Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, is just a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo. Once a fishing village, it quickly grew after opening its harbor to international trade. Today it offers waterfront strolls, a warm welcome, and a bustling urban skyline. Its huge Chinatown is a highlight, with colorful shops and 250+ eateries. Landmark Tower and a giant Ferris wheel overlook the bay, with Mount Fuji in the distance. Yokohama is a great base for exploring Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, and the rest of Japan.

Nagoya, home to Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi, is Japan's fourth-largest city and an industrial powerhouse. Often overlooked between Tokyo and Kyoto, it still offers plenty: notable museums, temples, shopping, gardens, and cuisine like hitsumabushi and tebasaki. Highlights include Nagoya Castle, the Tokugawa-era history, the Port Tower, the modern aquarium, and 2,000-year-old Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan's most revered.

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.

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.

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.

Okinawa has a unique history as the former Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived in the 15th century by trading with Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Its location between mainland Japan and Taiwan helped shape a distinct culture still seen today. Naha, Okinawa's largest city, draws millions of visitors with beautiful landscapes, Ryukyu Kingdom sites, and WWII history. Okinawa was under U.S. occupation from 1945 and returned to Japan in 1972, leaving a mix of Japanese and American influences.

Ishigaki is a city in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It covers all of Ishigaki Island and is the political, cultural, and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands. The island is part of the Yaeyama Archipelago, surrounded by coral reefs, and includes Mount Omoto, Okinawa's highest peak (about 526 m). Kabira Bay and Mount Omoto are nationally designated Places of Scenic Beauty. The uninhabited Senkaku Islands lie about 150 km north of Ishigaki Island.

Keelung's busy harbour opens the way to northern Taiwan's lively mix of city sights, coastal scenery and rich local flavour. From here, it's easy to explore Taipei's towering landmarks and temples, browse colourful night markets, or enjoy the harbourfront atmosphere and dramatic sea views closer to port.

Uncover with Silversea cruises Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia! A visit to Asia would never be complete without a stroll around this marvelous place's restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers and nice smattering of museums!