14-Day Japan, Taiwan & The Philippines
Itinerary
Day Yokohama (tokyo), JapanDeparts 06:00 PM
Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan's liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities.
From Yokohama, it's a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japan's second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and you'll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji.
Until the mid-19th century, Japan lived in isolation, closed off from the rest of the world, and Yokohama was a mere fishing village. But in 1853, American naval officer Matthew Perry demanded the country open to foreign trade, and Yokohama was changed forever. The city quickly emerged as an international trading center, and while today it is often overshadowed by nearby Tokyo, it continues to be one of Japan's liveliest, and most international, destinations. With its microbreweries and international restaurants, Yokohama has a decidedly different feel from many other Japanese cities.
From Yokohama, it's a quick trip to peaceful Kamakura, home to Daibutsu, Japan's second-largest bronze Buddha, and to the important Shinto shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Head to Hakone National Park on a clear day and you'll be rewarded with picture-postcard views of majestic Mt. Fuji.
Day Osaka, JapanArrives 04:00 PM
"Think of Osaka, Japan (accent on the O), as a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. It very definitely has L.A.s second-city complex, but its attitude is pure Chicago. The only business that matters is business, and so what if the Hanshin Tigers, the local baseball team, are frequently the worst professional athletes in the world? Theyre the home team. People in Osaka laugh louder, play harder and drink more than Tokyos most decadent dreams. Osaka even has its own dialect, one the rest of the country calls dirty Japanese, one entirely different than even Kobesand Kobe is an Osaka suburb.
Nothing is old in Osaka. The place was flattened during the war (and then again in 1962 and 1989, by Godzilla). During the reconstruction, they forgot to include much in the way of parks or green space, and the sheer amount of concrete and steel sights can get overwhelming.
But Osaka has its attractions and interesting things to do. Sumo wrestlers wait for trains, reeking of chanko-nabe (traditional sumo food; pure energy and calories), just daring the official railway pushers to push them. Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) get train cars to themselves, but if you get on with them, its like youre invisible. Busy markets, the visual noise of neon and nonstop action on shopping streets offer insight into the energy and ambition of Osaka.
"Think of Osaka, Japan (accent on the O), as a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. It very definitely has L.A.s second-city complex, but its attitude is pure Chicago. The only business that matters is business, and so what if the Hanshin Tigers, the local baseball team, are frequently the worst professional athletes in the world? Theyre the home team. People in Osaka laugh louder, play harder and drink more than Tokyos most decadent dreams. Osaka even has its own dialect, one the rest of the country calls dirty Japanese, one entirely different than even Kobesand Kobe is an Osaka suburb.
Nothing is old in Osaka. The place was flattened during the war (and then again in 1962 and 1989, by Godzilla). During the reconstruction, they forgot to include much in the way of parks or green space, and the sheer amount of concrete and steel sights can get overwhelming.
But Osaka has its attractions and interesting things to do. Sumo wrestlers wait for trains, reeking of chanko-nabe (traditional sumo food; pure energy and calories), just daring the official railway pushers to push them. Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) get train cars to themselves, but if you get on with them, its like youre invisible. Busy markets, the visual noise of neon and nonstop action on shopping streets offer insight into the energy and ambition of Osaka.
Day Osaka, JapanDeparts 05:00 PM
"Think of Osaka, Japan (accent on the O), as a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. It very definitely has L.A.s second-city complex, but its attitude is pure Chicago. The only business that matters is business, and so what if the Hanshin Tigers, the local baseball team, are frequently the worst professional athletes in the world? Theyre the home team. People in Osaka laugh louder, play harder and drink more than Tokyos most decadent dreams. Osaka even has its own dialect, one the rest of the country calls dirty Japanese, one entirely different than even Kobesand Kobe is an Osaka suburb.
Nothing is old in Osaka. The place was flattened during the war (and then again in 1962 and 1989, by Godzilla). During the reconstruction, they forgot to include much in the way of parks or green space, and the sheer amount of concrete and steel sights can get overwhelming.
But Osaka has its attractions and interesting things to do. Sumo wrestlers wait for trains, reeking of chanko-nabe (traditional sumo food; pure energy and calories), just daring the official railway pushers to push them. Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) get train cars to themselves, but if you get on with them, its like youre invisible. Busy markets, the visual noise of neon and nonstop action on shopping streets offer insight into the energy and ambition of Osaka.
"Think of Osaka, Japan (accent on the O), as a combination of Los Angeles and Chicago. It very definitely has L.A.s second-city complex, but its attitude is pure Chicago. The only business that matters is business, and so what if the Hanshin Tigers, the local baseball team, are frequently the worst professional athletes in the world? Theyre the home team. People in Osaka laugh louder, play harder and drink more than Tokyos most decadent dreams. Osaka even has its own dialect, one the rest of the country calls dirty Japanese, one entirely different than even Kobesand Kobe is an Osaka suburb.
