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!

Kagoshima, one of Japan's southernmost major cities, is dominated by Sakurajima volcano, an active peak that often sends ash over Kinko Bay. The 1914 eruption created new land. Visitors can try a black sand bath, enjoy views from Senganen Garden (built in 1658 and long owned by the Shimadzu family), and explore museums on Feudal-era and Satsuma history, plus WWII kamikaze squadrons. Nearby Lake Ikeda is said to be home to the Issie monster.

Sitting at the southern east point of Japan, Sasebo went from being a small fishing port in Japan's early years to a tactical naval base location during Japan's Meiji period, The town's proximity to China and Korea allowed it to play a central role in both Sino-Japanese Wars as well as during the Russo-Japanese War. Today, Sasebo thrives in tourism thanks to its beautiful coast line, parks...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sendai, in central Miyagi Prefecture, is the largest city in Tohoku and the political and economic center of northwest Japan. Known as a modern city in harmony with nature, it has the Hirose River, zelkova-lined streets, parks, and abundant greenery, earning it the nickname "City of Trees." Founded by Date Masamune in 1600, it was rebuilt after WWII with wide streets and a grid layout. It is also an academic city with many universities and research institutes.

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!