Dense and delightful, there’s nowhere else like Japan’s kinetic capital – a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit for the future’s sharpest edge. See the city from above, as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a vast urban ocean, interspersed with sky-scraping needles. Look out as far as the distant loom of Mount Fuji’s cone on clear days. View less Futuristic – second-accurate – transport seamlessly links Tokyo’s 14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clanks of arcade machines, and waves of humanity flowing along its streets, adds to the sense of mesmerising, dizzying and glorious sensory overload. One of Tokyo’s most iconic sights, don’t miss the flood of people scrambling to cross Shibuya’s famous intersection. Join the choreographed dance, as crowds of briefcase-carrying commuters are given the green light to cross at the same time – bathed in the light of massive neon advertisements. The culture is immensely rich and deep, with 7th-century, lantern-decorated temples, stunning palaces and tranquil scarlet shrines waiting below cloaks of incense and nestling between soaring skyscrapers. Restaurants serve up precisely prepared sushi, and wafer-thin seafood slivers, offering a unique taste of the country’s refined cuisine. Settle into traditional teahouses, to witness intricate ceremonies, or join the locals as they fill out karaoke bars to sing the night away. In the spring, cherry blossom paints a delicate pink sheen over the city’s innumerable parks and gardens.

One of Japan‘s most southerly major cities, Kagoshima is dominated by the imposing Sakurajima volcano‘s cone – a legendary active volcano that broods, churns and puffs out ash nearby. A pretty old-time ferry chugs across the still waters to the gently sloping foothills of the volcano‘s cone, and it‘s easy to imagine where the comparisons with its sister city Naples materialised, as you sail the glorious sweeping Kinko Bay, below beaming sunshine, towards the immense volcanic spectacle. View less This is certainly no historic relic, and the volcano remains revered and feared, with the most dramatic recent eruption taking place in 1914, and spewing out a new bridge of land into the sea. Make the most of the geothermal activity in the area by indulging in a stress-simmering black sand bath. Incredibly relaxing, you‘ll be submerged in the warm sand, as you feel your muscles relaxing in the heat, and rejuvenating blood pumping around your body. Enjoy a privileged view of the iconic volcano‘s loom from the terraced garden of Senganen Garden. Built in 1658, this elegant, traditional garden has belonged to the Shimadzu family for 350 years. Wander the gardens – which bloom with Japan‘s renowned cherry tree blossoms and feature tiny bridges looping over ponds and rock pools – before sitting back and sipping a wholesome green matcha latte. Elsewhere, museums offer Feudal Era and Satsuma Province history, as well as insights into the Kamikaze squadrons of World War II. Lake Ikeda is also close by, so be sure to keep an eye out for the legendary Issie monster.

You will want to be on deck as the ship cruises into this splendid natural harbor, which has played such an important role in the history of this city, and Japan as a whole. The accidental arrival of an off-course Portuguese ship in 1543 was the beginning of Nagasaki‘s longtime role as Japan‘s “Door to the West.” The missionary St. Francis Xavier visited briefly, and there was a substantial number of converts during the period known as the “Christian Century.” Eventually the Japanese authorities perceived the growing influence of Christianity to be a threat, leading to the banning of the religion. The Catholic Spanish and Portuguese were expelled in favor of the Dutch, who were felt to be more interested in trade than religion. All contact with foreigners was forbidden, and no Japanese were allowed to travel abroad. The only exception was the closely watched Dutch enclave of Dejima. Through this small outpost a trickle of Western thought and science continued to filter into the country, and Nagasaki became an important scientific and artistic center. When the city was again opened to the West in 1859, Nagasaki was quickly reestablished as a thriving industrial center, especially in shipbuilding, the industry that made it a prime target in World War II.

