Niigata sits along the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s west coast, a place where long winters and bright summers shape its traditions and flavors. For centuries this region has produced some of Japan’s finest rice, especially the Uonuma Koshihikari variety known for its rich taste and texture. That quality rice helps make Niigata sake famous across the country, and visitors can sample more than 90 local brews at tasting spots such as Ponshukan inside Niigata Station.

A major industrial area in the Loire Valley, it is an ancient city and was often visited in pilgrimages to pay homage to the tomb of St. Martin, a former bishop of Tours.

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany, is a city celebrated for its automotive heritage, green spaces, and cultural vibrancy. Nestled in a valley surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, Stuttgart balances modern industry with historical charm.

Dorset, a picturesque county on England’s southern coast, is a haven for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and seaside wanderers alike. Known for its rolling hills, sandy beaches, and charming towns, Dorset offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. The county is home to part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches.

The Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island is a place where coastline and culture come alive in ways that stay with visitors long after they’ve left. Stretching for about 110 kilometers between the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty, this region has deep roots that go back to the arrival of Māori long before Europeans stepped ashore.

Wick’s location at the mouth of the River Wick provides a dramatic coastal setting, with cliffs, sandy beaches, and the North Sea stretching into the horizon.