Nothing is old in Osaka. The place was flattened during the war (and then again in 1962 and 1989, by Godzilla). During the reconstruction, they forgot to include much in the way of parks or green space, and the sheer amount of concrete and steel sights can get overwhelming.
But Osaka has its attractions and interesting things to do. Sumo wrestlers wait for trains, reeking of chanko-nabe (traditional sumo food; pure energy and calories), just daring the official railway pushers to push them. Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) get train cars to themselves, but if you get on with them, its like youre invisible. Busy markets, the visual noise of neon and nonstop action on shopping streets offer insight into the energy and ambition of Osaka.
Day At Sea
Days at Sea
Days at Sea
Day Naha, JapanArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Naha, the capital of Japans Okinawa Prefecture and its biggest city, also serves as the regions key political, economic and transportation hub. With a fascinating past as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a working port that dates back to the 15th century, this city of 300,000 residents manages to be both a compelling city and a laid-back one.
Because it was largely destroyed during World War II, there arent many old buildings here; however, a few restored remains from the Ryukyu Kingdom era provide historic interest, including Shuri Castle, the royal residence, and its extraordinary gardensboth of which are included in a local group designated together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other legendary sites include the Royal Mausoleum (burial tombs set inside caves) and the Shurei Gate, so magnificent that its image appears on the 2,000-yen note. "
"Naha, the capital of Japans Okinawa Prefecture and its biggest city, also serves as the regions key political, economic and transportation hub. With a fascinating past as the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a working port that dates back to the 15th century, this city of 300,000 residents manages to be both a compelling city and a laid-back one.
Because it was largely destroyed during World War II, there arent many old buildings here; however, a few restored remains from the Ryukyu Kingdom era provide historic interest, including Shuri Castle, the royal residence, and its extraordinary gardensboth of which are included in a local group designated together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other legendary sites include the Royal Mausoleum (burial tombs set inside caves) and the Shurei Gate, so magnificent that its image appears on the 2,000-yen note. "
Day Ishigaki Island, JapanArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
"Talk with the Japanese a while about the Japanese and youre going to hear the word shimagunikonjo. The breakdown is simple: shimaisland; gunination; konjoconsciousness. In one word, it's the firm belief that people who live on islands are different from people who live on continents, and anyone whos done both is likely to agree. American culture may be the strongest influence in Japan now, but the Japanese will understand the motivations of the Brits a whole lot better. Islands require a different mind-set than continents. Islands require manners.
But what if your island was never meant to be part of another bunch of islands? Thats whats happened with todays Okinawa Prefecture. The people whove always been there are Okinawan, one of the healthiest, longest-living people on earth. But now theyre part of Japan and seriously outnumbered by the Japanese. (And theyre not at all happy that the Japanese interlopers gave so much of their land over to U.S. military bases.) "
"Talk with the Japanese a while about the Japanese and youre going to hear the word shimagunikonjo. The breakdown is simple: shimaisland; gunination; konjoconsciousness. In one word, it's the firm belief that people who live on islands are different from people who live on continents, and anyone whos done both is likely to agree. American culture may be the strongest influence in Japan now, but the Japanese will understand the motivations of the Brits a whole lot better. Islands require a different mind-set than continents. Islands require manners.
But what if your island was never meant to be part of another bunch of islands? Thats whats happened with todays Okinawa Prefecture. The people whove always been there are Okinawan, one of the healthiest, longest-living people on earth. But now theyre part of Japan and seriously outnumbered by the Japanese. (And theyre not at all happy that the Japanese interlopers gave so much of their land over to U.S. military bases.) "
Day Keelung (Taipei), TaiwanArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
Keelung Cityâs sheltered harbor and its location on Taiwanâs north coast have meant that, over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Spanish, Dutch and Chinese. While there are plenty of good coffee shops, markets and museums in the compact downtown and you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at the Night Market, the city is today principally a gateway to Taipei for many travelers. Taiwanâs capital is just a half hour away by car or around 45 minutes by train. Long a small outpost of the Chinese empire, the city began to grow in the 19th century, when settlement from the mainland was encouraged. Then, from 1895 to 1945, the city (and all of Taiwan) was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of World War II, Taipei was handed over to the Republic of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek. In the decades since, it has seen an explosion of growth, but traditional temples and world-class museums still sit amid the skyscrapers. The modern metropolis also has top restaurants, food markets and upscale shopping. The Taipei Metro makes it easy to explore the city, or you can take an excursion to the countryside: A national park and a protected forest make for excellent day trips from both Taipei and Keelung.
