Yokohama is the central gateway to exploring Tokyo, a once-humble fishing village that is now one of the world's biggest, most densely populated cities. You'll find an eclectic mix of traditional shrines and soaring skyscrapers lining these neon-lit streets. Walk the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay alongside the Yurikamome Rail Line, a futuristic, operatorless train system. Then, see old Tokyo at the Imperial Palace, an Edo Castle surrounded by moats and gardens perfect for strolling. Cruise to Tokyo and head to iconic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and pass below the massive red paper lantern of the Thunder Gate. Then, unwind in Yoyogi Park, a literal forest in the heart of the city, complete with Zen gardens and a gingko tree forest.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It's known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

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.

Okinawa is the second-largest city in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, following Naha, the capital city. It is located in the central part of the island of Okinawa, about 20 kilometres north of Naha. As of December 2012, the city has an estimated population of 138,431 and a population density of 2,625.12 persons per km²

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the harbor city of Keelung is the gateway to Taipei. After your ship arrives, take the 25-minute drive into Taiwan's capital, where art, nature and architecture both traditional and modern meet. Cruise to Taipei and walk the narrow corridors of Jiu Fen Old Street, stopping to take tea while you soak in the mountain and ocean scenery. Then, see the city's modern side by climbing Taipei 101, a 449-meter-tall skyscraper with a sightseeing deck for panoramic views. Or spend your time absorbing the natural splendor: Hike Mount Keelung to its now-extinct volcanic summit, then see the Golden Waterfall below before you head to the Yin Yang Sea for some beach time.

After you arrive at Hong Kong's 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 Kong's modern architecture. Later, slurp noodles at the Temple Street Night Market. If you have an extra day, head out to Dragon's 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 Kong's 1,800-foot-high mountain. Less expensive buses will get you there, too. Once you're 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. It's 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. There's lots of British…

When you arrive at Chan May Port, you'll have Vietnam's imperial history and natural splendor at your fingertips. As you travel through the countryside near the port, you'll see fields of grazing water buffalo and lagoons overlooked by misty mountains. But you'll want to spend your day exploring one of the two nearby cities: Hue and Danang. About 80 minutes north of the port, Hue was Vietnam's capital city until 1945: Experience the country's imperial past at the moat-surrounded citadel of Hue Imperial City, or see the Khai Dinh Tomb, an emperor's resting place high up in the mountains. Cruise to Chan May, Vietnam and head one hour south to Danag: Relax on white-sand My Khe Beach, or hike up the Marble Mountains dotted with Buddhist temples.

Singapore is small in size but big on excitement. Discover the multicultural medley of this city-state through its neighbourhoods: Check out the statue-adorned temples of Little India and the colourful pagodas of Chinatown. Cruise to Singapore and explore the city's Malay section on the Kampong Glam Heritage Trail, which will take you past Arabic-influenced mansions and the gold-dome-topped Masjid Sultan mosque. Experience the contrast between the lush rainforest flora of the Singapore Botanic Garden and the high-tech 'supertrees' and biodomes of Gardens by the Bay. Complete your Singapore adventure with a panorama from the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands or a Singapore Sling cocktail at the historical Raffles Hotel.