Kagoshima, Japan

Located on the southwest tip of Kyushu, Japan's third largest island, this seaside city is the capital of Kagoshima and lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula—a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs, geysers and golf courses.

Kagoshima features dramatic coastlines, national parks, volcanic mountains, and historic castles and temples. Tour an active volcano and feast your eyes on the giant daikon (Japanese radish), which grow unusually large due to the volcanic soil. Go for a scenic hike and then rejuvenate in the medicinal steam baths.