Odyssey in the heart of Japan’s subtropical islands

Located on Taiwan’s northeastern coast, Keelung is a harbor city known for its coastal scenery and historic sites. Nearby, Yehliu Geopark features distinctive rock formations shaped by wind and sea erosion. Explore the city’s history along trails connecting Chung Cheng Park and Fort Ershawan, with views of Keelung Harbor and the surrounding coastline. Visit Miaokou Night Market to sample Taiwanese street food and local specialties.

Located in the Yaeyama archipelago, south of Japan’s main island chain, Ishigaki is known for its clear waters, beaches, and coastal scenery. Off the island’s southwest coast, the waters near Shiraho are home to one of the world’s largest blue coral communities.

Situated between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, Miyakojima is the main island of the Miyako Islands, in the Sakishima archipelago. The fourth largest island in the Okinawa prefecture, it is known for its many sugar cane plantations and some of Japan’s most beautiful beaches. 

Capital of Okinawa Prefecture, the town of Naha is located on the south-west of the island. You love its lively atmosphere, particularly along Kokusai Dori, otherwise known as 'international street'. The picturesque Makishi Public Market, nicknamed 'Naha's kitchen' offers a profusion of colorful fish, Okinawan foodstuffs and local spices and you can sample delicacies cooked on the spot.

To the north of the island of Okinawa, between the azure ocean and lush hills, Motobu inspires contemplation. This destination, far off the beaten track, unveils landscapes steeped in poetry. A natural setting, with Mount Yae as a backdrop, Motobu reveals itself through its white sandy beaches and its villages where time seems to move at a different pace. In the heart of one of the world’s famous Blue Zones, you are inspired by the Okinawan way of life and set off to meet “keepers of memory”, these guardians of history and tradition who preserve the soul of the archipelago. Travel back into Okinawa’s fascinating past by admiring the ruins of Nakijin Castle, followed by a walk through the historic district of Bise, renowned for its impressive green tunnels.

Miyanoura, on the preserved island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals a remarkably rich natural universe. Between mist-covered mountains, lush forests and wild coastlines, it is home to majestic millennia-old cedar trees, some of which are said to have inspired the dreamlike landscapes in the film Princesse Mononoke. The spectacular Senpiro Waterfall, tumbling down an immense granite monolith, is one of the island’s iconic sites. Yakushima is also the guardian of ancestral craftmanship, perpetuated from generation to generation and profoundly linked to its exceptional environment.

The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, is best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis reminds you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitants' everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three meters that was 'swallowed up' by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature sends a shiver down your spine.

The fourth largest island in the Nippon archipelago, Shikoku, is also the best preserved. Here, forests and oceans stretch as far as the eye can see. On the southern coast of the island, Kochi, the tranquil metropolis quietly welcome you. You can enjoy a lively town, with many commercial centers and restaurants. On the menu, katsuo tataki, a local speciality with delicately grilled fish. But Kochi, overlooked by the benevolent shadow of its castle, also invites you to explore its magnificent Katsurahama beach, its museums and Buddhist temples, the site of a famous annual pilgrimage.

To the south-west of the Japanese archipelago, Shingu is a port town in the Kansai region. Founded in 1933, it belongs to the peninsula of Kii, the countryﾒs largest. Take a trip around the Kumano Sanzan religious complex dedicated to three sacred mountains and home to two Shinto temples, Kumano Hong? Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.ﾠThe latter features the famous sacred nagi tree, said to have been planted around 1159. Pilgrims flock to these two sanctuaries that feature on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Hop on a boat and journey to the Dorokyo Gorge, a natural beauty spot carved out by the emerald waters of the Kumano river.

Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity. The main historic landmark is the 16th century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.