Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. Its a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza – an international shopping mecca – stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the “Eastern Capital,” to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the “Western Capital.”

The oldest Chinese reference to Taiwan dates back to the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. However, it wasnt until the 17th century A.D. that Chinese Hakka traders first settled on the island. These bold merchants were soon followed by European and Asian adventurers seeking to control and colonize the strategic island. The most famous migration of all occurred in 1948, when the government of the Republic of China fled the mainland. Taipei is one of the worlds most important commercial centers. Despite its turbulent history, Taiwan today boasts an economy that is the envy of the world. Modern Taiwan is a world leader in the production of bicycles, computer chips, plastics, chemicals and computer notebooks. Taipei is a sophisticated modern metropolis that has not forgotten its rich traditional past. The port of Keelung is your gateway to Taiwan. Visit the bustling city of Taipei and other interesting areas surrounding on this fascinating island in the East China Sea.

This well-kept seaside secret is your gateway to the beating heart of Taiwan, a vibrant island nation that stole the spotlight with the ousting from China of Nationalist, Chiang Kai-shek. Its serene beauty belies the continuing conflict with mainland China and welcomes you with open arms. Imagine a truly unspoiled place – Taroko Gorge National Park – a must for any nature and wildlife enthusiast where mineral hot springs offer rejuvenation and bliss. Traditional Chinese and Japanese temples with their unique architecture and magnificent landscape design, awaken the senses and transport you to a world of grace and timeless heritage.

The balmy, subtropical climate draws countless visitors to its sandy shores, but Ishigaki offers much more than your typical island getaway. It is the cultural, political and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands, originally founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village and becoming Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947. A hilltop Shinto shrine which dates back to 1614 is the perfect place to start your exploration of this lovely town. Noted for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to which snorkelers flock for a glimpse of the islands famed manta rays, Ishigaki Island offers many opportunities to commune with nature. Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers suited for kayaking, and jungle-covered mountains perfect for hiking adventures. Amidst such natural beauty, youll find an abundance of cultural sites with ties to the islands rich history. The Yaeyama Museum displays historic artifacts as well as traditional cultural items, and a visit to the well-preserved Miyara Dunchi, built in 1819, is a rare example of a samurai-style residence. Be sure to leave time in your busy day to sample some of the sweet island pineapple and to shop for the islands famed black pearls, a most special souvenir. Note: Ishigaki is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ships tender service.

The largest island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Okinawa has been a center of trade and a source for conflict through its history. The island has been an independent kingdom, the feudal possession of a Japanese daimyo and a prefecture of Japan following the Meiji Restoration of 1866. Okinawa was the scene of bitter fighting during the closing days of World War II. Over 100,000 civilians perished and the island was left in ruins. A US military possession, Okinawa returned to Japanese rule in 1972. Naha is the islands largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. One of the worlds most popular martial arts, karate is a fusion of Chinese kung fu and traditional island martial arts.

Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866. Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. Its a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza – an international shopping mecca – stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the “Eastern Capital,” to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the “Western Capital.”