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!

Miyako, on Japan's eastern coast in Iwate Prefecture, is a coastal city of about 50,000, some 600 km from Tokyo. Known for scenic beauty, one of Japan's best beaches, and excellent seafood, it was once a major Edo-period seaport. Repeated tsunamis and seismic risk erased much of its history, so natural attractions dominate. Bordering Sanriku Fukkō National Park, it has rich flora and fauna, including Japan's only breeding grounds for the band-rumped storm-petrel.

Aomori, on Honshu's northern edge, is one of Japan's most enchanting destinations: dark, forested peaks, cherry-blossom castles, soaring temples, and dramatic scenery. It's best known for Nebuta Matsuri, a summer fire festival of huge illuminated floats, lanterns, and pounding drums. See Hirosaki Castle in spring, Sannai-Maruyama's Jomon history, and UNESCO-listed Shirakami Sanchi, a beech-forest wilderness of waterfalls and black bears.

From Mount Hakodate, see the city spread between twin bays and the sea. One of Japan's first open ports, Hakodate shows Western and Russian influence in its architecture, from redbrick warehouses to the Orthodox church domes. Nearby, star-shaped Goryokaku fortress and its tower offer views, especially in cherry blossom season. Ride the ropeway at sunset for one of Japan's best night panoramas, then enjoy Hakodate's famous squid, seafood, and the lively Morning Market.

Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, once rivaled Kyoto and Edo for cultural wealth. Spared in World War II, it preserves old districts well. Its best-known site is Kenrokuen, beside Kanazawa Castle, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, with a pond, hills, historic tea house, and Japan's oldest natural-pressure fountain. Nearby Higashi Chaya Gai is a major geisha district and National Cultural Asset. The city is also known for lacquerware, Kutani pottery, gold leaf, and silk kimonos.

Maizuru, on Kyoto's coast, blends graceful scenery with red-brick charm. Each season shines: summer flowers, winter snow, and especially spring cherry blossoms around Tanabe Castle. Goro Sky Tower gives views over the city and Maizuru Bay. The fish market, white-sand beaches, ivy-covered warehouses, and old military barracks add character. Maizuru Brick Park features museums and studios, including one on brick. Try nikujaga, and note the long-running dispute with Kure over its origin.

Sakaiminato is a small city almost surrounded by water: the Sea of Japan, Sakai Channel, and Lake Nakaumi. Across the lake, Matsue and Yasugi offer notable sights. Matsue, the "Town of Water," is beside Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi and has one of Japan's few remaining wooden castles; castle tours and boat rides on the Horikawa River and moat are popular. Yasugi's Adachi Museum of Art is famous for contemporary Japanese paintings and a 165,000-square-meter garden, often named Japan's best.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!