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.

Hitachinaka, an Ibaraki port city about 80 miles northeast of Tokyo, is known for its peaceful beaches, lively fish market, and stunning gardens. Once developed as a Hitachi company town in 1994, it now draws visitors to Hitachi Seaside Park, a nearly 500-acre oasis with 170 tulip varieties and millions of blue nemophila. Visit Nakaminato Fish Market for the day's catch, then enjoy Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's finest.

Nature, cuisine, and samurai history-Sendai has it all. Stroll Jozenji-dori, the tree-lined "City of Trees." See the giant Daikannon Statue, one of the world's tallest Goddess of Mercy statues. Explore temples near Sendai Station on Shindera Street and in Kitayama. Find peace at Osaki Hachimangu and Rinno-ji. Don't miss Sendai's famous cold noodles, miso, traditional sweets, and Asaichi Street Market.

Miyako is an important fishing port known for salmon, trout, and mackerel. On the estuary of the Hei River facing Miyako Bay and the Pacific, it was hit hard by the 2011 tsunami. The Taro Kanko Hotel, whose lower two floors were washed away but still stands, is preserved as a symbol of resilience. Try sea urchin and ika senbei (squid-extract cookies). Don't miss Jodogahama Beach's jagged white-rock promontory.

Hakodate offers natural beauty, historic buildings, and great food. It is known for hot springs, especially Yunokawa Onsen and the footbath-style ashiyu. Visit Goryokaku Fort for a bird's-eye view of the star-shaped fortress and moat from Goryokaku Tower. Shop in the Bay Area near Hakodate Port, where old red-brick warehouses have become a unique mall, then relax with tea and harbor views.

Aomori is a city steeped in culture and surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. Hike through the serene, verdant landscapes of the Hakkoda Mountains or unwind in the soothing waters of a Tsuta Onsen, a one-thousand-year-old natural hot spring. Immerse yourself in the captivating exhibits at the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, celebrating the city's famous Nebuta Festival with its magnificent, illuminated floats. Sample the local culinary delights, including fresh seafood and the renowned Aomori apples.

Explore the majestic beauty of Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake, framed by verdant forests and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dive into the region's fascinating history at Kakunodate Samurai District, where well-preserved samurai residences and cherry blossom-lined streets evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Indulge in the local cuisine, renowned for its emphasis on fresh seafood and hearty mountain fare.

Wander through the historic streets of Higashi Chaya District, where beautifully preserved tea houses transport you back to the Edo period. Immerse yourself in the artistry of Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most exquisite year-round landscape gardens. Delight your senses with a visit to Omicho Market, where you can sample fresh seafood and local delicacies. Explore the innovative exhibits at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing cutting-edge artistic expressions.

Discover Sakaiminato on Honshu's western coast, where folklore and modern life blend. Stroll Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with Yokai statues and art, explore the lively fish market, and visit the Sakaiminato Maritime and Science Museum for the city's seafaring heritage. Don't miss local delicacies like Matsuba crab-Sakaiminato is Japan's largest producer.

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.

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.

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.

Kagoshima is Japan's southernmost major city, and is nicknamed the "Naples of the Eastern World," based on its caldera bay location, hot climate, and volcano. The majestic view of Mt Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, dominates the city's landscape, towering over the beautiful Kinko Bay. The city abounds in historic sightseeing spots such as the memorial site of St. Francisco Xavier, who landed in Kagoshima and first introduced Christianity to Japan.

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.

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.

Phu My is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, best explored on foot to escape the bustle and find tranquil parks, peaceful pagodas, and timeless alleyways. You can also cruise the Mekong, which splits into dozens of tributaries and becomes the Cuu Long (Nine Dragons), fanning across a rich delta of rice paddies and orchards. By river boat, head to Thoi Son Island to taste local fruit and honey tea.

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.