Located on the north coast of Taiwan, and embraced by lush green mountains, Keelung City is Taiwan’s second-biggest port and a major gateway to Taipei‘s glittering lights and spectacular skyscrapers. It can get a little damp here at times – the city is known as the ‘Rainy Port‘ after all – but even the elements fail to dampen the spirits in this Taiwanese hotbed of tradition, modernity and rich culture. View less Keelung is famous for its Mid-Summer Ghost festival – when dragons decorated with flowers and spitting pyrotechnics are paraded through the streets. Flickering lanterns glitter on the water’s waves, creating a beautiful, ethereal scene. If you do linger in Keelung, witness the city coming to life as the sun dips – and Keelung Miaokou night market floods with people below a blinding wash of lights. Most will choose to take the ride to the country‘s capital, Taipei, and visit this mesmerising modern city, which blends influences from around the world. A quirky city of museums and countless bustling markets. Stands and stalls work late into the night, serving up every food you can imagine. Wander between the salivating smells and rising flames of open fires, which cook up everything from fried oysters to chicken and fish pastries – as you ride the all-out sensory assault of the city‘s bustling markets. Incredible temples are sprinkled across Taipei, such as Bao-An Temple, a peaceful, incense-infused place of colourful artistry. The country‘s heritage is reflected in towering new architecture like the tiered pagoda of the Taipei 101 skyscraper, which dominates the skyline from every angle.

A spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbour-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colourful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry, when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collides – perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes, designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded. View less Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city – which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong‘s dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals, but once you‘ve felt the thrill of rising to towering observation decks, to see the soaring city from above, it‘s surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong‘s intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point and it offers staggering views down over the city and harbour. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point which was historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city‘s growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland. Having been leased to the British for 99 years, milky tea is a revered tradition here – enjoy your cup with a serving of local dim sum.While it‘s easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today‘s Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You‘ll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong‘s luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong‘s most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There‘s no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

A spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbour-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colourful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry, when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collides – perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes, designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded. View less Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city – which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong‘s dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals, but once you‘ve felt the thrill of rising to towering observation decks, to see the soaring city from above, it‘s surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong‘s intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point and it offers staggering views down over the city and harbour. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point which was historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city‘s growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland. Having been leased to the British for 99 years, milky tea is a revered tradition here – enjoy your cup with a serving of local dim sum.While it‘s easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today‘s Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You‘ll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong‘s luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong‘s most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There‘s no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

A chaotic, enchanting swirl of sensory stimulation – Ho Chi Minh City is a place of incense-infused temples, colonial architecture, warm people and delicious street food. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was affectionately-labelled the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Afternoons here drift by lazily on the gentle chaos of the River Saigon, as taxi boats and motor canoes flit up and down, and parks fill out with locals playing jianzi, kicking shuttlecocks back and forth. View less The French colonial imprint is evidenced in the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica, which stands out with its grand double bell towers and red brick hue. Just across the road, you‘ll also find the celebrated Ho Chi Minh Post office, which was erroneously credited as a Gustav Eifel creation. In reality, the architect was another Frenchman, Alfred Foulhoux. The French also caffeinated this city with coffee culture, and a refreshing iced coffee, from the innumerable coffee shops, will perk you up instantly. Taste the street food to get under Ho Chi Minh City‘s skin, with humble restaurants serving up rich flavours – from the Vietnamese take on the baguette, a banh mi sandwich – to the local staple of pho, a delicious noodle soup. The Tortoise pagoda is a tranquil escape and a serene place of worship for Vietnamese who practice Buddhism and Taoism, while the Vietnamese medical museum has a fascinating collection of remedies and potions – some dating back to Stone Age. Journey out to learn more of the Vietnam War at the Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels. Offering a vivid glimpse of conditions, and the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers, you‘ll learn of the guerrilla war campaign raged from within this claustrophobic, 70-mile network of war tunnels.

A chaotic, enchanting swirl of sensory stimulation – Ho Chi Minh City is a place of incense-infused temples, colonial architecture, warm people and delicious street food. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was affectionately-labelled the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Afternoons here drift by lazily on the gentle chaos of the River Saigon, as taxi boats and motor canoes flit up and down, and parks fill out with locals playing jianzi, kicking shuttlecocks back and forth. View less The French colonial imprint is evidenced in the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica, which stands out with its grand double bell towers and red brick hue. Just across the road, you‘ll also find the celebrated Ho Chi Minh Post office, which was erroneously credited as a Gustav Eifel creation. In reality, the architect was another Frenchman, Alfred Foulhoux. The French also caffeinated this city with coffee culture, and a refreshing iced coffee, from the innumerable coffee shops, will perk you up instantly. Taste the street food to get under Ho Chi Minh City‘s skin, with humble restaurants serving up rich flavours – from the Vietnamese take on the baguette, a banh mi sandwich – to the local staple of pho, a delicious noodle soup. The Tortoise pagoda is a tranquil escape and a serene place of worship for Vietnamese who practice Buddhism and Taoism, while the Vietnamese medical museum has a fascinating collection of remedies and potions – some dating back to Stone Age. Journey out to learn more of the Vietnam War at the Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels. Offering a vivid glimpse of conditions, and the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers, you‘ll learn of the guerrilla war campaign raged from within this claustrophobic, 70-mile network of war tunnels.

