Asia: Kochi, Nagoya & Mt. Fuji

Often known as the gateway to the breathtaking Taroko Gorge, Hualien’s glistening lakes, pristine beaches, epic hiking trails, picturesque rice terraces, and vibrant night markets have a presence all their own.

Set along the east coast of the Iwate Prefecture, Miyako was Japan’s main seaport for hundreds of years before a series of tsunamis took their toll. Yet what the city lacks in historical buildings, it more than makes up for in natural attractions such as Sanriku Fukkō National Park.

Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands in the Pacific Ocean, and is the homeland of Karate, however the tunnels of its World War II underground Navy Headquarters tell of another type of combat. Having nearly been destroyed in 1945, during one of the most extreme battles of World War Two, the island has rebuilt and renovated itself, whilst still retaining much of its rich cultural history.

Experience a slice of the real Japan in cosmopolitan Kochi, a vibrant modern city with friendly people and a laidback vibe.With easy access to sea and mountains, there are sweeping beaches, hidden temples and a hilltop castle to explore besides the trendy malls and bustling palm-lined arcades of Kochi downtown. For spectacular views across the city, it's worth the climb to the castle; a gleaming example of 17th century history with its perfectly intact interior documenting a dramatic feudal past. The nearby Hirome food market sells everything from fresh fish to tasty katsuo and ramen noodles, but for a calmer pilgrimage, visit Chikurin-ji Temple.

Kobe is the starting point for excursions to the cultural fountainheads of Classical Japan. Ride the bullet train to the classical pavilions and castles of Kyoto. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples.

Japan's fourth largest city by population, Nagoya, is a centre of modern commerce, with Toyota, Noritake china and a Legoland theme park calling this capital home. Tour the Toyota Exhibit Hall, experience Noritake Gardens and sit amongst the stars in the planetarium at the Science Museum. Nagoya Castle, deemed a National Treasure, is a must-see, as is exploring their entertainment district, Sakae.

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira.

The second largest city in Japan is Yokohama, a rapidly developing and exciting city filled with Japanese charm and culture. In 1854 Yokohama became the first port opened to foreign trade in the country so there is an interesting maritime and international flavour to the city. It is one of the most accessible cities in Japan and is less than half an hour from Tokyo by train. You will find much to do and see during your Yokohama cruise, from discovering landmarks and exploring museums to sampling tasty Japanese cuisine and shopping till you drop in one of the city’s expansive malls.