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.

Takayama, located in Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture, is a city where traditional culture and natural beauty are remarkably well preserved.

Little Rock, capital and largest city of Arkansas, a port of entry on the Arkansas River opposite North Little Rock, in the central part of the state. Among the attractions in Little Rock are the State Capitol (1911); the Governor's Mansion; Quapaw Quarter, a district of restored buildings that includes the Old State House; the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, a group of restored homes dating from the early 19th century; and MacArthur Park, containing the Arkansas Arts Center, and much more!

Alice Springs, located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, is a town deeply connected to the desert landscapes and Aboriginal culture that define the region. Long an important meeting place for the Arrernte people, it remains a center of Indigenous art and traditions, with galleries and cultural institutions showcasing some of the world’s most renowned Aboriginal artworks and stories.

Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan Province, blends modern urban life with centuries of history. It is famous as the home of the giant panda, but its cultural significance extends far beyond wildlife.