14 Nights Asia

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don't forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle

The skyline at Shimizu port is dominated by one of Japans most distinctive sites: snow-capped Mt. Fuji. Head to Miho-no-Matsubara, a pristine beach flanked by a picturesque pine grove, where you can take in some of the clearest views of Japans tallest mountain. Cruise to Mt. Fuji and take the one-hour drive from the port to Fuji itself for some hiking ? the mountain is relatively approachable climb appropriate even for beginners, and you dont have to hike all the way to the summit. Dont miss the ancient shrines that surround this volcanic landmark: Visit Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine, built to appease Fujis volcanic deity. Or see Kunouzan Toshogu shrine, a masterpiece of Japanese lacquer and woodwork.

Shingu is a city located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.

Perched on a hill sloping down to the sea, Kobe is a maritime gateway to one of Japans most metropolitan cities. Mt. Rokko dominates the skyline ? from the summit, you can glimpse one of the best views in all Japan. Of course, Kobes 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."

Tokushima is the capital city of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku island in Japan

A bustling metropolis dotted with leafy parks and ancient shrines, Hiroshima is a city with deep historical significance that has its eyes on the future. Here, youll find rebuilt traditional castles standing next to modern skyscrapers. Get a better understanding of the citys place in 20th-century history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Walk mindfully through the Peace Park area ? see the Cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims and the towering Peace Flame monument overlooking a reflecting pool. Then, check out nearby Miyajima Island: See Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a floating shrine gate based on a 6th-century original. Cruise to Hiroshima, Japan and hike Mount Misen ? the summit offers quiet temples and dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, has long been regarded as an Island of Gods on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. It is a romantic and historical island where Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site, is located, along with the Virgin Forest of Mt. Misen, and numerous preserved shrines, temples and historical monuments.

Karatsu is a coastal city on Japan's Kyushu island. The reconstructed 17th-century Karatsu Castle offers bay views. Thousands of pine trees form the nearby Nijinomatsubara pine grove, first planted in the 1600s. The Kawamura Museum displays both Western and Japanese art, with a special focus on the early-20th-century painter Shigeru Aoki

Jeju is South Koreas most famous island getaway, and for good reason. Dubbed "The Hawaii of Korea," its home to some of the Korean Peninsulas most beautiful natural sites. Mount Hallasan dominates the skyline with its dark green foliage ? hike up this dormant volcano, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and get a look at the gorgeous crater lake that lies near the summit. Or head to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, nicknamed the Pond of God: See the falls from the Seonimgyo arch bridge that passes over them, and walk among the parks rock formations and lush greenery. Cruise to Jeju Island, South Korea to go surfing on secluded, cliff-surrounded Sungmung Beach. Or cool off from the humid climate by exploring Manjanggul Cave, an underground lava tunnel.

Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japans Kyushu Island, is known for ancient temples and beautiful beaches. Explore the 17th-century ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park. Then head to the central Hakata district, home to Tocho-ji Temple, where a 10-meter wooden Buddha sits. Cruise to Fukuoka and dive deeper into history at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Slurp ramen noodles in rich tonkotsu broth at one of the citys yatai (outdoor food stalls), then walk it off with a stroll along the winding canals. Pop into Shofukuji Zen temple for some quiet reflection. Or embrace the bustle instead and head to Canal City Hakata, one of Japans largest shopping complexes.

Fukuoka, on the northern shore of Japans Kyushu Island, is known for ancient temples and beautiful beaches. Explore the 17th-century ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park. Then head to the central Hakata district, home to Tocho-ji Temple, where a 10-meter wooden Buddha sits. Cruise to Fukuoka and dive deeper into history at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, with displays on daily life in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Slurp ramen noodles in rich tonkotsu broth at one of the citys yatai (outdoor food stalls), then walk it off with a stroll along the winding canals. Pop into Shofukuji Zen temple for some quiet reflection. Or embrace the bustle instead and head to Canal City Hakata, one of Japans largest shopping complexes.