11-Day Asia from Seoul to Tokyo: Osaka, Nagoya, Sakaiminato & Hakodate

Travel to Seoul and discover its 5,000-year-old heritage amidst the ultra-modern high-rises. Visit the magnificent 14th century Gyeongbok Palace and stone pagoda, the National Museum and the bustling antique district. Or spend a day in the serene atmosphere of a Zen Buddhist temple and a historic Korean village. Tour the DMZ and rediscover the drama of recent history. Or simply wander the fish market and promenade at Inchon.

Sakaiminato is the primary fishing port for all of Western Japan, so it's no surprise that seafood is a major attraction here. Much of the country's snow crab, which is considered a foremost delicacy around the world, hails from Sakai Port. In addition to creatures of the sea, the city is filled with "spirit monsters" known as 'Yokai', bronze statues based on Japanese folklore. This artistic spirit is exemplified on Kitaro Road, where hundreds of statues from famed local artist Shigeru Mizuki line the street.

Inhabited for 4,000 years, Niigata overflows with history and beauty. Its location on the Sea of Japan, at the mouth of the country's longest river, makes it ideal for agriculture. In fact, it's the top producer of rice in the nation, which brings on the sake breweries, over 90 in all. And talk about fresh seafood. Culinary aficionados flock here to savour the finest in prawn, crab and fish. This ideal climate and rich soil produces seemingly endless fields of colourful tulips, too. Come hungry and bring your camera.

In Aomori, immerse yourself in history as you visit fascinating archaeological sites, ancient villages and cultural museums. Come hungry for culinary delights and create your own donburi from the fresh, local seafood sold at Furukawa Fish Market. Or discover one of the city's many apple groves and taste green and red apples and homemade jams and juice.

The best view of Hakodate is seen from high atop its namesake mountain. Ride the gondola to the observation deck and gaze down at the spectacular vista below. Immerse yourself in history within the star-shaped walls of Fort Goryokaku and explore the site of famous battles that transformed Japan. Work up an appetite strolling along the city's sloping streets and enjoy a mouth-watering seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) from the Hakodate Morning Market.

Japan's fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae. This busy hub is where you'll find Nagoya TV Tower, the city's symbol, and Oasis 21, a multi-level public park with a futuristic water theme.

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira. Take in the seascapes on a bay cruise, or learn of undersea delights at Japan's first sushi museum, and get a glimpse at feudal life in Japan in 200 BC at the archaeological site of Toro. Shop for traditional Japanese wooden handcrafts and fabrics unique to the region, and sample some yokan, a sweet jellied confection.