Keelung Cityâs sheltered harbor and its location on Taiwanâs north coast have meant that, over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Spanish, Dutch and Chinese. While there are plenty of good coffee shops, markets and museums in the compact downtown and you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at the Night Market, the city is today principally a gateway to Taipei for many travelers. Taiwanâs capital is just a half hour away by car or around 45 minutes by train. Long a small outpost of the Chinese empire, the city began to grow in the 19th century, when settlement from the mainland was encouraged. Then, from 1895 to 1945, the city (and all of Taiwan) was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of World War II, Taipei was handed over to the Republic of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek. In the decades since, it has seen an explosion of growth, but traditional temples and world-class museums still sit amid the skyscrapers. The modern metropolis also has top restaurants, food markets and upscale shopping. The Taipei Metro makes it easy to explore the city, or you can take an excursion to the countryside: A national park and a protected forest make for excellent day trips from both Taipei and Keelung.
Day Kaohsiung, TaiwanArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
This attractive cityâTaiwanâs second largest and its largest portâoffers visitors an alluring blend of ancient and modern culture. The architecture ranges from atmospheric temples and monasteries to soaring commercial skyscrapers and gleaming malls topped with Ferris wheels, and the city is home to funky boutiques, colorful metro stations and modern galleries. The wide streets are filled with cafés and restaurants, and the seafood and noodle stalls around Cijin Island and the Kaisyuan and Jin-Zuan night markets, which together form the largest night market in Taiwan, are especially worth a visit.Stroll along Kaohsiungâs impressive harbor, one of the largest container ports in the world; walk or cycle around scenic Lotus Lake, with its Chinese pagodas; or sit at a bankside café on the Love River. Farther afield, visitors wishing to beat the city bustle can explore the striking landscapes of Kenting National Park, relax at one of the cityâs swimming beaches, or enjoy a hike through the cityâs nearly 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of dense forest.
This attractive cityâTaiwanâs second largest and its largest portâoffers visitors an alluring blend of ancient and modern culture. The architecture ranges from atmospheric temples and monasteries to soaring commercial skyscrapers and gleaming malls topped with Ferris wheels, and the city is home to funky boutiques, colorful metro stations and modern galleries. The wide streets are filled with cafés and restaurants, and the seafood and noodle stalls around Cijin Island and the Kaisyuan and Jin-Zuan night markets, which together form the largest night market in Taiwan, are especially worth a visit.Stroll along Kaohsiungâs impressive harbor, one of the largest container ports in the world; walk or cycle around scenic Lotus Lake, with its Chinese pagodas; or sit at a bankside café on the Love River. Farther afield, visitors wishing to beat the city bustle can explore the striking landscapes of Kenting National Park, relax at one of the cityâs swimming beaches, or enjoy a hike through the cityâs nearly 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of dense forest.
Day At Sea
Days at Sea
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Day Manila, PhilippinesArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
Fast-paced and endlessly fascinating, modern Manila is one of the most densely packed cities in the world, with some 1.6 million residents. Characterized by intense contrastsâsoaring skyscrapers next to shantytowns, atmospheric food markets as well as air-conditioned mallsâitâs also an impressively multicultural city, with a swirl of languages, cuisines and cultures. To catch some historic atmosphere, head to Manila's oldest neighborhood, the fortress enclave of Intramuros, which was founded in the 16th century and features sights such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church.In the upscale financial center of Makati, visitors can find an array of bars, spas and restaurants in addition to malls like Glorietta, the landscaped Greenbelt Park and Ayala Museum, which showcases archaeological artifacts and indigenous textiles and art. In and around Rizal Park are several good museums, while the creative spirit of the cityâfrom live music venues to independent art galleriesâis sprinkled throughout several districts, and spaces such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines host shows, film screenings and plays. For day trips, Corregidor Island should not be missed.
Fast-paced and endlessly fascinating, modern Manila is one of the most densely packed cities in the world, with some 1.6 million residents. Characterized by intense contrastsâsoaring skyscrapers next to shantytowns, atmospheric food markets as well as air-conditioned mallsâitâs also an impressively multicultural city, with a swirl of languages, cuisines and cultures. To catch some historic atmosphere, head to Manila's oldest neighborhood, the fortress enclave of Intramuros, which was founded in the 16th century and features sights such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church.In the upscale financial center of Makati, visitors can find an array of bars, spas and restaurants in addition to malls like Glorietta, the landscaped Greenbelt Park and Ayala Museum, which showcases archaeological artifacts and indigenous textiles and art. In and around Rizal Park are several good museums, while the creative spirit of the cityâfrom live music venues to independent art galleriesâis sprinkled throughout several districts, and spaces such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines host shows, film screenings and plays. For day trips, Corregidor Island should not be missed.
