Asia & Oceania Odyssey – Tokyo to Honolulu

Dazzling cityscapes await your exploration; visit Asakusa for the bright lights, street fairs and Senso-ji Temple; the Tsukiji Market, the largest open-air fish market in the world with on-the-spot sushi; and the Imperial Palace’s East Garden for some calm. Spend the evening in the bright, active Ginza District, where the night comes alive.

A center of modern commerce, yet steeped in ancient history; visit the castle in the center of town, its golden orca statues are a symbol of the city. Explore Toyota’s Museum of Technology and tour the Noritake factory, where bargains on the fine china can be found.

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.

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.

Visit the skeletal A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the statue dedicated to the children who died after the atomic bomb was dropped on this city in 1945. Stroll through beautifully landscaped Hiroshima Gardens, visit the rebuilt Hiroshima Castle or journey to the exquisite sacred island of Miyajima and see the extraordinary Itsukushima Shrine.

Located on the western edge of Japan, Sasebo is renowned for its natural beauty with relics of traditional, centuries-old culture existing alongside contemporary architecture and resorts. The nearby verdant Kujuku Islands make for a perfect afternoon of exploration by boat or kayak, and the Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden offers an up-close look at the area’s flora and fauna. The morning market, Asaichi, is a celebrated cultural experience filled with locals selling fresh produce, fish and handmade clothing and pottery.

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See the amazing contrasts of this burgeoning city, from the broad European-style Bund to the soaring ultra-modern buildings. Visit the magnificent art museum and the renowned 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens. Enjoy the city by night, see an acrobatic show, browse in local markets or take a trip to one of the famed garden cities of Suzhou or Wuxi.

See the amazing contrasts of this burgeoning city, from the broad European-style Bund to the soaring ultra-modern buildings. Visit the magnificent art museum and the renowned 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens. Enjoy the city by night, see an acrobatic show, browse in local markets or take a trip to one of the famed garden cities of Suzhou or Wuxi.

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Xiamen has been a major seaport since ancient times and is known today as one of China’s most livable and most romantic cities. The natural beauty of the island and the clean environment have attracted thousands of egrets to the area. Visit South Putuo Temple, a beautiful complex built in the 17th century, and Gulangyu Island, a lovely and serene community that only allows electric-powered vehicles.

Experience old and new Hong Kong with its ultra-modern high-rise buildings beside street markets and lovely temples. Visit the boat people in Aberdeen and shop in Stanley Market or stroll through the bustling Temple Street night market. Visit Hollywood Road with its temple and antique shops or take a junk cruise and explore the magnificent bay. Travel to the New Territories to see family shrines, the wishing tree and the preserved wetlands. Or visit Lantau Island and the Po Lin Monastery with its giant Buddha statue.

Experience old and new Hong Kong with its ultra-modern high-rise buildings beside street markets and lovely temples. Visit the boat people in Aberdeen and shop in Stanley Market or stroll through the bustling Temple Street night market. Visit Hollywood Road with its temple and antique shops or take a junk cruise and explore the magnificent bay. Travel to the New Territories to see family shrines, the wishing tree and the preserved wetlands. Or visit Lantau Island and the Po Lin Monastery with its giant Buddha statue.

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Drink in the exquisite beauty of Ha Long Bay with its breathtaking monolithic limestone islands and famous morning mists before traveling along the Red River to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Enjoy the broad boulevards, French colonial architecture and wonderful Old Quarter. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Vuon Bach Thao park where locals practice Tai Chi.

Drink in the exquisite beauty of Ha Long Bay with its breathtaking monolithic limestone islands and famous morning mists before traveling along the Red River to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Enjoy the broad boulevards, French colonial architecture and wonderful Old Quarter. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Vuon Bach Thao park where locals practice Tai Chi.

Hue, the former imperial capital on the Perfume River, beckons with its lovely temples, pagodas and imposing citadel protected by a moat. Explore its many attractions, including tombs of Nguyen dynasty emperors, by boat. Visit the iconic Trang Tien Bridge, which connects the ancient citadel area with Hue across the river, and stroll among the town’s colonial-style buildings and outdoor cafés. In nearby Da Nang, visit famed China Beach and the intriguing Cham Museum, filled with fascinating artifacts of the Cham culture.

