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Taipei, Taiwan

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From the bustling streets of the city to a quiet lotus pond in the botanical gardens, Taipei is a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and urban jungle. Get a bird’s eye view of Taiwan’s capital from the 89th-floor observatory at Taipei 101 before descending to explore Dihua Street, where you’ll find historic architecture and local shops selling everything from souvenirs to medicinal herbs. The National Palace Museum is home to a vast collection of Chinese artifacts, including the famous jadeite cabbage from the Qing dynasty and carvings dating back to 3000 BC.

Sasebo, Japan

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The port city of Sasebo is adjacent to Kujukushima, an archipelago of more than 200 scenic islets in Saikai National Park. Boat trips exploring this remarkable scenery depart from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, which also features an aquarium and the chance to harvest your own pearls. Multiple observatories and overlooks offer views of the seascape from land. On another nearby island, Kuroshima Catholic Church stands as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site protecting the legacy of Japanese Christians who were persecuted during the Edo period.

Sasebo, Japan

Submitted by ryan.hall on

The port city of Sasebo is adjacent to Kujukushima, an archipelago of more than 200 scenic islets in Saikai National Park. Boat trips exploring this remarkable scenery depart from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, which also features an aquarium and the chance to harvest your own pearls. Multiple observatories and overlooks offer views of the seascape from land. On another nearby island, Kuroshima Catholic Church stands as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site protecting the legacy of Japanese Christians who were persecuted during the Edo period.

Beppu, Japan

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Beppu’s renowned hot springs are so numerous that you may see plumes of mist rising from the city as you approach. Resort spas and public baths offer opportunities to soak in the soothing waters, often with views of the surrounding mountains or coastline. Bathing in mud, sand or steam warmed by the geothermal heat is also a relaxing, rejuvenating pastime. While the city’s most famous springs are too hot for bathing, they certainly merit a visit.

Beppu, Japan

Submitted by ryan.hall on

Beppu’s renowned hot springs are so numerous that you may see plumes of mist rising from the city as you approach. Resort spas and public baths offer opportunities to soak in the soothing waters, often with views of the surrounding mountains or coastline. Bathing in mud, sand or steam warmed by the geothermal heat is also a relaxing, rejuvenating pastime. While the city’s most famous springs are too hot for bathing, they certainly merit a visit.

Shimizu, Japan

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The revered peak of Mount Fuji rises as a stately backdrop just northeast of Shimizu, one of Japan’s most beautiful ports. Take in iconic views of the mountain from the beach at Miho no Matsubara, lined by thousands of palm trees including the 200-year-old Hagoromo no Matsu tree that features in ancient legend. The entire area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fujisan that recognizes the sacred landscapes of Mount Fuji, a pilgrimage destination and source of artistic inspiration for centuries.

Motobu, Okinawa

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On the edge of a peninsula on the island of Okinawa, the town of Motobu offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions within minutes of the port. You easily spend an entire day exploring the expansive Ocean Expo Park that stretches along the coast. Here the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is renowned for its enormous Kuroshio Sea tank where you can observe whale sharks and manta rays up close. The park also includes tropical botanical gardens and arboretums, a re-creation of a native Okinawan village from the Ryukyu kingdom era, and the white sands of Emerald Beach.

Motobu, Okinawa

Submitted by ryan.hall on

On the edge of a peninsula on the island of Okinawa, the town of Motobu offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions within minutes of the port. You easily spend an entire day exploring the expansive Ocean Expo Park that stretches along the coast. Here the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is renowned for its enormous Kuroshio Sea tank where you can observe whale sharks and manta rays up close. The park also includes tropical botanical gardens and arboretums, a re-creation of a native Okinawan village from the Ryukyu kingdom era, and the white sands of Emerald Beach.

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

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The island paradise of Miyakojima offers any kind of beach day you could desire, from relaxing on the impossibly soft white sands of Yonaha Maehama Beach to snorkeling the shallow offshore reefs of Yoshino Kaigan Beach or Imugya Marine Garden in search of tropical fish and sea turtles. Certified divers will want to go deeper, as Miyakojima and other nearby islands offer excellent dive sites with underwater caverns, tunnels and coral reefs.

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