You don’t have to be leader of the free world to visit Panmunjom — the truce village in the Demilitarized Zone where President Donald Trump shook hands June 30 with Kim Jong Un of North Korea.

Folks in the Tokyo area who want to swim with wild dolphins don’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to realize their dreams.

An excursion by rail to Kawagoe in Saitama prefecture opens a window to a bygone era in Japan. Sometimes called “Little Edo,” a reference to Tokyo’s former identity, the city encompasses a busy commercial district and a Buddhist temple of historic and cultural significance. If, like me, you’re relatively new to Japan, Kawagoe is a nice weekend-day-trip alternative to the bustle of center city Tokyo.

After Golden Week, Okinawa usually marches into tsuyu, or rainy season, which lasts until late June. For some, the gloomy sky and constant rain makes them feel blue. Others may appreciate the little break from the blazing sun, because after the rainy season is over, Okinawa is officially in summer. As for me, as soon as the Japan Meteorological Agency announces that Okinawa is in rainy season, it’s time to hit the road to the Yohena Hydrangea Garden to see some pretty flowers.

Every local on Okinawa has a “go-to” tempura place when a craving for Okinawa-style tempura strikes. Where is my go-to shop? On Ojima island!

Located just 6 miles from Osan Air Base is Mangisa Temple, home to the Iron Seated Buddha, one of South Korea’s national treasures.

The grounds of Hiroshima Castle's expansive grounds have turned into a technicolor wonderland, thanks to the efforts of the wildly popular teamLab art collective.

Tucked away in the heart of Sapporo is a bustling market dating back to the 19th century where tourists and locals alike can find a veritable feast of fresh and exotic seafood.

A great place to relax after a hard day of skiing or marveling at snow sculptures is only an hour’s drive or bus ride from downtown Sapporo. Jozankei is one of Hokkaido’s most popular hot springs drawing 1.6 million visitors each year, including 180,000 foreigners — twice as many as came a decade ago.

On Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Shiroi Koibito is, quite possibly, the region’s most popular omiyage, and has attained an almost mythical status among Hokkaido’s visitors.

The Kerama Islands are only about 25 miles from Naha — just an hour-long ferry ride away. During the winter season, the waters surrounding the small group of islands transforms into one of the best whale-watching spots in the world.

If you fare well in cold weather, or own enough warm clothing, you can experience some spectacular views of Hokkaido’s largest city from the summit of Mount Moiwa.

One of the most famous features of the Churaumi Aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Sea tank, which holds nearly 2 million gallons of water and measures more than 115 feet in length.

On Okinawa, hanami is more subdued compared to the hanami celebrations on the mainland. Here, hanami is less about bentos and beer and more about enjoying nature.

Treading the five-acre Kukaniloko Birthstones State Monument is to stroll upon the bellybutton of Oahu island. It was here, long before the first Europeans stepped foot on this island chain, where the pregnant wives of Hawaii’s chiefs came to give birth.

It might seem like a challenge to get into the holiday spirit on Okinawa, but illumination events across the island are helping spread wintertime cheer to locals.

Tokushima might be one of Japan's least-populated prefectures, but it's filled with beautiful landscapes, historic attractions and a wide variety of unique cultural experiences.

When I asked my daughter what she would like to do to celebrate her junior high school graduation, she knew immediately where she wanted to go: Taiwan.

Want to see how big Tokyo really is? Go up Tokyo Skytree, the tallest public observation tower in the city where nothing blocks the view of the sprawling metropolis below. Six years since its opening, Skytree remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo, with long lines of visitors waiting to take in the view from the tower’s observation floors on weekends.

Clark Air Base, America’s then-largest overseas military facility located about two hours north of Manila in the Philippines, closed in 1991 — but, if you want to take a nostalgic trip to that bygone era, the Clark Museum in Mabalacat City offers just that.

Located just one hour by train from Kyoto and just 30 minutes by train from Osaka, Kobe offers the perfect mix of vintage allure and 21st century excitement.

Canyons, an outdoor adventure company that operates out of several locations in the Kanto region, allows its guests to plunge, quite literally, into Japan’s natural beauty — and, sometimes, head-first.

Tokyo is home to several world-class museums, displaying everything from Japanese artifacts to contemporary anime-inspired art pieces. One unique museum in the sprawling metropolis pays homage not to an artist or ancient civilization, but to a beloved companion to Japan’s rich culinary history: Beer.

Japan is a nation famous for its festival traditions. The celebrations — which can range from the rowdy and rambunctious, to the spiritual and serene — often date back hundreds of years, and many are steeped in ancient Japanese history and folklore. But a festival taking place next weekend in Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture is based on something a bit more contemporary: A love of all things bacon.

Just a quick ferry ride from Naha, Tokashiki Island is part of the Kerama archipelago and is famous for its white, sandy beaches and diverse marine life.

A relaxed shopping plaza just west of Shinjuku offers plenty for anime lovers to enjoy — and without all the fuss and crowds usually associated with Tokyo’s better-known otaku hangout.

Izena Island is only a 55-minute ferry ride from northern Okinawa — but the island seems like it was frozen in time, due mainly to the way in which its residents preserve the traditional Okinawan way of life.

Embarking on a run or a ride without encountering the hazards of city living might be difficult, especially for anyone living in the densely-populated areas of Tokyo prefecture. Luckily, there’s the Tama River Trail — a popular cycling road offering an opportunity for athletes of all skill levels and ages to experience uninterrupted adventure.

In Japan, one doesn’t need to travel far to enjoy the many natural hot springs — or onsens in Japanese — the country has to offer. Visitors to Tokyo can treat themselves with a rejuvenating trip to an onsen in the heart of the city.

For more than 100 years, the park in the heart of the trendy neighborhood of Kichijoji has been drawing families and young people with its scenic landscape and famous cherry blossoms.