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.

Tianjin, on the Bohai Sea, is a major port and gateway to Beijing, about three hours inland. A city with strong character and deep international history from the Opium Wars, it blends European-style architecture in the Five Avenues with modern skyscrapers, the Tianjin Eye, and Ancient Culture Street. Beijing's highlights-Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall-are also within reach.

Tianjin, on the Bohai Sea, is a major port and gateway to Beijing, about three hours inland. A city with strong character and deep international history from the Opium Wars, it blends European-style architecture in the Five Avenues with modern skyscrapers, the Tianjin Eye, and Ancient Culture Street. Beijing's highlights-Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall-are also within reach.

Time moves at a much slower clip here on Jeju-do. Blessed with tangerine groves, swaying palm trees, white sand beaches, and a verdant landscape, Korea's southernmost volcanic island has long been a favored holiday and honeymoon retreat for natives and neighbors. Still relatively unknown to Western travelers, Jeju's recent title as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature is bound to bring Jeju up on quite a few radars.

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.

Nagasaki was devastated by the second U.S. atomic bomb on Aug. 9, 1945, killing more than 50,000. Today, the city honors its past while promoting peace and hope. Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum, hear Hibakusha survivor stories, and see the Memorial Hall, Peace Park, and Hypocenter Park. Nearby Suwa Shrine's scarred torii and trees survived the blast. From Mount Inasa, reached by ropeway or bus, you can overlook the harbor and the city's resilient beauty.

Aburatsu, on Japan's southeastern coast in Miyazaki, is a small port with warm weather, friendly locals, and a relaxed holiday feel. Visitors may see Nichinan Taihei dance and sample local food on arrival. Nearby highlights include Aoshima, a 1.5 km island linked by a 300 m bridge, with beaches, lush greenery, Aoshima Jinja, and the striking Oni no Sentakuita rock formations; it's a National Natural Monument. Also worth seeing is Obi Castletown, especially its castle and spring cherry blossoms.

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.

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.

Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, is a neon-soaked, food-loving spectacle of giant signs, bustling restaurants, shopping, and glittering temples. Dotonbori Bridge glows above the canal, while Kuromon Ichiba Market-"the nation's kitchen"-has served street food for nearly 200 years, from pufferfish and okonomiyaki to octopus. Visit 16th-century Osaka Castle for history and city views, and cherry blossoms in spring. Kyoto's temples are a short train ride away.

Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, is a neon-soaked, food-loving spectacle of giant signs, bustling restaurants, shopping, and glittering temples. Dotonbori Bridge glows above the canal, while Kuromon Ichiba Market-"the nation's kitchen"-has served street food for nearly 200 years, from pufferfish and okonomiyaki to octopus. Visit 16th-century Osaka Castle for history and city views, and cherry blossoms in spring. Kyoto's temples are a short train ride away.

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!