A chaotic, enchanting swirl of sensory stimulation – Ho Chi Minh City is a place of incense-infused temples, colonial architecture, warm people and delicious street food. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was affectionately-labelled the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Afternoons here drift by lazily on the gentle chaos of the River Saigon, as taxi boats and motor canoes flit up and down, and parks fill out with locals playing jianzi, kicking shuttlecocks back and forth. View less The French colonial imprint is evidenced in the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica, which stands out with its grand double bell towers and red brick hue. Just across the road, you‘ll also find the celebrated Ho Chi Minh Post office, which was erroneously credited as a Gustav Eifel creation. In reality, the architect was another Frenchman, Alfred Foulhoux. The French also caffeinated this city with coffee culture, and a refreshing iced coffee, from the innumerable coffee shops, will perk you up instantly. Taste the street food to get under Ho Chi Minh City‘s skin, with humble restaurants serving up rich flavours – from the Vietnamese take on the baguette, a banh mi sandwich – to the local staple of pho, a delicious noodle soup. The Tortoise pagoda is a tranquil escape and a serene place of worship for Vietnamese who practice Buddhism and Taoism, while the Vietnamese medical museum has a fascinating collection of remedies and potions – some dating back to Stone Age. Journey out to learn more of the Vietnam War at the Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels. Offering a vivid glimpse of conditions, and the ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers, you‘ll learn of the guerrilla war campaign raged from within this claustrophobic, 70-mile network of war tunnels.

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens‘ skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. View less Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean – and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city‘s neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up – nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs – and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay – a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples – like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore‘s cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city‘s eponymous gin-soaked cocktail – a Singapore Sling.

Thanks to its spectacular natural beauty and rich culture, Bali has long been Indonesia’s most popular destination. Stone inscriptions dating from around the 9th century A.D. are the earliest records found on Bali; by that time, the island was already developing irrigation systems and a lifestyle that drew many comparisons to what visitors find here today.

Thanks to its spectacular natural beauty and rich culture, Bali has long been Indonesia’s most popular destination. Stone inscriptions dating from around the 9th century A.D. are the earliest records found on Bali; by that time, the island was already developing irrigation systems and a lifestyle that drew many comparisons to what visitors find here today.

Coming in at number seven on Lonely Planet’s list of best places to live, Fremantle has finally begun to shake off the shadow of neighbouring big brother Perth. With just 20 kilometres separating the two cities, Perth, with its happy hippie vibe has long been the big pull for visitors to the region. But Fremantle’s colourful past and bright future gives Perth as good as it gets. The coastal city has undergone a complete revamp since the America’s Cup thrust Fremantle into the spotlight in 1987. Over AUS$ 1,3 billion has been poured into revamping the city, and the fruits of the city’s labour are ripe for picking. Investment in the arts has brought Fremantle to the fore of thriving urban culture, while generous grants for small businesses has led to groovy live-music rooms, hipster bars, boutique hotels, left-field bookshops, craft-beer breweries, Indian Ocean seafood shacks amid the buskers and beaches. If that doesn’t not sound like your glass of beer, we guarantee a stroll along the wooden riverside walkway will change your mind. The city also enjoys another, rather different status. Fremantle was one of Australia’s penal cities, vestiges of which can still be found in Fremantle Prison. Almost 10,000 convicts were condemned to life imprisonment here between 1850 and 1868, but the prison remained in use until 1991. Today, the memorable sandstone building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and at just 15 minutes from port is well worth a visit. Just don’t forget your get out of jail free card.

