World Cruise: Jewels Of Japan

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and the South China Sea, is a kaleidoscope of life, a sophisticated fusion of East and West, a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha are among the most awe-inspiring. Read more about Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Kaohsiung is located in SW Taiwan facing the Taiwan Strait. It is home to a major port, is Taiwan's second largest city, and its largest industrial centre. Interestingly, ferries play a key role in everyday transportation. Read more about Kaohsuing, Taiwan, Province of China

Hualien City is located on the east coast of Taiwan, on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, and is the capital of the Hualien County. Tourists visit the city for its own beauty and interest, and it is also the base for a tour to the famous Torako Gorge, just a short distance north of the city. Hire a motor scooter or take a taxi to visit the numerous tourist spots. Read more about Hualien, Taiwan, Province of China

Ishigaki is the largest city for the Yaeyama Island Group, and is located on Ishigaki Island, as is the area's major boat terminal, Ishigaki Port. It is the southernmost of the Ryukyu (or Nansei) Islands chain, of which the largest is Okinawa. The island enjoys a thriving culture steeped in traditions that are a mixture from Japan, China, nearby Taiwan (230km to the west), and its former trading partners. Read more about Ishigaki, Japan

Amami Oshima is one of the small Satsunan Islands in the far south of Japan, between Kyushu and Okinawa. It is part of the Ryukyu Archipelago that lies as a chain from the main islands of Japan to Taiwan. The population of Amami Oshima is just 73,000, most of whom live in the port city of Amami. Read more about Amami Oshima, Japan

The modern Japanese city of Takamatsu, facing the Seto Inland Sea, is the main gateway to Shikoku Island. While the downtown is relatively easy to navigate on foot, many visitors choose to rent a bicycle. Takamatsu has a number of long arcade-style shopping streets, giving the city's shopping a more traditional feel. Read more about Takamatsu, Japan

Busan (formerly Pusan), the second largest city and principal port of South Korea, is situated in the SE of the peninsula on the Korea Strait. The city has many steep hills, creating a delightful mix of mountains and ocean. While Busan was relatively untouched during the Korean War, the flood of refugees has shaped the city. Read more about Busan, South Korea