The Tokyo Police Museum, a six-story building a 7-minute walk from the Tokyo Station, showcases hundreds of years of policing history in Japan, and to top it off, it’s a completely free experience.

Surrounded by mountains, Chichibu is an inviting, nature-filled summer weekend destination.

Chichibu, about 50 miles north of Yokota Air base in western Tokyo, provides a near-perfect outdoor experience, including day camping, barbecuing and a visit to an impressive dam.

Prepare to embark on a global journey — and beat drums from around the world — at the Miyamoto-Unosuke Drum Museum in Tokyo.

It’s a great time of year for mountain hikes on Mount Honita and Mount Kawanori. Go quickly, before the summer heat catches up to the area.

Aquarium Sagamihara boasts a 131-foot tank of flowing water that replicates a living river environment. Just 30 miles northwest of U.S. Army Japan’s headquarters, it features living and lifelike replicas of creatures in and along the 81-mile-long waterway in Kanagawa prefecture. In addition to 100 species of fish, insects and amphibians, there are multiple interactive learning exhibits for children and adults to enjoy.

Fireworks have been a big part of Japanese culture for centuries. Nomura Hanabi Kougyou, of Mito city in Ibaraki prefecture provides the sparkle behind about 40 such shows per year.

The South Korean city of Suwon is a beautiful mix of modernization and history, symbolized by Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the imposing wall that surrounds it.

Akiruno, just an hour’s drive from central Tokyo, boasts scenic countryside and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing.

A series of cable cars suspended over Yokohama’s waterfront provides a thrilling, panoramic view of Japan’s second-largest city.