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.

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.

Keelung's landscape is a blend of mountainous terrain with a beautiful coastline. Attractions include Heping Island with rock formations that arouse intrigue and curiosity, the Chungcheng Park known for the statue of the Goddess of Mercy, the Ho Ping Coastal park that's perfect for diving and sea fishing and the Shiandung Cave that's sea-eroded. The not to be missed food market surrounding the Denji Temple has a myriad of delicacies to sample from.

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.

Nagasaki, Japan's early gateway to the West, offers European-style homes, a busy harbor, fusion cuisine, and Castella sponge cake from Portuguese missionaries. It is also marked by the second atomic bomb, so a visit to Peace Park is a deeply moving must. Take in views from Mount Inasayama, drive through the countryside to Arita, birthplace of Japanese porcelain, and return to Nagasaki's oldest Chinatown for Chinese food adapted to Japanese tastes.

Explore Hakata, the lively heart of Fukuoka, where modern energy meets rich culinary tradition. Stroll the ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park for sweeping city views and a taste of samurai history. Be sure to sample world-famous Hakata ramen, famous for its rich, creamy pork bone broth, firm thin noodles and no-frills toppings. Near Kushida Shrine, shop for woven textiles, dolls and more at the Hakata Traditional Craft Center.

Located on Honshu, Japan's largest and most populous island, Shimonoseki is a hidden gem with a proud samurai heritage. It is also a culinary wonder, famous for its fugu (pufferfish) delicacy. Epicureans should be sure to sample the dish at the Karato Market that overlooks the Kanmon Straits. Spend time reflecting at the Akama shrine or the Kozanji Temple, one of the oldest temples in the country.

Hiroshima, surrounded by forests and hot springs, is a symbol of rebirth and resilience. Key sites recall the first atomic bomb attack of Aug. 6, 1945: Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996), and the Children's Peace Monument. Take a ferry to Itsukushima, a sacred Shinto island with the iconic "floating" torii gate. End with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

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.

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.