Day 1: TOKYO (YOKOHAMA), JAPAN

Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and, with a population of 3.6 million, is Japan's largest city after Tokyo. It is centered on an inlet on the western side of Tokyo Bay, to which it is connected by a half-dozen railway lines as well as expressways and surface streets via Kawasaki. A major industrial zone known as the Keihin Industrial Area stretches along the reclaimed coastline to the north of the central area towards Kawasaki and Tokyo beyond.

Day 2: NAGOYA, JAPAN

It may lack the name recognition of Tokyo and Osaka, but cosmopolitan Nagoya impresses with an array of museums, temples and green spaces. In this birthplace of Toyota absorb the ancient spirituality of Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s three most important Shinto shrines and a perfect spot to enjoy a lunch of kishimen (flat noodles), a local specialty. Immerse yourself in over 10,000 pieces of Japanese art, theater, fashion, samurai culture and more at Tokugawa Art Museum. Gain an instant appreciation for Japanese postwar history at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, a fully hands-on museum featuring actual trains and simulators. Your inner train-loving-child will approve.

Days 3 & 4: KYOTO (KOBE), JAPAN

Visit breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan’s old imperial capital, or visit ancient Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature and crafts, with its magnificent shrines and temples. Stroll through Nara Park, famed for its deer and impressive Kasuga Grand Shrine and tour Osaka where you will witness its imposing castle. From Kobe, bring home exotic mementos such as silks, ceramic teapots, paper parasols, superb artworks and pottery among other beautiful objects. Enjoy traditional Japanese fare or indulge in a wonderful dinner of Kobe beef. Everything will be exquisitely prepared and served.

Day 5: BEPPU, JAPAN

Day 6: CRUISING THE KANMON STRAIT

Day 7: BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula just two-and-a-half hours from Seoul, Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. With its deep harbor, it’s also one of the largest commercial ports in the world. Often referred to as “the summer capital of South Korea,” Busan is known for its exceptional beaches, scenic cliffs and ancient temples high in the mountains.

Day 8: JEJU, SOUTH KOREA

Jeju Island is often called the "Island of the Gods,” for its breathtaking landscape. UNESCO deemed the island’s dormant volcano Hallasan as a Biosphere Reserve because of the abundance and diversity of plant and animal species. Enjoy delicious fare, such as fresh fish, squid, octopus and sea cucumber, as well as its famous Shitake mushrooms and honey, which has a distinct taste.

Day 9: NAGASAKI, JAPAN

Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan. It was a center of European influence in feudal Japan from first contact through the isolationist era until the opening of Japan and the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration. It became a major Imperial Japanese Navy base during the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War. The city became the second city in the world to be bombed by a nuclear weapon, following Hiroshima.

Day 10: NAZE (OSHIMA ISLAND), JAPAN

Call it concentrated paradise. Between Okinawa and Japan’s mainland sits Amami Oshima, an island of lush hills ringed in white beaches boasting verdant coral reefs, mangroves, virgin forests and a collection of fauna and flora that invite comparisons to Galapagos (keep an eye out for Amamino-kurousagi hare, a rare black hare). Swim, dive, fish and snorkel in Amami Oshima’s turquoise waters or take a kayak tour of Kuroshio no Mori Mangrove Park, Japan’s second-largest mangrove forest. Indulge on local favorite keihan, a comforting chicken rice dish, and miki, a drink fermented from rice, sugar and sweet potatoes. Bring home a piece of Oshima Tsumugi, a silk that that’s been locally produced for 1,300 years.

Day 11: OKINAWA (NAHA), JAPAN

Discover the ancient and cosmopolitan wonders of Naha with its rich cultural history and unique traditions. Explore colorful Shuri Castle for an overview of Okinawa’s history and heritage. Step into the tranquil beauty of the nearby Shikinaen Gardens once the royal family’s second home. Visit the Tsuboya District and its Pottery Museum. Shop for distinctive Tsuboya-yaki pottery, Ryukyuan glass and lacquer ware. Then browse along the vibrant Kokusai Dori in central Naha, lined with shops, galleries, markets, restaurants and arcades. Stop for a bowl of soba noodles, tempura or taco rice. Look for Bingata stencil dyed fabrics and textiles along with other unique souvenirs. Relax over a cup of sanpincha (jasmine tea) and sata andagi (fried donut seasoned with black cane sugar) in this culturally diverse tropical setting.

Day 12: CRUISING THE PHILIPPINE SEA

Day 13: KOCHI, JAPAN

Kochi boasts beautiful and abundant natural landscapes, from an expansive coastline running with the Kuroshio Current to the clear Shimanto River and the deep green forests that surround it. Located in the south of Shikoku, Kochi is ringed by rugged mountains to the north, and its arc-like southern coastline traces the outline of Tosa Bay. To the east is Cape Muroto, and to the west, Cape Ashizuri, with gently undulating sandy beaches stretching between these two extreme points. The prefecture also boasts the mystical limestone caves of Ryu-ga-do, and the beautiful sands and green pines of Katsura-hama Beach.

Day 14: SHIMIZU, JAPAN

On a clear day, you can see magnificent Mount Fuji from the lively Port of Shimizu. Visit The S-Pulse Dream Plaza to tour the Shimizu Sushi Museum with informative displays and models that show the history and variations of Japan’s most famous fare. Stroll through the Kashi-no-Ichi Market, where some of the port's fresh seafood is sold and be sure to enjoy a delicious cup of tea.

Day 15: TOKYO, JAPAN

Because it is the seat of the Japanese government and the home of the Imperial Family, Tokyo is the de facto capital of Japan. The firebombings of WWII in 1945, with 75,000 to 200,000 killed and half of the city destroyed, were almost as devastating as the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. After the war, Tokyo was completely rebuilt. Today, Tokyo is one of the three world finance "command centers," along with New York and London.