Coming in at number seven on Lonely Planet’s list of best places to live, Fremantle has finally begun to shake off the shadow of neighbouring big brother Perth. With just 20 kilometres separating the two cities, Perth, with its happy hippie vibe has long been the big pull for visitors to the region. But Fremantle’s colourful past and bright future gives Perth as good as it gets. The coastal city has undergone a complete revamp since the America’s Cup thrust Fremantle into the spotlight in 1987. Over AUS$ 1,3 billion has been poured into revamping the city, and the fruits of the city’s labour are ripe for picking. Investment in the arts has brought Fremantle to the fore of thriving urban culture, while generous grants for small businesses has led to groovy live-music rooms, hipster bars, boutique hotels, left-field bookshops, craft-beer breweries, Indian Ocean seafood shacks amid the buskers and beaches. If that doesn’t not sound like your glass of beer, we guarantee a stroll along the wooden riverside walkway will change your mind. The city also enjoys another, rather different status. Fremantle was one of Australia’s penal cities, vestiges of which can still be found in Fremantle Prison. Almost 10,000 convicts were condemned to life imprisonment here between 1850 and 1868, but the prison remained in use until 1991. Today, the memorable sandstone building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and at just 15 minutes from port is well worth a visit. Just don’t forget your get out of jail free card.

Bordering the Indian Ocean, Geographe Bay’s Busselton has a Mediterranean style climate. The region features national parks, towering forests, caves, historic lighthouses and some of the best surfing beaches in the country. Other attractions include wineries and micro-breweries in the Margaret River wine region to the south. Busselton’s iconic jetty –at over 1.8 km the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere- has an ‘Underwater Observatory’ that descends 8 meters to the ocean floor via a spiral staircase to see tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.

At 400 kilometres southeast of Perth, Albany is often overlooked in favour of the bigger city. This is of course a mistake as Albany and its gorgeous surrounding region have much to offer. The city is the oldest settlement in Western Australia, beating Perth and Freemantle by over two years (Albany was founded in late 1826, the others in June 1829). At the time of its foundation, the city was used as a military outpost as part of a plan to a prevent invasion, particularly by the French who had taken a shine to the region. With its excellent – and unusually deep – harbour, Albany was seen as the jewel of Western Australia and there are reminders of the city’s colonial past all over the city. The arrival of Europeans in the region led to Albany becoming a major player in the whaling industry. This only ceased in 1978 and the Historic Whaling Station, a museum dedicated to the city’s industrious past, now honours the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of a business that once supported an entire community. If that does not sound like your cup of tea, then do not miss a trip to the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum for a glimpse of Albany’s ANZAC History at the excellent National ANZAC Centre. However, like much of Australia’s west coast, the real beauty of Albany lies in Mother Nature. Walk to the top of Mount Clarence and view the magnificent Kinge George Sound from above or take a stroll along the coastal path and enjoy vistas of some of Australia‘s most rugged and spectacular scenery.

Known as the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is a foodie paradise. Home to Australia‘s largest fishing fleet, numerous seafood restaurants and a prized local wine region, this is one destination where it pays to travel with your taste buds. The city’s traditional name in Barngala is ‘Kallinyalla’ (pronounced Galinyalla), literally translating as ‘sweet waters’. That should give you some indication of how seriously the ocean is taken in these parts – it provides employment, entertainment and experiences that are just unseen in other parts of the country. View less Add in contrasting coastal landscape that ranges from quiet coves to surf happy beaches to rugged oceanic coastline, and you’ll soon see why Port Lincoln is fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite places. The city is located on the lower Eyre Peninsula, on the shore of Boston Bay. Discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802, Port Lincoln was once under consideration to become the state’s capital. However, a lack of freshwater mired that idea, forcing settlers to look 280 kilometres east, to Adelaide. While European discovery is fairly recent, historians should note that the region had been inhabited by Aboriginal groups including the Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) for over 40,000 years. For those who want to look beyond the city boundaries, Port Lincoln is home to some extremely diverse and abundant nature, and a trip to the National Park is well worth it.

For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter‘s Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches.

Melbourne is about the same size as Sydney, but there the similarity ends. Where Sydney is a jumble of hills and inlets, Melbourne spreads over a flat plain. Its pace, steadfast and sedate, contrasts with Sydney‘s upbeat and brassy lifestyle. Tree-shaded parks and gardens, a quiet bay and a proud stateliness become this capital of culture and the arts. Grand municipal buildings and splendid Victorian edifices, which sprang up in the wake of the gold rush, stand proudly along broad avenues.