Just 27 km from Seoul, Incheon is a historic coastal city opened to foreign trade in 1883 and granted "English Status" in 2007. Known for its business skyline, it has a vibrant Chinatown, where jjajangmyeon is said to have originated, and nearby Sinpo Market. During the Korean War, MacArthur's UN forces liberated the city; his victory is marked in Jaya (Freedom) Park. First recorded in 475 CE as Michuhol, it was renamed Incheon in 1413.

Tianjin, on the Bohai Sea, is a major port and gateway to Beijing, about three hours inland. A city with strong character and deep international history from the Opium Wars, it blends European-style architecture in the Five Avenues with modern skyscrapers, the Tianjin Eye, and Ancient Culture Street. Beijing's highlights-Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall-are also within reach.

Tianjin, on the Bohai Sea, is a major port and gateway to Beijing, about three hours inland. A city with strong character and deep international history from the Opium Wars, it blends European-style architecture in the Five Avenues with modern skyscrapers, the Tianjin Eye, and Ancient Culture Street. Beijing's highlights-Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall-are also within reach.

Time moves at a much slower clip here on Jeju-do. Blessed with tangerine groves, swaying palm trees, white sand beaches, and a verdant landscape, Korea's southernmost volcanic island has long been a favored holiday and honeymoon retreat for natives and neighbors. Still relatively unknown to Western travelers, Jeju's recent title as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature is bound to bring Jeju up on quite a few radars.

Busan, South Korea's second city, is a lively port framed by mountains and sea. Highlights include cliffside Haedong Yonggung Temple, lantern-lit Beomeosa, and the colorful, art-filled Gamcheon Culture Village. Feast on bibimbap and seafood, then unwind on Haeundae or Gwangalli beach, with city skyscrapers, sand festivals, and the glowing Gwangan Bridge completing Busan's quirky urban-coastal charm.

Nagasaki was devastated by the second U.S. atomic bomb on Aug. 9, 1945, killing more than 50,000. Today, the city honors its past while promoting peace and hope. Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, hear Hibakusha survivor stories, and see the Memorial Hall, Peace Park, and Hypocenter Park. Nearby Suwa Shrine's scarred torii and trees survived the blast. From Mount Inasa, reached by ropeway or bus, you can overlook the harbor and the city's resilient beauty.

Beppu, Japan, is a scenic hot-spring town famous for its eight "Hells" such as Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, and Tornado Hell. The volcanic landscape creates striking blue, red, and sulfurous pools. It's also known for cherry blossom season, with over 2,000 trees near Mount Tsurumi's ropeway. From the 1,375m summit, views stretch far across the region. Nearby Yufuin adds art, cafes, and boutiques.

Hiroshima is a city of remembrance and peace. Devastated by the 1945 atomic bombing, it now honors the past through the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, Peace Memorial Park, and the Flames of Peace, which burn until all nuclear weapons are gone. The Children's Peace Monument commemorates Sadako Sasaki and her 1,000 paper cranes. In cherry blossom season, the city is especially beautiful.

Kochi is a small, friendly castle town dating to the early 17th century, home to one of only 12 Japanese castles that survived the feudal era. Though half the city was destroyed in a 1945 bombing, the original castle remained, a fine Edo-period example. A lively market nearby offers local and international food, including sugar tomato and rice omelette. Kochi is also known for scenic landscapes, varied hot springs, beaches, katsuo no tataki, and the Harimayabashi love legend.

Kobe is best known for its famous beef, but the city has much more to offer. Its port history and 98 nationalities have created one of Japan's most diverse food cultures, with exceptional seafood, sushi, bread, bakeries, and sake. Historically important, Kobe was renamed in 1889 and was once known as Owada no Tomari. Set between Osaka and Kyoto on the Inland Sea, it appears in classic literature and is near Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful feudal castles.

Kobe is best known for its famous beef, but the city has much more to offer. Its port history and 98 nationalities have created one of Japan's most diverse food cultures, with exceptional seafood, sushi, bread, bakeries, and sake. Historically important, Kobe was renamed in 1889 and was once known as Owada no Tomari. Set between Osaka and Kyoto on the Inland Sea, it appears in classic literature and is near Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful feudal castles.

Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, is just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo. Once a fishing village, it quickly grew after opening its harbor to international trade. Today it offers waterfront strolls, a warm welcome, and a bustling urban skyline. Its huge Chinatown is a highlight, with colorful shops and 250+ eateries. Landmark Tower and a giant Ferris wheel overlook the bay, with Mount Fuji in the distance. Yokohama is a great base for exploring Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, and the rest of Japan.