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.

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.

Lovers of hot spring resorts, rejoice. Perched hillside on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, Beppu bubbles with life thanks to a preponderance of onsen (hot springs). Enjoy a variety of rejuvenating bath types, from heated sand to traditional steam to hot mud. As one of the country's most popular spots for enjoying a long, hot soak, most visitors find Beppu to be a delightful opportunity to absorb the more relaxed side of Japan's vibrant culture.

Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea's second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it's also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as "the summer capital of South Korea," Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.

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.

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.

From Incheon, visit Seoul, where modern life meets tradition. See Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the president's official residence; browse Insadong's antique shops, galleries, and craft stores; learn Korean history at the National Museum; and admire Changdeokgung, a UNESCO-listed palace. In Incheon, visit the memorial to General Douglas MacArthur's September 1950 landing operation, a key Korean War victory.

Jeju Island is often called the "Island of the Gods," for its breathtaking landscape. UNESCO deemed the island's dormant volcano Hallasan as a Biosphere Reserve because of the abundance and diversity of plant and animal species. Enjoy delicious fare, such as fresh fish, squid, octopus and sea cucumber, as well as its famous Shitake mushrooms and honey, which has a distinct taste.

Shanghai, a glittering historic city on the Yangtze River Delta, draws visitors with striking architecture, lively streets, and endless dining. Walk the Bund for skyline views and colonial buildings, visit Jade Buddha Temple, explore Shanghai History Museum in Pudong, and wander the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden. Don't miss the city's street food, from crab shell pies to soup dumplings.

Shanghai, a glittering historic city on the Yangtze River Delta, draws visitors with striking architecture, lively streets, and endless dining. Walk the Bund for skyline views and colonial buildings, visit Jade Buddha Temple, explore Shanghai History Museum in Pudong, and wander the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden. Don't miss the city's street food, from crab shell pies to soup dumplings.

From Naha, explore Okinawa's culture and traditions: visit colorful Shuri Castle, then the tranquil Shikinaen Gardens, built in 1799 as a royal villa. Shop for Tsuboya-yaki pottery, Ryukyuan glass, and lacquerware in the Tsuboya District. Stroll Kokusai Dori's shops, galleries, markets, restaurants, and arcades. Finish with soba or tempura, plus sanpincha (jasmine tea) and sata andagi (fried donut with black cane sugar).

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.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's southwest-coast port city and "Harbor Capital," is lively yet laid-back. Walk around Lotus Pond past colorful temples and flamboyant pagodas guarded by giant dragon and tiger statues-enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's jaws for luck. Enjoy local Chinese dishes, excellent Japanese food, and desserts made with Cishan bananas. Take a short ferry to Cijin Island for black-sand beaches and fresh seafood.

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, explore Bangkok (Krung Thep), the City of Angels, with its temples, palaces, markets, and skyline. Once a small trading center, it now buzzes with street food, Thai architecture, and saffron-robed monks. Ride a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho to see the giant reclining golden Buddha. Take a Chao Phraya boat tour past floating shops and teak houses on stilts. Shop for Thai silk and jewelry, then try pad Thai, khao mun gai, and mango sticky rice.

From Laem Chabang, explore Bangkok (Krung Thep), the City of Angels, with its temples, palaces, markets, and skyline. Once a small trading center, it now buzzes with street food, Thai architecture, and saffron-robed monks. Ride a tuk-tuk to Wat Pho to see the giant reclining golden Buddha. Take a Chao Phraya boat tour past floating shops and teak houses on stilts. Shop for Thai silk and jewelry, then try 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.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its many cultural layers, from the Petronas Towers and Royal Palace to Gothic churches, Colonial remnants, and a restored Malay timber house in a heritage center. Browse markets and shops for crafts, pewter, jewelry, and batik. Enjoy the fusion of Malay, Chinese, and continental cuisine-try curry, spicy broiled duck, satay, or broiled fish.

