Guam is a beautiful island with a rich cultural history. Apra Harbor, on Guam's west side, is a deep-water port and one of the Pacific's best natural harbors, formed by the Orote Peninsula and Cabras Island. It serves as both a U.S. naval station and Guam's main commercial port. Guam's Chamorro culture has endured despite colonization and war; its people, likely from Southeast Asia, were skilled seafarers and craftsmen. Since Magellan's 1521 visit, many foreign influences have shaped the island.

The Northern Mariana Islands are 15 tropical islands in the western Pacific, about 120 miles north of Guam. Saipan, the largest island and home to the CNMI capital, is 12 miles long and 5 miles wide. Chamorro settlers arrived around 2000 BC. Magellan sighted the islands in 1521; the name changed in 1668 for Mariana of Austria. In 1986 Reagan made the CNMI a U.S. Commonwealth. Saipan's tourism centers on Garapan, beaches, marine life, WWII relics, bunkers, mangroves, and American Memorial Park.

Among the 15 Northern Marianas islands, Pagan is one of Micronesia's finest: biologically diverse, volcanically active (last major eruption in 1981), and geologically striking. It is actually two islands joined by an isthmus. Human habitation likely dates to about 1500 BC; official discovery was in the 17th century. Today only seven people live there. Eruptions have left lava slopes, light broadleaf forest, scrub grasslands, and swamps. The Marianas are notable for endemic birds.

Feel your heart thump at first sight of Japan's most heavenly vision: Mount Fuji, its snow-capped cone rising through the haze. One of the world's most famous natural landmarks, this perfectly symmetrical, iconic volcano is a beloved symbol of Japan and a picturesque backdrop for Shimizu. Visit the slopes, serene shrines, tea plantations, Shiraito Falls, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, or Nihondaira Plateau for panoramic views of Fuji and Suruga Bay.

Set against the volcanic beauty of Oshima Island, Motomachi offers a laid-back taste of island Japan, where black lava shores, clear waters and flower-filled streets create a striking setting. Explore the port town's relaxed atmosphere, sample fresh seafood and local delicacies, and take in views of Mount Mihara and the rugged coastline that give this small outpost its distinctive charm.

Framed by the calm waters and wooded inlets of Japan's Ise-Shima region, Toba is a gentle port with a strong maritime heritage. Discover the legacy of cultured pearls, watch traditional ama divers at work, and enjoy fresh local seafood with views across the bay. It also makes a rewarding base for exploring nearby temples, coastal scenery, and the cultural treasures of Mie Prefecture.

Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa, Japan's smallest prefecture. With about 420,000 people, it blends natural beauty and urban function. Its port was once Shikoku's main gateway until the 37km Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988. Since the 17th century, the city has prospered under the Matsudaira family, who completed Ritsurin Garden: a 75-hectare villa garden with 13 hills, 6 ponds, and views of Mt. Shiun. Takamatsu is also known for fresh seafood and Sanuki udon.

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.

Itsukushima Island, or Miyajima ("Shrine Island"), is home to Japan's iconic Floating Torii Gate, a red gate in the Seto Inland Sea that appears to float at high tide. A UNESCO site and National Treasure, it marks the shrine complex built over water on walkways. Worship here dates to at least 600 AD; the present shrine dates to the early 12th century. Visit the island paths and Mount Misen, reached partly by cable car, with sea views and deer.

Yakushima is a round subtropical island off southern Kyushu, in Kagoshima. One-fifth was designated a Natural World Heritage Site in 1993. It is famed for its cedar forests and Yakusugi, a term for cedars over 1,000 years old; the oldest may be over 7,000 years. With mountains near 2,000 m and heavy year-round rain, it offers rich flora from coral reef to alpine plants.

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.