Tokyo to Tokyo

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth-largest city in Japan, Nagoya is the historical heartland of ancient samurai as well as Japan's modern industry. Explore the elegant samurai fortress Nagoya Castle, with cherry blossoms surrounding the castle's understated turrets. During your Nagoya cruise, visit Osu Kannon Buddhist temple and see the statue of the goddess of mercy within. Then stroll through the bustling Osu Market nearby, with its stalls selling everything from antiques to anime pop art. Or head to Tokugawa Garden and stroll among the black pines, cherry trees and peonies surrounding a calm lake, then pop into the nearby Tokugawa Art Museum and see Edo-period artefacts.

Perched on a hill sloping down to the sea, Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japan's most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline — from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobe's also famous for breeding Wagyu cows that produce some of the highest-quality beef in the world. The stuff is so delicious that almost every restaurant in the area stocks it. Cruise to Japan and make your visit a full foodie mission and stop off at Osaka to indulge in the local tradition of kuidaore — "eat until you drop."

Humming with happy energy, Kochi is a wholesome city blessed with green mountains and a network of blue rivers. The hub of the Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku, the city's streets are bustling hubs of activity — walk by vendors selling everything from grilled Bonito fish to authentic secondhand kimonos. Don't miss Kochi Castle, one of the only original castles from Japan's feudal age still standing today, with its traditional white towers perched on a hilltop above the city. Then, check out one of the city's 88 temples: The most famous is Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan, complete with a five-story pagoda. Jump onboard a Kochi cruise and snack on imo-kenpi (candied sweet potatoes) in Hirome Ichiba indoor market.

From a distance, you can tell there's something special about Beppu. Pillars of steam rise from this sun-drenched city, attesting to its countless hot springs — Beppu generates more spring water than any other city in Japan. Cruise to Beppu to visit one of the many onsen (hot-spring spas) — there are over 2,000 here. You can also find mud baths at Beppu Onsen Hoyo Land Konya Jigoku and sand baths at Beppu-Kaihama Beach. Or head out of town for a wilder version of hot springs and see the Eight Hells of Beppu: They're too hot to bathe in but breathtaking to see. Once you're feeling unwound, channel your inner kid at Takasakiyama Monkey Park, where monkeys run wild at the base of Mount Takasaki.

When you arrive at the port of Incheon city, surrounded by historic hot springs and vast rice fields, a quick train ride will bring you to the bustling capital of Korea – Seoul, an adrenaline-pumping mix of technological advancement and cultural charm. Cruise to Seoul, Korea and take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower at the top of Namsan Mountain for expansive views of the city. Visit elaborate Gyeongbukgung Palace – on its enormous grounds, you can cross one of three stone bridges to an artificial island in the centre of the picturesque lake. Then, zen out at Jogyesa Korean Buddhist Temple with its huge golden Buddha statues, and stroll the grounds planted with trees that are over 500 years old.

China’s second most populous city embraces its history, future – and visitors – in an equally delightful fashion. Architectural treats from centuries past remain, with influences from all corners of the globe.

Japan's southernmost major city, Kagoshima delivers a memorable mix of unique cuisine, historical attractions and outdoor activities in its temperate weather. Take the short ferry ride from the port to Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park and immerse yourself in its natural grandeur — take a rejuvenating soak in the 100-meter-long natural hot spring, and take in views of the area's most iconic landmark: Sakurajima volcano, nicknamed the Vesuvius of Japan. Then, take in sweeping bayside vistas at Sengan-en, the elegant estate of the Shimadzu samurai clan, and stroll through its cherry blossom-filled gardens. Cruise to Kagoshima and head to Yurigahama Beach, with its bright waters and mysterious sandbar that appears each month in a slightly different spot, depending on the tides.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.