Explore Langkawi's relaxed charm: farms, fishing villages, rice paddies, myths, dramatic mountains, and pristine beaches. Start at Eagle Square, then ride the Langkawi cable car for sweeping views from Kereta Kabel. See handcrafted plates made from cinnamon wood and learn about rice farming at Laman Padi Langkawi. End with seafood sizzlers, coconut-chile dishes, and tea or chocolate treats in this romantic paradise.

With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is about the same size as Singapore, making it Thailand's largest island. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," this beautiful retreat offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages, and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that tower over the turquoise waters of Phang-Nga Bay. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 16th century.

Pulau Pinang, as it is known locally, is the northern gateway to Malaysia and also the country's oldest British settlement. The word "Pinang" in Malay refers to the areca nut palm, which provides the betel nut, an essential ingredient in a delicacy chewed by millions in the Far East. Today Georgetown is noted for the largest collection of pre-war houses in all of Southeast Asia and the Penang Heritage Trust has been established to maintain its unique heritage.

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. It is sprawling with shopping malls and traditional markets, and is known for its inexpensive, but fair quality textile and fashion products. Don't miss the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, and the National Monument in Merdeka Square. Visit the National Museum to learn more about the cultural heritage of Indonesia.

Surabaya, East Java's capital, is a gateway city with diverse neighborhoods, from Buddhist temples to an historic Arab Quarter. Highlights include the 19th-century Dutch colonial House of Sampoerna museum, café and gallery, and the turquoise-domed Al Akbar Mosque, opened in 2000, with city views from its minaret. Try East Javanese seafood dishes.

Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Semarang is a city on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia. A major port during the Dutch colonial era, the city is known in Indonesia for its large ethnically Chinese population. Today, Semarang is a commercial port and administrative capital of Central Java. More a business center than a city for tourists, it is, however, an excellent gateway to the mountainous interior of Central Java and only some 60 miles away from world-famous Borobudur.

You will be charmed by Brunei's many beautiful markets, incredible museums and unspoiled nature. Within the capital, Muara, you will find breathtaking landmarks. The Sultan's lavish residence is not to be missed, as it has achieved legendary status as the largest palace in the world and features a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic architecture. But there is nothing traditional - or expected - in this small country in Southeast Asia. Be prepared to be surprised at every turn.

Kota Kinabalu, or "KK," is Sabah's capital on Borneo's northwest coast and a gateway to tropical scenery, tribal culture, and wilderness. Snorkel or dive the turquoise waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, photograph the city's "floating" mosque, visit Mari Mari Cultural Village to see five ethnic tribes, and explore World Heritage-listed Kinabalu Park beneath Mount Kinabalu's rainforest, wildlife, and flora.

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, lies 306 nautical miles southwest of Manila. Named after a mythical young woman, it is known for pristine beaches and lush wilderness. Don't miss the underground river, the world's longest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For snorkeling and island hopping, visit Honda Bay and its many islets.

Coron, in northern Palawan's Calamian Islands, is famed for karst limestone, sparkling waters, and some of the Philippines' most picturesque scenery. The Tagbanwa people have called it home for over 20,000 years. Highlights include Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoon, and the Mt. Tapyas climb in Coron Town for sweeping views of crystal-clear Coron Bay.

Boracay Island is a mere four miles long, yet it is home to some of the Philippines' most beautiful and unspoiled beaches. The minute island is located just three hours from the capital city of Manila. Visit the less frequented Bulabog Beach and watch windsurfers seemingly fly across the crystal water or for a more secluded experience visit Puka Beach to the north.

Manila, the Philippine capital, was founded by King Philip II of Spain. Spain later kept the Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese from settling there. Britain occupied Manila during the Seven Years' War but returned it to Spain in 1763. In WWII, Japan seized it in 1942; the U.S. later recaptured the islands, which were returned to the Philippines. In 1946, the country gained full independence.

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.