The Koopmans-de Wet House is pretty 18th century townhouse decorated and furnished as it would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries, including an impressive collection of ceramics and offering a glimpse into the gracious life of colonial Cape Town. The Koopmans-de Wet family, who originally owned the house, was known for helping orphans and widows in the community.

The part of Hoi An most sought-after by visitors is its incredibly photogenic mustard-coloured Old Town, a UNESCO-listed collection of beautifully preserved buildings; some of these still function as private homes, while a total of 22 are open to the public and operate largely as museums. Of particular interest are historic merchant residences, some of which offer short guided tours (the Old House of Tan Ky is among the most interesting), and Chinese assembly halls used for gatherings and celebrations by individual ethnic groups. Visiting each attraction will require one of the 5 admission slips that come with a general Hoi An Ancient Town entry ticket.

Dedicated to the Romantic poets — Keats, Shelley, and Byron — who each stayed in Rome and died tragically young, this charming period house contains a chain of rooms lined with rare books and relics, including Keats' last resting place. There's also a gift shop, an introductory film, and a spacious terrace.

Tobe was once a separate town to the south of Matsuyama. It's home to many potteries producing ceramics known collectively as Tobe-yaki. These tend to be white with navy blue decoration, although there are many varieties. You can purchase very serviceable tableware for everyday use at the potteries, and you can also try your hand at making your own ceramics. Tobe is also home to a number of interesting museums and a sake brewery.