distance of each other.

Yudanaka, with its spectacular mountain scenery and lush vegetation epitomizes an idyllic getaway. This hot spring resort town located near Nagano city has a history that can be traced back over hundreds of years

Kumano Kodo is a network of spectacular hiking routes that traverse the Wakayama mountains in the Kii peninsula in South Kyoto.

Lake Kawaguchiko presents an image of picturesque serenity with the majestic Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Set within the borders of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this scenic lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most sacred mountain – an active volcano, and a landmark symbol of Japan. At 12,776 feet, the tallest peak in Japan is also one of its three holy mountains, first conquered by a monk in 663!