Lights, sushi, manga ... one word : Tokyo! Set sail on our luxury cruise ship to this incredible city that is known to be sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating as Japan's capital of contrasts!

Kobe is best known for its famous beef, but the city has much more to offer. Its port history and 98 nationalities have created one of Japan's most diverse food cultures, with exceptional seafood, sushi, bread, bakeries, and sake. Historically important, Kobe was renamed in 1889 and was once known as Owada no Tomari. Set between Osaka and Kyoto on the Inland Sea, it appears in classic literature and is near Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful feudal castles.

Kobe is best known for its famous beef, but the city has much more to offer. Its port history and 98 nationalities have created one of Japan's most diverse food cultures, with exceptional seafood, sushi, bread, bakeries, and sake. Historically important, Kobe was renamed in 1889 and was once known as Owada no Tomari. Set between Osaka and Kyoto on the Inland Sea, it appears in classic literature and is near Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful feudal castles.

Kochi is a small, friendly castle town dating to the early 17th century, home to one of only 12 Japanese castles that survived the feudal era. Though half the city was destroyed in a 1945 bombing, the original castle remained, a fine Edo-period example. A lively market nearby offers local and international food, including sugar tomato and rice omelette. Kochi is also known for scenic landscapes, varied hot springs, beaches, katsuo no tataki, and the Harimayabashi love legend.

Beppu, Japan, is a scenic hot-spring town famous for its eight "Hells" such as Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, and Tornado Hell. The volcanic landscape creates striking blue, red, and sulfurous pools. It's also known for cherry blossom season, with over 2,000 trees near Mount Tsurumi's ropeway. From the 1,375m summit, views stretch far across the region. Nearby Yufuin adds art, cafes, and boutiques.

Hiroshima is a city of remembrance and peace. Devastated by the 1945 atomic bombing, it now honors the past through the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, Peace Memorial Park, and the Flames of Peace, which burn until all nuclear weapons are gone. The Children's Peace Monument commemorates Sadako Sasaki and her 1,000 paper cranes. In cherry blossom season, the city is especially beautiful.

Aburatsu, on Japan's southeastern coast in Miyazaki, is a small port with warm weather, friendly locals, and a relaxed holiday feel. Visitors may see Nichinan Taihei dance and sample local food on arrival. Nearby highlights include Aoshima, a 1.5 km island linked by a 300 m bridge, with beaches, lush greenery, Aoshima Jinja, and the striking Oni no Sentakuita rock formations; it's a National Natural Monument. Also worth seeing is Obi Castletown, especially its castle and spring cherry blossoms.

Nagasaki was devastated by the second U.S. atomic bomb on Aug. 9, 1945, killing more than 50,000. Today, the city honors its past while promoting peace and hope. Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, hear Hibakusha survivor stories, and see the Memorial Hall, Peace Park, and Hypocenter Park. Nearby Suwa Shrine's scarred torii and trees survived the blast. From Mount Inasa, reached by ropeway or bus, you can overlook the harbor and the city's resilient beauty.

Busan, South Korea's second city, is a lively port framed by mountains and sea. Highlights include cliffside Haedong Yonggung Temple, lantern-lit Beomeosa, and the colorful, art-filled Gamcheon Culture Village. Feast on bibimbap and seafood, then unwind on Haeundae or Gwangalli beach, with city skyscrapers, sand festivals, and the glowing Gwangan Bridge completing Busan's quirky urban-coastal charm.

Shanghai is China's dazzling showpiece: a 24-million-and-growing global city of skyscrapers, neon, and nonstop energy. Yet colonial streets, temples, and gardens still survive beneath the skyline. The Bund, Lujiazui, the Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower define its futuristic face, while street food, luxe bars, tai chi parks, and the Jade Buddha Temple keep it grounded. Extreme, intense, and surprisingly welcoming.

Shanghai is China's dazzling showpiece: a 24-million-and-growing global city of skyscrapers, neon, and nonstop energy. Yet colonial streets, temples, and gardens still survive beneath the skyline. The Bund, Lujiazui, the Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower define its futuristic face, while street food, luxe bars, tai chi parks, and the Jade Buddha Temple keep it grounded. Extreme, intense, and surprisingly welcoming.

Shanghai is China's dazzling showpiece: a 24-million-and-growing global city of skyscrapers, neon, and nonstop energy. Yet colonial streets, temples, and gardens still survive beneath the skyline. The Bund, Lujiazui, the Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower define its futuristic face, while street food, luxe bars, tai chi parks, and the Jade Buddha Temple keep it grounded. Extreme, intense, and surprisingly welcoming.

Just 27 km from Seoul, Incheon is a historic coastal city opened to foreign trade in 1883 and granted "English Status" in 2007. Known for its business skyline, it has a vibrant Chinatown, where jjajangmyeon is said to have originated, and nearby Sinpo Market. During the Korean War, MacArthur's UN forces liberated the city; his victory is marked in Jaya (Freedom) Park. First recorded in 475 CE as Michuhol, it was renamed Incheon in 1413.