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Discover the rich heritage of Saigon and the rural Mekong Delta. See the city’s lovely pagodas, colonial architecture and broad boulevards. Ride a local pedicab through the bustling streets; visit the vibrant markets, Chinatown and the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels. Explore the lush countryside of farms, rice paddies and villages with a cruise on the Mekong.

Discover the rich heritage of Saigon and the rural Mekong Delta. See the city’s lovely pagodas, colonial architecture and broad boulevards. Ride a local pedicab through the bustling streets; visit the vibrant markets, Chinatown and the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels. Explore the lush countryside of farms, rice paddies and villages with a cruise on the Mekong.

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Think beaches and snorkeling, as Sihanoukville sits on the beautiful island-studded Bay of Thailand. Wats, or Buddhist temples, are abundant and often modest architecturally, as seen at Wat Otres behind Otres Beach. There are even two wats in Ream National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. Explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. The Royal Palace, familiar to many as the scene of the true story of Anna and the King of Siam, is a massive complex of carved and gilded buildings still used by the Thai royal family. Or visit the home of Jim Thompson, former spy and promoter of the local silk industry who disappeared mysteriously.

Indulge your senses in the city’s fabulous golden temples and palaces, the royal barges and the Emerald Buddha. Explore the hidden city of teak mansions and lovely gardens or learn about Thai culture. The Royal Palace, familiar to many as the scene of the true story of Anna and the King of Siam, is a massive complex of carved and gilded buildings still used by the Thai royal family. Or visit the home of Jim Thompson, former spy and promoter of the local silk industry who disappeared mysteriously.

Explore this idyllic, forested island and its pristine beaches. Visit the giant Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, the elephant camp where these intelligent animals display their work skills and a plantation where monkeys harvest coconuts. Head to the interior and see majestic cascading waterfalls and how rubber trees are tapped. Enjoy the gorgeous beaches.

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Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

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Semarang is the capital and largest city of Central Java province in Indonesia. It was a major port during the Dutch colonial era, and is still an important regional center and port today.

Showcasing a dizzying array of cultural influences, this second-largest city in Indonesia was once the most important port of the Dutch East Indies. A prime example is the stately 19th-century House of Sampoerna, a colonial-style cigarette factory that houses a fascinating museum. Discover a vast selection of wares at Pasar Pabean, a lively market that links Chinatown and the Arab Quarter. At the Grand Mosque of Surabaya, one of Indonesia’s largest, climb the soaring minaret for better views of the gleaming blue and green tiles adorning the sanctuary’s domes. As a tranquil respite, settle in for high tea at the elegant Majapahit Hotel, a highlight of Surabaya’s complex and absorbing historical legacy.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands of Indonesia and one of three major islands making up Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being a popular destination for diving, it is the only natural habitat of the Komodo dragon. The island of Komodo includes approximately 60 square miles of craggy mountains, deep canyons, savannas and monsoon rainforests.

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Discover Aboriginal culture and art at the Fine Arts Museum, see the city and its wonderful gardens, or venture into the outback to fabulous Territory Wildlife Park and its many wonders. Or head for the incredible waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Watch crocodiles at a research station, or take a cruise along the Adelaide River and watch the saltwater crocs leap from the water to catch their prey.

Discover Aboriginal culture and art at the Fine Arts Museum, see the city and its wonderful gardens, or venture into the outback to fabulous Territory Wildlife Park and its many wonders. Or head for the incredible waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Watch crocodiles at a research station, or take a cruise along the Adelaide River and watch the saltwater crocs leap from the water to catch their prey.

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Discover the distinct culture of this remote island and its people, who follow a traditional lifestyle. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and expansive views over the Torres Strait. Visit the impressive fortress, the pearl divers’ monument and the historic buildings. Or journey across the strait to Cape York and its wilderness.

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This is the place to see the magnificent rainforest from the Kuranda Railway and visit local wildlife like koalas and emus in a rainforest habitat. Or learn about Aboriginal tradition at the culture park. Explore the town, its charming homes and the lovely botanical garden.

Discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails, wildlife and magnificent coral reefs.

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Wander through this capital city’s joyous streets; take free ferries to small offshore islands, visit the Vanuatu Cultural Center in town, or snorkel, horseback ride or hike up to the beautiful Cascade Waterfalls.

A tiny, uninhabited island off the coast of Vanuatu’s Aneityum Island, Mystery Island is a remote paradise of white sand beaches, swaying palms and aquamarine waters. Since the surrounding sea is a protected marine sanctuary, snorkelers will be enchanted by views of colorful marine life and pristine coral reefs. Aneityum residents will likely set up market stalls on Mystery Island when you visit, so you’ll be able to browse local goods like coconut oil, coffee and handmade jewelry. Whether you stroll the gorgeous shoreline, opt for under-the-sea adventures or explore nearby Aneityum, you’ll treasure your time in this secret oasis.

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Nicknamed “Sugar City,” it’s in the heart of the soft coral capital of the world. Snorkel, scuba, take a boat to a nearby deserted island; visit lush rainforests, local potters and orchid farms.

Enjoy the tropical rainforest climate of Fiji’s capital city, the largest in the South Pacific. Wander the Victoria Parade, the main thoroughfare with shops and restaurants.

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Apia is located on the northern shore of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island and home to spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches and brilliant sunrises and sunsets. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here and is buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking the village of Vailima and the home he built there, which is now a museum in his honor.

Remote, verdant and stunningly beautiful, this island is pure and pristine. Visit one of the many tuna canneries or snorkel in the crystalline waters of one of the protected lagoons. Find a fale, a gazebo where locals perform for visitors.

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The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Snorkel, swim with the manta rays or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its lovely coral islands.

The island of Tahiti’s urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.

The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Snorkel, swim with the manta rays or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its lovely coral islands.

The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Snorkel, swim with the manta rays or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its lovely coral islands.

You’ll notice the rich scent of vanilla the moment you step off the ship onto this stunning island, with its vanilla plantations scattered throughout. Visit one or two, visit a pearl farm, snorkel the clear waters of the surrounding reef, or take a kayak trip along the Faaroa River.

Stunning, beautiful, this South Pacific atoll is a “natural aquarium,” its lagoon filled with colorful undersea life. Visit the pearl farms, dive with manta rays, explore the atoll’s unique winery or just choose a calming respite on a pink sand beach.

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Visit the entrancing Vaipo Waterfalls and Cascade Tevaipo, which is one of the world’s tallest falls at over 1,100 feet. Wander the black sand beaches, marvel at the giant tiki at Piki Vehini, or get adventurous on an all-terrain vehicle excursion around the craggy island.

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Located on the lush windward side of Hawaii’s Big Island, Hilo is the starting point to explore the eastern part of this lovely isle. Drive the 11-mile rim of Kilauea volcano and marvel at the dramatic lava formations of Volcanoes National Park. At the majestic Akaka Falls, water cascades more than 400 feet into a pool below, and the splendid Liliuokalani Gardens are authentic Japanese gardens created in the early 1900s.

Kailua-Kona is a town on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. Mokuaikaua Church, from the 1800s, is Hawaii’s oldest Christian church. On Kailua Bay, reconstructed thatched houses at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark mark King Kamehameha I’s residence. Colorful coral lies off Kamakahonu Beach. Kailua Pier has boat moorings.

Delight in the breathtaking sight of whales breeching just yards away from your excursion boat; meander through the tropical gardens of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, play a round of golf, explore Haleakala’s crater on horseback or find paradise on a secluded beach.

In Hawaii, a rain shower is called a “blessing.” Kauai has been blessed many times over, with verdant rainforests and shimmering peaks. Play a round of golf, hike in Waimea Canyon, take a raft on the Wailua River, marvel at the Botanical Gardens or luxuriate on one of the many sun-kissed beaches.

Enjoy the sun-drenched beaches surrounding this active city, climb Diamond Head or visit the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial or take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach.