Once a modest fishing village, modern Tokyo is a vast metropolis of distinct neighborhoods: Shinjuku's Golden Gai bars, Nihombashi's culinary and shopping scenes, Akihabara's gadgets and manga culture, and Asakusa's pottery shops. Explore museums covering Japanese history and culture, especially the Tokyo National Museum. Visit the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji in Asakusa, enjoy Tokyo's exceptional food scene, and take a selfie at Shibuya Crossing.

On a clear day, you can see magnificent Mount Fuji from the lively Port of Shimizu. Visit The S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum with informative displays and models that show the history and variations of Japan's most famous fare. Stroll through the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where some of the port's fresh seafood is sold and be sure to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.

Visit Kyoto's breathtaking temples and shrines, ancient Nara's magnificent sacred sites, and Nara Park with its deer and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Tour Osaka's imposing castle, shop in Kobe for silks, ceramics, paper parasols, artworks and pottery, and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine or a superb Kobe beef dinner, exquisitely prepared and served.

Kochi is rich in natural beauty: a Kuroshio-warmed coastline, the clear Shimanto River, and deep green forests. In southern Shikoku, it is bordered by mountains to the north and traces Tosa Bay with an arc-like coast, from Cape Muroto in the east to Cape Ashizuri in the west, with sandy beaches between. It also features the mystical Ryuga-do limestone caves and the scenic pine-lined Katsurahama Beach.

Kagoshima is Japan's southernmost major city, and is nicknamed the "Naples of the Eastern World," based on its caldera bay location, hot climate, and volcano. The majestic view of Mt Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, dominates the city's landscape, towering over the beautiful Kinko Bay. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who landed in Kagoshima and first introduced Christianity to Japan.

Hirara is a tropical paradise on Miyako Island, Okinawa. Relax on the white sands and cobalt-blue waters of Yonaha and Sunayama beaches, visit Miyako Shrine, take in views from the iconic Irabu Bridge, and stroll through the colorful Hirara Tropical Botanical Garden. Enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle, Okinawan cuisine, and plenty of sun.

Ishigaki, gateway to the Yaeyama archipelago in Japan's far south and west, is famed for picture-perfect beaches, diving, snorkeling, and surf. See colorful fish and coral at Kabira Bay on a glass-bottom boat, then take in island views from Tamatorizaki Observatory or Hirakubozaki Lighthouse. Nearby Taketomi, Kuroshima, and Kohama are great bicycle day trips. Enjoy folk songs with the sanshin and island-specific pottery traditions.

From Keelung, head west to Taipei, one of East Asia's most intriguing cities, where Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences meet. See Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, and the National Palace Museum. Try xiaochi, beef noodle soup, and Taiwan beer. North of Keelung, visit Yehliu Geopark for eroded rock formations like Queen's Head and Elephant Rock.

Hong Kong blends an iconic harbor skyline with lush mountains and parks. Explore its culture and history at Man Mo Temple, ride the steep funicular to Victoria Peak, cruise a fishing village by sampan, and unwind on the sands of Repulse Bay. After shopping in Asia's commercial hub, enjoy dai pai dong street food and yum cha tea with dim sum.

Hanoi is a gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Southeast Asia's most stunning sights. Thousands of limestone and dolomite islets rise from the water, with grottoes, caves, arches, and coves best seen by wooden junk or kayak. In Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter and visit the Vietnam Military History Museum, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Museum.

A quieter town than its neighbor Nha Trang, Cam Ranh offers a landscape of white beaches, turquoise waters and lush forests. Those with an interest in history will have plenty to explore, as Cam Ranh has been a military stronghold for various world powers, including France, the Soviet Union and the United States. For a cultural experience, set off to tour peaceful temples and pagodas. Journey an hour north and you'll be in the heart of Vietnam's most popular seaside resort town.

Ho Chi Minh City, on a bend of the Sài Gòn River, blends skyscrapers, food markets, and French colonial architecture. Visit the War Remnants Museum and Củ Chi tunnels for Vietnam war history, see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, explore the city by motorbike, and enjoy the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace, and street food like pho and savory crepes.

Ho Chi Minh City, on a bend of the Sài Gòn River, blends skyscrapers, food markets, and French colonial architecture. Visit the War Remnants Museum and Củ Chi tunnels for Vietnam war history, see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, explore the city by motorbike, and enjoy the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace, and street food like pho and savory crepes.

From Laem Chabang, discover Bangkok's contrasts: exotic temples, lavish palaces, busy markets, and a striking skyline. Once a small trading center, Krung Thep now hums with street food, graceful Thai architecture, and saffron-robed monks. Ride a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, home to a huge reclining gold-plated Buddha. Take a boat on the Chao Phraya River past floating grocery stores and teak houses on stilts. Shop for Thai silk and jewelry, then enjoy pad Thai, khao mun gai, and mango sticky rice.

Ko Samui, once an isolated "Coconut Island," became a tourist destination in the early 1990s and is now Thailand's second most popular island after Phuket. Expect white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforest waterfalls, and local plantations where monkeys help harvest coconuts. Visit Wat Phra Yai, the 49-foot golden Big Buddha, then enjoy simple, delicious food and a cold coconut cocktail in Thailand's bright-blue paradise.

This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.