Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, attractively located at the eastern shores of Lake Shinji (Shinjiko). Due to its location between Lake Shinji, Nakaumi (another lake) and the Sea of Japan, Matsue is also known as the “water city”.
Kurashiki is a city in Okayama Prefecture, a few kilometers west of Okayama City.
Okayama is the capital of Okayama Prefecture and a major transportation hub of the Chugoku Region. The city is most famous for Korakuen, known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.
Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture on the southern coast of Shikoku. The city is small and friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a dose of southern flair.
Uchiko is a pleasant town located about 40 km southwest of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Now a vestige of traditional, rural Japan, Uchiko was once a prosperous center of wax and paper production. One of the town’s main attractions, the Kamihaga Residence, explores this historical industry.
Matsuyama is the largest city on Shikoku and the capital of Ehime Prefecture. At the heart of the city stands Matsuyamajo, a beautiful, original castle. The castle’s hilltop vantage point offers a view of the city and a glimpse of the Seto Inland Sea.
Kotohira is a small city in Kagawa Prefecture which is famous for Kompirasan, Shikoku’s most popular shrine.
Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa, Japan’s smallest prefecture. The city’s harbor used to be the main entry point to Shikoku Island until the Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988, providing a land connection to Honshu Island.
Onuma Park can be easily visited in either a day trip from Hakodate or on a stop over on a journey between Hakodate and Sapporo, since most limited express trains between the two cities stop at Onuma Koen Station, the central railway station.
Hakodate is Hokkaido’s third largest city, located at the island’s southern tip. Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate (see picture above) and its delicious, fresh seafood.