The island of Amami-Oshima is rich in flora and fauna thanks to a mild subtropical climate, and a number of whale species can be spotted in the surrounding waters during the winter. The island also has some lovely white sand beaches, and is known for producing high quality hand-made silk.

Zamami island is part of the Kerama archipelago, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, vivid blue waters and world class scuba diving. A host of other aquatic activities are also available here, or you can hike up to the Takatsuki Observatory for lovely views.

Situated 60 miles to the west of Okinawa’s main island, Kumejima is blessed with beautiful beaches and varied landscapes. The four-mile-long Hatenohama beach is particularly stunning, while the rocky Tatami-ishi plateau, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, is so named because it is said to resemble a traditional tatami mat.

The crescent-shaped Tsuki-ga-hama is one of the best beaches on the jungle-clad island of Iriomote-jima, part of the idyllic Yaeyama archipelago. The islands are known for their fantastic coral reefs, perfect for diving and snorkelling, while ashore you can explore on foot or on a river kayaking expedition.

Wild and remote, Yonaguni is Japan’s westernmost island, with a landscape of plunging cliffs, white sand beaches and verdant meadows. The island is the home of the Yonaguni horse, a native Japanese breed, and the surrounding waters teem with migrating hammerhead sharks between late November and May, making this a great destination for divers.

Keelung is a fairly unremarkable port city close to Taipei, Taiwan’s capital. Taipei draws on an interesting mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, and is home to attractive temples, a burgeoning street food scene and Taipei 101, which was the world's tallest building until it was eclipsed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2010.