After you arrive at Hong Kongs airport on Lantau Island, see the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, measuring 112 feet tall and weighing over 200 tons. Then, take a harbor cruise to get your bearings and see Hong Kongs modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragons Back portion of the Hong Kong Trail for some scenic hiking among mist-covered peaks. The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kongs 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once youre up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid. Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. Its a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. Theres lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.

Naha, the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, boasts a unique Japanese culture. As the regions transportation hub, Naha connects travelers with other parts of Okinawa, Japan and Asia; consequently, Okinawans have grown accustomed to openly sharing their distinctive customs with visitors from all over the world – right down to their very own dialect, Uchinaguchi.

The most cosmopolitan island in the Yaeyama Island Group of Okinawa, Ishigakis subtropical climate means its beach weather all year round here — the island is rimmed with powdery white beaches and sky-blue waters teeming with coral reefs. Cruise to Ishigaki and take the one-hour hike up Okinawas highest peak, Mt. Otomo, and marvel at the ocean views dotted with neighboring islands. Walk around Ishigakis small town: Sample freshly caught fish at the Public Market, explore the 19th-century Miyara Dounchi House and Gardens, or channel inner calm at nearby Torinji Zen Temple. Looking for more thrill factor? Head to the mangroves of Nagura Anparu Wetland for a kayaking adventure.

After you arrive at Hong Kongs airport on Lantau Island, see the enormous Tian Tan Buddha, measuring 112 feet tall and weighing over 200 tons. Then, take a harbor cruise to get your bearings and see Hong Kongs modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragons Back portion of the Hong Kong Trail for some scenic hiking among mist-covered peaks. The Peak Tram takes you up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kongs 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once youre up top, admire the views over the city from the hiking trails. The Peak also offers an escape from the subtropical climate below — the air here is cooler and less humid. Stanley Harbour, on the other side of Hong Kong Island, will give you a taste of a different Hong Kong. Its a fishing village on Repulse Bay with a lovely seaside walk (snap some photos of the fishing boats) as well as a famous street market. Theres lots of British history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.