Day Boracay, PhilippinesArrives 08:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM
Discover the idyllic shores of Boracay on Holland America Asia cruises. Boracay is a small tropical island in the Philippines where visitors can relax under rustling palms or partake in thrilling water adventures, such as snorkeling its vibrant coral reefs. Thereâs more to Boracay than white-sand beaches and cerulean waters. Its most recognized landmark is Willyâs Rock, a tidal island topped with a Virgin Mary shrine. To gain insights into the Philippines pre-colonization, visit the Motag Living Museum, where you can play traditional games, learn rice farming methods, and make toys from coconut leaves.
Discover the idyllic shores of Boracay on Holland America Asia cruises. Boracay is a small tropical island in the Philippines where visitors can relax under rustling palms or partake in thrilling water adventures, such as snorkeling its vibrant coral reefs. Thereâs more to Boracay than white-sand beaches and cerulean waters. Its most recognized landmark is Willyâs Rock, a tidal island topped with a Virgin Mary shrine. To gain insights into the Philippines pre-colonization, visit the Motag Living Museum, where you can play traditional games, learn rice farming methods, and make toys from coconut leaves.
Day Puerto Princesa, PhilippinesArrives 08:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM
Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, is home to 250,000 people and offers a vastly different experience from Manilaâs often overwhelming big-city dynamism. For many travelers, itâs simply a gateway to the resorts of El Nido, also on Palawan Island. Those who spend some time here, however, will discover a city that combines a laid-back vibe with beautiful sandy beaches and a wealth of marine life. Nearby, there are also lush mountains, rain forests, waterfalls and dramatic limestone cliffs. Among the most popular sights are the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where visitors are welcome to celebrate Mass accompanied by choral singing; the Palawan Heritage Center, which displays local artworks and crafts; and the peaceful Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. The city's biggest draws, however, are a boat trip through the limestone caves of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the beaches and islands scattered around scenic Honda Bayâperfect for snorkeling, sunbathing and picnics. Speaking of food, a visit to the most famous restaurant in the city, Kalui, is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for seafood fans; adventurous foodies can order crocodile sisig, a traditionalâand deliciousâstir-fry dish.
Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, is home to 250,000 people and offers a vastly different experience from Manilaâs often overwhelming big-city dynamism. For many travelers, itâs simply a gateway to the resorts of El Nido, also on Palawan Island. Those who spend some time here, however, will discover a city that combines a laid-back vibe with beautiful sandy beaches and a wealth of marine life. Nearby, there are also lush mountains, rain forests, waterfalls and dramatic limestone cliffs. Among the most popular sights are the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where visitors are welcome to celebrate Mass accompanied by choral singing; the Palawan Heritage Center, which displays local artworks and crafts; and the peaceful Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. The city's biggest draws, however, are a boat trip through the limestone caves of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and the beaches and islands scattered around scenic Honda Bayâperfect for snorkeling, sunbathing and picnics. Speaking of food, a visit to the most famous restaurant in the city, Kalui, is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for seafood fans; adventurous foodies can order crocodile sisig, a traditionalâand deliciousâstir-fry dish.
Day At Sea
Days at Sea
Days at Sea
Day At Sea
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Days at Sea
Day Hong Kong, ChinaArrives 06:30 AM
Among the world's most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong sits on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River estuary of the South China Sea. It comprises Hong Kong Island, where the Central Business District and most affluent areas and attractions are, and, on the mainland, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hong Kong is a regional and global hub for banking, shipping, fashion and food, boasting more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants. Its five-star hotels are among the most elegant to be found anywhere; many are set in the towering skyscrapers that carpet Hong Kong Island's steep slopes and light up its skyline so beautifully.Officially known as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy relative to the rest of China, even after it was reunified with China in 1997 after 156 years of British rule ended.Many cruises in Southeast and East Asia start or end in Hong Kong, and it's definitely a great city in which to spend a day or two sightseeing and finding cultural things to do before or after the voyage. Smaller cruise ships can dock right in Victoria Harbour, for front-row seats of the stunning skyline. Unfortunately, pollution is a problem, and sometimes the views are obscured because of it.
Among the world's most glamorous and cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong sits on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River estuary of the South China Sea. It comprises Hong Kong Island, where the Central Business District and most affluent areas and attractions are, and, on the mainland, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hong Kong is a regional and global hub for banking, shipping, fashion and food, boasting more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants. Its five-star hotels are among the most elegant to be found anywhere; many are set in the towering skyscrapers that carpet Hong Kong Island's steep slopes and light up its skyline so beautifully.Officially known as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy relative to the rest of China, even after it was reunified with China in 1997 after 156 years of British rule ended.Many cruises in Southeast and East Asia start or end in Hong Kong, and it's definitely a great city in which to spend a day or two sightseeing and finding cultural things to do before or after the voyage. Smaller cruise ships can dock right in Victoria Harbour, for front-row seats of the stunning skyline. Unfortunately, pollution is a problem, and sometimes the views are obscured because of it.
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