Yokohama, with 3.6 million-plus residents, is Japan’s second most populous urban area after Tokyo, and is also one of the country’s major ports.

Located on the southwest tip of Kyushu, Japans third largest island, this seaside city is the capital of Kagoshima and lies at the top of the Satsuma Peninsula—a mountainous, geothermal wonderland of hot springs, geysers and golf courses. Kagoshima features dramatic coastlines, national parks, volcanic mountains, and historic castles and temples. Tour an active volcano and feast your eyes on the giant daikon (Japanese radish), which grow unusually large due to the volcanic soil. Go for a scenic hike and then rejuvenate in the medicinal steam baths.

For most travelers, Nagasaki is a symbol of the horrors of war. But this beautiful city on Kyushu offers timeless charm as well. Often described as the San Francisco of Japan, the city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. The city is also celebrated as the setting for Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly.”

In 1945, an estimated 75,000 people perished when the city became the second target of a nuclear attack. Today, Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world.

The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Noted for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to which snorkelers flock for a glimpse of the island’s famed manta rays, Ishigaki Island offers many opportunities to commune with nature. Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers suited for kayaking, and jungle-covered mountains perfect for hiking adventures. Amidst such natural beauty, you’ll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the island’s rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the island’s famed black pearls, a most special souvenir.

Note: Ishigaki is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship’s tender service.

Keelung City is a port city near Taipei, in northern Taiwan. Surrounded by mountains, it’s known for its sheltered harbor. Near the waterfront, street-food stalls at Miaokou Night Market offer traditional snacks and seafood. Several forts around the area include hilltop Ershawan Fort, with cannons and a Chinese-style gate.

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. This is Hong Kong.

Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong has lost none of its excitement or exoticism. Explore the narrow streets crammed with vendors. In the duty-free capital of the world, the endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and antique Chinese porcelain to the latest electronics.

The former British colony has plenty of things to do and see. Take in the entire spectacle with a panoramic view from Victoria Peak. Enjoy lunch on one of the city’s floating restaurants. Walk the crowded streets to feel the rapid pulse of the city. Shop the old-world markets and modern-day malls and don’t forget to ride the famed Star Ferry.

Skyscrapers form a glistening forest of steel and glass, junks and sampans ply the busy harbor waters, and the green, dragon-crested hills of Kowloon beckon. This is Hong Kong.

Now a semi-autonomous region of China, Hong Kong has lost none of its excitement or exoticism. Explore the narrow streets crammed with vendors. In the duty-free capital of the world, the endless array of shops offer the visitor everything from hand-tailored suits and antique Chinese porcelain to the latest electronics.

The former British colony has plenty of things to do and see. Take in the entire spectacle with a panoramic view from Victoria Peak. Enjoy lunch on one of the city’s floating restaurants. Walk the crowded streets to feel the rapid pulse of the city. Shop the old-world markets and modern-day malls and don’t forget to ride the famed Star Ferry.

The deepwater port of Cai Lan is your gateway to the splendors of North Vietnam. Nearby Halong Bay is one of the world’s extraordinary scenic wonders. This World Heritage Site boasts a calm bay studded with over 3,000 dramatic limestone islands, islets and rock formations. Visitors to Cai Lan can also venture up the Red River to fabled Hanoi, the “Pearl of the North.” Today, with memories of the Vietnam War fading, the city impresses with its splendid colonial architecture, ancient temples, superb parks and myriad lakes. It’s little wonder that Northern Vietnam remains one of Asia’s most popular vacation destinations.

The limestone islands in Halong Bay are riddled with caves. The French who once ruled Vietnam called Go Dao Cave the Grotte de Merveilles, the grotto of marvels. Of course, they left their graffiti among the astounding assortment of stalactites and stalagmites.

The deepwater port of Cai Lan is your gateway to the splendors of North Vietnam. Nearby Halong Bay is one of the world’s extraordinary scenic wonders. This World Heritage Site boasts a calm bay studded with over 3,000 dramatic limestone islands, islets and rock formations. Visitors to Cai Lan can also venture up the Red River to fabled Hanoi, the “Pearl of the North.” Today, with memories of the Vietnam War fading, the city impresses with its splendid colonial architecture, ancient temples, superb parks and myriad lakes. It’s little wonder that Northern Vietnam remains one of Asia’s most popular vacation destinations.

The limestone islands in Halong Bay are riddled with caves. The French who once ruled Vietnam called Go Dao Cave the Grotte de Merveilles, the grotto of marvels. Of course, they left their graffiti among the astounding assortment of stalactites and stalagmites.

Chan May Port is located in the south-east corner of Thừa Thiên–Huế Province, Vietnam. It is operated by the Management Board of Chan May-Lang Co Economics Zone. Ownership of the Chan May Port may be assumed by the Vinashin Group in early

Over three decades have passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains unchanged. The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles fly down the boulevards at dizzying speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you.

The port of Phu My (pronounced “Foo Me”) is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.

The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian architecture, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. It is a melting pot of people and cultures — Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages; Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Ever fascinating, Singapore boasts diverse cultures, luxurious hotels, and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world.

The commercial center of Southeast Asia, this island city-state of four million people is a metropolis of modern high-rises, Chinese shop-houses with red-tiled roofs, Victorian architecture, Buddhist temples and Arab bazaars. It is a melting pot of people and cultures — Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil are official languages; Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are the major faiths. Ever fascinating, Singapore boasts diverse cultures, luxurious hotels, and some of the finest duty-free shopping in the world.

Lombok is an Indonesian island east of Bali and west of Sumbawa, part of the Lesser Sunda Island chain. It’s known for beaches and surfing spots, particularly at Kuta and Banko Banko (in south Lombok).

Tanjung Benoa is a peninsula that is a subdistrict of Kuta South District of Badung Regency on Bali. It is famous for its beaches. Tanjung Benoa is also a location of various water sports like banana boat, scuba diving, parasailing, rolling donuts, seawalker, flying fish, snorkeling.

Tanjung Benoa is a peninsula that is a subdistrict of Kuta South District of Badung Regency on Bali. It is famous for its beaches. Tanjung Benoa is also a location of various water sports like banana boat, scuba diving, parasailing, rolling donuts, seawalker, flying fish, snorkeling.

The quirky outpost of Darwin boasts museums, botanical gardens and the Adelaide River home to the famous jumping crocodiles. It’s a place where memories are born and adventure is a given.

Closer to Indonesia than any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the region known locally as the “Top End,” the vast Northern Territory. Darwin is home to more than half of the territory’s population, and the city and its people reflect the rugged individualism that comes from living in the harsh Outback.

The Conflict Group is an atoll in Papua New Guinea. The group was sighted in 1879 by HMS Cormorant, by moonlight; it was named in 1880 by Bower, captain of HMS Conflict. Irai Island is the center of population of the group.

Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.