Tokyo To Singapore

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.

The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth-largest city in Japan, Nagoya is the historical heartland of ancient samurai as well as Japan’s modern industry. Explore the elegant samurai fortress Nagoya Castle, with cherry blossoms surrounding the castle’s understated turrets. During your Nagoya cruise, visit Osu Kannon Buddhist temple and see the statue of the goddess of mercy within. Then stroll through the bustling Osu Market nearby, with its stalls selling everything from antiques to anime pop art. Or head to Tokugawa Garden and stroll among the black pines, cherry trees and peonies surrounding a calm lake, then pop into the nearby Tokugawa Art Museum and see Edo-period artefacts.

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.

Naha, the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, boasts a unique Japanese culture. As the region’s transportation hub, Naha connects travelers with other parts of Okinawa, Japan and Asia; consequently, Okinawans have grown accustomed to openly sharing their distinctive customs with visitors from all over the world – right down to their very own dialect, Uchinaguchi.

The most cosmopolitan island in the Yaeyama Island Group of Okinawa, Ishigaki’s subtropical climate means it’s beach weather all year round here — the island is rimmed with powdery white beaches and sky-blue waters teeming with coral reefs. Cruise to Ishigaki and take the one-hour hike up Okinawa’s highest peak, Mt. Otomo, and marvel at the ocean views dotted with neighboring islands. Walk around Ishigaki’s small town: Sample freshly caught fish at the Public Market, explore the 19th-century Miyara Dounchi House and Gardens, or channel inner calm at nearby Torinji Zen Temple. Looking for more thrill factor? Head to the mangroves of Nagura Anparu Wetland for a kayaking adventure.

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 history, a boardwalk and even a few beaches. You can take the bus from Central for a scenic trip, though the express bus is faster.

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.